Kirsty’s first children’s book a tribute to her beloved ‘Pepsi’

Arts & Culture, Books

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565Visit Shots! nowLOCAL author Kirsty Hunt’s very first children’s book ‘The Staffy Sisters’ is dedicated to the memory of her beloved dog ‘Pepsi’.Pepsi stars alongside Kirsty’s current dog, ‘Tino’, as the main characters in the beautifully written book.As well as following the pups’ fun-filled adventures, children will learn valuable life lessons on themes such as kindness, how to deal with bullying and the importance of family and friends.Kirsty, now 23, has been writing since she was 10 years old, and her first book has been a labour of love.Former Lurgan College student ​Kirsty Hunt, with her debut book.She explained: “I have always been absolutely fascinated with stories, books and films since I was no age, writing little stories and plays for my friends and family.“I was known throughout school to have a very creative side and I decided at the age of 14 that writing books was what I wanted to do with my life, career-wise.“I wish to fulfil my dream of being an author that has an audience of both children and adults.”Publishing her first kids’ book has been a proud moment for Kirsty, who revealed that she’s planning to make The Staffy Sisters into a series. And, she is also in the works of writing an adult thriller novel.The borough-based author, who attended Lurgan College, explained how her beloved dog Pepsi had inspired her book.“Pepsi passed away in 2020 and left a huge hole in our hearts. I want children to love Pepsi just as much as we did and make her memory last forever, not just in our hearts but in the hearts of children.“Staffordshire Bull Terriers are a dog breed many would fear, but anyone with a Staffy in their family will know they’re genuinely big sweethearts full of love and utter loyalty.“The books – although humorous and fun – are meant to outline valuable life lessons for growing children from infancy to pre-teen, such as kindness amongst peers, how to deal with bullying and how important family and friends are.“There are different lessons to be learnt in each book and, as the series continues, this will be made quite obvious within their ‘silly’ adventures.“I hope young readers will look forward to their story-times, whether it be at bedtime or within a school setting, as they learn an understanding for values in life, as well as following along on the pups’ fun adventures!“This first book underlines sharing within a group and may be useful for children starting school or those without siblings.“So far, the ratings and feedback have been excellent and I look forward to more people finding the book as a fun way to entertain and help their little ones learn.”The Staffy Sisters can be purchased on Amazon and Kirsty hopes it will soon be available in independent book shops and local libraries.Continue Reading

Rathfriland trio turn passion for country sports into thriving business

Business News

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565Visit Shots! nowAN entrepreneurial trio from Rathfriland have turned their passion for country sports into a thriving business.Alex Graham, Samantha Millar and Zara Wilkinson launched country clothing brand, Gunner and Hound, in early 2023.The business is based in Rathfriland, with the headquarters and warehouse located at Rathdale House. Whilst not open to the public, this is where they manage all aspects of the operation, from designing the clothing to distribution.The friends and business partners began working on the brand in February last year, and, by March, they were meeting with a clothing manufacturer to bring their ideas to life and produce their first sample.​The Gunner and Hound gilet.“The idea for the business came from a desire to create country clothing that reflected our lifestyle, with a unique twist,” social media manager, Zara, from Ballyroney, explained.“We envisioned incorporating tweed panelling into a gilet, adding a touch of sophistication to a versatile piece that could be worn in multiple settings – whether out in the field, riding horses, working with gundogs, or even heading to the local pub to catch up with friends.“With Alex’s background in competitive clay shooting, and spending every Saturday of the season rough shooting in the field and around the ponds, we knew we had the perfect opportunity to create clothing that resonated with those who share this lifestyle.“We set out to design pieces that we personally loved and were confident others in the country sporting community would appreciate.”The top dog at Gunner and Hound!The Gunner and Hound team design all of their own clothing range, from start to finish, alongside their manufacturers.This includes everything from selecting the materials, creating the designs, and producing mock-ups, to sampling and perfecting each piece.They take inspiration from the classic British country clothing aesthetic, ensuring that every step of the process reflects Gunner and Hound’s commitment to quality and style.“Our target audience is those who embrace the country lifestyle and have a deep connection with the outdoors,” customer manager Samantha explained.​One of the Gunner and Hound branded ¼ zips.“This includes individuals passionate about hunting, gamekeeping, equestrian activities, farming, and other rural pursuits.“We currently stock a range of stylish and practical country clothing, including our signature tweed-panelled gilet, designed for versatility whether in the field, riding, working with gundogs, or out at the local pub.“We’re also excited to launch our new unisex 1/4 zips, incorporating tweed, just in time for Christmas.“Additionally, we’ll be introducing the Heritage Huntress pyjama set, featuring beautiful hand-drawn designs of pheasants, ducks, and cartridges in a dark navy blue, with designs by local artist Amy Stewart.​The Heritage Huntress pyjama set, featuring hand-drawn designs.“Alongside these, we have several other unreleased items launching soon, which we’re incredibly excited about!”Customers can purchase Gunner and Hound products through their exclusive in-store distributor, RoaleX Equestrian and Country Clothing in Fivemiletown, Co. Tyrone, or at John Norris of Penrith in England.Additionally, the full range is available to purchase directly from the online shop at www.gunnerandhound.comSo, who are the people behind the business?Alex’s passion for shooting began at the young age of eight. His love for the outdoors, dogs, and shooting was nurtured from an early age, starting with his first dog, a springer spaniel named Ricky, who was an exceptional all-around gundog.This passion grew as he spent time shooting with his father, eventually leading him to compete in clay shooting at a high level, earning numerous achievements along the way.​The Gunner and Hound team, Samantha, Alex and Zara.Determined to build a career in this field, Alex took a break from working in the family business to spend a year as a gamekeeper in Bushmills, a role he thoroughly enjoyed. However, family obligations called him back to the business, and he had to leave the job behind.Despite this, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own ventures, and from there, he generated enough resources to launch Gunner and Hound.This allowed him to return to his roots and pursue his passion for the country lifestyle.Zara, social media manager, and Samantha, who also handles customer management, work closely together to ensure smooth communication with customers and stockists, thanks to their previous experience as customer advisors.In addition to managing customer relations, the trio all collaborate on designing new clothing pieces, setting brand goals, and showcasing their collections.Each year, they attend The Game Fair in England, the largest country show celebrating the full spectrum of country life.From game foods and hunting traditions to showcasing the essential role dogs play in field sports, The Game Fair is an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and immerse themselves in the lifestyle that inspires Gunner and Hound.The feedback to Gunner and Hound has been “overwhelmingly positive”.“People have really connected with our designs, especially our unique take on combining style and functionality for the country lifestyle,” Alex explained.“Customers have praised the quality and versatility of our pieces, particularly our Forest Green and Cranberry tweed-panelled gilets, which has proven to be a favourite.“The support and enthusiasm we’ve received so far have validated our vision and given us confidence that we’re meeting the needs of the country sporting community.“The positive reception to our designs has been incredibly encouraging as we continue to grow and develop the brand.”Alex revealed that Gunner and Hound was named in honour of the family’s black Labrador, ‘Gunner’, who was a cherished companion.“Though Gunner has passed, his memory lives on through the brand.“The name also carries a clever dual meaning, symbolising the partnership between hunter and dog – ‘Gunner’ representing the hunter and ‘Hound’ the loyal companion, highlighting the vital role dogs play in game and field sports.”For more information on the brand and to browse the full clothing range, visit the website: www.gunnerandhound.comYou can also follow Gunner and Hound on Facebook and Instagram!Continue Reading

WATCH: BBC releases first trailer for new Wallace & Gromit movie

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

The new trailer gives fans an exciting glimpse into Wallace and Gromit’s latest adventure.

After a recent crime wave of stolen garden goods from across the region, Wallace and his pre-programmed smart gnome, Norbot, are the main suspects.

While Wallace proclaims his innocence, it’s up to Gromit once again to battle sinister forces, or Wallace will never invent again!

[embedded content]

But who could possibly be behind such evil actions?!

Feathers McGraw was last seen in 1993’s BAFTA and Academy Award-winning short The Wrong Trousers, but is now “back with vengeance”.

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl cast

The new Wallace and Gromit movie is set to feature the voices of actors/actresses including:

Ben Whitehead as Wallace

Peter Kay as Chief Inspector Macintosh

Lauren Patel (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Lloyd of the Flies)

📺 Watch the first teaser trailer for Wallace and Gromit’s long awaited return!Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is coming to @BBCiPlayer and @BBCOne this ChristmasWatch ➡️ https://t.co/BghJKHUjn4 pic.twitter.com/qGAlhb5PQ9
— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) October 16, 2024

The film will also feature cameos from:

Diane Morgan (Afterlife, Motherland)

Adjoa Andoh (Bridgerton, Invictus)

Muzz Khan (Brassic, Galavant)

Lenny Henry (Three Little Birds, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power)

Further details of their roles to be revealed soon.

RECOMMENED READING:

When to watch Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl will premiere on BBC iPlayer and BBC One this Christmas. 

Outside the UK it will be available on Netflix from January 3, 2025.

‘The Apprentice’ had ‘A concept of a plan’: Questionable filmmaking undermines solid performances

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Content warning: sexual assault Making a film that adequately portrays former President Donald J. Trump feels impossible, especially amid this year’s election cycle. Yet, director Ali Abbasi and crew smartly honed in on a very specific and tumultuous time in Trump’s life to create a serviceable biopic that grounds such a larger-than-life figure. 
“The Apprentice” chronicles Trump’s (Sebastian Stan) rise to power and his toxic relationship with one of New York’s most infamously corrupt lawyers: Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong). 
If there’s one thing that needs to be praised, it’s Sebastian Stan’s remarkable transformation into Trump. Stan never dons Trump’s infamous vocal intonations, instead opting to copy Trump’s cadence, which works remarkably well for a feature film. Around halfway through the movie, you just start seeing Donald Trump.
All of his unique mannerisms, from the silhouette of his hair to how he purses his lips, are captured to perfection. Any lesser actor would have just done a lousy impression, but Stan’s rendition of Trump, in the film’s first half, gives him this distinct layer of humanity, making his eventual transformation all the more bleak.
Strong also performs admirably well and juggles both sides of Cohn’s personality, from the cartoonishly evil to the genuinely pathetic. When the film begins, Strong’s portrayal feels a little over-the-top and comical, with an ever-present “Kubrick stare.” But as the story progresses, Cohn’s persona unravels and Strong becomes a pitiful wreck, as he should.
Technically speaking, “The Apprentice” makes a remarkably bold choice by cropping the frame to a 4:3 aspect ratio and dousing the image in film grain and scan lines. This seemed like an attempt to ground the film’s narrative and remind viewers that these events happened and are rooted in reality. Still, choosing to film with a high-quality digital camera and degrade the footage in post feels woefully cheap. 
One wonders how the film would’ve looked if it had taken an approach akin to Spike Lee’s “Bamboozled” by filming with an actual old-school camera and sparingly using film. This method could have allowed for a much more visually engaging and authentic way to show Trump’s rise in power as he goes from running lousy condominiums to luxurious skyscrapers.
Instead, the film flashes a quick montage and time skips from the late 70s to the 80s, which feels extraordinarily jarring. In five minutes, Stan goes from your typical fish out of water into the Trump we all know. His performance is excellent, but the sudden switch between personas feels rather clumsy and haphazard. In general, the film lacks a lot of subtlety, ultimately preventing it from being truly special.
This lack of nuance comes to a head in one particular scene near the film’s conclusion, which bars it from any sort of recommendation. The scene contains a dramatization of Donald Trump allegedly sexually violating Ivana Trump (Maria Bakalova) in graphic and, quite frankly, horrifying detail. 
Now, any biopic of Donald Trump should explain his extensive history of sexual assault and violence. The film would undeniably feel incomplete without including this aspect of Trump’s life.
But, choosing to actually show it on screen feels exceptionally misguided. Ivana Trump died in 2022, so there’s no way of knowing if she, as the victim, would have approved of her trauma being portrayed on screen for thousands to watch. In essence, the filmmakers, most of whom were male, are actively profiting off of a woman’s assault without a single iota of consent. 
There was absolutely a more nuanced way of delving into Trump’s history of sexual abuse, and all of the filmmakers should feel ashamed that they refused to find it. For a film that aims to criticize Trump and, more broadly, capitalism’s tendency to destroy and disregard people, this failure feels profoundly ironic and ultimately undoes the whole film.

Big Bad Wolf Books’ Guide to Finding the Perfect Gift

Arts & Culture, Books

Manila, Philippines – As the holiday season approaches and the joy of giving fills the air, it’s time to think about gifts that are meaningful, thoughtful, and long-lasting. Big Bad Wolf Books believes that books are the ultimate timeless gift, one that holds infinite value for both the giver and the recipient.

1. Meaningful and Thoughtful 

A book is more than just a gift—it’s a reflection of thoughtfulness. Choosing a book that speaks to your loved one’s needs or interests makes your gift feel extra special. Do they need a good laugh? A little inspiration? Or maybe a thrilling adventure? A well-chosen book shows that you truly know and care about them and that you’ve put real thought into their gift, making it that much more special. 

Furthermore, when you give someone a book, you’re not just giving them an object—you’re offering them an experience, a journey, and a chance to connect with the stories and lessons inside. Books allow you to share something meaningful, whether it’s a childhood favorite that shaped who you are or a powerful story that touched your heart. The joy of giving a book comes from knowing that you’re giving more than a present—you’re giving the gift of imagination, knowledge, and adventure.

2. Timeless Eco-friendly Treasure

Books have a timeless quality, never losing their value or relevance. They aren’t disposable items; instead, they are treasures to collect, or share. Always ready to be picked up, revisited, and appreciated, they leave lasting imprints on our hearts and minds. 

For both children and adults, books are gifts that become cherished treasures, offering knowledge, wisdom, and inspiration that last for years. Whether it’s an epic adventure, an inspiring biography, or a guide to personal growth., books open up endless possibilities. When you give a book, you give a gift that never stops giving.

3. Universal Appeal

With so many genres to choose from, books are a gift for all ages and tastes. From young readers to adults, books are a gift that spans generations. For kids, books spark imagination and teach valuable lessons. For young professionals, they can offer career inspiration, while adults can find wisdom and joy in books that help improve their lives and relationships. Imaginative stories for children, swoon-worthy romances for your besties, empowering self-help books for your go-getter friends—there’s a book for everyone on your list! Plus, Big Bad Wolf Books has over two million titles, so you’re bound to find the perfect match. 

4. Big Bad Wolf’s Mission to Spread the Joy of Reading 

Driven by a strong belief in the power of books, Big Bad Wolf Books is committed to spreading the joy of reading to as many people as possible. Beyond selling books, the organization aspires to make books accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or economic status.

The goal is to promote literacy and foster a love of reading in communities around the world. Big Bad Wolf Books seeks to create a world where books open doors to new opportunities, learning, and growth for all. By partnering with various organizations, Big Bad Wolf Books supports educational programs, donates books to schools and libraries, and empowers readers of all ages.

5. A Gift with Purpose: Books That Change Lives 

Shopping at Big Bad Wolf Books means more than just buying a gift, it’s supporting a movement to make reading accessible for all. Every purchase helps further their mission to provide books to underprivileged communities, promote literacy, and encourage lifelong learning. It’s a gift that delights your loved ones while contributing to a larger cause: nurturing a new generation of readers.

6. Celebrate the Season of Giving with Big Bad Wolf Books 

This Christmas, give gifts that last a lifetime. With Big Bad Wolf’s amazing book sales, finding the perfect gift has never been easier. Whether it’s a magical tale for a child, a motivational read for a friend, or a timeless classic for a family member, there’s a book waiting to make this holiday season truly special. Fill this season of giving with purpose, joy, and the magic of books. 

This Christmas, don’t hesitate! Fill your totes with books that will bring joy, wonder, and lasting memories to everyone on your nice list. 

Not sure what books to get your loved ones? Check out our list below! 

Disney Storybook Collection ADVENT CALENDARThe Wish by Nicholas SparksBadass Habits by Jen SinceroThink and Grow Rich by Napoleon HillThe Nutcracker Illustrated by Margarida Esteves

Drop by the Big Bad Wolf’s Book Sale at the Veranza Activity Center, KCC Mall of GenSan, until October 26. Doors open at 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. As always, admission is free! 

Happy gifting from Big Bad Wolf Books!

For more information regarding Big Bad Wolf’s current and upcoming Book Sales, you can visit their website or check out their social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram)  

Acusensus tech pumps breaks on the ‘fatal five’

Technology

In 2019, the NSW government unveiled a world-first program to crackdown on illegal mobile phone use by drivers. 
In 2021, the Queensland government kicked off a first-of-its-kind seatbelt compliance enforcement technology scheme. 
Soon after, the Western Australian government announced a new platform aiming to enforce speeding, distraction and seatbelt rules for drivers, and a new scheme to crackdown on drivers in bus lanes began in Sydney. 
The landmark programs all had one thing in common: they were powered by Melbourne-based tech firm Acusensus.
Acusensus managing director Alexander Jannink
The startup has created an artificial intelligence-powered multi-function enforcement solution aiming to address the “fatal five” most common causes of road deaths: speeding, impaired driving, failure to wear a seatbelt, driver fatigue and driver distraction. 
These lead to the deaths of 1.19 million people each year around the world. 
Acusensus’ platform can capture high-resolution, prosecutable evidence of illegal driving behaviour 24 hours a day, seven days a week in all weather conditions. This can be done no matter the level of sunlight and glare, with extremely high clarity and without blur up to speeds of 300km/hr. 
The platform can now detect three of the “fatal five”, including speeding, drivers not wearing a seatbelt and drivers being distracted behind the wheel. 
The technology is currently in use across New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and the ACT, and the company has offices in the United Kingdom and United States. 
Acusensus is a finalist in the InnovationAus 2024 Awards for Excellence in the Software Innovation category. The InnovationAus Awards for Excellence winners and finalists will be celebrated at a black-tie gala dinner at The Venue Alexandria in Sydney on Wednesday October 30. You can book your tickets here.
The Software Innovation category is sponsored by TechnologyOne. 
The Acusensus platform was rolled out as part of a program in Western Australia aimed at data collection, and now has 224 deployments across 170 sites in the state. 
In 2019, it was rolled out in NSW to identify the illegal use of mobile phones by drivers. Across the following three years there was a sixfold reduction in the rate of camera-detected mobile phone offences in the state. 
After just six months of the program being in place, the rate of mobile phone offences in NSW fell steadily to 0.3 percent, compared with 1.2 percent earlier. 
The initial trial of this service in NSW, running from January to April 2019, led to the detection of 100,000 drivers using their phones while driving, among 8.5 million vehicles that were checked by the platform. 
The program was made permanent in NSW later that year. 
Early last year Acusensus completed a listing on the Australian Securities Exchange under the ACE ticker. 
Looking for brand exposure in front of Australia’s tech ecosystem? Purchase a table of 10 for the InnovationAus 2024 Awards for Excellence and have your logo displayed on screens across the venue and in the event programme as a ‘Table Sponsor’.  
The InnovationAus 2024 Awards for Excellence are supported by: Australian Computer Society, Investment NSW, Department of Industry, Science and Resources, Technology Council of Australia, TechnologyOne, National Artificial Intelligence Centre, CSIRO’s ON Innovation Program, Reason Group, Q-CTRL, University of New South Wales, South by South West Sydney and IP Australia. 
Protecting your great ideas with intellectual property (IP) rights can lead to lasting benefits for your growing business. IP refers to creations of the mind, such as a brand, logo, invention, design or artistic work. Head to the IP Australia website to find out more about IP, and how it might help your business. 
Do you know more? Contact James Riley via Email.

Smile 2 Movie Actors Explain How Scary the Sequel Is (Exclusive)

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

The cast of Smile 2 celebrated the horrifying new movie that follows the next adventure of the now iconic Smiling Demon. This second movie in the series takes the story in an entirely new and unexpected direction and finds new ways to scare audiences (just like director Parker Finn previously promised).Smile 2 follows the world of Naomi Scott’s Skye Riley, an incredibly popular pop superstar who gets saddled with the demon after watching an unfortunate soul succumb to the evil entity.The Cast of Smile 2 Talk About the Terrifying New Horror SequelThe Direct was able to attend the red carpet premiere of Smile 2 and speak to the cast and director of Paramount Pictures’ upcoming horror sequel.Lead star Naomi Scott, who plays superstar Skye Riley, spoke about if there were any particular pop stars that she based he performance on:”There really wasn’t a particular person that I was pulling from. Maybe, I think, number one, because I maybe didn’t want it to be too derivative of a person. But also, I think it was just trusting the fact that I’ve consumed these wonderful performers throughout the years, and subconsciously, it will come out. I’m sure people can draw comparisons… And through the costume and the choreography, each of those artists, our costume designer, and our choreographer, I’m sure they’ve also taken inspiration. But I wanted to just trust the fact that it would come out…”Director Parker Finn admitted how “it’s still very surreal even to hear people use the word franchise:””It’s still very surreal to even hear people use the word franchise… This was just something I wrote in my bedroom, you know, and then this has happened. But I think that if I was even gonna approach a sequel, I wanted to make sure that in asking an audience to give me their time again, I was gonna deliver something really worthwhile and unexpected and fresh and exciting. And I think if I had my way, that’ll become sort of the hallmark of what ‘Smile’ is, is unexpected stories that are really character driven and freaky, that never stops being scary.”As for what was the most unique part of his time on Smile 2, the director noted how crazy it was to put on a live pop show for the movie’s leading superstar: “So many on this one, for sure. What comes to mind immediately was the opportunity to get to put on, essentially, a live pop show. That was a huge learning curve that took an enormous amount of prep. We wanted to make sure that we built real credibility into this pop star and that people watching this would be like, Wait, is she real? I don’t understand. This is so effective and feels so honest and true. And so that world of a pop star, and bringing that to life, was a really unique experience.”Some audiences interpreted the bleak ending of the first film, where the main character loses to the Smiling Demon and dies, as a message indicating that anyone with mental health issues will eventually succumb to them.“I never tried to put a message in any of my films,” the director admitted:”I never tried to put a message in any of my films. I’m more interested in exploring some theme or something that’s on my mind. And so in the first film, I mean, that is… Rose is a character we’re following, and she has her own unique life circumstances and situations. I think the film is a blend of something psychological; there’s a metaphor going on, but there’s also something supernatural.”The filmmaker went on to explain how those he’d not too interested in endings “designed to pat an audience on the head:””It’s also a Rated-R horror movie that’s designed to terrify adults. And so I feel that endings that are tied up with a pretty bow, that are clean or designed just to pat an audience on the head and say, everything will be okay, there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s just not for me. I’m more interested in a real exploration of something that, you know, good, bad, beautiful, ugly, a real human experience. That’s what I was chasing with that first film.”In Smile 2, Skye Riley’s best friend is Gemma, played by Dylan Gelula.For Gelulua she joked that the movies work so well because it’s really scary when “someone bears their teeth at you like a monkey:””I think it’s really scary, and I think it taps into something very deeply scary, which is when someone bears their teeth at you like a monkey. It’s scary when someone’s smiling at you, and you don’t know them, or sometimes when you do.”The actress then went on to explain how interesting it was to play “the close confidant of someone who is super famous:””It’s an interesting character to play, the close confidant of someone who is super famous. That is a real person a lot of these celebrities have, like a friend from childhood that they keep in their entourage. And that’s a very interesting dynamic between two people that I haven’t gotten to play yet. So that was fun.”Paul Jacobson, the actor behind Morris, a strange ally to Scott’s Skye Riley in the movie, praised the director’s vision for really helping these Smile movies connect with audiences as much as they do, noting how the “real people” and “real relationships” within “insane and terrifying” situations really helps it all land perfectly: “The director writes very real people, real relationships, [and] real characters within situations that are just insane and terrifying. Obviously, this is out of this world, and even the schism between what’s real and what’s not is intense throughout the whole film. So you’re not in a real place, and yet the people and the relationships are very human, and the terror is portrayed by Naomi unbelievably. So we connect to humanity, we connect to real circumstances, we connect to people who are honest and real, and relationships that make sense to us. So, the terror is huge because of that.”Ray Nicholson, who plays Paul Hudson, exclaimed how unique the scale of the whole project was for him while also noting that he knew it was going to work very early on:”I think its scale was so incredible. When I read the script, I was like, I wonder how they’re gonna pull this off. And then, one of the first days I went, we were in this stadium, full of lights, full setup, full of everything. And I was like, Oh, this is gonna work.”Miles Gutierrez-Riley plays Joshua, Skye’s personal assistant. The actor admitted how he “[hasn’t] really shot a lot of horror” up until this point:”I haven’t really shot a lot of horror, like pure horror… The premise is so personal and really touching at the end of the day. So working on something that was both so grand, spectacular, and horrifically scary, but [has a] really personal touch was impactful to me.”Alexis Idarose Kesselman, the brilliant mind behind Skye Riley’s pop music in the movie, talked about what her North Star was when writing that music:”The main thing is, when I work with an artist, what makes them unique, what makes them different, and get to finding their inner voice. And I think we had so many inspirations, but I knew that Skye had to be different, and we tried to find that. And I think once we had ‘Blood on White Satin’ (one of Skye Riley’s main tracks), that was kind of the North Star.”The full red carpet interviews can be seen below:Smile 2 hits theaters on Friday, October 18.

TRC awards tender for Toowoomba Art Museum business case (2)

Business News

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has awarded Simon McArthur and Associates Pty Ltd T/A SMA Tourism the contract to develop a business case for the proposed Toowoomba Art Museum.TRC Property Services portfolio spokesperson Cr Trevor Manteufel said the firm would progress investigations into the options, costs and benefits of delivering a revitalised art museum to replace or update the existing Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery (TRAG). Council approved this motion at its October 2023 Ordinary Meeting.“The business case will assess TRAG’s current limitations, including its size and environmental control issues, and explore options for a new or upgraded facility that meets the required standards to attract touring exhibitions and larger installations,” Cr Manteufel said.“The current Gallery, which opened at its present site in 1994, is not adequately functioning as a modern, regional facility. Contemporary art museums servicing half the Toowoomba Region’s population, and with half the art collection of the current Gallery, are on average 5,000m². TRAG, which is 750m², houses three separate collections of unique cultural heritage that number more than 8,000 items. (TRAG, which opened in 1937, is the oldest public art gallery in regional Queensland)“The existing facility is too small to comfortably accommodate touring exhibitions from state and national galleries, and other exhibitions that are toured by Museum and Gallery Services Queensland. Source & references /Public Release. View in full here.

Snowdon tourists told to make key change as 3k bits of rubbish discovered in clean up

Travel

Heartbreaking footage shows ‘waterfalls’ of nearly 3,000 bits of rubbish, including drink cans and Santa hats left by people on Yr Wyddfa Mountain, commonly known as Mount Snowdon.The cascades of waste on Yr Wyddfa require urgent action, volunteers warn.An “unprecedented” litter pick on the iconic mountain left volunteers in shock – as they realised they had only scratched the surface.From a misplaced Santa hat to plastic bottles and rucksack covers – The British Mountaineering Council volunteers removed 2,765 items of litter from Yr Wyddfa during a two-day clean up.Tom Carrick, BMC Access & Conservation Officer for Wales, emphasised the significance of this operation: “It’s been amazing to see this finally happen after nearly a year of planning after our initial conversations.“We’ve had lots of positive conversations with members of the public walking up and enjoying their own day out.“This I still believe is the start of this work, we will look at what we’d do differently in the future, but also how we bring this work out to changing our behaviours and attitudes about what we take into the mountains.“For me, the most staggering realisation was the amount of single use plastic bottles within the gullies, I look forward to working with my colleagues across Eryri to begin to find a solution to encourage the use of reusable bottles on the mountainside.”Over 63 percent of the items (1,737) found were single-use products – and the most prevalent brands included Lucozade, Redbull and CocaCola.On the first day of the clean-up, the crew saw an expert abseiling team descend into the Trinity Gullies on Clogwyn Y Garnedd, a steep area on the north-east side of the mountain, to retrieve the ‘waterfall’ of rubbish that had accumulated over many years.The event not only aimed to remove single-use pollution but also to educate and empower the outdoor community.The team of volunteers, with support from the experts at Trash Free Trails, were encouraged to document their findings as part of the State of the Trails Report, contributing to broader environmental research and awareness.Dom Ferris, Founder and Managing Director of Trash Free Trails, said: “Our mission is to connect people with nature through the simple yet meaningful act of removing single-use pollution from the places we love.”One of our core values is that we never use blame, shame, guilt, or aggression. This principle is especially important when working on Yr Wyddfa.“One of the reasons we use the term ‘single-use pollution’ instead of ‘litter’ is because we have strong evidence that when these single-use products escape into the environment, they harm our wildlife, flora, and overall experience, thus meeting the definition of pollution.””A large percentage of what we’ve found in the gullies are single-use products. By focusing on single-use pollution and its effects, we have a real chance of making a difference.”Despite the success of this clean-up, the BMC acknowledge that much more rubbish remains on Yr Wyddfa.The organisation is committed to continuing their collaborative efforts to maintain the momentum of this project and ensure the ongoing preservation of the mountain’s ecology.The work of volunteers does seem to be having some impact. Charlotte Hicklin recently climbed the mountain for charity and was impressed by the condition of the trail she took on.She said: “I had heard about the litter, but I didn’t see a single bit of rubbish, it was so clean and well kept.“The only thing I would say is there were no bins on the trail but everybody I encountered seemed to be packing their rubbish and taking it with them.”The collaborative effort included partners Trash Free Trails, Plantlife, Eryri National Park, Cymdeithas Eryri, RAW Adventures, the Baron Hill Estate, and the Snowdon Mountain Railway.

Snowdon tourists told to make key change as 3k bits of rubbish discovered in clean up

Travel

Heartbreaking footage shows ‘waterfalls’ of nearly 3,000 bits of rubbish, including drink cans and Santa hats left by people on Yr Wyddfa Mountain, commonly known as Mount Snowdon.The cascades of waste on Yr Wyddfa require urgent action, volunteers warn.An “unprecedented” litter pick on the iconic mountain left volunteers in shock – as they realised they had only scratched the surface.From a misplaced Santa hat to plastic bottles and rucksack covers – The British Mountaineering Council volunteers removed 2,765 items of litter from Yr Wyddfa during a two-day clean up.Tom Carrick, BMC Access & Conservation Officer for Wales, emphasised the significance of this operation: “It’s been amazing to see this finally happen after nearly a year of planning after our initial conversations.“We’ve had lots of positive conversations with members of the public walking up and enjoying their own day out.“This I still believe is the start of this work, we will look at what we’d do differently in the future, but also how we bring this work out to changing our behaviours and attitudes about what we take into the mountains.“For me, the most staggering realisation was the amount of single use plastic bottles within the gullies, I look forward to working with my colleagues across Eryri to begin to find a solution to encourage the use of reusable bottles on the mountainside.”Over 63 percent of the items (1,737) found were single-use products – and the most prevalent brands included Lucozade, Redbull and CocaCola.On the first day of the clean-up, the crew saw an expert abseiling team descend into the Trinity Gullies on Clogwyn Y Garnedd, a steep area on the north-east side of the mountain, to retrieve the ‘waterfall’ of rubbish that had accumulated over many years.The event not only aimed to remove single-use pollution but also to educate and empower the outdoor community.The team of volunteers, with support from the experts at Trash Free Trails, were encouraged to document their findings as part of the State of the Trails Report, contributing to broader environmental research and awareness.Dom Ferris, Founder and Managing Director of Trash Free Trails, said: “Our mission is to connect people with nature through the simple yet meaningful act of removing single-use pollution from the places we love.”One of our core values is that we never use blame, shame, guilt, or aggression. This principle is especially important when working on Yr Wyddfa.“One of the reasons we use the term ‘single-use pollution’ instead of ‘litter’ is because we have strong evidence that when these single-use products escape into the environment, they harm our wildlife, flora, and overall experience, thus meeting the definition of pollution.””A large percentage of what we’ve found in the gullies are single-use products. By focusing on single-use pollution and its effects, we have a real chance of making a difference.”Despite the success of this clean-up, the BMC acknowledge that much more rubbish remains on Yr Wyddfa.The organisation is committed to continuing their collaborative efforts to maintain the momentum of this project and ensure the ongoing preservation of the mountain’s ecology.The work of volunteers does seem to be having some impact. Charlotte Hicklin recently climbed the mountain for charity and was impressed by the condition of the trail she took on.She said: “I had heard about the litter, but I didn’t see a single bit of rubbish, it was so clean and well kept.“The only thing I would say is there were no bins on the trail but everybody I encountered seemed to be packing their rubbish and taking it with them.”The collaborative effort included partners Trash Free Trails, Plantlife, Eryri National Park, Cymdeithas Eryri, RAW Adventures, the Baron Hill Estate, and the Snowdon Mountain Railway.