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Crowds, water guns and protests: could ‘slow tourism’ be the answer to an overtourism backlash?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/amy-errmann-1360032">Amy Errmann</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/auckland-university-of-technology-1137">Auckland University of Technology</a> With overtourism in the spotlight as the travel industry continues to rebound after the pandemic, popular destinations around the world are feeling the strain. Bali is overwhelmed by <a href="https://thebalisun.com/concerns-increasing-about-impact-of-trash-and-traffic-on-bali-tourists/">waste and traffic</a>, Australia’s sacred sites have suffered <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-50151344">environmental damage</a>, New York is facing rising rents <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/23/new-york-airbnb-crackdown-rules-housing">due to short-term rentals</a>, and Singapore’s scenic spots are becoming <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/overtourism-locals-tourists-sustainable-tourism-stb-focus-4517681">clogged with crowds</a>. Frustrated locals are pushing back – from <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/barcelona-locals-spray-tourists-with-water-guns-during-protest-over-housing-costs/FUFHXKO5X5F5NNPSU6ELNVGSIA/">spraying water at tourists </a>in Barcelona to <a href="https://adventure.com/venice-locals-squatting-against-overtourism-photography/">organising protests in Venice</a>. As the northern hemisphere high season ends, Aotearoa New Zealand is preparing for an influx of visitors ahead of its summer tourism season. And much like those other <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/08/world/europe/greece-cruise-ships-tourists-islands.html">tourist hotspots</a>, the government is looking at how to manage the negative effects of tourism on local communities and the environment. This includes tripling the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/sep/04/new-zealand-to-nearly-triple-tourist-tax-for-international-visitors">international tourist tax</a> from NZ$35 to $100. The aim of the increase is to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/11/new-zealand-tourism-minister-makes-pitch-to-the-rich-as-he-spurns-10-a-day-travellers">attract tourists</a> who are more mindful of their impact and willing to contribute to its mitigation, while also <a href="https://theconversation.com/welcome-to-nz-now-pay-up-the-risks-and-rewards-of-raising-the-foreign-tourist-tax-232138">reducing visitor numbers</a> to protect the country’s unique landscapes and cultures. But are there other ways the tourism industry can evolve to ensure benefits for both travellers and the communities they are visiting? So called “slow travel” could be the answer. <h2>Hunting the perfect photo</h2> Overtourism isn’t just about too many people in one place. It’s also about how people travel. <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/social-media-tourism-effect-scn-wellness/index.html">Instagram-famous</a> landmarks draw massive crowds, <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/406195/visitors-ignore-ban-continue-to-visit-mermaid-pools-in-northland-hapu">disrupting local life</a> and sometimes even <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/vermot-town-famous-for-fall-foliage-bans-instagram-tourists-from-streets/BHKEYKKUTNHORFT6QCZ5TW333A/#google_vignette">leading to closures</a>. Travellers often pack their itineraries with as many sights as possible, racing from one place to another in a frenzy to capture the perfect photo. This hurried approach not only creates <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2015-06-19/barcelona-bhutan-places-that-limit-tourist-numbers">congestion</a> but also limits <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-024-02859-z">meaningful engagement with the destination</a>. And it’s not just a numbers game. The way tourists behave also plays a critical role. A <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018690535/tropical-trash-the-impact-of-holidaying-in-the-pacific">2019 report</a> from the United Nations raised concerns about trash from tourists in developing small island states, including the Pacific Islands. According to the report, a tourist visiting these communities produced about 7kg of waste a day, compared to about 2.5kg produced by a local. The issue is not necessarily about travelling less, but about <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211973623000284">travelling more responsibly</a>. The tourism industry needs to be encouraging travel habits that allow both visitors and locals to enjoy tourism without compromising the integrity of the destination. <h2>The rise of slow travel</h2> Mindfulness – being fully present in the moment – has gained popularity since the 1970s. The concept has influenced a number of sectors, including <a href="https://slowfoodauckland.co.nz/">slow food</a>, <a href="https://ourwayoflife.co.nz/slow-fashion-101-what-to-buy-and-what-to-avoid-to-reduce-your-clothing-footprint/">slow fashion</a>, and now <a href="https://www.lakewanaka.co.nz/wanaka-stories/how-to-be-a-slow-mindful-traveler-in-wanaka/">slow travel</a>. It’s about <a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-63569-4_44#:%7E:text=Slow%20travel%2C%20mindful%20travel%2C%20or,spiritual%20well%2Dbeing%20of%20people">experiencing destinations</a> at a relaxed pace, focusing on deeper connections with local cultures and sustainability. This often means <a href="https://guestnewzealand.com/about-us/eco-travels-new-zealand/">staying longer in fewer places</a> and choosing eco-friendly transport. Understanding slow travel and mindfulness is important because they create <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/rogersands/2024/06/08/the-beauty-of-slow-travel/">richer, more memorable experiences</a>. Fast, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261517724000487">hectic travel</a> often leaves little positive impact. Slow immersive travel, on the other hand, fosters lasting memories and reduces overtourism, pollution and cultural damage. <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00913367.2024.2325144">Research</a> shows when we consciously immerse ourselves in our surroundings we can have more meaningful experiences. Surprisingly, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261517724000487">even luxury travel</a> – often dismissed as wasteful – can encourage respect and mindfulness for those who invest financially and mentally in their journey, unlike cheaper, mainstream tourism. Activities such as “<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666957921000197">forest bathing</a>”, <a href="https://www.visitutah.com/articles/mindful-hiking">hiking</a> or engaging with <a href="https://www.outofyourcomfortzone.net/a-guide-to-slow-travel-immersing-yourself-in-local-cultures/">local cultures</a> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6723984/">boost wellbeing and meaning</a>, going beyond just “taking a photo for likes”. This mindful approach can <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160738321001419">change our behaviour on a personal level</a>. By focusing attention on fewer experiences, <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00913367.2024.2325144">travellers can heighten</a> their sense of awe and appreciation, making the travel more memorable. This idea is evident in “<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/002216786200200102?casa_token=PrIQTkCMjx0AAAAA:wtswfg0cuEuQec0zVg-Mbf9MuXYoqhQkWbaQCGdjxWkYUpVOwBu8Op5jC6V4nOghnow3xpwN3fDn">peak experiences</a>”. Disney, for example, creates <a href="https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/docam/vol9/iss2/6/">emotionally-charged moments</a> that stick in visitors’ minds. Other experiences, such as “<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/14614448211072808">digital detoxes</a>” or <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jcr/article-abstract/45/6/1142/4999270">pilgrimages</a> can leave a contemplative impression. By concentrating on a single aspect of a visit, it <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160738320300797?casa_token=Np4PXLk5RqsAAAAA:Q3440A-lsf-XTAWuboPPbIcnvBAhk8nnIoWyF-gynHkSPmyPaykzfpBhTLbFDBHZEX0bbtZJgQ">becomes special and memorable</a>. Even in busy places like Disneyland, focusing on one unique element can make the experience feel slower and more meaningful. <h2>The sustainability of tourism</h2> In the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261517724000487">Faroe Islands</a>, slow travel helps protect local traditions and landscapes by encouraging thoughtful visitor behaviour, such as using local guides to minimise environmental impact. New Zealand can leverage its natural beauty to offer similar immersive experiences. <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/travel-well-what-is-mindful-hiking-walking-for-wellbeing-boost/67MYS6ZSNXC7ZH6OTZ2DLBGFL4/">Tramping</a> (hiking), for example, can promote a mindful connection with the environment. But even here, there needs to be a focus on balancing tourism with preservation. Popular spots, such as the Department of Conservation huts and the Te Araroa Trail, are <a href="https://www.wildernessmag.co.nz/te-araroa-trail-shows-pressure/">already becoming crowded</a>. It is essential to educate visitors on <a href="https://www.mpi.govt.nz/outdoor-activities/tramping-tips-to-prevent-spreading-pests-and-diseases/biosecurity-considerations-walking-and-tramping/">responsible practices</a> – such as cleaning equipment – to ensure they understand their <a href="https://www.doc.govt.nz/heritage-and-visitor-strategy#:%7E:text=The%20natural%2C%20cultural%20and%20historic,wellbeing%2C%20enabling%20communities%20to%20thrive.">role in protecting nature</a>. Travel that fosters a deeper appreciation for local cultures and environments benefits both visitors and the destinations they explore. The challenge is finding the right balance – encouraging meaningful travel experiences while still ensuring accessibility for all.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/238316/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/amy-errmann-1360032">Amy Errmann</a>, Senior Lecturer, Marketing & International Business, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/auckland-university-of-technology-1137">Auckland University of Technology</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/crowds-water-guns-and-protests-could-slow-tourism-be-the-answer-to-an-overtourism-backlash-238316">original article</a>.

Travel Trouble

Tom Cruise’s unconventional acceptance speech

Tom Cruise has given one of the most unique acceptance speeches at the 2023 MTV Movie & TV Awards. The 60-year-old, who famously performs his own stunts and is a licensed pilot himself, delivered a pre-recorded speech on May 7 while flying a World War II propeller plane. Cruise won best performance in a movie for Top Gun: Maverick. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Things we'll never forget: <a href="https://twitter.com/TomCruise?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TomCruise</a>'s performance in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TopGun?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TopGun</a>: Maverick 🎥 Congrats to Tom Cruise on winning Best Performance in a Movie at the 2023 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MTVAwards?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MTVAwards</a>! <a href="https://t.co/dZr3Wglpdq">pic.twitter.com/dZr3Wglpdq</a> — Movie & TV Awards (@MTVAwards) <a href="https://twitter.com/MTVAwards/status/1655367059994456065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2023</a></blockquote> “Hi everyone, thank you so much for this award,” he said from the cockpit. “I make these films for you. I love you. I love entertaining you. To know how much you enjoy it, how much you appreciate it, there’s just no better feeling.” In his acceptance speech, Cruise appears to be piloting the P-51 Mustang plane that he owns, which was featured in Top Gun: Maverick. “You have a wonderful summer," Cruise said in his speech. "Thank you again for letting me entertain you. It’s an absolute privilege. We’ll see you at the movies.” Cruise also recorded a similar message from the same plane that was played for King Charles II during the coronation concert on May 8. “Pilot to pilot," Cruise said. "Your Majesty, you can be my wingman any time.” Image credit: Twitter

Movies

00-No: US traveller puts border security to the test with a golden gun

A 28-year-old traveller from the United States has been arrested after Australian Border Force officers allegedly discovered a firearm in her luggage. According to a report on the ABF website, the weapon - a 24-carat gold-plated handgun - was unregistered, and the passenger was not in possession of “a permit to import or possess the firearm in Australia.” If convicted, she will face up to 10 years of imprisonment. And while she was arrested and charged, she was released on bail at Downing Centre Local Court, and is expected to face court again in a month’s time. She remains subject to visa cancellation, and faces the likelihood of being removed from Australia. As ABF Enforcement and Detained Goods East Commander Justin Bathurst explained, the discovery was made with a combination of ABC officer skills and detection technology, one that served to prevent a dangerous weapon from entering the Australian community. “Time and time again, we have seen just how good ABF officers are at targeting and stopping illegal, and highly dangerous, goods from crossing Australia's border," he said. “The ABF is Australia's first and most important line of defence. ABF officers are committed to protecting our community by working with law enforcement partners to prevent items like unregistered firearms getting through at the border." Photos distributed by the ABF present the image of the gun in its case, as well as a scan of the passenger’s luggage, with the gun clearly visible among the rest of her possessions. While travellers on domestic flights within the United States are able to carry firearms in their checked luggage - granted they are unloaded and securely locked away, and the proper authorities have been informed - Australia has much stricter laws surrounding firearms. In the wake of a 1996 Tasmanian tragedy, in which 35 people lost their lives to a gunman, all automatic and semi-automatic weapons were outlawed in the country. Meanwhile, in the United States, a frightening sum of 6,301 were confiscated at checkpoints as of December 2022, according to the Transportation Security Administration. For many, the news was broken on social media, with comments sections reflecting the shock - and disapproval - of the masses, with the occasional 007 reference thrown in. “Smuggling firearms into Australia is a serious offence,” wrote one on Twitter, “and should be met with the full force of the law as it endangers citizen safety.” “That’s a fantastic bit of security work by our airport staff,” someone commended. Another had one very important question, asking “how did she get it out of the US to begin with...??? TSA should have caught that at the airport before she even left. Even if it was in a checked bag, it still had to be declared.” Images: Australian Border Force

Travel Trouble

"Back to the kitchen": Granny Guns flexes down at online trolls

A body-builder granny has hit back at trolls after showcasing her killer biceps online. The TikTok star, 62, shows herself pumping iron, and doing various workouts on her account, with nasty individuals leaving comments saying she belongs in the kitchen. The 62-year-old enjoys making TikTok fitness videos, and she’s proved to be extremely successful online, having just shy of 800,000 followers. In one video, the granny is pumping iron at the gym. The video then cuts to her dancing around with a tray of homemade cookies, which she says is how she acts “any other time”. However, trolls online labelled her as just a woman made for the kitchen, and that’s when the biceps came out. <div><iframe title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7208386374041423146&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%4065_strong%2Fvideo%2F7208386374041423146%3Flang%3Den&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign.tiktokcdn-us.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-useast5-p-0068-tx%2F632c57901f47459e97728aea3dbe7729_1678333249%3Fx-expires%3D1678683600%26x-signature%3DQUziUnUI1Gk%252FIjO45MfLA8OhWNk%253D&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> The granny made a video where she threw shade at a few hate comments such as “women are weak” or “back to the kitchen”. The video then cuts to her friends lifting weights in a show of strength. The gym granny was showing off a tough move at the bicep curl machine. As she pulled the bar to her chest, her biceps flexed to reveal some serious muscle. She captioned her TikTok, “For all my fellow female fitness lovers”. Fellow users flocked to the comments to show their support. “I have a crush on everyone,” one user said. Another exclaimed: “I love this! And all the amazing women in this video!” “I love you grandma”, a third gushed. To which the granny replied, “Love you back”. Image credit: TikTok

Body

Iconic Top Gun and Die Hard actor dies at age 66

Clarence Gilyard, best known for his roll as computer hacker Theo in Die Hard and naval flight officer Marcus “Sundown” Williams in Top Gun, has died at 66 years of age. His death was announced on Monday November 29 in a statement from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he had been working as an associate professor at the College of Fine Arts. "It is with profound sadness that I share this news," Dean Nancy Uscher said in the statement shared on instagram. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/ClhujkALoIh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ClhujkALoIh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by UNLV College Of Fine Arts (@unlvfinearts)</a> </div> </blockquote> "His students were deeply inspired by him, as were all who knew him. He had many extraordinary talents and was extremely well-known in the university through his dedication to teaching and his professional accomplishments.” Heather Addison, UNLV film chair remembered Gilyard as a "beacon of light and strength for everyone around him at UNLV". She added: "Whenever we asked him how he was, he would cheerfully declare that he was 'Blessed!' But we are truly the ones who were blessed to be his colleagues and students for so many years. We love you and will miss you dearly, Professor G!” He landed his first role on the TV show Diff'rent Strokes in 1981 and in 1986, Gilyard made his film debut in Top Gun, in which he played Sundown, one of the elite fighter pilots. Two years later, he was cast as Theo, the computer expert who helps Hans Gruber's terrorist group, in the movie Die Hard. He got his big primetime TV break in 1989, when he landed the role of Conrad McMasters on the NBC legal drama Matlock, starring opposite Andy Griffith. He then portrayed Chuck Norris' crime-fighting partner Jimmy Trivette on Walker, Texas Ranger. Despite having a thriving on-screen career, Gilyard stepped away from acting in 2006 to start teaching at UNLV and directing productions at the university's Nevada Conservatory Theatre. No further details surrounding his death have been made public. Image: Shutterstock

News

5 genius ways to use hot glue around the house

If you’re the proud owner of a hot glue gun, then you’ll know this nifty little invention is worth its weight in art and craft gold. But did you know it can also be super useful around the house? Read on to find out a whole bunch of new and ingenious ways to use your hot glue gun. <ol> <li>Create sticky soles – If you’ve got wooden floors and your grandchildren are still getting the hang of walking, then this is for you! Create non-slip soft shoes for the little ones in your life by personalising the bottom of the shoe with their name or a pattern to stop any slips or slides in their tracks.</li> <li>Keep your shirts in place – Silky shirts and tops have a bad habit of slipping of their hanger and onto the floor. Keep them in place by dolloping a bit of glue on the hanger to create enough friction to keep straps in place.</li> <li>Breathe new life into a chair – If sewing and upholstery isn’t your thing, fear not. Give a chair a new lease of life by securing new fabric with your hot glue gun.</li> <li>Plug a hole – Small hole in a grandchild’s favourite toy or even in your trusty airbed? Plug it with a dab of hot glue.</li> <li>Hem a pair of pants – If you’ve ever been about to dash out the door only to realise that your hem has been knocked down and isn’t getting back up then this is for you. Use small dabs from your hot glue gun to temporarily repair the offending hem. You can either leave the glue on when you eventually hem the pants properly or peel it off easily.</li> </ol> Are you a hot glue gun user? Have you ever used it for any of the above? Image: Getty Images

Home Hints & Tips

Tom Cruise in talks for third Top Gun movie

Tom Cruise is already in talks for a third Top Gun movie. The sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, spectacularly hit $1 billion at the box office worldwide, 36 years after the first installment of the franchise. It actually took about 30 years to convince Cruise to get involved with the Top Gun sequel. “We definitely wanted to do another after the first one became such a success,” producer Jerry Bruckheimer told Boss Hunting. “But it took [director] Joe Kosinski who came up with the story. We flew to Paris where Tom was filming Mission: Impossible at the time, we pitched him the story. “Joe had a lookbook. He had a poster. And he pitched what you saw. And Tom loved it. That’s how we got it going. “After that, Tom picked up the phone, called the head of Paramount, and said: ‘I want to make another Top Gun’.” Miles Teller, who played Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw, the son of Goose - Maverick’s best friend, is also speaking to Cruise about a potential third film. “I’ve been having some conversations with him [Tom Cruise] about it. We’ll see. “That would be great, but that’s all up to TC. “It’s all up to Tom.” Image: YouTube

Movies

“He can be that guy!!!”: Top Gun actor’s grandma’s sweet campaign

One of the stars of the latest Top Gun movie has been put up for the role of James Bond by one of his biggest supporters: his grandmother. Miles Teller’s grandma, Leona Flowers, recently took to Twitter to campaign for him to replace Daniel Craig as the famed spy, saying her grandson had all the skills needed for the job. “They’re looking for an actor to replace Daniel Craig for future 007 movies,” she tweeted. “I think my grandson, Miles Teller, has proven that he has everything they’re looking for - talent, looks, strength, worldwide appeal, and oh, so cool. “He can be that guy!! Wouldn’t that be great?” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> They’re looking for an actor to replace Daniel Craig for future 007 movies. I think my grandson, Miles Teller, has proven that he has everything they’re looking for- talent, looks, strength,worldwide appeal & oh, so cool. He can be that guy!! Wouldn’t he be great? — Leona Flowers (@MupTheQueen) <a href="https://twitter.com/MupTheQueen/status/1542206491691737088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2022</a></blockquote> Teller, who plays Rooster in the latest Top Gun instalment, has since admitted he’d be open to the opportunity while speaking to Entertainment Tonight. “Yeah, I mean, yeah perfect,” the 35-year-old said. “I think we’re actors, you know, so maybe you can mix it up a little bit.” Flowers added that her American grandson would be welcomed by portraying the famous Brit, having even “charmed” the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the London premiere of Top Gun: Maverick. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Miles charming Prince William & Princess Kate in London. He sat in the Royal box & watched Top Gun Maverick with them. New friends😊Folks just can’t help liking him. He’s so relatable♥️ <a href="https://t.co/RjTRcktoXs">pic.twitter.com/RjTRcktoXs</a> — Leona Flowers (@MupTheQueen) <a href="https://twitter.com/MupTheQueen/status/1530601184490299392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2022</a></blockquote> “I think our English friends would welcome him as 007,” she wrote in a follow-up tweet. “The folks in London loved him when he was just there with the premiere of Top Gun: Maverick. He even charmed William and Kate.” Flowers even turned to author Ian Fleming’s original concept for the martini-drinking super spy to argue her case, writing that not only does Teller serve as a good lookalike, but he shares a love of golf with Bond and Fleming. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> This is Ian Fleming’s original concept of James Bond. Add a beautiful head of hair and Miles closely fits that image. 007 supposedly had a scar on his cheek as well. Like Miles, Fleming and his character, James Bond, both had a love of golf😊 <a href="https://t.co/4AydjqL2Lq">pic.twitter.com/4AydjqL2Lq</a> — Leona Flowers (@MupTheQueen) <a href="https://twitter.com/MupTheQueen/status/1543338775979462658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2022</a></blockquote> “This is Ian Fleming’s original concept of James Bond,” she tweeted along with a black-and-white drawing of Bond. “Add a beautiful head of hair and Miles closely fits that image. 007 supposedly had a scar on his cheek as well. Like Miles, Fleming and his character, James Bond, both had a love of golf.” Barbara Broccoli, a producer for James Bond, recently said the search for the next 007 is yet to begin, though the new movie will see his character reinvented. “Nobody’s in the running. We’re working out where to go with him, we’re talking that through,” she said. “There isn’t a script yet and we can’t come up with one until we decide how we’re going to approach the next film because, really, it’s a reinvention of Bond. We’re reinventing who he is and that takes time. I’d say that filming is at least two years away.” With that in mind, two years feels like plenty of time for Flowers to convince Broccoli and her team that her grandson is the best choice. Image: @MupTheQueen (Twitter)

Movies

Tom Cruise celebrates his 60th!

Tom Cruise has turned 60! In honour of his 60th birthday on July 3, Mission: Impossible director Christopher McQuarrie shared a rare photo of Cruise performing a crazy stunt. The actor, known to perform his own insane stunts, could be seen hanging on from an airborne red biplane. Mission: Impossible movie, Dead Reckoning Part One is due to be released in 2023. Cruise however spent his actual birthday watching the F1 Grand Prix in the UK, with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and Lewis Hamilton’s family. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Anthony Hamilton, Antonio Pérez Garibay and Tom Cruise watching the podium celebrations together is everything ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/KvtgU19ssH">pic.twitter.com/KvtgU19ssH</a> — ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNF1/status/1543665585913008128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2022</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Hamilton and Tom Cruise showed love after the race 🤝❤️ <a href="https://t.co/TDHCHh8FFh">pic.twitter.com/TDHCHh8FFh</a> — ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNF1/status/1543640030354329601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2022</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The one and only Maverick. Happy birthday, <a href="https://twitter.com/TomCruise?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TomCruise</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TopGun?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TopGun</a> <a href="https://t.co/OWSUMwVWJY">pic.twitter.com/OWSUMwVWJY</a> — Top Gun (@TopGunMovie) <a href="https://twitter.com/TopGunMovie/status/1543640720216510466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2022</a></blockquote> Also, an avid Adele fan, Cruise was spotted singing and dancing to Adele at Hyde Park where he was also surprised with a birthday cake backstage. "Tom looked like he had an absolute blast. He was really going for it with his dancing and seemed to know all the words to sing along,” an onlooker said. "After the set finished, staff brought the cake out for him and he couldn't stop saying thank you. He hugged his favourite hostess as they sang Happy Birthday. "Then he gave a speech about how nice it was for everyone to be able to come together for events again after Covid. "And Tom said Adele was phenomenal. He was so upbeat and living his best life." Image: Getty

Movies

Top Gun: Maverick surpasses $1 billion worldwide

Tom Cruise’s Top Gun: Maverick has officially surpassed $1 billion at the worldwide box office. Over the weekend, the film saw a huge $30.5 million domestically and $44.5 million in overseas markets. This overall totals to $521 million domestic and $484 million international, putting it just past $1 billion globally. According to Paramount, more than 16 percent of the Top Gun: Maverick audience has seen the film more than once in theatres, while four percent have seen it four times or more. This is only the second time since the pandemic began that a Hollywood title jumped over the $1 billion behind Sony and Disney’s Spider-Man: No Way Home ($1.89 billion). The movie officially became the highest-grossing movie of Cruise’s career when it toppled over $800 million. His 2018 film Mission Impossible: Fallout previously held the highest rank with $791.1 million. Analysts don’t think the momentum will last long with Elvis hitting the screens and Top Gun sitting around the $900 million mark. Image: YouTube

Movies

Curious detail about flag in Top Gun: Maverick

Moviegoers in Taiwan applauded an advanced screening of Top Gun: Maverick when Tom Cruise’s character came on screen wearing a jacket showing their flag. The Hollywood actor hits the screen in his bomber jacket which features patches of the flags from Taiwan, Japan and the United States, along with a United Nations symbol. When the trailer was released back in 2019, Cruise’s character Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell was wearing a jacket but this time the Taiwan flag appeared to be missing. The glaring omission of the Taiwanese flag sparked criticism that Hollywood was appeasing China. The Taiwanese flag has long been a political eyesore for Beijing, which claims sovereignty over the island and considers it to be Chinese territory under the “one China principle”. Taiwan however has continued to fight against being considered Chinese territory and to be recognised as independent. There are now rumours swirling that Top Gun: Maverick won’t be shown in China due to the representation of the Taiwan flag. “Hollywood is now pushing back,” Chris Fenton, a former movie executive who wrote a book about Hollywood and Chinese censors, told Bloomberg. “The market is simply not worth the aggravation anymore in attempting to please Chinese censors.” Image: Twitter

Movies

10-year-old arrested for threatening to carry out mass shooting

A 10-year-old boy has been arrested for threatening to carry out a mass shooting via text message. The 5th grader from Patriot Elementary School in Cape Coral, in the state of Florida, was pictured in handcuffs and being walked to a police car on Saturday evening. He was interviewed and charged with making a written threat to conduct a mass shooting, coming just days after 19 children and two of their teachers were killed in a mass shooting in Texas. “This student’s behaviour is sickening, especially after the recent tragedy in Uvalde, Texas,” Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said in a statement. “Right now is not the time to act like a little delinquent. It’s not funny. This child made a fake threat, and now he’s experiencing real consequences.” The sheriff’s office’s School Threat Enforcement Team was tipped off about the message and quick to act. “Making sure our children are safe is paramount,” Sheriff Macreno said. "My team didn’t hesitate one second, not one second, to investigate this threat.” While police in Texas were on the scene within minutes of the shooting at Robb Elementary School, officers have come under fire for waiting almost 80 minutes to enter the classroom and kill gunman Salvador Ramos. The Texas Department of Public Safety has since admitted that law enforcement’s response fell disastrously short. “From the benefit of hindsight where I’m sitting now, of course it was not the right decision,” Director Steve McCraw said on the delay. Image: Lee County Sheriff's office

Legal

REVIEW: Top Gun: Maverick

Too-cool-for-school test pilot Maverick (Tom Cruise) is brought back from the fold to train a batch of talented and cocky recruits for a life-and-death mission. They’re the best of the best in their class, lone wolves who are fueled by massive egos and a determination to outshine and outfly their peers. If Maverick can’t get these hot-heads to cool down and learn to work as a team, they might just not make it out of the mission alive. It’s a well-accepted fact that sequels are nowhere near as good as the original. Take for example, The Matrix, Fast and Furious and Lethal Weapon. The list goes on. Occasionally, there are pleasant surprises. Top Gun: Maverick is one of them. Director Joseph Kosinski takes everything great from the first film and repackages it into a sequel that feels new and faithful to the original at the same time. There’s the high-octane dogfights, shirtless game of sport on the beach and cheesy romance between Maverick and Penny Benjamin (Jennifer Connelly). The opening sequence is nearly shot-for-shot the same as the one used in Top Gun - a reassuring indication that Kosinski is here to build on the first film and not pull it apart. Some 36 years have passed since the release of Top Gun in 1986. The sequel was first scheduled for release in 2019, but delayed until 2020 so producers could fine-tune the flight sequences. Its release was pushed back by another two years because of the Covid pandemic. Top Gun: Maverick may have been a long time in the making, and the wait time might have felt slow, but the film launches straight into the action, flying through the 2 hour and 17 minute long run time at Mach 10 - or 10 times the speed of sound. Maverick may be three decades older, but he certainly still has the ‘need for speed’ as much as he did when he was a young pilot. He’s still got the rebellious streak and disrespect for authority that frequently lands him in the office of his superiors - this time it’s Admiral Beau Simpson (Jon Hamm) breathing down his neck. Now Maverick is the teacher and he’s dealing with a bunch of cocky pilots. There’s Hangman (Glen Powell), Phoenix (Monica Barbaro), Payback (Jay Ellis) and Rooster (Miles Teller). Rooster is the son of ‘Goose’ - Maverick’s late friend who died after trying to eject himself from a falling F-14 in the first film. Maverick is still troubled by the death and it’s no help that Rooster is a spitting image of his father and as much an avid flier. Tensions rise, egos clash and old wounds are reopened. Maverick has beaten just about every challenge as a pilot in the sky but this may be the one that sends him shooting down in flames. Cruise was insistent on one condition on the release of the film: that it be shown in cinemas and not on streaming platforms like Netflix. He wanted audiences to be immersed in the adrenaline, to watch the fighter jets blast through the sky on the big screen and hear the deafening throttle of the engines on surround sound. Blood-pumping cinematic experiences like these ones are few and far to come by and, not unlike Cruise, may be on their way out. It’s like rear admiral Chester ‘Hammer’ Cain (Ed Harris) tells Maverick, “Your kind is headed for extinction.” Cruise turns as he is about to leave the office and looks defiantly at him. “Maybe so, sir. But not today,” he says. Strap in and prepare for take off. It’s going to be one hell of a last ride. Written by Aidan Wondracz

Movies

Another surprising use for a massage gun

Massage guns have become hugely popular gadgets over the past couple of years. Not only do they ease aches and pains at home, but they are also being used in an unlikely cleaning hack. American woman, Lanie, posted a video on Tiktok showing how effective massage guns are at lifting up hidden dirt and sand in car floor carpets. The video of the strange hack has quickly gone viral with a massive 12.8 million views in just three days. You can watch the TikTok in the video above. "Thought this was cool," Lanie captioned the clip. In the video, you can see big piles of dirt exposed by the massage gun vibrations before being sucked up by a vacuum. It's one of those TikTok cleaning clips that is as satisfying to watch, as it is scary to see truly how much dirt is lurking where we don't see it. What makes the hack even more shocking is that Lanie revealed in the comments the car carpet had been vacuumed before using the massage gun. "Vacuum first then use this so we can see how much extra dirt appears!" a viewer suggested. To try the hack you’re going to need a massage gun with an attachment known as a fork, and a vacuum cleaner. All you need to do is touch the car floor with the massage gun so the vibrations it produces can lift out the hidden dirt. As you move the massage gun around the floor, you'll need to follow it with a vacuum. Tiktok users were blown away by the hack and surprising alternative use for the massage gun. Image: TikTok

Home & Garden

Guns, tanks and Twitter: how Russia and Ukraine are using social media as the war drags on

Social media has become a primary source of information for news-hungry audiences around the world trying to make sense of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. At the same time, it’s being used by the governments of Russia and Ukraine to set the agenda for wider media reporting. Official Russian government accounts <a href="https://theconversation.com/russian-government-accounts-are-using-a-twitter-loophole-to-spread-disinformation-178001" target="_blank" rel="noopener">have been found</a> to be amplifying pro-Russia disinformation on Twitter. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government has taken to the platform to appeal to its two million followers for support. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Hard to find words... The killing of civilians in Bucha by Russian war criminals is appalling beyond any measure. Help us stop Russia. Demand your governments to act now: - Provide Ukraine with all weapons we need - More tough sanctions on Russia - Cut all trade ties with them <a href="https://t.co/pYLbMALQfp">pic.twitter.com/pYLbMALQfp</a> — Ukraine / Україна (@Ukraine) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ukraine/status/1511106521345798153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></blockquote> Information warfare is no longer an additional arm of strategy, but a parallel component of <a href="https://press.armywarcollege.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2501&context=parameters" target="_blank" rel="noopener">military campaigns</a>. The rise of social media has made it easier than ever before to see how states use mass communication as a weapon. Putting social media in the mix Mass communication began as political communication intended to <a href="https://gutenberg.ca/ebooks/innis-empire/innis-empire-00-h.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">establish and control empires</a>. Whether it was Darius the Great imposing his image on buildings and coins to help control the Persian Empire; Henry VIII’s inspired <a href="https://royalcentral.co.uk/interests/history/royal-portraiture-propaganda-painting-52781/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">use of portraiture</a>, or the well-documented use of <a href="https://www.routledge.com/Film--Radio-Propaganda-in-World-War-II/Short/p/book/9781032077116" target="_blank" rel="noopener">radio and film in World War II</a> – media technologies have long been used to spread political ideas. Social media has added another element to the mix, and brought immediacy to strategic political communication. In asymmetric conflicts (such as the one we’re seeing now in Ukraine), a successful social media account can be a useful weapon against an adversary with many guns and tanks. The local uprisings in the 2010 Arab Spring, especially in Egypt and Tunisia, were among the first campaigns where <a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/War_in_140_Characters/s3mZDgAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=social+media+and+The+Arab+Spring+asymmetric+warfare&pg=PT5&printsec=frontcover" target="_blank" rel="noopener">social media played a pivotal role</a>. <a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2595096" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Advocates of democracy</a> used Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to maintain networks of communication and openly criticised their governments for the world to see. It didn’t take long for governments to realise the power of social media. And they responded both by restricting access to social media as well as using it themselves. Social media alone may <a href="https://hcommons.org/deposits/item/hc:35365/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">not be capable of instigating</a> widespread change, but it can undoubtedly play a role. Information warfare Tension between Russia and Ukraine has a long history, and was <a href="https://www.ceeol.com/search/book-detail?id=661250" target="_blank" rel="noopener">highly charged on social media</a> well before the latest invasion. Pro-Russian accounts have circulated disinformation about Russia’s role in the Donetsk region since before 2014, <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0163443716686672?casa_token=XaOHM4qJ8W8AAAAA:ikaBQXH8mEVeQDgCiHs78F-RsBKNMzP02-Wk6TXzTbKfcxPENb46k3NQLMz1U9n5ZZ5zbnAcnXQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fuelling confusion</a> and destabilisation, and assisting Russia’s takeover. This was in fact a critical element of Russia’s “<a href="http://connections-qj.org/article/defining-concept-hybrid-warfare-based-analysis-russias-aggression-against-ukraine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hybrid warfare</a>” approach. Russia’s strategic actions, and counter actions by Ukraine, have been studied widely by researchers. Unsurprisingly, the research has overwhelmingly found each side to be framing the conflict in <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1750635217702539" target="_blank" rel="noopener">very different, and divergent</a> ways. Research has also found social media can sustain, and even aggravate, the hostility between <a href="https://ccdcoe.org/uploads/2018/10/Ch12_CyberWarinPerspective_Lange_Svetoka.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ukrainians and Russians online</a>. For example, after Malaysian Airline flight MH17 was shot down by Russia over Ukraine, an <a href="https://academic.oup.com/ia/article/94/5/975/5092080?login=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener">analysis of 950,000 Twitter posts</a> found a plethora of competing claims online, creating a struggle for truth which continues today. As early as 2014, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Philip Breedlove, <a href="https://www.stripes.com/news/saceur-allies-must-prepare-for-russia-hybrid-war-1.301464" target="_blank" rel="noopener">described</a> the Russian communication strategy in Ukraine as “the most amazing information warfare <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/blitzkrieg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blitzkrieg</a> we have ever seen in the history of information warfare”. These efforts have escalated since Russia’s recent expansion of its invasion into Ukrainian territory. And with so much noise, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for users to make sense of the deluge of contradictory, emotive and (often) difficult-to-verify information. It’s even more difficult when the tone of posts changes quickly. The Ukraine government’s Twitter account is a study in contrasts of both content and tone. Set up in more peaceful times, the profile cheerily states: “Yes, this is the official Twitter account of Ukraine. Nice pics: #BeautifulUkraine Our music: #UkieBeats”. But the account now posts a range of content, images and video related to the war as part of its strategic communication campaign. This has included serious news updates, patriotic allusions to historic events and people, anti-Russian material and – prior to the recent reports of mass deaths – <a href="https://www.ceeol.com/search/chapter-detail?id=661124" target="_blank" rel="noopener">quite a lot of humour</a>. Why use humour? Humour has a long history of being used as an element of communication and <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/13691481211023958" target="_blank" rel="noopener">public diplomacy</a> – <a href="https://compass.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/soc4.12138?casa_token=ci0wS1giS6AAAAAA%3AkH20TMNG-ln9Q8wdqVsA2ML0NSX4iX3X7FCMkhAdOiBRvQ5LSe1DaEtMxAAQ9HQAgBWHgkHezMGs0Q" target="_blank" rel="noopener">even during wars</a>. For instance, <a href="https://www.berggruen.org/ideas/articles/to-defy-a-dictator-send-in-the-clowns/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">humour was used effectively</a> by the Serbian Otpor resistance movement in its campaign to overthrow dictator Slobodan Milošević at the turn of this century. <a href="https://www.socialmediatoday.com/marketing/sarah-snow/2015-07-06/science-behind-what-content-goes-viral" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Humour is particularly effective</a> on social platforms because it produces <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1509/jmr.10.0353?casa_token=U5-C6j_iI7cAAAAA:p3Palq4Swuz34SC7eNukHO6Kb5OeB9TNgucv8magwnP9Q7iWtXx84ih83rZ8fKpbeHGVMH0HrdM" target="_blank" rel="noopener">virality</a>. And in the case of Ukraine’s defence, it displays defiance. After all, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (a former comedian) was famously thrust into the political spotlight thanks to a satirical television production. In it he played the role of a teacher whose secretly-filmed rant about corruption goes viral, leading the character to become President. Zelenskyy’s <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter account</a> is now the most immediate and reliable way for many Ukrainians to get crucial information on the invasion and negotiations between Zelenskyy and other leaders. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Talked to <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> again. The United Kingdom is our powerful ally. Discussed the defensive support for 🇺🇦, intensification of anti-Russian sanctions and post-war security guarantees. We look forward to the donors' conference for Ukraine. — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1510336038199300101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2022</a></blockquote> The thousands of “shares” the posts receive are helping Ukraine’s communication campaign. Zelenskyy’s recent address to the Grammy Awards reinforces that he understands the necessity of remaining visible to the world at this critical point. His speech has produced much support on social media (as well as cries of “propaganda” from Russia’s supporters). <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy made a surprise video appearance at the music industry's star-studded Grammy Awards celebration in Las Vegas and appealed to viewers to support his country ‘in any way you can’ <a href="https://t.co/hwQYnEpLGx">https://t.co/hwQYnEpLGx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GRAMMYs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GRAMMYs</a> <a href="https://t.co/dKTBCkfEB8">pic.twitter.com/dKTBCkfEB8</a> — Reuters (@Reuters) <a href="https://twitter.com/Reuters/status/1510868519323410440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></blockquote> Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/KremlinRussia_E" target="_blank" rel="noopener">account</a> has been dormant since March 16.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/180131/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/collette-snowden-5543" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Collette Snowden</a>, Senior Lecturer, School of Communication, International Studies and Languages, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of South Australia</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/guns-tanks-and-twitter-how-russia-and-ukraine-are-using-social-media-as-the-war-drags-on-180131" target="_blank" rel="noopener">original article</a>. Image: Getty Images

Technology

Gun pulled during fight outside New Zealand school

A brawl between students at a high school turned vicious when one of them pulled a gun and pointed it at another girl’s head. Horrific footage shows the teenagers punching and yanking each other’s hair in front of shocked students at Otahuhu College in Auckland on Thursday. Suddenly, a student dressed in all black is marching toward another waving the gun around yelling: “You touch my sister again, touch her, touch her.” She approaches the other girl and holds the gun to her head telling her to go away. “Get the f*** out of here right now,” she yells. Principal Neil Watson confirmed that police were investigating the incident but it is still unclear whether or not the gun was real. “We have a member of the public with what looks like a firearm. We’re helping the police with their inquiries, and our priority is the safety and security of our families and students,” he told <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gun-drawn-during-fight-between-auckland-high-school-students/UNNRMV2JWDWQSXID6MVTVRROHQ/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NZ Herald</a>. The publication was sent the video by a worried police, as police confirm they have begun their enquiries. “It was a report of a group of people fighting. Inquiries are underway to speak to those involved to establish the circumstances.” Watch the incident <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gun-drawn-during-fight-between-auckland-high-school-students/UNNRMV2JWDWQSXID6MVTVRROHQ/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image: NZ Herald

News

5 blockbuster movies hitting the big screen in 2022

After a slow two years due to the pandemic, the world of blockbuster cinema is revving back up in 2022. With 2021 going out with a bang after the releases of No Time to Die, Dune, The Matrix Resurrections and many more, 2022 cinema has some big shoes to fill. With countless blockbusters on the calendar for 2022, here are just five highly anticipated releases to add to this year’s must-watch list. 1. The BatmanThe latest instalment from DC Comics comes in the form of The Batman, as the dark and gritty version of the superhero flick is not one to miss. Starring Robert Pattinson as Batman/Bruce Wayne, this highly anticipated movie has been gathering buzz since the first trailer was released in October last year. The film boasts an all-star cast including Paul Dano, Colin Farrell and Peter Sarsgaard, and is due to hit cinemas in March. 2. Top Gun: Maverick36 years after the success of Top Gun, the sequel is due to hit the big screen in May. After a two-year delay due to Covid, Top Gun: Maverick will see Tom Cruise jump back into his iconic role for another high-stakes mission. The film is directed by Joseph Kosiniski, and also stars Jon Hamm, Val Kilmer and Jennifer Connelly. 3. Jurassic World: DominionIn the third instalment of the Jurassic World trilogy, humanity must grapple with dangerous genetically enhanced reptiles on the loose. The film sees the return of Chris Pratt, while also featuring nostalgic cameos from Sam Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum. Jurassic World: Dominion is due to hit cinemas in June. 4. ElvisAustralian director Baz Luhrmann is taking on one of the most famous musicians in Elvis. Austin Butler will be playing the iconic singer, with Tom Hanks playing his manager Colonel Tom Parker. Other Aussie stars such as Olivia DeJonge, Richard Roxburgh and David Wenham are also joining the cast, with the film set to be released in June.5. Avatar 2More than 10 years after James Cameron’s revolutionary film Avatar was released, the sequel is due to hit the big screen in 2022. In the first of many sequels, familiar faces from the first movie, such as Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana, are due to return to their iconic roles. While there is no official trailer for the film yet, the Avatar Twitter account has shared stunning concept art images with fans to get them excited for the next instalment.Fans will still have a while to wait for the film, however, with a release date expected in December. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">ICYMI — Check out these stunning concept art images from Avatar 2! <a href="https://t.co/QVVK8cVU21">pic.twitter.com/QVVK8cVU21</a>— Avatar (@officialavatar) <a href="https://twitter.com/officialavatar/status/1437807131856564227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2021</a></blockquote>Image credits: DC Comics / 6th & Idaho Productions / Paramount Pictures

Movies

Gun-toting Santa stops supermarket thieves

A group of police officers are celebrating the holiday season – except not how we would quite imagine. Officers in Riverside, California, took part in an operation called “Santa’s intervention”, where they dressed as Santa and elves to stop alleged thieves from stealing. On Thursday, several police men and women waited outside Target dressed as Santa and his elves. “As the suspects exited the store with merchandise they just stole, Santa and his elf were waiting to take them into custody for the theft,” police said. “As a result of this operation, three arrests were made.” <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.9488817891374px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839244/police-santa-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/0ec0022f5fcc4113b20934a0ff18dc2e" /> A woman was arrested for allegedly stealing a trolley full of stolen items while a local homeless man was also detained after he entered a store while he was allegedly in possession of illegal drugs. A second man was arrested for allegedly stealing more than A$1300 worth of Lego. “Toward the conclusion of the operation, detectives received information about three suspicious men casing vehicles in the shopping centre parking lots,” police said. “One of the undercover detectives spotted these three men as they were in the act of stealing an older white Honda CR-V. “Two of the men saw the detective and ran off but were quickly apprehended by the other officers. One suspect resisted arrest but was taken into custody with the help of our undercover Santa, and the second was detained by the undercover elf.”

Legal

Mother's Day tragedy: Five-year-old kills brother with gun he found in the woods

A young child has accidentally killed his 12-year-old brother on Saturday after shooting him with an abandoned gun he found in the woods behind their home, according to police reports. The five-year-old told officials that after coming across the weapon, he thought it was a toy and accidentally shot his brother in the chest, said the police department in Griffin, Georgia. His brother was taken to hospital where he died from his injuries. Before the incident happened, Griffin police revealed, officers attempted a traffic stop in the area, but three men escaped the vehicle and fled “behind houses in close proximity to where this shooting occurred.” Police searched the area after the men fled and found a bag suspected to contain MDMA, but they found no weapons at the time. “The children were out here peacefully playing in the backyard on the trampoline,” neighbor Tom Whitehead, who owns an auto body shop in front of the family’s home, told CNN affiliate WGCL. “The little one found a gun ... Turns around, thinks he’s playing, says ‘bang bang.’ It was loaded and killed him. “Think about that mother. “The next day, Mother’s Day, and one boy is dead by the hand of his younger brother.” The police department’s Criminal Investigation Division is looking for the person suspected of abandoning the gun. A spokesperson for Griffin police told CNN they anticipate charges against those who discarded the gun and left it where young children were able to find it. “We will leave no stone unturned as we search for the individuals responsible for the abandonment of this weapon,” police chief Mike Yates said in a statement.

Family & Pets

Roger Federer praises young gun Aussie “demon”

Roger Federer has tipped “so many more things to come” for Australian tennis player Alex De Minaur after defeating him again. The 28-year-old sportsman has now won an unbelievable 103 career single titles - six shy of Jimmy Connors’ all time record. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B4I4eb_H1t3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B4I4eb_H1t3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Phil Bonney 🇦🇺 (@phil_bonney)</a> on Oct 27, 2019 at 3:41pm PDT </div> </blockquote> De Minaur is making his own strides in the tennis world however, who has three titles under his belt at 20-years-old. "I was really hoping that Roger was going to get sick of winning here and give someone else a chance," de Minaur said. "Too good again. That was amazing." Federer praised his opponent, saying: "So many more things to come for you. You are going up from here." <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B4D_xRjA9hs/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B4D_xRjA9hs/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Alex De Minaur Fan Page (@alexdeminaur_fan_page)</a> on Oct 25, 2019 at 6:09pm PDT </div> </blockquote> De Minaur had won all three of his finals this year, but proved to be no match for Federer, who converted four of 10 break points and also didn't drop serve during the 68-minute clinic. "It was fast but very nice, I think I played a great match," Federer said. While Federer claimed a fourth title of the season to go with Halle, Miami and Dubai, de Minaur got a rankings rise into the world's top 20 for the first time on Monday - an incredible achievement in itself. "I thought Alex played a great tournament as well, and I think we both can be very happy," Federer said. "But what a moment for me to win my 10th here in my hometown of Basel." De Minaur’s defeat was his first loss in four title deciders this year, having won in Sydney, Atlanta and Zhuhai.

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5 blockbuster movies hitting the big screen in 2022

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Mother's Day tragedy: Five-year-old kills brother with gun he found in the woods

Roger Federer praises young gun Aussie “demon”