Lifestyle

News on consumer habits, trends, and lifestyle spending.

Lifestyle
Amazon acquires creative control of James Bond films
Amazon MGM Studios struck a deal with Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli to house James Bond intellectual property rights. According to Deadline, the deal where Amazon would get full creative control over 007’s franchise was around US$1 billion. “Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment,” Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios head, Mike Hopkins said. “We are honoured to continue this treasured heritage, and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.” Amazon acquired MGM, including a catalogue of more than 4,000 films and 17,000 TV shows, in 2022 for $8.25 billion. The deal gave Amazon the rights to distribute the James Bond films and with this new transaction, they will be given greater control over the film series’s legacy. The new partnership possibly hints at Amazon MGM gearing up to announce and new Bond film and since Daniel Craig announced that he would not be appearing in a fifth Bond film, the studio will have to find an eighth actor to carry on the legacy. Amazon founder and executive chairman, Jeff Bezos took to Xto stir excitement about the new venture. “Who
Lifestyle
Weeks before Netflix's launch, Markle changes her show
Netflix's upcoming series, "With Love, Meghan", produced by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is set to premiere on 4 March. The show's debut was originally scheduled for January, but was postponed due to the devastating California wildfires, a decision Netflix supported. Meghan, 43, expressed gratitude for the delay, highlighting the importance of focusing on those affected by wildfires in her home state of California. The series, which blends practical how-to’s and candid conversations with friends, was meant to showcase Meghan sharing personal tips and tricks, embracing playfulness over perfection. Filmed in Montecito, California, the original show was to feature Meghan and her guests, including Roy Choi, Mindy Kaling, Alice Waters, and even Prince Harry, engaging in activities like cooking, gardening, and beekeeping. Despite anticipation, the series faces criticism and controversy. Critics have labelled the show as "tone-deaf" and "out of touch," arguing that Meghan's glamorous lifestyle is unattainable for most viewers. As such, it has been reported the content of the upcoming series will change dramatically. According to a new report, the show will feature humanitarian aid to displaced communities - a radica
Lifestyle
New government vows to end chaos with Olympics plan
The Queensland Government has named the date it will unveil its plan for delivering the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games after years of indecision and infighting. The new Liberal/National Party Government, which was elected in October 2024, said it would announce the plan on 25 March. Although the state capital of Brisbane was awarded the Games in 2021, no decision has been made on the location of the main stadium and athletics venues and debate has raged about the cost at a time when the state government faces major fiscal challenges. The Government has blamed the Labor Party, which had governed in the northern state for 30 of the previous 35 years, for what it called “more than 1200 days of Games chaos”. Deputy Premier Jarrod Blaikie said the plan would be released with the final report of the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority, the body overseeing and coordinating the infrastructure development and planning for the 2032 Games. He said more than 5,000 submissions were made to the Authority, which was due to hand the final to the Government on 8 March and, following consultation, Cabinet would sign off on the plan on 24 March. Bleijie said the Government would deliver the plan to “final
Lifestyle
Music industry dispute spins into court with $2m claim
Australia’s only listed music company Vinyl Group has been sued in the New South Wales Supreme Court by companies related to the former CEO of a company it purchased in 2024. Vinyl Group rejected Luke Girgis’ claim that he was terminated without cause and was owed a $2 million performance payment associated with acquisition of The Brag Media and payment for lost remuneration and the opportunity to earn a bonus and options. Girgis left The Brag Media, whose publications included Rolling Stone Australia, Variety Australia and The Brag, in June 2024, which was four months after the purchase was completed. “Vinyl Group strongly refutes this claim,” the company said in an ASX statement. “Following an external investigation, Mr Girgis was terminated for serious misconduct, including but not limited to, financial misconduct.” Girgis and Seventh Street Ventures, which counted The Brag Media as part of its portfolio until 2024, have filed separate civil cases with the New South Wales Supreme Court with hearings slated for 5 and 7 March respectively. According to Vinyl Group, performance payments were contingent on The Brag Media reaching financial targets, which it allegedly failed to do. Vinyl Group said it planned to
Lifestyle
Nike eyes wider female audience with SKIMS collab
Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand Skims has teamed up with Nike, in a move the sports company hopes will help them reach a broader audience of women. The new side project brand will include apparel, footwear and accessories, and has been aptly called NikeSKIMS. The press release from Nike confirmed the collection will debut in spring, Northern hemisphere time, and a wider global rollout planned for next year.Credit: NikeNike is using the new activewear line, with the Skims name involved, to hopefully compete with other brands more favoured by women such as Lululemon and Alo Yoga. Skims, which was last valued at $4 billion, the partnership will provide access to a new level of manufacturing and development capabilities and a chance to grow and compete agaisnt other intimates brands that have attempted to branch out into activewear, such as Victoria's Secret. “Nike and SKIMS share a deep commitment to innovation, inclusivity and pushing boundaries, driven by an unwavering belief in the power of women,” said Kardashian, Co-Founder and CCO for Skims. “This partnership is the culmination of that shared vision, delivering product that is meticulously designed to sculpt and perform for every body. Every single detail has be

Lifestyle
LIV Golf to remain bunkered down in South Australia
The South Australian government has secured a deal that will keep LIV Golf in the state until at least 2028. The deal struck between organisers and the state government confirmed that two more tournaments will be hosted in SA and additionally, under an extension agreement with Greg Norman Golf Course Design the tournament looks set to remain in the state until at least 2031, if it moves to an upgrade course in Northern Adelaide. In a statement LIV Golf said Adelaide was set to become the “exclusive home” for their Australian tournament , and that they expected this year’s event to exceed last years, which reportedly saw 94,000 fans flock to the The Grange Golf Club and over 40% of ticket holders travelling from outside SA, “proving the event’s massive tourism impact”. The numbers behind the move have yet to be made public but South Australia (SA) Premier Peter Malinauskas said the exact tax-payer funded cost would be “within the state budget” and that his government was not “going to sort of skirt scrutiny in that regard”. “This investment to do the upgrade of the North Adelaide golf course … will be a considerable investment, but we want to do it in conjunction with the council so that we aim to reach agreement with t
Lifestyle
World's first AI art auction faces backlash from artists
Christie’s auction of art created with AI has been met with outrage from thousands of artists who claim the technology behind the work is “mass theft”. The Augmented Intelligence art auction has been described by Christie’s as the world’s first AI-dedicated sale by a major auctioneer and is set to feature 20 pieces with prices ranging from A$10,000 to $250,000. A letter from artists calling for the cancellation of the auction has gained worldwide momentum, garnering almost 6,000 signatures of support. “Many of the artworks you plan to auction were created using AI models that are known to be trained on copyrighted work without a license,” the letter said. “These models, and the companies behind them, exploit human artists, using their work without permission or payment to build commercial AI products that compete with them. “Your support of these models, and the people who use them, rewards and further incentivises AI companies’ mass theft of human artists’ work. “We ask that, if you have any respect for human artists, you cancel the auction.” The use of copyrighted work to train generative AI models has become a large source of controversy in the creative industries with authors, publishers and music labels l
Lifestyle
No women in sight in Top 100 highest-paid athletes list
For the second year in a row, women are absent from Sportico’s list of the world’s top 100 paid athletes. United States tennis star Coco Gauff was named by the publication as the top-earning female athlete in 2024, bringing in US$30.4 million - that's $7 million short of the minimum $37.5 million to be included in the top 100. In a longer list Gauff would have finished in the top 125, however freeskier Eileen Gu, who ranked second in the women’s list at $22.1 million, would have finished outside the top 250. While world-famous soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo topped global rankings for the second year with $260 million in earnings. $215 million of that came from his Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr while $45 million was earned off the field.Credit: SporticoAccording to GQ’s list of the 15 highest-paid Australian athletes of 2024, all 15 were men. The highest-paid Australian athlete is Brooklyn Nets basketball player Ben Simmons, who earned a whopping $60.5 million playing in the NBL in 2024. Matilda’s captain Sam Kerr just fell short of the list earning A$3.34 million in 2024. Despite what these results indicate, women’s sports around the world had a strong year in 2024 with record-breaking attendance, high TV rati
Lifestyle
Maserati throttles up to shake and stir on I.C.E.
Luxury car maker Maserati is set to make a significant impact at "The I.C.E." (International Concours of Elegance) St. Moritz 2025, taking place on Friday, 21 February and Saturday, 22 February. The event will be held in St. Moritz, Switzerland, and Maserati will showcase its latest models, including the GranTurismo and GranCabrio ranges, both in internal combustion and 100% electric versions. The company will also present the Grecale range, along with the MCXtrema and the new Maserati GT2 Stradale, emphasising its racing and competitive DNA. Maserati's involvement in "The I.C.E." St. Moritz 2025 underscores the brand's dedication to showcasing Italian luxury and performance in a unique setting. The event's blend of history, culture, and automotive excellence provides a platform for Maserati to connect with its audience and reinforce its position in the luxury car market. "The I.C.E." St. Moritz is a prestigious event that began in 2022, celebrating classic cars on the frozen surface of Lake St. Moritz. The event attracts collectors, enthusiasts, and car aficionados from around the world, offering a unique blend of culture, entertainment, and driving under extreme conditions. This year, Maserati will be joined by other lu