One in 10 workers tipped to be jobless at peak of crisis

More than one in 10 workers may be without a job at the peak of the economic contraction due to the coronavirus pandemic, which 15 top economists on average predict will push the budget to a record $140 billion deficit next financial year.

The most pessimistic forecast was for the deficit to blow out to $300 billion in 2020-21 and 20 per cent unemployment.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg have introduced major stimulus packages to help limit the economic impacts of coronavirus.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age surveyed the economists for a special edition of the biannual Scope survey focused on how the virus and measures to slow the spread will affect jobs, economic growth and government spending.

The panel on average expects the budget to fall into deficit by $87 billion in 2019-20 and $140 billion the following year.

The worst budget deficit since modern records started 50 years ago was the 2009-10 shortfall of $54.5 billion, or 4.2 per cent of GDP. A $140 billion deficit would be about 8 per cent of GDP.

University of Kingston's Steve Keen expects by 2020-21 the deficit could be $300 billion, while Westpac's Bill Evans and AMP Capital chief economist Shane Oliver predict deficits of $210 billion and $200 billion respectively.

Industry Super's Stephen Anthony had the best-case scenario at $55 billion for next financial year, closely followed by University of Melbourne's Neville Norman and Victoria University's Janine Dixon, who tipped $60 billion.

GDP is tipped to be flat or to contract by up to 2.5 per cent in the March quarter. In the June quarter, the best result forecast was for the economy to shrink by 2.8 per cent but Dr Keen expects a 15 per cent contraction. That would be the worst quarterly result on record.

All of the economists are predicting a sharp increase in joblessness, with an average forecast of 11.5 per cent at the peak. The best-case scenario of a 7.8 per cent unemployment rate was forecast by Commonwealth Bank's Gareth Aird for the end of June. ANZ's David Plank made his prediction before the introduction of the JobKeeper package and expected a 13 per cent unemployment rate by the end of the financial year.

At the peak of unemployment, Dr Keen is tipping 20 per cent of people could be without work, which was the worst-case scenario out of the panel. Monash University's Jakob Madsen estimated a 17 per cent rate.

Mr Anthony was again the most optimistic, expecting 8.5 per cent at the peak, closely followed by HSBC's Paul Bloxham at 8.6 per cent.

The majority of the panel said the federal government's $130 billion JobKeeper scheme, which offers a wage subsidy to keep staff on-board at struggling businesses, would help kerb the damage to jobs.

Independent economist Saul Eslake, who expects an 8.2 per cent unemployment rate by June and a peak of 10.75 per cent, said before JobKeeper was announced he was forecasting 1.2 million to 1.5 million workers could lose work.

If this were the case and all those workers counted as actively looking for work, the jobless rate could have risen up to 15 per cent.

"After thinking about the government's wage subsidy scheme, I've cut my guesstimate of the number of job losses to about 765,000," he said.

Dr Norman said predictions made about the economy for 2020 had been "radically shattered" by the pandemic and forecasts were heavily dependent on the length of the shutdown and spread of infections.

"By June or July 2020, we should have some fiscal deficit numbers published that will terrify a majority of people hooked on classical or monetarist economics," Dr Norman said. "Roll on another year and then an even bigger fiscal effect, in my assessment, will arise from the erosion of tax revenues collected … from persons and businesses."

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ITV’s Top Executives Take 20% Pay Cut & Forgo Bonuses During Coronavirus Crisis

ITV’s board and senior management have announced that they intend to take a 20% pay cut and forgo their 2020 bonuses as the coronavirus crisis rocks the global entertainment industry.

In a statement to investors, ITV said top executives including CEO Carolyn McCall, chairman Peter Bazalgette and CFO Chris Kennedy asked to have their salary reduced for the duration of the government-imposed lockdown. Non-executive directors will also take a 20% pay cut.

ITV added that if the lockdown continues beyond June 30, the remuneration committee will review the matter again. “ITV’s priority is to protect its people, while striving to ensure that it continues to keep viewers informed and entertained through delivering the news and programmes its viewers value and love to watch,” the company said.

McCall’s base salary stood at £923,000 ($1.1M) last year, while she took home a bonus of £1.4M in cash and shares. Bazalgette earnt £450,000 in his role as chairman in 2019, while non-execs pocket between £70,000 and £95,000.

McCall is not the only UK broadcasting CEO sacrificing her pay during the coronavirus pandemic. Sky boss Jeremy Darroch is donating nine months of his salary to COVID-19 relief charities. “This is a time for everybody across the country to do their bit and make a difference where they can,” Darroch said.

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Iceland home deliveries – what time are slots released today? – The Sun

CORONAVIRUS is sweeping across the UK and supermarkets are doing their best to provide home deliveries, particularly to the most vulnerable shoppers.

But how do I get my shopping delivered from Iceland?

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

Do Iceland do home delivery?

Iceland are continuing to do home deliveries, with a minimum net spend of £35 required.

However, orders are limited to the over-65s and vulnerable shoppers.

Deliveries with Iceland are currently sold out to April 8.

What time are Iceland delivery slots released?

Iceland's delivery slots are updated daily but it is not known whether there is a specific time when they release more.

These slots with are available on the Iceland website up to six days in the future.

Iceland have stated: "We are working hard to add more availability and delivery slots and are reviewing this regularly, as to not disappoint our customers."

Home deliveries with Iceland can only be booked online and not over the phone or via email.

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Do Iceland have restrictions on any items ordered online?

Restrictions have been lifted on most items, but they remain in place on antibacterial soaps and wipes.

Iceland commented: "Many of our customers are not in a position to bulk 'panic buy' – they include older people and families whose budgets mean they are simply unable to do it.

"We have seen greater demand in some areas and as such have introduced a temporary cap on sales of several products online including some anti-bacterial soaps and wipes.

"We’re working hard with our suppliers to help meet demand. Please note there may be similar restrictions on some items in store."

 

What have Iceland said about their response to coronavirus?

Iceland boss Richard Walker used his March 27 blog post to condemn panic buying and focus on the cooperation currently occurring between supermarket chains.

He wrote: "Retailers who are normally the deadliest of competitors have started talking freely to each other, sharing information and ideas, and standing shoulder to shoulder in a combined effort to feed the nation.

"The Government has effectively nationalised the workforce and relaxed some of the normal industry competition rules. DEFRA and the British Retail Consortium are promoting industry co-ordination and co-operation as never seen before.

"The Coronavirus emergency really has brought out the worst, and the best, in people.

"One of the most critical issues all food retailers have had to address is panic buying.

"Of course, I can understand why people are fearful given the endless images we are confronted with, online and in the mainstream media, of desolate supermarket shelves and terror-stricken shoppers.

"But stockpiling is inherently socially divisive: it is only an option for those who can afford it, and stripping the supermarket shelves denies poorer and more vulnerable people of the chance to buy the things they need.

"'Shop responsibly' has been my key message over the last fortnight, which I think has been heeded by many but obviously not by all.

"Panic buying and stockpiling are also unnecessary because production has not dried up: although some factories are beginning to see the effects of staff going into self-isolation, ample quantities of food and toilet roll are still coming through.

"The current shortages will largely be resolved once people simply revert to their normal habits and shop for what they actually need – which I’m pleased to report is starting to happen."

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Germany's coronavirus death toll tops 1,000

Germany’s coronavirus death toll tops 1,000 with 145 more fatalities, as number of cases hits nearly 80,000

  • Germany’s 145 latest deaths bring the country’s death toll from 872 to 1,017 
  • The total infection count rose by 6,174, taking the tally from 73,522 to 79,696 
  • Mortality rate of 1.3 per cent is still low but has more than doubled in a week 

Germany’s death toll from coronavirus broke through 1,000 today while the number of infections reached nearly 80,000. 

The Robert Koch Institute announced another 145 deaths in its latest figures this morning, a similar jump to yesterday’s 140 and Wednesday’s 149. 

It brings Germany’s death toll from 872 to 1,017, with a mortality rate of 1.3 per cent of cases – a figure which is still low but is rising relentlessly. 

The total infection count rose by 6,174, marginally higher than yesterday, taking the tally from 73,522 to 79,696. 

German medics wearing masks and protective suits take care of a French patient who was flown to a small airport near Nordhausen in eastern Germany yesterday 

The latest figures show that 592 of the 1,017 deaths have come in the two southern states of Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg which are closest to Italy. 

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, has recorded more than 3,000 virus cases by itself, although only five deaths. 

There are also 3,200 cases in Berlin and nearly 2,600 in Hamburg, official figures show. 

The fatality rate of 1.3 per cent, or one death per 77 cases, is lower than that in Italy (12.1 per cent), Britain (8.7 per cent), France (7.6 per cent) or Spain (9.1 per cent). 

The low rate is thought to be linked to mass testing, meaning that many people with mild symptoms are added to Germany’s tally but missed elsewhere.  

However, the German rate has been ticking up daily for more than two weeks, and is up from 0.6 per cent just a week ago.  

The head of the German hospital federation said yesterday that medical centres had increased their number of intensive care beds to 40,000. 

Gerald Gass told the Rheinische Post that 30,000 of the beds are equipped with ventilators. 

Berlin has urged hospitals to double their capacity to as much as 56,000 to deal with a potential surge.  

Germany has also taken in more than 100 seriously ill patients from other EU nations, gaining experience in handling virus cases.  

Medical workers wearing masks pull a trolley outside a hospital in Bonn, where the discovery of a wartime bomb yesterday did not help matters 

Authorities have ordered most shops shut, schools closed and imposed a ban on public gatherings of more than two people up to April 19 at the earliest.

Airline giant Lufthansa has placed 87,000 workers – more than half its workforce – on a government-backed shorter hours scheme.   

Among the group’s 135,000 employees, cabin crew, ground crew and for the first time ever pilots are all affected by the measure, a spokesman said.

Some 62,000 of the employees affected are in Germany, doubling the number given on Friday of those who would work shorter hours until September.

As well as the Lufthansa brand and its low-cost sibling Eurowings, the group includes smaller carriers such as Austrian, Brussels Airlines and Swiss.   

Around 700 of Lufthansa’s 763 aircraft are parked following huge reductions in its flight operations, and its seat capacity is just five per cent of its usual schedule.

The group said yesterday that the unprecedented reductions in its flight plan would be extended from April 19 to at least May 3.

Nurses take care of a coronavirus patient on an isolation ward at Essen’s university hospital in western Germany earlier this week 

Chief executive Carsten Spohr last month warned that ‘the longer this crisis lasts, the more likely it is that the future of aviation cannot be guaranteed without state aid.’

The group’s flight plan has been slashed to levels not seen since the 1950s, Spohr said.

German state-owned investment bank KfW says it has received requests for more than €10billion (£8.7billion) in loans. 

The bank says it could issue at least €50billion (£44billion) to ease the impact of the economic standstill.  

‘A huge wave’ of requests is likely to follow next week now the bank’s IT systems are fully set up to deal with the lending scheme, KfW president Guenther Braeunig said. 

Some 2,500 requests have already arrived, and ‘at least 50 billion euros, maybe 100 billion’ in loans are likely in the coming weeks, Braeunig said.

The bank issued €77billion (£67billion) of guaranteed credit over the whole of 2019, a comparatively normal economic year.    

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7.30am Man Utd news LIVE: Sancho latest, Pogba to be sold to fund dream move for Haaland, defender transfer exclusive – The Sun

MANCHESTER UNITED are making big plans to bring Jadon Sancho to Old Trafford and form a deadly trio with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

It's also been suggested that the Red Devils could offload Paul Pogba to Real Madrid to fund a move for teen sensation Erling Haaland.

And we have the latest updates on the financial situation at United and what the squad are doing during the coronavirus lockdown.

Follow all the latest gossip and news from Old Trafford below…

  • MORNING, RED DEVILS FANS

    Manchester United’s season may be coming to an end amid the coronavirus crisis.

    But that doesn’t mean Ole Gunnar Solskjaer isn't already considering his ins and outs for the next campaign.

    SunSport can exclusively reveal United will no longer be looking for a new left-back due to the emergence of Brandon Williams.

    The youngster has been in superb form this season after coming in for the injured Luke Shaw.

    And it’s reckoned Williams’ form will save the club £50million in transfer fees.

    But there is little hope left over Paul Pogba’s future, with the Frenchman still keen to quit Old Trafford.

    It’s believed he is hell-bent on joining Real Madrid this summer in order to link up with idol Zinedine Zidane.

    And Real Madrid are equally keen to complete a deal as they look to shake up their squad.

    However, Pogba’s exit could help United fund a dream move for Erling Haaland.

    The Norwegian was strongly tipped to link up with Solskjaer in January before opting for Borussia Dortmund.

    However, he has a £63m release clause at his new club and could be tempted to move to England after already impressing in Germany.

  • THAT'S SAUL FOLKS

    Manchester United are set to miss out on Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez this summer, according to reports.

    The 25-year-old had been earmarked as a potential acquisition to bolster the Red Devils' midfield – particularly with Paul Pogba's likely departure.

    But according to AS, the Spanish side will demand that the 19-cap Spanish international's £132million release clause be paid in FULL if they are to let their academy graduate go.

    The figure was weaved into Saul's NINE-year contract when it was agreed upon back in 2017.

    This price-tag would smash the £89m club-record fee that United paid for Pogba, 27, back in 2016.

  • EXCLUSIVE BY DANIEL CUTTS

    Manchester United have called off their search for a new left-back after the emergence of Brandon Williams.

    An Old Trafford source told SunSport: “The manager has told Brandon to keep doing what he is doing and to keep his feet on the ground.

    “At the same time, Ole has stopped looking for a new left-back. Brandon has done enough.

    “There was an idea he could go out like Dean Henderson has, to another Premier League club or a team in the Championship.

    “Ole loves Brandon's attitude and he will be here next season. The bosses think he will save them £50m.”

  • TRUE GENT

    Arsenal, Man Utd and Chelsea have suffered a transfer blow with £20m Gent wonderkid Jonathan David reportedly preferring a move to Barcelona.

    According to Mundo Deportivo, the young midfielder would prefer a move to La Liga giants Barcelona. 

    He has been a long standing admirer of former Barcelona star Ronaldinho for his playing style and trademark smile.

    The Catalan giants need to replace Luis Suarez as he is set to miss most of the rest of the season – when it resumes – after he had surgery on a troublesome knee injury.

    David has been hailed as the most flexible forward in the Belgian top-flight, with the youngster capable of fitting in across the front-line.

  • GRIEZY PEASY

    Barcelona are considering part-exchanging Antoine Griezmann for Neymar, according to reports.

    Barca value Griezmann at £88million while Paris Saint-Germain want £135m for Neymar and the two could do a swap deal, according to Sky Sports News.

    Arsenal are among the teams believed to be looking at Griezmann.

    While Neymar has been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea in recent transfer windows.

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Woman, 49, with stage 4 cancer almost died from coronavirus

Mother, 49, with stage 4 cancer who almost died from coronavirus after being admitted to hospital barely able to breathe reveals she’s back running her spin studio three WEEKS later – and insists ‘I’m too young to die’

  • Spin studio owner Hilary Bentwood, 49, of London, has stage 4 cervical cancer 
  • Treatments included chemotherapy and an operation to remove her ovaries
  • Three weeks ago, after suffering a cough, Hilary tested positive for Coronavirus
  • Has now recovered from the virus and says even the most vulnerable can beat it 

A fitness entrepreneur with stage 4 cervical cancer revealed how she almost died from coronavirus after developing symptoms she initially thought were caused by chemotherapy.

Hilary Bentwood, 49, who runs spin studio CyClub, in north London, was admitted to hospital last month with fatigue, a high temperature and extreme shortness of breath.

As a cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy, Hilary understood she was at in a high-risk category for COVID-19 but said she was ‘too ill to worry’. It was only after she recovered that her oncologist revealed to her that she had been in a life-threatening condition.  

However Hilary, a married mother of two, was determined to get back to work and within three weeks was back running the studio alongside her best friend and business partner Sharon Jaffe, 47. 

Hilary Bentwood, 49, (pictured) from North-West London, who was diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer last year, revealed how she almost died from coronavirus last month

The spin studio owner and mother-of-two told how she has lost her hair as a result of chemotherapy. She now wears wigs when she is teaching spin classes 

‘I am too young to die,’ Hilary said, explaining how she remains upbeat. ‘I still have so much I need to do, that’s what keeps me positive. Stage 4 cancer aside – we have too much to do.’  

Hilary was diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer last year and underwent surgery to remove her ovaries and tumours in December.

She initially put her coronavirus symptoms down to exhaustion from a recent round of chemotherapy, but later decided her persistent cough and difficulty breathing combined with a very high fever must be caused by more than chemo.

She was taken to the hospital oncology unit where she was treated as if it could be neutropenic sepsis or coronavirus.

‘I was absolutely terrified,’ she said. ‘Being a chemo patient, if we get a temperature over 37.5C we are supposed to call into hospital or go to A&E as our immunity is compromised and we can become neutropenic [when someone has a low level of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell], which is life-threatening.’ 

She continued: ‘I was too ill to worry. Although I was reassured it wasn’t nutropeanea, I was put on an IV drip and oxygen and two days later my results from the oncology unit revealed I had tested positive for coronavirus.

‘My cough was terrible and uncontrollable – shallow breaths was all I could manage. 

‘My consultant was in touch with me regularly and I am truly grateful that he chose not to tell me of the risk to my life. He did not consider it appropriate to have that conversation with me whilst I was so unwell. For me, calmness is key, panic just causes more pain.

After being released from hospital, Hilary was determined to get back to work and within three weeks was back running the studio alongside her best friend and business partner Sharon Jaffe, 47. Pictured, Hilary and Sharon together

‘It was only a few days ago that he confirmed to me the life-threatening situation I had been in, once we knew I was out the woods. He shared with me that the stats were not good for chemo corona patients and that my life had been at severe risk.’

Once she was released from hospital, Hilary spent time in self-isolation but kept in constant communication with Sharon so they could keep their business running. 

Like many fitness business owners, the friends were forced to close CyClub as the coronavirus crisis worsened in the UK. However the partners quickly adapted to a remote model and launched ‘On Demand’ as an option for their 4,000 members.

Sharon said: ‘When Hilary got the cancer diagnosis, it felt like the bottom fell out of my world. I was already dealing with a mother and mother-in-law with cancer, but with Hilary it was just too much. She was my rock and I had to become her rock and when she got the coronavirus and everything happened so quickly I knew it was a lifeline for us both to keep our club up and running.

‘Running your own business is difficult at the best of times, never mind in this situation. Our spinning community is huge, we are like a family, so when the studio shut we discussed launching On Demand, worked through the logistics of renting out our bikes and how to deliver them – and boom ‘On Demand’ happened.

Hilary (pictured) revealed the belief that she’s ‘too young to die’ and still has much to do, keeps her positive 

‘I created a mini studio in my children’s playroom, purchased some equipment on Amazon and carried on recording, even with Instagram Live and IGTV, which I had never used before. 

‘There was so much encouragement as we had our own CyClub on Demand Whatsapp group with members enthusiastically embracing the classes. We have started off with members who are original CyClubbers but now we’re proud to say we have subscribers from Boston to Athens.’  

Hilary continued: ‘Now I have my brain and body back, Cyclub on demand is key to my existence – Sharon and I working as one again – in a virtual capacity – is wonderful.

‘As for my own health, always what pulls me through is my need to get up and move. I have a need to make myself stronger and to train. It’s been that way for many many years now. It has saved me before all this cancer and coronavirus stuff, and it’s still my guiding light now. I have things to do, classes to teach and a body to put on display.

Like many fitness business owners, the friends were forced to close CyClub as the coronavirus crisis worsened in the UK. However the partners quickly adapted to a remote model and launched ‘On Demand’ as an option for their 4,000 members. Pictured, one of the classes 

‘I am too young to die. I still have so much I need to do, that’s what keeps me positive. Stage 4 cancer aside – we have too much to do. I am not leaving my family –  Sharon included – friends or The CyClub. 

‘I am still coughing and have a bad cold but my immunity is a little knocked and am not allowed any vitamin pills throughout my chemo regime, so limited help with recovery.’

Hilary, who admitted her cancer diagnosis last year was a ‘bombshell’, is still on an intensive chemotherapy regime that has caused her to lose her hair.

She has been having treatment at LOC London oncology centre, during the government’s enforced lockdown.

She continued: ‘Seeing my blonde hair covering my black lycra as it fell out is more sickening than the nausea you get with chemo. The disgustingness of fallen hair on your coat as you remove it is truly devastating [sic]. And how could I have the masses look at me at CyClub without a head of hair?

‘I have so many looking at me as I teach. Looking good is part of the role, and bald is not the way to roll. I absolutely had to hold onto the looking good element. 

‘One day quietly on my own (with my husband’s clippers) I did the deed of shaving my head and honestly I have no words to describe how that feels. It’s still tear-jerking, but I accept now that I will never have long locks again and I am at peace with it.

Hilary revealed helping others through CyClub motivates her, as it’s not only about burning calories but guiding some to think more clearly. Pictured: CyClub spinning class

‘I have fabulous real hair wigs but they will never feel like my own hair. And training and spinning now and sweating with a wig on is a little extra challenge – but it is what it is, and as long as the wig stays in place then I’m all good.’

Hilary told how her family, friends and spin community had been a pillar of support. 

She added: ‘My diagnosis of cancer was a bombshell but the love and friendship with my members has kept me going. It makes me emotional just thinking about the continued support I have received from them over these past few months. 

‘Plus the love and support I have had from Sharon – I couldn’t have done it without her and my wonderful family and friends.’  

http://www.the-cyclub.com/ And on Instagram @the_cyclub

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Arsenal transfer target Jonathan David admits he would ‘love’ to play in Premier League despite Barcelona dream – The Sun

THE Premier League is calling for Jonathan David after the Arsenal and Barcelona target said he would "love" to play in the English top-flight.

Clubs are lining up for the Gent striker, 20, following his impressive form in Belgium.

A strong breakout season last year has been backed up by 23 goals already this campaign as David's side qualified from a tough group to reach the Europa League knockouts.

And while a move isn't on the Canada international's mind just yet, the Premier League is certainly a possibility when he feels a top club can guarantee him a starting role.

He told The Guardian: "I don’t really focus on that or think much about it.

"Right now I’m playing almost every minute of every game and that has really helped me get to the level that I need to be. I just need to take a good step where I can make sure I am getting enough time on the pitch to keep developing.

"I don’t want to go somewhere and just stay on the bench so it’s about taking the right step.

"I want to become one of the best strikers in the world. That’s my goal.

"The Premier League is the best in the world and most competitive so obviously that is somewhere I would love to play in the future."

Reports in Spain place Barcelona in the driving seat for a deal and English trio Manchester United, Arsenal and Everton are among those also named as keen, joining Napoli, RB Leipzig and Lyon.

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Jimmy Fallon Takes Viewers on Virtual Ride Down His Indoor Slide! (Video)

Jimmy Fallon is taking fans on a virtual ride down the slide in his house!

The 45-year-old comedian has been showing off the slide during his at-home editions of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon amid the current health crisis – and on Thursday (April 2), viewers got to virtually try it out.

Jimmy also sat down for a funny interview with the family dog, Gary (who is actually a female).

Watch the videos now!

If you missed it, Jimmy Fallon‘s daughters crashed his opening monologue early into the series – check it out here!

Click inside to watch the other video…


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Miley Cyrus Gets Real About Why She’s ‘Into’ Cody Simpson After He Read Her Love Poem

During her latest Instagram Live show ‘Bright Minded’, the ‘Wrecking Ball’ hitmaker is left freaking out by her singer boyfriend as he read her a poem from his upcoming book ‘Prince Neptune’.

AceShowbiz –Miley Cyrus has clearly fallen head over heels for Cody Simpson. After listening to her singer boyfriend reading a love poem to her during an Instagram Live streaming, the “Wrecking Ball” hitmaker opened up to fans about the real reason why she is “into” him.

On Thursday, April 2, Miley was joined by Cody for the latest episode of “Bright Minded”. During his appearance, the 27-year-old songstress was presented by the “Pretty Brown Eyes” singer with a poem reading taken from his book, “Prince Neptune”, which will be released on April 7.

“In the ancient night, she flies once more back to her home in the stars,” Cody read. “I try to chase her there but fall short because I cannot breathe up that high in the radiant heavens where she lingers. I can only admire her from below, humble, starry-eyed poet with the desire for that which is most beautiful.”

“And she is most beautiful. All other…,” the Australian singer went on before Miley interjected, “BABE!” He, however, continued on delivering the final part of his romantic poem, “… sleep in winter forests, but she is the one who swims in the sun and doesn’t burn up.”

When the 23-year-old musician was done, the former “Hannah Montana” star again exclaimed, “BAAAABE.” Left flustered by his poem reading, she asked, “I’m freaked! I’m the most beautiful?” To which, he replied, “You’re the most beautiful, babe,” prompting her to gush, “I love you, you look so cute.”

After her boyfriend ended his live connection, the ex-wife of Liam Hemsworth turned to fans to jokingly spill, “He’s the only one who’s hung up on me first.” Nevertheless, she was quick to add, “This is why I’m into this guy. You know? That’s what I need.”

Viewers were soon treated to Cody’s unexpected in-person appearance. After he popped out next to Miley, the winner of “The Masked Singer Australia” was introduced as “the first guest I’ve ever had on my couch.” The lovebirds proceeded to sing a rendition of Daniel Johnston‘s “True Love Will Find You In The End”.

Cody Simpson celebrates a milestone of his relationship with Miley Cyrus.

Prior to his Instagram Live appearance, Cody marked a six-month milestone in his relationship with Miley by paying her a tribute on Instagram Story. He uploaded a photo of her, and added a caption that read, “6 months with you is worth a lifetime with anybody else. I love you.”

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NCIS plot hole: Major blunder involving Gibbs’ daughter uncovered

With the 17th season’s last four episode’s on hold, NCIS could be prime to become fans’ next binge watch during self-isolation. However, rewatches of old episodes of the CBS series have uncovered some glaring plot holes and continuity mistakes.

The 17th season of the long-running crime procedural series has proven the show is as popular as ever.

During the most recent episode, titled Blarney, Kasie (Diona Reasonover) and Jimmy (Brian Dietzen) fend off amateur robbers as a jewelry store heist misfires.

Sadly, fans will have to wait over a week for the next episode, and were even more disappointed to find out the series will undergo a major hiatus in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The series follows a crack team of NCIS special agents and forensic experts as they solve strange and exhilarating naval cases in Washington DC.

READ MORE

  • NCIS season 17: Who plays Max in Blarney? Meet the actor

Leroy Gibbs (Mark Harmon) has led the team since the first season, a former Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps who is now one of the team’s most reliable special agents.

Despite Gibbs’ well-established and storied military history playing a major role in the origins of his character, one fan has pointed out a glaring continuity mistake that throws his background into question.

The diligent viewer took to the forums when they hit upon a strange detail involving Gibbs’ daughter and a continuity-breaking t-shirt. 

They said: “At the end of the episode Gibbs has a flashback where his daughter is helping with a boat. She is in an NCIS shirt, but Gibbs had no association with NCIS while she was alive.”

The episode in question occurred in season three, titled Honor Code, in which a young boy begs the team to help with the search of his missing father.

Throughout the episode, Gibbs plays a fatherly role to the boy, triggering memories of his own dead daughter, Kelly.

However, as Gibbs was still working with the Marine Corps at the time of the flashback, it makes no sense why Kelly would be wearing a t-shirt with the NCIS logo.

Despite the series maintaining its popularity over the years, the millions of viewers haven’t stopped NCIS becoming the subject of criticism.

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Known for outlandish cases and convoluted plots, any series of this length is bound to run into some continuity blunders.

It’s entirely possible the budget for season three wasn’t quite as flexible, and the NCIS t-shirt was one of the only items of clothing on hand.

In the very next episode, the writers somehow left in a huge geography mistake, as one fan pointed out: “In one scene, Jenny refers to ‘the former Czech Republic’. That is the state’s current name; it was formerly a part of Czechoslovakia.”

Plus, a classic continuity mistake was spotted as another fan said: “Just as Tony and Ziva head to the lift, the Director of NCIS puts on a headset and lowers the microphone. Camera changes and we see her lower the microphone again.”

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With over 20 episodes per season and a demanding production schedule, NCIS is practically always being filmed.

Because of this, the quickfire process of filming, editing and post-production special effects often lets mistakes like this slip through the cracks.

Despite the disappointment of the recent cancellation, it has thankfully been confirmed the scripts for the delayed four episodes will be rolled over to season 18.

NCIS season 17 airs weekly on CBS on Tuesday evenings.


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