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Vancouver Sun
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
Sarah McLachlan and The Simpsons deliver a 'parody song you never saw coming'
Vancouver singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan had a surprise for fans during the season finale of The Simpsons on Sunday. The Canadian music star turned her touching Toy Story 2 song, When She Loved Me, into something altogether darker for the episode, titled Estranger Things. The original song was written by Randy Newman for the Toy Story 2 soundtrack and was key to a tear-jerking scene where the character Emily takes a trip down memory lane after parting with her Jessie the Cowgirl doll. The composition was nominated for the Best Original Song at the 2000 Academy Awards, where Newman and McLachlan performed it during the awards broadcast. The updated take on the tune for The Simpsons plays out after Marge carries out a box of Bart and Lisa's old toys, including figures of the ultraviolent cat and mouse duo, Itchy & Scratchy. The children feel they have outgrown the blood-soaked cartoon characters since they launched a line of baby merchandise. 'I knew my kids were growing up, but I never thought they'd grow apart,' says Marge. 'And I think I'm the only one who cares.' As she leaves the discard box on the curb, Itchy & Scratchy declare, 'We care, Marge' and the song begins. As a montage of favourite Bart and Lisa enjoying Itchy & Scratchy moments plays, McLachlan chimes in: 'When B and Lisa love us things were just so beautiful / blood would flow but also so would love,' she sings, noting the children's peals of laughter watching 'violence and horrors quite unsuitable for children / as out guts rain from above.' It puts the weepy ballad into a whole new world. Get top headlines and gossip from the world of celebrity and entertainment. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sun Spots will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. McLachlan teased the parody piece on social media, noting it's 'The parody song you never saw coming … still kinda heartbreaking, no?' The singer included an animated frame of her standing with Itchy and a decapitated Scratchy, as well. It's not the first time McLachlan's been open to reworking one of her greatest hits. The singer-songwriter parodied her 1998 song 'Angel' and its use in an animal-rights fundraising campaign several times, including in a sketch for the Juno Awards and a Super Bowl beer commercial.
Perth Now
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Japanese diner delivers quality for Godzilla-sized appetites
Homer Simpson gets kicked out of The Frying Dutchman, an all-you-can-eat seafood restaurant, in a classic fourth season episode of The Simpsons. He and Marge then drive around for three hours looking for another seafood buffet before going fishing. To quote the animated series' ambulance-chasing lawyer Lionel Hutz, do these sound like the actions of a man who had ALL he could EAT? There's no chance of going fishing after dining at Omasa, an all-you-can-eat Japanese restaurant in Tuart Hill named after a female warrior from feudal Japan. The sushi, sashimi, teriyaki, tempura and other treats flow non-stop from the moment your 90-minute booking begins. Adults can fill their boots for $43.90, while seniors cost $39.90 per sitting, children under 12-years-old are $22.90 and children under four are free. Unsurprisingly, this suburban tabehodai joint was bustling on a Tuesday evening. People love a bargain and, even better, Omasa delivers good quality food. The beef tataki was excellent. Lightly seared and red raw in the middle, served with a ponzu sauce and wasabi mayo for a hit of spice. Omasa all-you-can-eat Japanese restaurant in Tuart Hill. Credit: Supplied The agedashi tofu was superb — silky, lightly fried and nestled in a dashi broth offering trademark umami notes. Chicken karaage, an absolute cracking dish with beer or sake, was good and crunchy. Another Japanese pub classic in curry katsu chicken was also perfectly executed with a deft balance of sweet and spicy flavours. The tempura prawns came with a dipping sauce made from dashi, sweet rice wine and soy sauce — a neat umami-rich accompaniment to the crispy texture of the tempura. The deep-fried oyster, or kaki, was perhaps a waste of the precious bivalve but again a crunchy panko-coated hit of seafood. Omasa serves a few different platters of sushi and sashimi, which disappeared quicker than you can say 'onna-musha', or warrior woman. The platter we had, twice, had four different sushi, three nigiri and several slices of salmon sashimi, plus wasabi, pickled ginger and kewpie mayonnaise. The flame-seared salmon nigiri with spicy mayo was a stand-out, as were the salmon sashimi. The pork gyoza, or dumplings, were the only let-down. These were overcooked, or over-fried, and had gone hard and chewy. Even though you are on the clock, there's really no need to rush. The food flies out. BYO is wine only, with $10 corkage per bottle. The house sake, served cold or warm, only costs $14 for a 280ml ceramic tokkuri or carafe and is totally fine. There's well-priced wine by the glass, basic cocktails and Japanese plum wine for a sweet tooths. Desserts are equally simple and quick. There's little bowls of soft serve ice-cream, plus two other options limited to one serve per customer. The warabi mochi kinako sees cubes of thick jelly (or mochi) coated in toasted soybean flour (or kinako) for a subtle yet almost savoury flavour that wasn't the sweet treat my Western palate craved to round out this feast. The other dessert was the matcha taiyaki, a fish-shaped pancake filled with custard infused with powdered green tea leaves for a flavour lurking somewhere between sweet and savoury. 68 Lawley Street, Tuart Hill Tuesday-Thursday, 5-9pm. Friday, 5-9.30pm. Saturday, midday-2.30pm, 5pm-9.30pm. Sunday, 5-9pm. 9284 7424, Yes All-you-can-eat neighbourhood restaurant serving Japanese izakaya classics in a cool little room. High quality despite the quantity. Beef tataki, agedashi tofu and chicken karaage among the many highlights. Even the occy balls are banging. Excellent value for money. 14.5/20
Metro
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
The Simpsons has run into a problem that needs updating in 2025
After 36 seasons, The Simpsons has hit a big stumbling block they may have to address. The citizens of Springfield have faced a lot over the years, from alien invasions and the Mr Burns murder mystery to a monorail scam and everything in between, as well as countless real life predictions. However, a new study has shown that a similarly implausible part of the show is actually the premise of a family of five living so comfortably. The animated classic still focuses on Homer, Marge and their kids Bart, Lisa and Maggie, all raised on Homer's income. They've got two cars and a big house, and they're often heading off on fancy family vacations and trips to theme parks. Of course, the iconic show isn't meant to be taken too seriously, but the United States Studies Centre has pointed out how US census data for 2025 pokes some holes in the premise in today's world. Dr. Rodney Taveira, academy director and senior lecturer in American studies at the University of Sydney's United States Studies Centre, has pointed to how the Simpsons clan are 'no longer as representative of a typical American family as they once were'. As reported by Australia's ABC News, when the show premiered in 1989, an ordinary American family household was made up of 3.16 people, which would generally be two parents and up to two young kids. That's changed over the last few decades, with those numbers declining and families choosing to stay small. The Simpsons' focus on a typical US family may have come from creator Matt Groening's own experiences. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Dr. Taveira told ABC: 'He grew up in the kind of golden era of television watching shows like Leave It To Beaver, so these kind of classic American sitcoms that had this very traditional family structure, which was largely a white family, two or three kids who go to schools and they live in the suburbs.' The academic also pointed out how Bart grew up at a time when 'most children would've lived with two married parents in their first marriage'. He added: 'When Homer and Marge would've got married, the average age would've been something like 20 to 22 years old and now it's going up to almost 30 years old.' Meanwhile, the Simpsons family's way of living – a father providing for the family in a two-storey home, going on holidays and frequently getting new cars – isn't as attainable for people now. But Dr. Taveira pointed out: 'The show's kind of aware of the improbable position that Homer is in … The show confronted this with the character of [Frank] Grimes.' More Trending Despite being 'fantastical', he suggested there is a 'small town Americana element' which has helped its enduring popularity. He quipped: 'Even a dumbass like Homer Simpson could have a job that he is eminently unqualified for, but still bring home enough money to take care of his family.' View More » The Simpsons is available to stream on Disney+. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Soap star and horror film legend Lar Park Lincoln dies aged 63 MORE: Hee Haw star Lulu Roman, gospel singer with 'voice of an angel', dies aged 78 MORE: Malcolm in the Middle fans 'crying' after Frankie Muniz reunites with 00s co-stars
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pensioner's Centrelink plea after 50-year career paying taxes: ‘25 cents a day'
Labor and the Coalition have both ruled out increasing Centrelink payments, despite desperate pleas from community groups and recipients. While the payments go up multiple times a year to keep pace with inflation, many feel it's nowhere near enough to match the rising cost of living. Retiree Marge asked how older Aussies are meant to get by on the current Age Pension. "How can the government expect us to believe that they know everyone is doing it tough when the latest pension increase for a couple equates to 25 cents per day each?" she said on the ABC program Q&A. Centrelink recipient hits out at $3.10 cash boost amid calls to drastically increase JobSeeker ATO responds to controversial tax deduction Aussies try to claim every year: 'Be very careful' Aussie quits 'rough' full-time job to make $3,803 a week as a cleaner: 'Earning so much more' "Every bill we pay has risen significantly... actions definitely speak louder than words in this situation." She said after working for 50 years and paying her taxes, she shouldn't have to be so intensely focused on every dollar she spends in her twilight years. Another Centrelink payment under the spotlight was JobSeeker, which recently went up by $3.10 per fortnight. Economist Nicki Hutley told the programme that recent modelling revealed that investing an extra $1 in JobSeeker sees a $1.25 return in the community."Now that is a very solid return on investment in terms of healthier people, lower government payments, better productivity. It is a win-win outcome," she said. "They're living well below the poverty line, unable to afford rent in most places, meals, medicines, kids, educational needs. 'This is not acceptable." She referenced the recent report from the government's Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee, which recommended increasing JobSeeker to 90 per cent of the Age Pension. That would take the payment from the current $781.10 per fortnight to $942.39. Yahoo Finance has spoken with several Centrelink recipients, who have all said the current payments are nowhere near enough. Perth resident Damien said an extra $3.10 per fortnight wouldn't even buy two litres of milk. "I just scoffed at it. I just feel like not accepting it. It's not going to do us any benefit at all," he said. "We're supposed to be the lucky country." But politicians from the two major parties reaffirmed their view that the payment shouldn't be increased. Clare O'Neil, housing and homelessness minister, said Labor won't be supporting another boost for JobSeeker. "Please understand every budget we come to, we are absolutely trying to find every single way that we can help people relieve pressures," she told the audience. Michael Sukkar, shadow social services minister, said it was "depressing" that the "working poor" concept had arrived in Australia where people are working around the clock and potentially living in their cars. He said while political parties always look to increase social security payments, it's sometimes not possible. "How much do we shake all of you down for more taxes... that can enable us as far as social benefits," he said. "Is it ever going to be enough? No." The Australia Institute's executive director, Richard Denniss, had a very quick and easy solution for both parties in where they'd find the money to support the country's most vulnerable. "I can save you a fortune," he said on the programme. "$15 billion a year in fossil fuel subsidies, $15 billion a year. "AUKUS, $360 billion... and when Josh Frydenberg was asked, 'Can we afford it?', he said, 'You can always afford it if it's a priority'. "He's right. We're one of the richest countries in the world. "We're so rich we can drop a lazy $360 billion on some nuclear subs we didn't know we need. But sorry, unemployed people. Oh, money doesn't grow on trees."
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Historic gem': Decades-old McDonald Peach Orchard property in Apple Valley up for sale
After nearly two decades, the tradition of picking 'Freestone Last Chance Pilgrim Peaches' at Marge 'The Peach Lady' McDonald's orchard is more than likely coming to an end. Last year, McDonald, 84, told the Daily Press there was a good chance it would be the final year of opening her family's 200-tree McDonald Peach Orchard to children, families, new and old friends. On Thursday, McDonald said her property was up for sale, and that unless someone rescues the orchard, it was the end of fruitful decades of allowing people of all ages to pick fruit, enjoy the serenity of nature and create lasting memories. The online Zillow listing said the McDonald ranch property is a "Historic Gem" that spans 4.8 acres and includes a 3,244-square-foot home with six bedrooms, three bathrooms, a fully finished basement and 1,485-square-feet of living space. A barn is also included on the agricultural property that has a tree orchard, and accommodations for horses and vehicles. Facing some health issues and the challenges of living down the hill, McDonald said she's going to miss the orchard and feels it's better to spend less time on the freeways when she turns 85 in May. She added that the rain is wonderful for the old peach trees that produce beautiful pink blossoms in March and a bountiful harvest of freestone Last Chance Pilgrim Peaches every fall. 'The weeds, ground squirrels and gophers all come too, not to mention the raccoons, crows, rabbits, and more,' she added. Over the years, people have rented her home and tenants have helped with watering, weeding and caring for the property and orchard near the Mojave River. McDonald said she'll continue to can fruit, play keyboard at Leisure Assembly of God every Sunday and help transport her granddaughters from school and to athletic games, practices and other events. She added that she is extremely grateful for the support she has received from her daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, caretakers and volunteers who helped care for the orchard for so many years. 'I'm thankful to God for salvation, peace, joy, health, home, family, friends and protection in this valley most of my long life,' McDonald told the Daily Press. McDonald said an open house and barn and garage sale is planned from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 25 and 26 at 18510 Seneca Road in Apple Valley. In 1892, McDonald's grandfather, William Hartman, moved from his native Germany to the crop-filled state of South Dakota in the U.S. Around 1926, Hartman moved his family to the High Desert of Southern California, where they planted plum, apple, peach and apricot trees off Stoddard Wells Road in Victorville. In the '40s, McDonald's parents moved to Apple Valley, where they purchased 95 acres and built a home, raised animals, grew alfalfa and planted fruit trees. Latest news, sports and more: Accessing local journalism is even easier with the Daily Press app 'I was born in my maternal grandparents' (Lee & Pearl Saul) home in Desert Knolls in 1940,' McDonald said. 'I attended Deep Creek Elementary while living at Jess Ranch.' In her youth, McDonald helped her parents and siblings farm 95 acres of alfalfa while attending Victor elementary and junior high schools. She graduated in 1957 from Victor Valley High School. McDonald did secretarial work at Porter Insurance Agency for five years before she married Edward McDonald in 1962. The couple moved to Baltimore, Maryland for 25 years. During that time, she earned her bachelor's degree and master in education from Towson University. She also taught at Tabernacle Christian School 16 years, while raising five children and playing the church organ while her husband pastored for 24 years. In 1987, the couple returned to Apple Valley when her mother, Effie Hartman, had a heart attack and surgery. Around 1995, McDonald and her husband purchased the last 5 acres of property from her father, Wilmer Hartman, after her mother died. The property included a house, garage, barn and field. The couple also planted 504 peach trees to honor her late parents. McDonald said she enjoyed her 33 years of teaching children at Christian and public schools in Maryland and California. She said that after opening the peach orchard in 2000, people of all ages would trickle onto the property each peach picking season, with her attendance increasing as word of the orchard spread. During that time, she tended the peach orchard and made many jars of canned peaches, preserves, salsa, and other delicacies. McDonald's husband retired from Victor Valley Hospital and college before he died in 2008. Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@ Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Decades-old McDonald Peach Orchard in Apple Valley up for sale
