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Louder, wilder, and more combustible than ever, NZ’s finest punk n’ rollers, The D4, will be hitting home shores this coming February / March. They will be celebrating the FIRST EVER VINYL pressing of sophomore album Out Of My Head dropping February 7, 2025 via Warner Music. The D4 are running hot from a riotous, untamed tour across their spiritual stomping ground of Japan, and are now primed to explode back onto the local stage. With appearances at Kickdown Festival, opening for Shihad on their final tour, a mighty doubleheader with notorious stench rockers Head Like A Hole, and headline shows at favourite haunts. Rock'n'roll fans will be treated to their notorious and incendiary live performances, replete with a reputation for amplifiers catching on fire and sweat dripping from the ceiling. Expect the powerhouse show to include the classics ‘Rock'n'Roll Motherfucker’, ‘Sake Bomb’, ‘What I Want’, ‘Party’, ‘Come On!’, ‘Get Loose’ and ‘Ladies Man’ amongst a high octane set that will include a slew of NEVER BEFORE HEARD MATERIAL! This is your chance to see the band LIVE. The D4 full force, sonic assault!!! GET UP! GET OUT! GET LOOSE AOTEAROA!! FEB 7th || MT. MAUNGANUI @TOTARA STREET FEB 8th ||WHANGAMATA @KICKDOWN FESTIVAL FEB 21st || WELLINGTON @MEOW w/ HEAD LIKE A HOLE FEB 22nd || TAUPO @ROSEMARYS FEB 28th || KAIPARA@ THE ORIGINAL KAIPARA TAVERN MAR 1st || RAGLAN @HARBOUR VIEW HOTEL MAR 14th || AUCKLAND @SPARK ARENA w/ SHIHAD MAR 15th || CHRISTCHURCH @LOONS Between 1998-2006, The D4 took on the world and their run sheet is impressive. They toured relentlessly playing clubs and festivals in the US, UK, Japan, Europe, Australia and New Zealand - these included, SXSW, Glastonbury, Reading, Leeds, Fuji Rock, Pukkelpop and The Big Day Out. On the strength of their live shows and the reception of the recorded material, The D4 were lauded by stalwarts of the scene past and present and invited to play and tour alongside legacy heroes and contemporary upstarts including: The New York Dolls, Radio Birdman, Bored!, Powdermonkeys, the Dictators, Bo Diddley, the Pretty Things, Iggy and the Stooges, Guitar Wolf, and The Hives. “One of the greatest Kiwi live bands...” Graham Reid, Elsewhere. John Peel invited the band to record a Peel Live session that aired on his legendary BBC Radio 1 show and they performed live on late night US TV shows, David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel, Craig Kilborn and Last Call with Carson Daly. The D4 was assembled by vocalist/guitarists Dion Lunadon and Jimmy Christmas who put together a collection of songs and built a fierce four-piece combo, featuring founding members English Jake and Rich Mixture. The band was later enhanced by members Vaughan Williams (bass) and Beaver Pooley (drums). To celebrate the anniversary of Out Of My Head, Warner Music NZ and Rhythmethod will be pressing a very limited run on tasty 180g vinyl, accompanied by BONUS UNRELEASED material from The D4 vaults. Records and merch will be available at all shows while stocks last!News Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News. It’s been a rough couple of years for the Territory. In fact, the past decade has been a bit of a battle. An economy stuck in neutral, spiralling public debt, rising crime and social dysfunction and a series of underwhelming governments have combined to leave the Territory on struggle street. There’s perhaps no better indicator of our plight than Darwin house prices. At its peak in May 2014, Darwin’s median house price was a tick over $645,000. More than 10 years on – and even with the benefit of an artificial spike driven by a temporarily shifting population and record low interests rates during Covid - that median house price has gone backwards by about 10 per cent. Today it sits at just over $580,000. For those who bought at or around the peak, it means they’ve spent a decade with little, no, or even negative equity in their most significant asset. Aerial view of Darwin's Waterfront Precinct. That factor alone can have a devastating impact on the local economy, drying up discretionary spending and in the process making it more difficult for businesses to turn a decent profit. Our net interstate migration, which has reached record lows in the past two years, would perhaps be worse if not for the fact so many people would be forced to sell their home at a loss if they wanted to up stumps and leave. But as we head into 2025, could there finally be cause for some optimism? Could this be the year we finally turn the corner? Real estate agents are not a traditionally reliable source of information when assessing the future prospects of a housing market, but many are quietly talking about a recent uptick that has the potential to continue. It’s being driven by many things, among them the fact that our housing market has fallen so far it now represents outstanding value to studious investors. You can buy an established home in Darwin for a price significantly less than what it costs to build a new one, and that’s before you add the cost of the land. But there are also signs the economy is turning. Gas from the Barossa field will be exported to Darwin LNG via a new export pipeline tied into the existing Bayu-Darwin Pipeline. Supplied Next year will see Santos process the first gas from its Barossa field at the Darwin LNG plant. After fighting off a series of legal challenges, Barossa will be full steam ahead in 2025, delivering 350 permanent jobs in the Top End for the next 20 years, with an estimated $2.5 billion worth of wages and contracts expected to flow for Territorians. Empire Energy and Tamboran Resources are expecting to produce their first gas from the Beetaloo Basin by the end of 2025. This will help keep out lights on in the short-term and has the potential to create thousands of jobs and provide much-needed royalties for the NT Government. Interestingly, Santos has had a recent change of heart on its position in relation to the Beetaloo. Tamboran Resources Shenandoah South Pilot Project site amid the vast Beetaloo Basin in the Northern Territory. Speaking at an Energy Club lunch in Darwin in February, Santos CEO Kevin Gallagher said the uncertain regulatory framework in Australia and the company’s bruising legal battles when trying to develop Barossa meant it was unlikely to pursue development in the Beetaloo any time soon. “Until we tighten up the (regulations) until approval means approval, it’s very difficult to see (investment),” he said. “Would I be throwing a lot of capital into the Beetaloo right now? Not on your Nellie because I don’t know when I’m ever going to get a return on it.” But a changing political landscape and a growing acceptance that there is no renewable energy future without gas playing a significant role has Santos singing from a different song sheet. “We’re looking to actually do some further appraisal in 2026 and we’re really excited about just how supportive the new Northern Territory government is to actually exploiting these opportunities,” Santos executive vice president Brett Darley said following the company’s Darwin board meeting earlier this month. “This is a fantastic resource for us.” Diggers on parade at Robertson Barracks. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL Darwin will also benefit from a shift in Defence resources. The Australian Army’s 7RAR has just returned to Darwin to rejoin 5RAR after a decade in Adelaide. Significant upgrades continue at Robertson Barracks and Tindal Air Base, and next year Japanese troops will join US Marines for training exercises in the Top End. All of this could mean the Territory’s economic prospects will finally show some improvement in 2025. This might be an overly optimistic view. But if your glass isn’t half full at the start of the year, when will it be? Here’s to better days ahead. More Coverage The Territory resource that’s driving a private investment boom Camden Smith Deploying the ADF domestically causes ‘tension’, report finds Harry Brill Originally published as Matt Cunningham analysis of major infrastructure impacts on NT economy Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories News Bill could top $35K after Katherine servo smash-and-grab: Police Katherine Police are investigating after a service station was targeted overnight , with tens of thousands of dollars worth of cigarettes stolen, and damage caused. Read more News Deploying the ADF domestically causes ‘tension’, report finds While the tragedy of Cyclone Tracy provided the ADF a blueprint in how to deliver effective disaster relief, a new report notes a “perceived tension” lingers around the issue of deploying troops in a domestic context. Read more(The Center Square) – U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., has been appointed to lead a subcommittee dedicated to working with President-elect Donald Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency. Known as a Republican firebrand and close ally of Trump, Greene has already set her sights on rooting out “every penny of waste and abuse.” “We’ll be looking at everything from government-funded media programs like NPR that spread nothing but Democrat propaganda, we’ll be going into grant programs that fund things like sex apps in Malaysia, toilets in Africa,” she said on a media appearance Sunday morning. The subcommittee will be under the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, which is chaired by U.S. Rep. James Comer, R-Ky. “We want to make the government more efficient,” Comer said on a media appearance . “We want to work for the taxpayers, not the bureaucrats. We hate the deep state, we’ve dealt with the deep state, we’ve fought the deep state.” He added that Republicans are excited to implement the recommendations of DOGE, which, as an advisory committee, will have to work with Trump and Congress to change policies. “What Trump has ... are willing partners to make government more efficient,” Comer said of Congress. Elon Musk, CEO of X and Tesla Motors, and Vivek Ramaswamy are currently heading up DOGE. “Looking forward to working together with Congress,” Ramaswamy said on social media of Greene’s appointment . “Proper oversight of agencies and public transparency are critical.” DOGE has made it a key part of its plan to address the national debt of $36 trillion. That is $273,000 owed per taxpayer. More from this section “This trend must be reversed, and we must balance the budget,” DOGE posted . For her part, Greene has promised to “drain the swamp,” stating that “nothing is off the table” when it comes to holding government agencies like the Pentagon accountable. “Our government should steward every single cent of your hard-earned money,” Greene said. “The DOGE subcommittee will expose the waste and bring truth and transparency to the American people.” Bureaucrats and independent contractors will also be on the chopping block, in what Greene called a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make real transformational change to government to benefit the American people.” “In the private sector, if you’re not doing a good job, you get fired,” she said on social media . “But for some reason, in government, bad employees – whether they’re failing to do the job they were hired to do or working in roles that are no longer needed – never get fired. This is incredibly unfair to the hard-working taxpayers of our country, and it’s about to change.” Recently, an audit of the IRS found that its employees and contractors owe millions in taxes, all while the agency warned thousands of taxpayers that they could face jail time. “The same unelected IRS government employees and contractors, who owe $50 million in unpaid taxes, would throw Americans in jail for not paying their taxes,” Greene said of the audit . “Time to hold them all accountable.” Greene also addressed Democrats' accusations that the subcommittee will go after programs like Social Security. “No, Senator Warren, we are not going to take away a senior’s Social Security. That’s a lie,” Greene responded on social media . “We are going to investigate all areas of the federal government like CFPB, an ‘independent’ agency inside the federal government. Beholden to no one. Ran by unelected bureaucrats.”
Article content Cruising can be an ideal vacation, serving up something for everyone. The stunning sea. The fabulous food. And the exotic pleasures of a variety of ports of call. But when you add luxury to the itinerary, a cruising vacation sails to the next level. That was certainly our experience from the moment we boarded Silversea’s Silver Nova — and especially when we opened the door to our cabin for the first time. I and my best friend and travelling companion guffawed in awe. Having travelled on several cruise lines before, this was our first sailing in suite accommodations, and oh how sweet they were. But more on that shortly. First things first ... THE NOVA SHIPS Launched in 2023, Silver Nova, along with sister ship Silver Ray, which began sailing this past summer, belong to the ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line’s new Nova class of ships. The idea, Silversea touts, is to bring passengers closer to their destinations than ever before thanks to innovative designs and curated experiences. The Nova-class ships are asymmetrical, a first for Silversea and a construction that allows for most of the steel structure of the ship to be inside, giving way to larger window openings. How large? Well, the ships have more than 4,000 square metres of exterior glass — and that means plenty of incredible views from virtually every space. In fact, the Nova ships want to put the focus on the destinations so much that 100% of the elevators are water-facing, a first for a cruise ship, says Silversea. I’m usually a take-the-stairs gal (helps balance all the vacation calories!), and the ship isn’t massive so it’s very easy to get around. But I opted a few times to take the elevator just for the views (and take it from me, it doesn’t take much to miss your floor as you’re gazing at the blue ocean and sky outside!). The decor is “whispered luxury” — where the design disappears so that the guest can be at the centre — harkening to the cruise line’s Italian roots with soft and neutral tones complemented by ocean and earth-inspired accents. The spaces feel rich yet also bright and comfortable. SWEET SUITES The Nova ships are the largest yet for Silversea and have 364 suites — with 13 categories to choose from — each boasting private balconies with glass balustrades, walk-in closets, and the luxury of 24-hour butler service. What amazed us about our Medallion Suite was that it felt more like we were in a five-star hotel room than on a cruise ship. Open the cabin door and you enter into a hallway that accesses a powder room which links to a washroom with a large shower, separate deep tub and wide sink. Then there’s a central bedroom — that can be sealed off for privacy with sliding panels — with the walk-in closet that leads to the washroom, plus a desk area and also a sitting area with fridge, TV, couch, table and chair. All that PLUS the expansive balcony meant we never felt claustrophobic in our quarters. And that fridge? It is stocked daily with our favourite choices thanks to our butler — did we mention Silversea is all-inclusive with around-the-clock in-suite dining? The roomy suites are perfect for long voyages, which are part of Silversea’s diverse itinerary roster that hits more than 900 destinations on all seven continents (it wasn’t too bad for our too-short weekend cruise either!). POOL TIME Another bonus of asymmetrical ship design is that instead of having the outdoor pool in the centre on Deck 10, with lounge chairs surrounding it facing inward and blocking the view of the sea, the pool is built to the side so that you can look out at the ocean and the destinations while taking a swim. As a water fan, I love that because sea views, for me, are one of the best parts about cruising. Plus, the Nova pool deck seating mostly looks out to the horizon, which like the outfacing venues on board keep the destinations in focus, a key aspect of the ship design. Though my favourite place to be during warm sailing days, the pool deck is far from the only space to enjoy on the Nova ships. Tops for me also includes the Venetian Lounge (theatre with cabaret-style seating to take in live performances, movies and more), the Panorama Lounge (for late-night dancing), the Observation Lounge (from which you can access the super-cool Library), and the Otium Spa (modern fitness area and treatment rooms plus an indoor pool and relaxation area inspired by Roman baths). FOODIE FUN “The truest way to experience a destination is through the indigenous bounty and the food and drink the place is known for” ~ Chef Nina Compton, godmother of Silver Nova Spotlighting the spectacular ports of call continues with Silversea’s S.A.L.T. culinary program. Sea and Land Taste brings local food, wine and culinary expertise from every destination on board and offers shore excursions for passengers to delve deeper into the local cuisine. Part of the experience includes exclusive access to culinary experts, restaurateurs, food and drink producers, and authors. In addition to the S.A.L.T. Kitchen restaurant and S.A.L.T. Bar, passengers can try their hand at crafting dishes in the S.A.L.T. Lab during the day (I was better than I would have imagined at making Johnny cakes!), while at night, the space on the Nova ships offers Chef’s Table, an interactive dining experience of 11 courses for a small group. Chefs prepare the meal right in front of you while explaining its origins and telling stories, guiding you along the way so that you get so much more than just a delicious meal — you walk away with an understanding of the culture, history and gastronomy of the destination. And you know it’s legit because Silversea says it is the only cruise line to have a food anthropologist who checks all the menus and lab classes to make sure the details are right in what they talk about, where the ingredients are from or even how they are spelled. The ship dining options aren’t limited to S.A.L.T., either, with a total of nine restaurants on board along with 10 bars and lounges that range from cozy to elegant. Highlights for us included Marquee, an outdoor space with soaring slated shades and tiled floor near the pool offering a pizzeria and a grill, the Dusk Bar with its relaxed outdoor space perfect for watching sunsets, and the gourmet meals served three times a day at elegant Atlantide. RESPONSIBLE SAILING The Nova-class ships were built with sustainability in mind and have hybrid power systems that parent company Royal Caribbean Group — which also includes Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean lines — says are a significant step towards a net zero future. Liquified natural gas (LNG) is the main fuel source, backed up by a bank of batteries, helping the ships be 40% more energy efficient than required international standards. A heat waste recovery system harnesses excess heat to use elsewhere in the ship like the boilers, and a waste management system helps reduce air emissions and keep waste from landfill. Couple all that with increased use of LED lighting to lower power consumption and single-use plastics elimination, and Silversea says its Nova ships put safeguarding the oceans at the forefront. IF YOU GO Silversea has a dress code in indoor spaces after 6 p.m. (no jeans, shorts, sneakers or flip flops), with either elegant casual or formal wear as an option. Casual wear akin to five-star resorts is always OK in outdoor venues. If it sounds stuffy, it sure never felt that way. It’s relaxed luxury and we are here for it. Find out more about Silver Nova, Silver Ray and the rest of Silversea’s fleet and cruising options at silversea.com . cmcleod@postmedia.com
Evans scores again as Canadiens down Lightning 5-2CHICOPEE — Sam Shumsky, city councilor for Ward 6, has posted a statement today on social media that he has received physical and online threats from the public. “I have received numerous phone calls, with two that included threats of acts that go as far as to wish severe injury and even death against me,” he said.
DENVER (AP) — So you're the most valuable player of that annual Thanksgiving Day backyard flag football game. Or played tackle football on any level. Or ran track. Or dabbled in basketball. Or toyed with any sport, really. Well, this may be just for you: USA Football is holding talent identification camps all over the country to find that next flag football star. It's “America’s Got Talent” meets “American Idol,” with the stage being the field and the grand prize a chance to compete for a spot on a national team. Because it’s never too early to start planning for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where flag football will make its Summer Games debut. Know this, though — it's not an easy team to make. The men's and women's national team rosters are at “Dream Team” status given the men’s side has captured six of the last seven world championships and the women three in a row. To remain on top, the sport's national governing body is scouring every football field, park, track, basketball court and gym to find hidden talent to cultivate. USA Football has organized camps and tryouts from coast to coast for anyone ages 11 to 23. There are more than a dozen sites set up so far, ranging from Dallas (Sunday) to Chicago (Dec. 14) to Tampa (March 29) to Los Angeles (TBD) and the Boston area (April 27), where it will be held at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. The organization has already partnered with the NFL on flag football initiatives and programs. The numbers have been through the roof, with engagement on social media platforms increasing by 86% since flag football was announced as an Olympic invitational sport in October 2023 . The participation of boys and girls ages 6 to 17 in flag football last year peaked at more than 1.6 million, according to USA Football research. “We pride ourselves on elevating the gold standard across the sport,” said Eric Mayes, the managing director of the high performance and national teams for USA Football. “We want to be the best in the world — and stay the best in the world.” Flag football was one of five new sports added to the LA28 program. The already soaring profile of American football only figures to be enhanced by an Olympic appearance. Imagine, say, a few familiar faces take the field, too. Perhaps even NFL stars such as Tyreek Hill or Patrick Mahomes, maybe even past pro football greats donning a flag belt for a country to which they may have ties. Soon after flag football's inclusion, there was chatter of NFL players possibly joining in on the fun. Of course, there are logistical issues to tackle before their inclusion at the LA Olympics, which open July 14, 2028. Among them, training camp, because the Olympics will be right in the middle of it. The big question is this: Will owners permit high-priced players to duck out for a gold-medal pursuit? No decisions have yet been made on the status of NFL players for the Olympics. For now, it's simply about growing the game. There are currently 13 states that sanction girls flag football as a high school varsity sport. Just recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles helped pave the way to get it adopted in Pennsylvania. Around the world, it's catching on, too. The women's team from Japan took third at the recent word championships, while one of the best players on the planet is Mexico quarterback Diana Flores . “Could flag football globally become the new soccer? That’s something to aspire to," said Stephanie Kwok , the NFL's vice president of flag football. This type of flag football though, isn't your Thanksgiving Day game with family and friends. There's a learning curve. And given the small roster sizes, versatility is essential. Most national team members need to be a version of Colorado’s two-way standout and Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter. Forget bump-and-run coverage, too, because there's no contact. None. That took some adjusting for Mike Daniels, a defensive back out of West Virginia who earned a rookie minicamp invitation with the Cleveland Browns in 2017. “If a receiver is running around, I’m thinking, ‘OK, I can kind of bump him here and there and nudge him,’” Daniels explained. “They’re like, ‘No, you can’t.’ I’m just like, ‘So I’m supposed to let this guy just run?!’ I really rebelled at the idea at first. But you learn.” The competition for an Olympic roster spot is going to be fierce because only 10 players are expected to make a squad. The best 10 will earn it, too, as credentials such as college All-American or NFL All-Pro take a backseat. “I would actually love" seeing NFL players try out, said Daniels, who's also a personal trainer in Miami. “I’m not going to let you just waltz in here, thinking, ‘I played NFL football for five years. I’m popular. I have a huge name.’ I’m still better than you and I'm going to prove it — until you prove otherwise.” Around the house, Bruce Mapp constantly swivels his hips when turning a hallway corner or if his daughter tries to reach for a hug. It’s his way of working on avoiding a “defender” trying to snare the flag. That approach has earned the receiver out of Coastal Carolina four gold medals with USA Football. The 31-year-old fully plans on going for more gold in Los Angeles. “You grow up watching Usain Bolt (win gold) and the ‘Redeem Team’ led by Kobe Bryant win a gold medal, you're always thinking, ‘That's insane.' Obviously, you couldn't do it in your sport, because I played football," said Mapp, who owns a food truck in the Dallas area. "With the Olympics approaching, that (gold medal) is what my mind is set on." It's a common thought, which is why everything — including talent camps — starts now. “Everybody thinks, ‘Yeah, the U.S. just wins,’” Daniels said. “But we work hard all the time. We don’t just walk in. We don’t just get off the bus thinking, ‘We’re going to beat people.’” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFLMusicians, actors, politicians, and public figures paid tribute to former President Jimmy Carter, celebrating his philanthropic and political legacy. at the age of 100 in his Georgia home on Sunday. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden reflected on their close relationship with the former president, calling him “a dear friend.” “What’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well,” they wrote in a . Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama honored Carter’s philanthropic work after he left the White House, calling it “the longest, and most impactful, post-presidency in American history — monitoring more than 100 elections around the world; helping virtually eliminate Guinea worm disease, an infection that had haunted Africa for centuries; becoming the only former president to earn a Nobel Peace Prize; and building or repairing thousands of homes in more than a dozen countries with his beloved Rosalynn as part of Habitat for Humanity.” “Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others — until the very end,” former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary Hillary Clinton wrote in a . President-elect Donald Trump posted a on Truth Social: “The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer remembered Carter’s legacy of service: “President Carter’s faith in the American people and his belief in the power of kindness and humility leave a strong legacy,” he said in a . “He taught us that the strength of a leader lies not in rhetoric but in action, not in personal gain but in service to others.” Former Georgia State Representative Stacey Abrams called Carter “a giant who never saw anyone as smaller than himself.” “Whether at a Boys & Girls Club banquet or when he sponsored a medical clinic for the uninsured in his corner of rural Georgia, he lived James 2:17 each day,” she on X. “Jimmy Carter built homes, saved lives and tended to souls.” Heart lead singer Nancy Wilson called Carter “an incredible bridge between policy and our humanity,” while actress Jamie Lee Curtis wrote a brief tribute on Instagram that said, “Thank you for teaching us all how to be humans Mr. President.” Killer Mike, who was born in Carter’s home state, to X: “I am honored to say I have known a ‘Good Man’ who truly made a difference in a wicked world.” Sign up for . 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