Top Gun came out in the spring of 1986, a movie so big, so wall-to-wall, so resistance-is-futile that you just had to coexist with the damn thing until it finally went away. Now—like one of those flowers that comes into bloom only once every 40 years—it’s back. Apparently Paramount had been after Tom Cruise to make a sequel before the original even opened , which is no surprise. In the 1980s studio executives began to operate more like hedge-fund managers, strip-mining any possible asset in a movie by making sequel after sequel until the thing was finally taken off life support. We can blame Francis Ford Coppola for that; in the 1970s he did the stunning and unrepeatable thing of making one of the greatest American movies of all time—and then making a sequel that was even better. In the ’80s Hollywood tweaked this golden formula by making horrible movies and then a series of progressively worse sequels (unintentionally giving birth to the greatest title in movie history: Rambo: … [Read more...] about Heck Yeah, Tom Cruise
Jennifer garner latest movie
British Army hit by cyberattack as Twitter and YouTube accounts hacked
The British Army has confirmed a "breach" of its Twitter and YouTube accounts. The Ministry of Defence said an investigation is under way after both official sites appeared to have been hacked. The Army's YouTube channel features videos on cyptocurrency and images of billionaire businessman Elon Musk, while its official Twitter account retweeted a number of posts appearing to relate to crypto assets known as NFTs. The profile picture on its twitter page was changed numerous times during the hack, and at one point showed a monkey wearing face paint. The bio was replaced with the message: “We all have a dark side. What will yours look like?” Defence sources would not comment on whether Russians were behind the hack. Hacking of soldiers’ details has been a feature of the war in Ukraine, with hacker group Anonymous claiming to have released the personal details of 120,000 Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine in early April. The British Army cyber attack is the latest … [Read more...] about British Army hit by cyberattack as Twitter and YouTube accounts hacked
It’s 4 July – but the US has nothing to celebrate this Independence Day
It’s 4 July, but the USA has a lot more to be ashamed of than to celebrate. Rather than parades, hot dogs and fireworks, let’s take the past few weeks alone as a snapshot of what the “land of the free” really symbolises in 2022: turmoil over abortion, civil rights, gun control and insurrection. Does the US deserve a birthday party? Not from where I’m standing from across the pond (and don’t get me wrong: Britain wouldn’t warrant streamers and confetti either, not after the likes of Partygate , Tory sleaze , Brexit and the shocking, inhumane treatment of refugees ) – but if you were to ask me what immediately springs to mind when I think of the US at the moment, it’s the heinous overturning of Roe v Wade and the continued oppression of women . Just last night, I was transfixed with horror while watching the hashtag #shes10 trend on Twitter, as people reacted to news that a 10-year-old rape victim was forced to travel to a neighbouring state after … [Read more...] about It’s 4 July – but the US has nothing to celebrate this Independence Day
I was a swim coach and I agree with Tom Daley – trans athletes need more inclusion
I have coached some of the bravest women in sport, who have fought social exclusion and cultural barriers, just to participate in their chosen vocation. While working for the United Nations in Pakistan, I volunteered my time as assistant coach to the national swimming team. The full-time coach concentrated on supporting the men, and I concentrated on supporting the women. If you were to think of a group of athletes who had to struggle against social norms and exclusion, being a female swimmer in an Islamic country would be among those facing the greatest challenges, merely to participate. While none of the women and girls I coached ever achieved an Olympic gold medal, they did win their heats at Olympics and often won medals at the Asian Games. Simply competing showed other women and girls in Pakistan that participation in sport was possible. Back in 1988, when I was swimming, a courageous young boy named Mark was in my squad. Mark was almost totally blind and totally … [Read more...] about I was a swim coach and I agree with Tom Daley – trans athletes need more inclusion
Cristiano Ronaldo leaving ‘not a bad thing’ as Man Utd backed to make major additions now
Messi world's highest paid athlete with Ronaldo also featuring in Top 10 Sign up HERE for breaking transfer news, team updates and latest gossip SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Manchester United will not be a bad thing, according to Paul Parker. But the former Red Devils right-back is insistent the club must move fast to bring in new signings, including a striker. Related articles Man Utd: Ten Hag makes transfer decision after furious Carrington row Ronaldo angered two Man Utd players before talk of exit arose Ronaldo has told United he wants to leave in this window. The Portugal superstar wants to play in the Champions League, a competition Erik ten Hag's side will … [Read more...] about Cristiano Ronaldo leaving ‘not a bad thing’ as Man Utd backed to make major additions now
Tottenham ‘ask about signing second Barcelona player’ during Clement Lenglet negotiations
Memphis Depay: Lyon forward scores stunning free-kick Sign up HERE for the latest MUFC breaking news and transfer updates SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Tottenham have reportedly asked about signing Memphis Depay during their negotiations to take Clement Lenglet to north London. Lenglet is set to join Spurs on a season-long loan but he is not the only Barcelona player they are seemingly keen on bringing to the club in this window. Related articles Ronaldo angered two Man Utd players before talk of exit arose Ronaldo being pushed towards Man Utd exit door by two players Depay has been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp in recent months. He only joined the club last summer on a free … [Read more...] about Tottenham ‘ask about signing second Barcelona player’ during Clement Lenglet negotiations
Thai Airways horror as women attempted to board flight with 109 live animals stowed in bag
India: 16ft python rescued with six other snakes in Odisha Sign up for FREE for latest news plus tips to save money and the environment SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Officers discovered 50 chameleons, 35 turtles, 20 snakes, two white porcupines and two armadillos in bags. The two women had attempted to board a Thai Airways flight to Chennai in India. Related articles Where is the safest place in the UK during nuclear war? Top 20 areas Brexit Britain on brink of new trade victory, hints Jacinda Ardern A routine airport scan at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport on Monday roused suspicions. The women have been charged under Thailand's Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act, Animal Epidemic Act … [Read more...] about Thai Airways horror as women attempted to board flight with 109 live animals stowed in bag
Putin nightmare as huge Moscow tower block catches fire and fills sky with black smoke
Russia: Fire breaks out at Moscow City Towers Sign up for our news briefing, including a daily special Russia-Ukraine edition SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Fire broke out on the roof of the mammoth but yet unfinished Capital Towers building that is around 300m high and has 66 floors. Scaffolding caught fire at the top of the massive building, which had due to be finished later this year, according to local reports. Emergency services rushed to the scene, with the Ministry of Emergency Situations saying only that firefighters were investigating the incident. Related articles Putin under pressure as Kremlin growing 'upset' over sanctions Ukraine LIVE: Zelensky prepares for fresh attacks from Belarus … [Read more...] about Putin nightmare as huge Moscow tower block catches fire and fills sky with black smoke
‘It’s over for them’ Meghan and Harry warned ‘the Firm wins’ if new Oprah chat goes ahead
Meghan and Harry warned against new Oprah chat Sign up for FREE royal alerts SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Meghan Markle and Prince Harry faced much criticism after airing their complaints about treatment received whilst serving as working members of the Royal Family to Oprah Winfrey in 2021. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have now been tipped for a second interview with the talk show presenter after being spotted leaving her home in California earlier last week. But commentator Dylan Howard questioned the subject the pair could focus on, suggesting Meghan and Harry would struggle to emerge victorious in a further confrontation with the Royal Family. Related articles Meghan 'toying with idea' of tell-all … [Read more...] about ‘It’s over for them’ Meghan and Harry warned ‘the Firm wins’ if new Oprah chat goes ahead
Record four month wait to buy a house as market is paralysed by ‘broken’ system
Martin Roberts discusses the rise in house prices Get pensions news and advice plus latest money alerts for FREE now SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info The average time for a property purchase from accepted offer to completion in the year to date is now 133 days. Bureaucracy, long-winded legal procedures, council red tape and a shortage of lawyers and conveyancers – many of whom are still working from home - are dragging the property market to a standstill, experts warn. Related articles 'Bizarre': Prince Andrew still lives with Sarah in £30m home Princess Beatrice is expected to move to Cotswolds - inside £3.5m home And people are losing thousands of pounds in surveys and solicitors fees as … [Read more...] about Record four month wait to buy a house as market is paralysed by ‘broken’ system