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I’ve Never Driven a Car or Cooked: Meet Australia’s Ultimate Quiz Champion!

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Issa Schultz follows a daily routine that few can match.

“I wake up, brew my coffee, then head to the computer for quizzes. After lunch, I return for more quizzes,” he states. “It might sound obsessive, but I embrace it. It’s fair to say I treat it like a full-time job.”

Schultz is the top quizzing champion in Australia, known among enthusiasts for his serious approach to trivia. Quizzing is not just a pastime for him; it defines his life. Every year, he appears on Channel 7 for about six weeks as one of the “Chasers” on the quiz show Chase Australia. The rest of his time is spent immersed in various topics, from sibling rivalries to AFL Drafts and Academy Award winners.

“I could easily go outside and engage in normal activities,” he chuckles. “But as one single guy without family responsibilities, I’ve got the unique opportunity to invest time into this.”

Schultz as the Supernard of Channel 7’s Chase Australia. Photo: Chase

“What’s crazier is that some individuals dedicate even more time than I do, especially in the UK and the US.”

Quizzing is a niche but worldwide phenomenon, thriving from North America to Europe and India. It can often be viewed as an evolution of pub trivia, particularly in its complexity. Schultz participated with pub teams daily before advancing to the next level. “When we enter international quizzes, pub trivia just isn’t challenging enough,” he explains.

A standard quiz question isn’t necessarily straightforward, often requiring one to connect seemingly unrelated images (“Was he a Chilean military dictator from 1973 to 1990?”).

Instead of raucous environments, the world of quizzing tends to be characterized by silence or solitude. The premier event in the quizzing calendar is the World Quiz Championship, held each June, where participants solve questions read by a proctor in a formal examination setting. Australia began hosting its national championship in February across Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane. These events, devoid of prizes, ascertain rankings both nationally and globally, with enthusiasts also exploring smaller competitions and Zoom leagues.

“When we arrive at the international quiz, the pub trivia is not obscure enough”: Issa Schultz. Photo: Guardian

“Usually, when I tell people about my weekend plans, I say, ‘I’m off to the library to sit quietly with a group of fellow nerds for an hour,'” shares Sally Gridley, an enthusiastic Australian quizzer. “We’ll take an exam for fun. Prizes? No, it’s purely for bragging rights, and you have to pay to participate.”

Gridley has been a serious quizzer for 11 years and even secured a win on a quiz show. Programs like The Chase and Mastermind capture audiences with their excitement and are one of the few effective ways to monetize one’s hobby. Gridley estimates the Australian quizzing community comprises around 30-35 regular quizzers, while the Global Leaderboard indicates unofficial membership is below 2,000. Participants note it’s a small yet committed community, warm and inviting to newcomers.


Nonetheless, a specific demographic predominates: men. Gridley estimates she is one of about eight regular female quizzers across Australia, where local groups are approximately 90% male. There are overlaps in other communities as well.

“It’s important to note that quizzing is quite popular among neurodivergent demographics; many quizzers have conditions such as autism and ADHD,” Gridley mentions. “In fact, I might be the most socially engaged person at any quiz event.”

Or as Schultz puts it, “There are many quirky individuals, and we embrace eccentricities!”

To climb the leaderboard as a quizzing participant, a unique form of dedication is required.

“It’s purely about glory”: Quizzer Sally Gridley showcases prizes from ABC’s hard quiz. Photo: Ellen Smith/Guardian

Aaran Mohann, a 35-year-old financial worker ranking third in Australia, believes he isn’t as dedicated to studying as many of his counterparts. His primary strategy involves completing numerous online quizzes, as competitors often cover similar topics. For instance, many focus on events from Coldplay concerts and popular culture phenomena like Dubai Chocolate.

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Flashcards as memory aids have gained popularity within the quizzing community, reveals Mohan. “It’s clear that many quizzers delve deeply into Wikipedia. One article leads to another, and before you know it, hours have passed.”

Schultz expects films to feature prominently in quizzes. He also invests in DK reference books covering topics from medicine to fishing, transcribing intriguing facts into his notebooks—a system that is “pointless to anyone except myself.”

However, he sets limits. “Pat Gibson is among the best British quizzers of all time and reads about five newspapers daily. I can’t keep up with that.”

Australian representative for Spain’s 2024 Quiz Olympiad (Aaran Mohann) With Jane Allen from the International Quiz Association. Photo: Supply

There’s much to appreciate about being a dedicated quizzer beyond mere competition and TV appearances. Gridley finds fulfillment in answering questions correctly, and the knowledge she gains benefits her career as a teacher. Mohan states that his hobby satisfies his innate curiosity about the world. The quizzing process improves attention to detail, as participants must read questions closely to avoid misnaming cities instead of countries.

For Schultz, this pursuit offers a soothing sense of consistency.

“I appreciate that it’s all centered around facts and truths in an era dominated by AI and misinformation. [fake news] He explains. Charles I will always be Charles I, today and 100 years from now.”

Schultz cherishes the life he has crafted around quizzes, for better or worse.

“I’ve never driven a car, I can’t cook, and I often lose my house keys… I think outside of quizzing, I seem to lack direction. My fate seems intertwined with this.”

Schultz is determined to retain his status as Australia’s number one quizzer, a title he has maintained since 2011.

“Usain Bolt, the fastest man alive, has dedicated his life to running; I aim to dedicate my life to quizzing,” he states. “After all, why not?”

Source: www.theguardian.com

What Defines a Kentucky Derby Champion? A Big Heart, Powerful Lungs, and Strong Legs

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Horses have honed their abilities, such as running, jumping, and pulling, as humans have bred and trained them for various purposes over thousands of years. The 151st Derby, the most-watched horse racing event, not only highlights the skills of these animals but also raises concerns about their treatment and well-being. Advocates have long voiced worries about injuries and fatalities, especially after twelve horses died at Churchill Downs two years ago.

There’s no doubt that the relationships between humans and horses have transformed warfare, agriculture, and society.

Timothy Winegard, a historian at Colorado Mesa University and author of the recent book, The Horse, remarked, “We’ve combined our intellect with the horse’s size, strength, stamina, and speed to create the most unstoppable animal coalition.”

Why Are Horses So Powerful?

The horse’s heart and lungs contribute significantly to its remarkable power.

Hearts typically weigh between 10-12 pounds (4.5-5.4 kg), roughly 1% of the horse’s body weight, compared to about 0.5% for a typical human heart. The famous horse Secretariat, who won the Triple Crown in 1973, was later found to have a heart weighing over 20 pounds (9.1 kg).

A horse’s heart is designed for exercise, with a resting heart rate around 34 beats per minute that can rise to 220 or 240 during a race—much faster than a human’s maximum during intense exertion.

Derma Sotogake training on the mornings of the 2023 Kentucky Derby.
Andy Lions/Getty Images

“One unique aspect of horses is their incredible capacity to circulate blood throughout their bodies. They can achieve high heart rates while remaining safe,” explained Sarah Reed, a researcher at the University of Connecticut.

Additionally, horses possess a lung capacity of 60 liters, ten times that of a human.

“This extensive lung capacity allows oxygen to efficiently transfer from the air to the blood, which is essential for sustaining aerobic energy,” noted Farmer.

Recent research published in the journal Science indicates that genetic mutations enable horses to mitigate the adverse effects associated with ultra-high energy production.

“Horses are exceptional athletes because they can deliver significantly more oxygen to their muscles than elite Olympic athletes. They have larger energy reserves and more efficient systems…and these mutations play a role in both aspects.”

What Contributes to a Horse’s Speed and Skills?

Various biological characteristics enhance a horse’s abilities.

Horses store excess red blood cells in their spleens, which are released to enhance oxygen transport during intense exertion.

“During exercise, adrenaline triggers the spleen to circulate these excess red blood cells,” said veterinarian Hillary Clayton. “Essentially, what a horse accomplishes is a form of ‘natural blood doping.’”

Honoring Marie at Churchill Downs in 2024.
Charlie Riedel / AP

Furthermore, a horse’s brain is adept at processing sensory information and reacting swiftly. Although their frontal lobe—the section associated with thinking and planning—is proportionally smaller than that of humans, horses are hardwired for play and independent running without fear, as explained by Dr. Scott Bailey, a veterinarian at Clayborne Farm. This focus is critical for athletic performance.

The bone structure and muscle makeup are also advantageous. The ligaments and tendons in their hind legs function like springs, and as Farmer noted, like other large prey animals, they possess “long, slender legs designed for running.”

What Are the Risks for Horses?

Adjustments that enhance a horse’s speed also increase the risk of injuries. Their slender legs endure the impact of each stride, and over time, repetitive stress during racing and training can lead to tendon and ligament damage, Reed stated.

In 2023, fatalities occurred not only at Churchill Downs but also at other major racecourses, affecting public perceptions of the sport and prompting changes. No specific cause of death was identified. However, in 2024, Churchill Downs improved the equipment used on its racing surfaces and added a veterinarian dedicated to horse safety and integrity.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Review of Pixel 9a: Google’s Budget-Friendly Android Champion | Pixels

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Google’s latest discounted Pixel offers the best value for Android phones and outperforms models twice its price in many regions.


The Pixel 9a starts at £499 (€549/$499/A$849), the same as last year’s model. It is about £300 less than Google’s regular Pixel 9 and competes with mid-range devices like the Nothing Phone 3a Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy A56.

Google has maintained its successful A-Series formula with the 9a, offering top-tier specs, chips, and cameras while cutting costs. The result is a compelling package for the price.




The 9a resembles a standard Pixel 9 from the front, featuring an optical fingerprint reader at the bottom of the screen and face recognition for unlocking phones and apps. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The 6.3-inch OLED display is sharp, smooth, and bright, surpassing many competitors. While slightly thicker bezels surround the screen compared to the Pixel 9, it retains the premium feel with an aluminum band. The back is crafted from high-quality plastic, maintaining durability. Additionally, the 9a is fully IP68 water-resistant, in line with the industry’s best.

One notable change is the absence of a prominent camera bar on the back. Instead, the dual camera sits within a discreet black oval, providing a sleeker appearance though potentially losing some distinctive charm found in Google’s other phone designs.

Specifications

  • Screen: 6.3in 120Hz FHD+ OLED (422ppi)

  • Processor: Google Tensor G4

  • Ram: 8GB

  • Storage: 128 or 256GB

  • Operating system: Android 15

  • Camera: 48MP + 13MP Ultrawide, 13MP Selfie

  • Connectivity: 5G, SIM/ESIM, WIFI 6E, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, and GNSS

  • Water resistance: IP68 (1M for 30 minutes)

  • Size: 157.7 x 73.3 x 8.9mm

  • Weight: 185.9g

Most of the Tensor G4 and Google’s AI




Charging takes about 90 minutes to fully charge the 9a using a USB-C charger of 23W or more (not included). The phone is also equipped with 7.5W wireless charging. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Internally, the 9a boasts the top-tier Google Tensor G4 chip found in other Pixel 9 models, albeit with 8GB of RAM rather than 12GB on pricier variants. The chip delivers fast performance, outpacing most midrange chips albeit falling short in raw performance benchmarks.

The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 57 hours with light use, 9 hours of active screen time, and 5 hours on 5G. This longevity rivals some of the longest-lasting phones on the market, offering a two-day usage window.

While the reduced RAM doesn’t significantly impact daily use, it does limit some local AI functionalities, such as Google’s Gemini AI Tools, which enable text processing but exclude some advanced audio or image-based features like Pixel Screenshots. Call Notes on the Pixel 9.




Gemini serves as the AI assistant for Pixel phones, working seamlessly with the 9a like other models. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

All Gemini features that leverage web capabilities, such as Gemini Live, perform well on the 9a. The phone can also generate summaries of audio recordings, albeit with limitations on word count per session.

The overall user experience on Android 15 matches other Pixel phones, with the added benefit of Google’s seven years of software support for Pixels. This longevity ensures the 9a remains relevant in the mid-range market for an extended period.

Camera




The Pixel Camera app simplifies the process of taking excellent photos with minimal effort. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Pixel 9a features exceptional cameras, including a new 48-megapixel main camera and a 13MP Ultra Wide lens alongside it.

The main camera captures high-quality images, rivaling flagship phones, especially in low-light conditions. Photos are detailed and balanced across various lighting scenarios, with the Ultra Wide lens standing out as a great feature. The main camera also offers a decent 2x zoom, extendable to 8x with some digital artifacts.

A new addition to the 9a is the Macro Photography mode, leveraging the main camera for impressive close-up shots. The selfie camera performs well, and video capture is equally strong.

The 9a inherits popular features like Best Takes and main Pixel 9 AI capabilities, incorporating various Google Photos AI editing tools such as Magic Editor, Unblur, and Audio Magic Eraser.

Sustainability




The phone’s back is crafted from recycled plastic with a smooth matte finish. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Google ensures the battery should retain at least 80% of its original capacity after about 1,000 full charge cycles. The phone is repairable by Google or third-party shops, with genuine replacement parts available directly from sources like iFixit.

The Pixel 9a is constructed from recycled materials, comprising at least 23% of the phone’s weight. Google’s public Environmental Impact Report outlines the phone’s sustainability efforts and offers free recycling for old devices.

Price

The Google Pixel 9a is priced at £499 (€549/$499/A$849).

For comparison, the Pixel 9 costs £799, the Samsung Galaxy A56 retails for £499, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is priced at £449, and the Apple iPhone 16e is priced at £599.

Verdict

The Pixel 9a demonstrates Google’s ability to deliver a flagship-level phone at a mid-range price point better than most competitors.

A combination of premium chips, long-lasting battery, top-tier screens, and exceptional cameras outshine more expensive options. Google’s robust software and extended seven-year support further enhance the overall value.

Some compromises have been made to lower costs, but they are hardly noticeable in day-to-day usage. Omissions like WiFi 7, lack of satellite messaging, spatial audio, plastic backs, etc., can be overlooked given the 9a’s price point.

While pricier Pixel phones offer additional features, the Pixel 9a is hard to ignore as the best mid-range phone by a significant margin, providing a quality experience at an accessible price point.

Strong Points: Undercuts high-end phones with 7 years of software updates, top-tier cameras, excellent screens, premium chips, ultra-long battery life, recycled materials, advanced AI features, competitive pricing.

Cons: Common design, lack of optical zoom for cameras, limited performance, plastic back, absence of spatial audio, no WiFi 7 or satellite messaging, older Gorilla Glass 3.

www.theguardian.com

My Journey as a World Champion Pokemon Player: A Glimpse into Life and Style

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I
I started playing the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) about 10 years ago when I was 7 years old. My older brother Marco had already been playing with my father for years. At first, the three of us were playing at home. For me, Pokemon TCG is a family activity that keeps us close. I think that’s important, especially today when everyone is using a cell phone.

I’m from Iquique, a city in northern Chile. There’s a strong Pokémon community here, and several local shops host tournaments. This game is for two players, each person preparing a deck of 60 cards. Each card represents one Pokémon with different abilities and powers. Then use your cards to battle your opponent. The person with the more powerful card combination is the winner.

Throughout Chile, Japanese culture is ingrained within our own, and anime, Pokemon, and manga are very popular here. When I was a child, there were many Japanese programs on TV. I watched Naruto, Dragon Ball, and of course Pokemon.

When I was 10 years old, I went to Santiago for my first tournament and made it to the finals. Before I started playing Pokemon TCG, I hadn’t traveled much. Currently, I have participated in tournaments in Sao Paulo, New Orleans, Buenos Aires, and most recently in Hawaii, where the 2024 World Championships were held.

We started saving for Hawaii a year before the competition. My brother won the tournament in Brazil and won the prize money, as well as the funds to go to the World Championships as one of the top players in Latin America.

My father Marco and I left for Hawaii last August. It was the furthest place we have ever traveled. On the first day, there was a three-hour wait to register for the tournament, and then we lined up again at the Pokemon Center where merchandise was sold. I got stuffed animals such as a scuba diving Pikachu that is exclusive to Hawaii. Then we watched the matches and focused on developing strategies against our opponents.


Marco is a better player than me and one of the best players in the world. But the game also involves luck. I didn’t get too emotional during the three-day championship, I just had a lot of fun. My father taught me not to worry about winning or losing, but to focus on playing well and sharing great experiences with my opponents.

I participated in 15 games throughout the tournament. Each game can last up to 50 minutes. In the final, I didn’t have a very good deck, so I didn’t expect to win. But my opponent made a mistake, so I gave it my all and it worked out. My father would say I’m too humble.

I didn’t have time to celebrate my victory because I had a flight to catch. I received the trophy and immediately headed to the airport. But when we returned to Chile, we arranged a barbecue, invited about 30 friends over to our house, and of course played Pokemon. A few weeks later we received an invitation to the presidential palace. Athletes, even those in niche sports, are invited to meet with the president.

I wasn’t really interested in it, but I saw it as an opportunity to encourage younger kids to play. I was the first Chilean to win the Pokémon Championship. We are such a small country that we cannot win many things.

When my father and I arrived at the palace, we were told that Chilean President Gabriel Boric had to attend an emergency meeting and would not be able to attend. Instead, we spoke to the Secretary General, the Foreign Minister, and the Japanese Ambassador who were interested in the social impact of this game.

Suddenly the door opened and Borrick came in and said, “Hello, Kabros (everyone), how are you doing?” He asked to see some of my cards and offered to take a few selfies. It didn’t feel like I was talking to the president, I was just playing with another card player. He plays the Magic the Gathering card game, which has a similar format to the Pokémon TCG.

I’m not interested in defending my title. No one has ever won the title back-to-back. I just play for fun. Anyone can win with a little luck. Even if you have a good deck and that day comes, who’s to say you can’t become the next Pokemon champion?

As told by Caris McGowan

Do you have an experience to share? Email experience@theguardian.com

Source: www.theguardian.com

Scottie Pippen’s meteoric journey from athlete to champion of cryptocurrency in the NBA

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Scottie Pippen is once again leveraging his NBA legacy to venture into the world of cryptocurrencies with hopes of becoming a world champion in this space.

Back in his prime, Pippen was content playing the role of Robin to Michael Jordan’s Batman. However, recent events such as the Netflix documentary “Last Dance” and the publicized issues with his ex-girlfriend and the play of Jordan’s son have left him bitter about playing second fiddle and questioning the significance of the 1990s NBA dynasty. This has led him to contemplate whether there was room for another hero.

Pippen’s recent social media post pondered how many championships Elon Musk would have won, accompanied by an image of Musk in a Bulls jersey in a basketball setting. This post garnered significant attention and was a strategic move to draw attention to his latest project – a new virtual currency aimed at tokenizing the basketball used in the Bulls’ victory over the Lakers in one of their six championships.

Cryptocurrencies have made a significant impact in the US sports world, with stadiums, jerseys, and equipment adorned with various coin logos. Athletes are also jumping on the crypto bandwagon, endorsing and promoting the industry. However, caution is advised, as seen in cases like Spencer Dinwiddie who tried to tokenize his contract but faced setbacks when the NBA intervened.

The rise and fall of certain cryptocurrency platforms like FTX caution against blindly endorsing such ventures. Athletes like Stephen Curry, who promoted FTX, ended up embroiled in legal issues post the platform’s collapse due to alleged financial malpractice. This highlights the risks involved in associating with cryptocurrencies without proper understanding.

Despite the risks, Pippen remains undeterred in his crypto endeavors and aims to create a community around his new project. While some criticize his enthusiasm, others believe in his vision. As the crypto sports campaign gains momentum, Pippen’s involvement adds a touch of nostalgia and excitement to the evolving landscape.

Source: www.theguardian.com