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Rory Stewart reveals family’s reaction to viral Newsnight stare moment
Rory Stewart has described how his family reacted after a moment during a BBC Newsnight appearance became viral online. He spun in his chair and stared at fellow panellist Ailbhe Rea, prompting widespread attention and speculation about his behaviour. The incident took place on 18 September, with presenter Matt Chorley suggesting Stewart was probably listening…
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‘Mum, where did my Robux go?’ The Roblox scam targeting children
Criminals are targeting children who play Roblox with fake offers of free Robux, using phishing websites to steal login details and personal data. The scams matter because stolen accounts can allow fraudsters to take valuable virtual currency or sell users’ information. NordVPN researchers found almost 200 addresses selling ready-made Roblox phishing pages during a seven-day…
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Rodney Travis Jr to serve 15 years for cat abuse scam
Rodney Travis Jr, 27, pleaded guilty in Virginia to animal abuse and computer fraud after prosecutors said he injured and killed cats to create misleading social-media videos and solicit donations. He is due to serve 15 years in prison, described as the largest animal-abuse penalty in the state’s history. International online investigators helped identify and…
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Israeli UN envoy’s Starlink video reaches millions, with nearly 40% of Instagram viewers in Iran
A video of Israel’s UN ambassador, Danny Danon, offering a Starlink device to an Iranian representative has attracted about nine million views across social media. Israeli officials said the video’s reach in Iran was unusual and significant because it conveyed a message supporting internet access and freedom of expression for Iranians. Instagram analytics indicated that…
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What is the ancient instrument featured on The Troggs’ 1966 hit ‘Wild Thing’?
The Troggs’ 1966 recording of ‘Wild Thing’ helped make the sexually suggestive song a landmark of rebellious rock and roll. Written by Chip Taylor in 1965, it was initially recorded by the Wild Ones but only became a major success after The Troggs gave it a louder, more aggressive sound. The song’s distinctive instrumental break…
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Massachusetts lesbian venue faces backlash after relaxing Saturday mask rules
Last Ditch Bar and Arts Venue, a lesbian bar in Greenfield, Massachusetts, attracted national attention after making masks optional on Saturday nights, ending its strict KN95 requirement one day a week. The change was intended to help the financially struggling venue remain open, but prompted strong criticism from some local patrons, who argued it could…
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Texas dropped some celebrations against Tennessee that were about as unhinged as they come
Texas players made two controversial celebrations during their ranked SEC victory over Tennessee, drawing widespread attention online. Colin Simmons was penalised for mimicking urinating after a sack, while Raleek Brown performed an exaggerated gesture after scoring, prompting criticism and ridicule. Simmons’s celebration reduced a 16-yard sack to a one-yard loss because of the unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty,…
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‘My Sad Dead’ Review: An Urban Community Gets the Haunting It Deserves in Pablo Larraín’s Superb Modern Gothic
Variety praises Pablo Larraín’s “My Sad Dead” as an ambitious, macabre and darkly comic modern Gothic based on Mariana Enriquez’s short stories. The film follows Ema, a retired doctor who can see violent ghosts, as she becomes reluctantly involved in the troubled Buenos Aires neighbourhood of Piedrabuena, using supernatural horror to explore urban violence, social…
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Viral Lesbian Bar Article From Boston Globe Is Piquing Hollywood’s Interest
A Boston Globe article published on 22 September about a Western Massachusetts lesbian bar that dropped its KN-95 mask requirement, triggering fierce backlash from former patrons, has gone viral and become one of the most-read stories in the publication’s history. The unexpected success has attracted Hollywood’s interest, with UTA (the talent agency representing the Globe)…
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Stephen King’s Forgotten Horror Cult Classic Officially Haunts Free Streaming
The Stephen King adaptation “1408,” starring John Cusack, has become available to stream free with advertisements on Tubi. The film centres on a paranormal investigator who checks into room 1408 at New York’s Dolphin Hotel, where 56 guests have died unexpectedly over its 95-year history, to debunk the supernatural claims for his book. The film…