Latest news with #MarieAntoinette
NZ Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Heather du Plessis-Allan: We are being irrational about the price of butter
Unless you're into commercial scale baking, butter is not the thing putting the most pressure on household budgets. Try power. This winter power is costing the average household almost a block of butter every day. Or rates. That's costing the average Wellingtonian more than a block of butter every day. Those expenses have no alternatives. You have to pay them. With butter we at least have alternatives. If we don't like the price we can do a swap. I don't want to be Marie Antoinette but at least we have the option to switch to margarine. Not only have we abandoned logic, but also facts. Even the Finance Minister briefly took to complaining that butter is cheaper in Australia than in the very country that produces it. Except that's not true. At the time of writing, if you take Woolworths' salted butter, which is available both sides of the Tasman, adjust for currency and the fact the Australian Government does not charge their equivalent of GST on butter, we actually pay 30c less. Discounting butter domestically is impractical, as it would require subsidies, impacting farmers and shareholders. Actually, the price of butter is a good news story for New Zealand. Because if we're paying our farmers more, the world is paying our farmers more. And they're buying a lot more blocks of butter than we are. So that means they're paying a good chunk towards our tax take, our health, our roads, our schools. It's become slightly fashionable to suggest the solution is to discount butter domestically. That's a nutty idea. A discount is a subsidy. A subsidy has to be paid by someone. Who? Fonterra? The shareholders will probably object to that. Maybe, if this drama runs on long enough and there is enough reputational damage to Fonterra, it might be in the business' interest to cut the price to make the pain stop. That would not be a good day for farmers and shareholders. Miles Hurrell attributes the 46.5% rise in butter prices to global demand and supply issues. Photo / Alyse Wright The Government? Again, bonkers. If New Zealand is too broke to afford the full Dunedin hospital build, we're too broke to help commercial bakers afford their butter. The truth is there is no fix to the price of butter that isn't stupid or temporary. We simply have to pay the price that we pay. And the Finance Minister knows this. She knows this because she is a very clever woman. And because she worked for Fonterra for six years. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has turned butter into the cost-of-living symbol. Photo / Mark Mitchell So, she should never have turned butter into the cost-of-living symbol she has. This really started with her in April when she visited Costco and was taken by the fact it could sell butter for about half the price mainstream supermarkets were selling it for. It became her evidence that supermarkets were ripping us off. But then somehow, Fonterra got dragged into it and one of their regular ministerial briefings became a please-explain. And then the TV news was chasing the CEO Miles Hurrell around the forecourt of Parliament and going live to air while the meeting was under way. And there were expectations. And then nothing happened. And it has become yet another example of the Finance Minister, disappointingly, talking big but doing nothing. Just like with the retail banks. And just like with the supermarkets, so far. Spare a thought for Hurrell. The man is one of the most impressive Kiwi CEOs of his generation but had to spend his week cast as the villain of the butter story. There is no story. It's not even the biggest pressure on our weekly bills.
Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Times
The Times Daily Quiz: Thursday July 17, 2025
1 Which meat product represents the 'toad' in the name of the dish, toad in the hole? 2 A pink cabbage rose was the signature flower of which queen of France (1755-93)? 3 Located in Kagoshima prefecture, Sakurajima is which country's most active volcano? 4 In 2020, Tim Davie succeeded Tony Hall as director general of which public service broadcaster? 5 American former ballerina Melanie Hamrick is engaged to which Rolling Stones member? 6 Wedged between Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, what is England's smallest historic county? 7 Which retired England footballer was People magazine's 'sexiest man alive' in 2015? 8 In 1982, Sunderland's the Toy Dolls became the first band to play live on which Channel 4 show? 9 Who wrote Blue Remembered Hills , a 1979 Play for Today? 10 The July Revolution (2024) was a pro-democracy mass uprising in which Asian country? 11 In 2024, Pierpaolo Piccioli stepped down as creative director of which Italian fashion house? 12 Which president was Kaiser Wilhelm II's successor as Germany's head of state? 13 The posthumously published The Double Tongue (1995) is the final novel of which Nobel laureate? 14 Which American was the first female tennis player to pass $1 million in career earnings? 15 First presented to the world in 2002, which Lamborghini supercar is pictured? Scroll down for answers Answers 1 Sausages 2 Marie Antoinette 3 Japan 4 BBC 5 Mick Jagger 6 Rutland 7 David Beckham 8 The Tube 9 Dennis Potter 10 Bangladesh 11 Valentino 12 Friedrich Ebert, who was the first president of the Weimar Republic 13 William Golding 14 Chris Evert, in 1976 15 Murciélago
Korea Herald
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Six EMK musicals coming to Disney+ next month
Some of Korea's most iconic homegrown musicals by EMK Musical Company are heading to streaming for the first time. The leading South Korean producer of original and licensed musical productions announced Monday that six of its biggest titles — 'Elisabeth,' 'Phantom,' 'Monte Cristo,' 'The Man Who Laughs,' 'Xcalibur' and 'Marie Antoinette ' — will be released on Disney+ this August. With this release, EMK hopes to offer longtime fans a chance to relive the experience while also introducing first-time watchers to the emotional depths of the genre, according to the company's statement. Launching the rollout on Aug. 6 are 'Elisabeth: The Musical Live' and 'Phantom: The Musical Live.' The Korean edition of 'Elisabeth," which traces the tragic life of Austria's iconic empress, premiered in 2012. The live recording of the production's 10th anniversary performance featuring Ock Joo-hyun and Lee Ji-hoon was released in cinemas last year. 'Phantom,' based on Gaston Leroux's 'The Phantom of the Opera,' was captured in 2021 with cinematic close-ups and immersive sound. The production stars KyuHyun, Shin Young-sook and ballerina Kim Joo-won. On Aug. 13, 'Monte Cristo' and 'The Man Who Laughs' arrive. Filmed in 8K with 14 cinematic cameras, 'Monte Cristo' showcases actors such as Kai and Lina in a dynamic, onstage perspective. 'The Man Who Laughs' was recorded in 2018, when the musical adaption of Victor Hugo's novel was premiered. In 2019, the 143-minute director's edition, featuring Park Kang-hyun, Shin Young-sook and Yang Joon-mo, was released in Korean cinemas. 'Xcalibur,' a retelling of the Arthurian legend, and 'Marie Antoinette,' which contrasts the ill-fated queen's life with that of the fictional revolutionary Marguerite Arnaud, roll out on Aug. 20. "We want to offer audience members who had attended the performances a chance to relive the emotions they felt at the time, while providing those who were unable to visit the theater in person an opportunity to newly experience the essence of the musical through high-definition video and immersive sound," the company said.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Time of India
Where luxury meets discovery: An island-hopping guide through Seychelles
For travellers seeking sun, sand and exclusivity, Seychelles promises an island-hopping experience rich in culture, nature and elegant luxury. An archipelago of 115 islands scattered like gems across the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is known for its rare biodiversity and Creole Seychelles, slow travel meets exclusivity; you are invited to explore its many facets at an unhurried pace. Imagine hiking through pristine, UNESCO protected forests, tasting freshly-caught fish that's grilled to perfection, or snorkelling amid coral reefs in turquoise waters.A direct 4.5-hour flight away from Mumbai (operated by Indigo four times a week), with visa-free access for Indian passport holders (requiring only a swift travel authorisation via seychelles. and curated stays for every pocket, Seychelles strikes a rare balance of accessibility, exclusivity, local character and a quick look at the different places to check out in Seychelles:Mahé, the largest island, serves as the perfect introduction to Seychelles's cultural and natural riches. Morne Seychellois National Park offers hiking trails that lead to sweeping views of the island. Popular beaches such as Beau Vallon provide swimming and water sport opportunities. For more secluded stretches, Anse Royale, Anse Takamaka, and Anse Intendance promise quieter moments by the taste the spirit of Seychelles, a visit to the Takamaka Rum Distillery at La Plaine St André is a must. Take the free distillery tour before indulging in rum tastings in the heritage setting. The historic Marie Antoinette restaurant in a 150-year-old plantation-style building, offering authentic Creole flavours. At Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden, guests can enjoy a farm-to-table lunch surrounded by aromatic marine world around Mahé offers adventures that can be explored via either a private yacht or group charters. A full-day excursion typically combines glass-bottomed boat tours, snorkelling in Saint Anne Marine Park and a Creole barbecue lunch on Moyenne Island with local island tunes you won't forget. For a different perspective, you can opt for a semi-submarine ride from Eden Island.A short 15-minute domestic flight or a 70-minute Cat Cocos ferry from Mahé brings you to Praslin, home to some of Seychelles's most remarkable natural wonders. The Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shelters the rare Coco de Mer palm and the elusive black parrot. Its walking trails suit both casual strollers and more serious beaches — Anse Georgette, Anse Lazio and Anse Volbert (Cote d'Or) — regularly rank among the world's finest. Nearby, Curieuse Island is home to over 300 free-roaming giant tortoises in a protected habitat. Bird enthusiasts can plan seasonal visits to Bird Island or Aride Island to see rare species like the Seychelles warbler and the those looking to sample local cuisine, waterfront restaurants such as Mabuya and Café des Arts serve up Creole specialities with views of the ocean.A short 15-minute Cat Rose ferry ride from Praslin takes you to La Digue, the smallest of the three main islands and perhaps the most charming. Bicycles and electric buggies are the preferred ways to explore its quiet lanes and scenic coastline. Anse Source d'Argent, with its unique granite formations, remains one of the world's most photographed beaches. Other picturesque spots such as Anse Cocos, Grand Anse and Anse Reunion offer peaceful L'Union Estate, visitors can glimpse the island's past through its vanilla plantations, old copra factory and a small colony of Aldabra tortoises. Dining on La Digue is relaxed and hyperlocal. Fishtrap Restaurant and Chez Jules are well-loved for their fresh seafood and Creole from Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, Seychelles holds another, more remote dimension of luxury for those seeking further seclusion and elevated service. These havens, often on private islands, are defined by sustainable luxury; here, opulence is defined by an unwavering commitment to the environment along with bespoke such as North, Félicité, Desroches, Denis and Fregate exemplify this approach. The ultra-exclusive resorts on these islands are pioneers in ecological restoration and sustainable living. They offer an unprecedented level of privacy, where pristine beaches and lush interiors are carefully preserved to ensure maximum ecological these addresses, discerning guests are not just observers but are often invited to participate in meaningful conservation initiatives. Imagine dedicating a morning to joining marine biologists in coral reef restoration efforts, directly contributing to the vitality of the underwater world you've just explored. Or taking part in supporting the propagation and care of the juvenile Aldabra tortoises, ensuring the survival of these iconic island inhabitants. These experiences are privileged opportunities to leave a positive legacy, deepening the connection to this pristine is more than a postcard-perfect destination and it is for everyone. It's a living tapestry of African, French and Indian influences — something that is reflected in its food, music, culture and daily Indian travellers, easy flights and visa processing make this paradise surprisingly accessible, yet retains its sense of exclusive discovery, catering to the tastes of today's conscious, experience-driven whether you're hiking through Praslin's ancient forests, cycling La Digue's quiet lanes or unwinding on your own stretch of private island sand, Seychelles delivers an island-hopping adventure rich in culture, natural beauty, and genuine charm — and all remarkably close to India.
Local France
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Local France
How did July 14th become France's national day?
July 14th is France's national day - in which the country celebrates its history and its national identity and also enjoys a good party. READ ALSO : July 14th: What's happening during France's Fête nationale this year✎ The event is known in English as Bastille Day, even though this term is not used in France where the day is known as La fête nationale or simply le quatorze juillet . But, as the English title suggests, the date itself commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789 - the day when a mob of freedom-loving Parisians stormed the hated symbol of monarchical tyranny and freed the political prisoners the king had locked up there, thus starting the French Revolution. Well, sort of . . It's true that the Bastille was stormed on July 14th 1789, but although the prison had in the past been used to hold political prisoners - including large numbers of protestants - by 1789 it was mostly empty. Advertisement According to contemporary records , on the date it was stormed it held just seven prisoners - four counterfeiters, two 'madmen' and a nobleman accused of sexual perversion. The early Revolutionaries may have had more practical matters in mind, as the Bastille was also a royal arsenal. They managed to seize cannons and gunpowder for the weapons that they had recently taken from Les Invalides. The following year, the anniversary of the event was marked with the Fête de la Federation - this contained some elements that we would recognise, including a military parade on the Champ de Mars (nowadays the site of the Eiffel Tower) and some that we definitely wouldn't including swearing an oath of allegiance to the King. Yes, the King and Queen were both there - a Mass was celebrated and then those assembled took an oath to the Crown, the Nation and the Law. The threefold oath indicates the power shift that had taken place within the previously absolutist monarchy of France but revolutions can be slow-moving things and it was not until three years later that Louis XVI was executed, followed by his queen Marie Antoinette. The July 14th event of 1790 proved to be a one-off, the Fête de la Federation was never celebrated again - perhaps because the revolutionaries were embarrassed at the royal oath-swearing, perhaps they simply had other things on their mind as the Revolution moved into its final and bloody form during the Terror. The idea of July 14th as a 'start date' for the Revolution is something that came about more gradually as people looked back to the event itself and what came after. But it was a nice symbol and a suitably dramatic event that soon began being immortalised in paintings, poems, songs and novels. Arguably the opening of the États généraux - the parliament that represented ordinary Frenchmen as well as nobles - in 1789 was a more significant event, but a bunch of men having a meeting is quite a boring subject for artworks. A protester clutching a copy of a painting depicting the 1789 storming of the Bastille, at a demo in France in 2021. Photo by Sebastien SALOM-GOMIS / AFP Advertisement It took almost 100 years before July 14th came back as a special day - it was finally enshrined as France's national day, and a public holiday, in 1880, after several years of discussion. During the debates on the subject in parliament several other dates were suggested including May 5th (the anniversary of the opening of the Etats généreaux) and August 4th (anniversary of the abolition of hereditary privileges) - in the event July 14th was chosen but the law formalising it does not specify whether it is intended to mark the storming of the Bastille, the Fête de la federation or both. Advertisement Since the storming of the Bastille, France had been a monarchy, a republic, a restored monarchy, an empire (under self-proclaimed emperor Napoleon) and a republic again but by 1880 it was settled into the form that it - mostly - has been in ever since; a republic with a parliamentary democracy. A military parade took place on the first event in 1880 and has been involved in most July 14th celebrations since, although it only started being held on the Champs-Elysées in 1919, when it featured World War I veterans alongside the serving soldiers. A more recent tradition was started by Valéry Giscard d'Estaing in 1978 - the presidential TV interview. This doesn't happen every year, and some presidents prefer to do a speech rather than an interview, but in most years the French president speaks to their people via the TV. The Bastille prison is no more, but the place where it once stood is in more or less the same place as Place de la Bastille. This large open space is used for various events, but it's often the site of protests or demonstrations, thus retaining its revolutionary edge.
