Independent Australian news and analysis across politics, business, technology, world affairs and culture
Victoria Hayes Few Japanese actors have built a career quite like Kento Yamazaki, whose face you’ve almost certainly seen even if the name sounds new. From playing L in Death Note to leading Netflix’s global hit Alice in Borderland, he’s become one of Japan’s most in-demand stars. But all that fame has a flip side: a swirl … Read more
You’ve seen Sam Rockwell steal scenes in everything from Moon to Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and you probably wondered: what’s he actually like off-camera? Between the Academy Award, the stories about his hands, and a relationship that’s lasted nearly two decades, there’s a lot more to the actor than his IMDb page suggests. Here’s … Read more
Few performers leave such a strong imprint with deadpan delivery and a thousand-yard stare that you immediately recognize them in any role. Aubrey Plaza built a career on playing characters who seem completely unfazed, but her real life has involved moments that were anything but scripted. This article separates verified facts from the rumor mill, … Read more
If you grew up with a red-and-white-striped character named Waldo, you might be surprised to learn that the rest of the world knows him as Wally. The story behind that name swap reveals a fascinating clash of cultures, marketing decisions, and even a few controversies. First published: 1987 (UK) · Original series books: 7 · … Read more
When you first see Brandon Sklenar on screen as Spencer Dutton in 1923, there’s something instantly magnetic about him — a calm intensity that feels both old and new. He’s not yet a household name, but his résumé is quietly stacking up: from indie films to the Yellowstone prequel, Sklenar is on the verge of … Read more
If you’ve tuned into Australian breakfast radio anytime recently, you’ve likely heard Tommy Little’s voice cracking jokes alongside Carrie Bickmore. But behind the on-air banter is a comedian whose personal life — from an ADHD diagnosis to his relationship status — has become just as talked about as his stand-up sets. Here’s what we actually … Read more
Anyone who has ever slipped on a pair of Dr. Martens and spent the next week hobbling from heel pain knows the boot’s central paradox: it looks tough, but your feet might not feel the same. With the 1460 boot celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2025 and the brand pulling in £1.1 billion in annual … Read more
Anyone who’s been part of an AFL tipping competition knows the mix of optimism and dread that comes with picking winners each round. With over 2 million Australians in footy tipping pools, the race to beat the average is fiercer than ever. Australians in footy tipping competitions: over 2 million · Most popular platform: FootyTips.com.au … Read more
There’s a 6’6″ power forward who once grabbed a league-leading rebound average while being the shortest player ever to do it — Charles Barkley. Over 1,073 regular-season games he averaged 22.1 points and 11.7 rebounds per game, and yet his exact height still sparks debate. Height: 6’6″ (1.98 m) · Weight: 252 lb (114 kg) … Read more
Few footballers have taken a path quite like Jamie Vardy’s, from non-league obscurity to Premier League champion, but his story took another turn when he swapped Leicester for a surprising Serie A adventure. Off the pitch, a fractured friendship, a public legal battle, and a family rift have added layers of drama. Age: 38 (born … Read more