Connect with us

Current

Energy price cap calculator: How much will your bills fall?

The energy price cap has been cut and MailOnline and This is Money’s new online calculator today reveals how much your energy bills should drop by on July 1. 

Ofgem today confirmed its price cap for the average household’s annual energy bill will fall to £2,074 – down from its current £3,280.

Crucially, this pulls the energy price cap below the £2,500 energy price guarantee and will mean the average UK household saves around £426 on gas and electricity.

The cap is set for the average household and individual costs depend on households’ energy usage – our calculator lets you work out what it means for your bills.

Use MailOnline and This is Money’s energy bills widget – which we have built with finance management system Nous – to work out how you will be impacted by the price cap drop.

Enter some brief details on how your home is powered, whether you have a prepayment meter and your current monthly payments to find out how much cheaper your bill will become.

Energy prices have spiked to record levels over the past 18 months, as disruption from the aftermath of Covid lockdowns combined with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent energy costs sky high.

The war in Ukraine saw wholesale gas prices soar globally, with Ofgem’s price cap rising from £1,162 a year in August 2021 to a peak of £4,279 in January this year.

Since October 2022, customers have been partly shielded by the Government’s Energy Price Guarantee, which limits annual energy costs to £2,500.

All households in England, Scotland and Wales also received £400 from the Government to offset soaring prices over the winter.

This will change in July as Ofgem drops the price cap to a level below the energy price guarantee. There is a hope that falling energy prices will also trigger a return to the possibility of switching energy suppliers and a competitive fixed rate market.

Despite the cap’s fall, campaigners have warned households will not feel full relief for another seven years, with energy bills set to remain high until at least 2030.

‘We do not currently expect bills to return to pre-2020 levels before the end of the decade at the earliest,’ energy consulting firm Cornwall Insight said.

Fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) added that, for many, bills will still be ‘unaffordable’ due to the Government’s move to cut winter support packages. 

>  Energy price cap guide: When will your bills fall and by how much? 

Ofgem has today lowered the Energy Price Cap to £2,074 - meaning UK households will be saving up to £450 on their gas and electricity bills

Ofgem has today lowered the Energy Price Cap to £2,074 – meaning UK households will be saving up to £450 on their gas and electricity bills  

It is vital to remember that Ofgem’s price cap does not put a maximum sum on the amount a household will pay for their total energy bill

The price cap instead limits sums of money providers can charge their customers per unit of gas or electricity, meaning those who use more energy pay more.

> How to save money on energy and how your bills work 

Greg Marsh, chief executive and co-founder of household money-saving tool Nous.co, said: ‘Most households will see their energy bills come down from July, but unfortunately this isn’t the end of the painful squeeze on incomes.

‘Bills will be close to double the levels seen before the energy crisis, and other prices such as groceries continue to soar.

‘Energy minister Grant Shapps and regulator Ofgem need to do much more to encourage energy suppliers to pass on falling wholesale prices to consumers. 

‘We mustn’t forget that millions of people are seriously struggling to pay their bills.’

Ofgem is expected to drop to its energy price cap from £2,500 to £2,074 this July, experts have said

Ofgem is expected to drop to its energy price cap from £2,500 to £2,074 this July, experts have said

The Government’s £400 winter discount, which was paid in six instalments to every household, ended in March.

Now, only those in receipt of means-tested benefits, pensioners and those with disabilities are set to receive further help with their energy bills, amounting to £900, £300 and £150 respectively.

The standing charge – the roughly £300 paid each year by households just to access gas and electricity – is also controversial.

The NEA warned that while a cut to the price cap ‘might seem like good news’, bills in July would be comparable to last winter due to the end of the Government’s support.

NEA chief executive Adam Scorer said: ‘Coming out of winter, most people will welcome any respite from record high prices, but it still leaves prices more than 80 per cent higher than the start of the energy crisis and two million more households trapped in fuel poverty.

‘More than two and a half million low income and vulnerable households are no longer receiving any Government support for unaffordable bills. For them, the energy crisis is far from over.’

THE ENERGY PRICE CAP: WHAT IS IT AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR MY BILLS?

Despite falling wholesale energy prices making their way through to bills, households are still facing eye-watering costs that remain well above pre-pandemic levels.

What is Ofgem’s price cap, how does the Government’s Energy Price Guarantee affect it, and what does it all mean for household bills?

– What is Ofgem’s price cap?

The energy price cap was introduced by the Government in January 2019 and sets a maximum price that energy suppliers can charge consumers in England, Scotland and Wales for each kilowatt hour (kWh) of energy they use.

It aims to ensure that prices for customers on default energy tariffs are a fair reflection of the cost paid by suppliers for wholesale energy, and that the profit firms make is capped.

Ofgem sets its cap every three months as the average amount paid by the typical household. This is currently £3,280, but the regulator has announced that it will drop to £2,074 with effect from July 1.

It is important to note though that Ofgem’s cap does not set a maximum amount for the actual bill households receive – those who use more than the average amount will pay more, and those who use less will pay less.

Energy is regulated separately in Northern Ireland, where bills will be held at £1,950 per year for an average household.

However, since October last year this has all been overridden by the Government’s Energy Price Guarantee.

– What is the Energy Price Guarantee?

Then-prime minister Liz Truss announced a temporary Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) to protect households when wholesale prices soared after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, leading to fears bills could hit £6,000 a year.

Under the EPG, which took effect in October, the Government sets a maximum average household price for gas and electricity and pays the difference to customers’ suppliers. This has been set for a typical household at £2,500, even though Ofgem continued to set its own cap at at higher level.

As Ofgem’s price cap will be lower than the EPG from July, the price cap will once again determine household bills, which will drop by an average of £426 a year.

Again though, this is not a maximum cap on what households will pay. Those who use more energy will pay more.

– Why is Ofgem’s price cap falling?

The fall reflects recent drops in wholesale energy prices – the amount energy firms pay for gas and electricity before supplying it to households.

However, despite the drop from July from the sky-high prices of the past two years, the figure remains more than £1,000 a year higher than pre-pandemic levels.

– Will energy bills continue to fall?

Consultancy firm Cornwall Insight predicts that July’s fall will be followed by a further drop in October, when it expects the typical annual bill to be £1,976.

Unfortunately, it currently believes the typical bill will rise again in January to £2,045.

It does not expect energy prices to return to pre-Covid levels before the end of the decade at the earliest.

And it warned that prices remain subject to wholesale market volatility, with the UK’s reliance on energy imports meaning that geopolitical incidents could continue to have a significant impact.

– Will this mean the return of switching?

Cornwall Insight said it hoped to see the reappearance of more competitive fixed-rate energy tariffs as prices begin to stabilise, meaning it could soon be worthwhile for consumers to consider switching again.

Unlike variable tariffs, they are unaffected by the cap.

Consumer groups and regulators say that could be good news for consumers, but warn that such deals will not suit all circumstances, and anyone who locked into a fixed deal would miss out on falling variable prices.

Which? Energy editor Emily Seymour said: ‘If prices start to stabilise, we may see some providers offering competitive fixed price energy deals for the first time in well over a year.

‘As a rule of thumb, we wouldn’t advise fixing any deals which are significantly higher than the price cap or longer than 12 months as this runs the risk of your deal continuing into a completely different future market.

‘It’s also important to take into consideration any exit fees, as we’ve seen some companies charge large amounts if you wish to leave your contract early, should a better deal come along.’

– What if I’m not on a standard default tariff?

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt confirmed in the Spring Budget that energy costs for prepayment households would be brought in line with those who pay by direct debit.

This means the cap is same for both forms of payment.

However, those who pay via cash, cheque or bank transfer, usually every three months, will pay significantly more.

– Is there any extra support available if I’m struggling to pay?

The £400 discount which all households in England, Wales and Scotland received to offset soaring winter bills has ended.

Only those in receipt of means-tested benefits, pensioners and those with disabilities are currently set to receive further help with their energy bills, amounting to £900, £300 and £150 respectively.

Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you click on them we may earn a small commission. That helps us fund This Is Money, and keep it free to use. We do not write articles to promote products. We do not allow any commercial relationship to affect our editorial independence.

Source link

Current

Fowlmere cottage in Cambridgeshire has a secret Henry VIII tunnel

Dig deep! Four-bed period Cambridgeshire cottage for sale has a secret tunnel dating back to Henry VIII’s era

  • Semi-detached Cambridgeshire cottage has an unusual underground feature
  • It has a historic tunnel linking it to the other properties in the village of Fowlmere
  • Hill View Cottage has four bedrooms and is up for grabs for £425,000

From the outside, it looks like a pretty period cottage with some serious kerb appeal.

But dig deeper and this village property listed for £425,000 with four bedrooms has an usual feature.

On closer inspection, you’ll find a historic underground tunnel that links the semi-detached house in the Cambridgeshire village of Fowlmere to several other nearby properties.

It is called Hill View cottage and the tunnel links it to the other properties with a small central meeting room.

This semi-detached cottage in the Cambridgeshire village of Fowlmere has an unusual underground feature

This semi-detached cottage in the Cambridgeshire village of Fowlmere has an unusual underground feature

It is understood the tunnel was built when Henry VIII created the church of England in the 16th century.

Historians believe it is likely to have been used by catholics and protestants as an escape route to avoid persecution when the authorities approached.

It is believed this is the last remaining access to the tunnel, with the others having been sealed off.

In the main living room, there are no clues to the hidden feature - just plenty of period details

In the main living room, there are no clues to the hidden feature – just plenty of period details

It is believed that this could be the last remaining access to the tunnel, which links to other properties in the village

 It is believed that this could be the last remaining access to the tunnel, which links to other properties in the village

The historic Grade II listed cottage has bay windows, exposed beams and brick fireplaces.

The tunnel is accessed via the cottage’s basement, which in turn is accessed from a door in the kitchen.

There are two double bedrooms on the first floor as well as a family bathroom, and two further bedrooms on the second floor with period features.

Outside, there is a garden enclosed by fencing and brick walls, with a lawn and a patio area.

The property is called Hill View cottage and the tunnel links it to the other properties with a small central meeting room

The property is called Hill View cottage and the tunnel links it to the other properties with a small central meeting room

The garden is enclosed by fencing and brick walls, and boasts a large a lawn with a boarder

The garden is enclosed by fencing and brick walls, and boasts a large a lawn with a boarder

The Grade II listed cottage has bay windows, as well as some exposed wooden beams

The Grade II listed cottage has bay windows, as well as some exposed wooden beams 

The Cambridgeshire property is on the market for £425,000 via Ensum Brown estate agents

The Cambridgeshire property is on the market for £425,000 via Ensum Brown estate agents

The tunnel is accessed via the cottage¿s basement, which in turn is accessed from a door in the kitchen

The tunnel is accessed via the cottage’s basement, which in turn is accessed from a door in the kitchen

The Cambridgeshire property is for sale for £425,000 via Ensum Brown estate agents.

The average price of a property sold in Cambridgeshire during the past 12 months is £431,181.

It compares to an average of £355,356 for the country as a whole, according to Zoopla.



Source link

Continue Reading

Current

How to keep your home safe from burglars when heading on holiday

As the summer holiday season approaches, a checklist of jobs you need to undertake to protect your home as much as possible from burglars while away has been revealed.

It includes making sure that your home continues to look lived in, with no big giveaway that nobody is at home including an accumulation of post, packages and bottles of milk at the front door.

There is also the issue of social media and making sure that you don’t advertise that your home is empty by posting beach photos while you are away.

Top ten tips for protecting your home while you're away on a summer holiday are revealed

Top ten tips for protecting your home while you’re away on a summer holiday are revealed 

It is all about trying to ensure that a thief cannot work out if you are at home or away on holiday.

Darren Black, of Nationwide Building Society, said: ‘The vast majority of burglaries are opportunistic, targeting normal people living in everyday homes. 

‘To reduce the likelihood of your home becoming a target, you need to make the task for the burglar just that little bit less appealing by making it harder to break in or making it look more likely that they will be caught. 

‘The good news for homeowners is that many measures can be put in place at minimal cost.’ 

Tips include using anti-climb paint as many burglars obtain access to your home using drain pipes, low fences, or walls that are easy to climb

Tips include using anti-climb paint as many burglars obtain access to your home using drain pipes, low fences, or walls that are easy to climb

Michele Bennett, of ADT, agreed, saying: ‘Unfortunately, thieves are smart and opportunistic, so while it can seem there are an endless number of things to do to prepare for a holiday, ensuring you spend enough time securing your property is essential.

‘Locking your doors and windows may seem an obvious step, but the stress of preparing for a holiday can leave you forgetting to do the most simple tasks.

‘Be sure to remove any keys from doors, that all windows are fully closed and not left on the latch, and do a final check before leaving your home.’

Mrs Bennett added: ‘Getaways are exciting, and it can be tempting to tell everyone all about your holiday. 

‘However, burglars use Facebook and Twitter to target potential properties. Sharing updates on social media while you’re away may seem harmless, but ultimately leaves your property at risk, so be sure to wait until you are back home to post about your time away.

‘Making your house look lived in is essential while you’re away. 

‘There’s no bigger giveaway that nobody is home than the accumulation of post, packagers, or bottles of milk at the front door and this is exactly what opportunistic burglars look out for.

‘Pausing these services is an easy way of deterring any thieves from identifying your property as a target.

‘Additionally, you need to be clever with your lights, don’t just program them to turn on at the same time every day. 

‘Have them switch on at random times throughout the day to really offset burglars – if a thief can’t figure out whether or not you’re home, they’re unlikely to risk trying to break in.’

ADT has revealed a list of the top ten ways to protect your home while you’re away on holiday. 

Thieves look for escape routes and hiding spots when deciding which homes to break into, meaning gardens with high, overgrown hedges are more likely to be targeted

Thieves look for escape routes and hiding spots when deciding which homes to break into, meaning gardens with high, overgrown hedges are more likely to be targeted

Top ten tips to protect your home… 

1. Don’t leave empty milk bottles with a note

If you regularly receive a milk delivery, pause your order before departing for your holiday.

The best way to do this is by contacting your milk delivery service directly, rather than leaving empty milk bottles with a note attached.

This is a common mistake that potential thieves may pick up on.

2. Postpone your mail service

The accumulation of post in your mailbox is clear evidence of inactivity in your home.

To prevent this, contact your local post office or apply online to request the postponement of your mail service for the time you are away.

Once you’ve returned from your trip your post will be delivered to you, meaning you won’t miss any important mail.

3. Pause or reschedule any deliveries

Expecting packages while you’re away? Delivery drivers may leave your parcels in what they consider a ‘safe place’, assuming you’ll be home shortly to pick it up.

However, a pile of parcels is a clear indication to burglars that you’re on holiday. To avoid being targeted, ask a neighbour to collect any parcels for you or re-schedule any deliveries.

4. Secure your windows and doors

Make sure to secure all windows and doors, remove any keys from locks or where intruders can see them and bring in your spare key from its hiding spot.

Before you leave, spare a few minutes to walk around your home to double-check everything is secure – worth it for the safety of your property and for your peace of mind.

5. Make slippery slopes

Many burglars obtain access to your home using drain pipes, low fences, or walls that are easy to climb.

Investing in anti-climb paint will leave a sleek, more slippery surface that will make surfaces difficult for thieves to scale.

6. Clean up your garden

Thieves look for escape routes and hiding spots when deciding which homes to break into, meaning gardens with high, overgrown hedges are more likely to be targeted.

Before you leave, give your garden a thorough tidy-up to make your property less likely to be targeted while you’re away.

7. Ensure your house looks lived in

You may be tempted to leave your lights on for the whole time you are away, but thieves will spot this.

Using automatic timer switches for turning on a few well-appointed lights and a radio or TV will ensure your house does not seem empty.

Be sure to have lights come on at different times throughout your time away to really deter any thieves.

Smart plugs allow you to remotely turn off and on devices plugged into these devices and you can also have them turn lamps on when motion is detected by camera devices outside your property.

And some outdoor cameras also have two-way audio so you can warn off anyone on your property and emit a high pitch siren to deter any further encroachment.

8. Keep your holiday off social media

Social media is used by burglars to find empty houses, with thieves watching Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts to work out when residents are away.

Avoid posting about your break on any social media platforms while you’re away and instead wait until you are back home to update your friends and family about your trip.

9. Get a trusted companion to help you out

Asking a family member, friend or neighbour to come over every day will create the illusion that someone is living in your house.

Ask them to move any post, open and close blinds and curtains, and park a car in your driveway, to put off any potential burglars who could be monitoring your home.

10. Take control of your home security

From automating your home to making it look like you’re in when you’re not, there is a wide range of home security products available that are designed to protect your home while you’re away.

Products range from having a visible security alarm on the exterior of your property to deter burglars to smart plugs that allow you to remotely turn off and on devices such as TVs and a radio. 

Source link

Continue Reading

Culture

The Resilient Journey of Arnold Schwarzenegger, From Abused Child to Triumphs in Film, Politics & Television

Australian writer Clive James once described the then 30-year-old bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger, as having a body like “a condom full of walnuts.” It is more than likely that Schwarzenegger read the phrase: according to one of his biographers, Michael Blitz, author of the hilarious chronicle Why Arnold Matters: The Rise of a Cultural Icon. The actor, politician and former Austrian athlete is an incorrigible narcissist who tries to “read every last line that is published about him.”

Arnold Schwarzenegger, like many other prominent figures in pop culture, experiences a conflicting dynamic with his own persona. While he appreciates the level of notoriety his fame brings, he is frustrated by being reduced to what he perceives as a crude caricature. Of particular concern to him is the potential dismissal of the immense dedication and disciplined efforts he invested in sculpting his body during his formative years, from ages 15 to 25.

Schwarzenegger vehemently rejects the idea that his personal accomplishments should be treated as laughable or subjected to cruel jokes. He views his finely chiseled physique as a testament to his determination, discipline, and artistic vision, rather than mere fodder for mockery. While he has demonstrated the ability to laugh at himself and engage in self-deprecating humor, he upholds a strong sense of dignity and does not tolerate those who attempt to undermine his legacy.

Always in the spotlight

This Friday marks the Netflix premiere of FUBAR, a series in which Schwarzenegger plays a fictional veteran CIA agent, and on June 7 Arnold will also appear in a three-episode documentary series with which Netflix has set out to show “the man behind the muscles.” And this is not just any man. As much as his triceps might make one think of a prophylactic crammed with nuts, Schwarzenegger is a complex individual with a particularly rich biography.

A family portrait of Schwarzenegger’s older brother Meinhard, mother Aurelia, and father Gustav Schwarzenegger in 1965.
A family portrait of Schwarzenegger’s older brother Meinhard, mother Aurelia, and father Gustav Schwarzenegger in 1965.Michael Ochs Archives (Getty Images)
An 18-year-old Arnold Schwarzenegger lifts a friend in Austria in 1965.
An 18-year-old Arnold Schwarzenegger lifts a friend in Austria in 1965.Michael Ochs Archives (Getty Images)

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s journey is marked by several significant chapters, starting with his tumultuous childhood. As a young boy, he faced the emotional struggle of vying for his father’s affection against his older brother. Schwarzenegger’s father, a supporter of the Nazi regime, exhibited abusive behavior towards his family, often likening himself to a lesser version of Adolf Hitler. The painful memories include instances of physical abuse, as his father wrongly believed that Schwarzenegger was gay.

Despite these challenging circumstances, Schwarzenegger’s resilience and determination drove him forward. At the age of 21, he made the courageous decision to emigrate to the United States, armed with only a small sum of Austrian schillings and a limited English vocabulary of approximately 20 words. Undeterred by the hurdles he faced, Schwarzenegger embarked on a remarkable journey of self-transformation.

His exceptional talent in bodybuilding became a defining aspect of his life. As a gifted athlete, he achieved great success, securing the prestigious title of Mr. Olympia seven times and being crowned Mr. Universe in 1968. Notably, he achieved these milestones while simultaneously working as a construction worker in Los Angeles, demonstrating his unwavering work ethic and dedication.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s illustrious career encompasses various facets that have contributed to his enduring legacy. Firstly, he ventured into the world of acting in 1970, making his big-screen debut as Hercules in the film Hercules in New York. Despite facing scathing reviews, Schwarzenegger persevered and eventually garnered recognition for his performance in Stay Hungry (1976), earning him a coveted Golden Globe, as encouraged by acclaimed filmmaker Bob Rafelson, an influential figure in New Hollywood.

Throughout the 1980s, Schwarzenegger established himself as an iconic figure in action cinema. His repertoire boasts an impressive lineup of blockbuster films, ranging from Conan the Barbarian (1982) to Last Action Hero (1993), including the legendary Terminator franchise. Notable entries in his filmography include Predator (1987), Red Heat (1988), and Total Recall (1990), solidifying his status as a prominent action movie star.

In addition to his on-screen persona, Schwarzenegger frequently found himself in the media spotlight. He made headlines by marrying journalist Maria Shriver, a member of the Kennedy family, while simultaneously expressing his political alignment with Republicans Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. Despite advocating for the restoration of traditional family values, Schwarzenegger faced public scrutiny when news emerged of his extramarital affair and a secret child with his Guatemalan-born maid, Mildred Baena.

Schwarzenegger’s journey took a further twist when he entered the realm of politics. Initially positioning himself as a supporter of fiscal austerity and espousing firm masculinity, he ran for elected office in California. However, his political career witnessed significant transformations. Schwarzenegger evolved into a champion of sexual minority rights and became a prominent advocate for neoliberal environmentalism, a concept that was not widely recognized before his foray into politics. These shifts in his political stance redefined his public image and created a complex narrative surrounding his political ideology.

A traumatic childhood

For Michael Blitz, Schwarzenegger has retained coherence and sanity amidst so much existential and physical turmoil because he has never lost sight of “the child he was and the character he built to rescue himself from a mediocre life.” If one of his qualities were to stand out, it would be, in The Guardian journalist Rory Carroll’s opinion, “his unbridled ambition coupled with an oceanic self-confidence.” Schwarzenegger is “a pathological enthusiast.” He never gives up, never gives in, always demands “that extra stroke that takes you to a new shore” and manages to keep smiling.

Field, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Joanna Cassidy in 1976.
Field, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Joanna Cassidy in 1976.FilmPublicityArchive (FilmPublicityArchive/United Arch)
Donna Summer in the arms of Arnold Schwarzenegger at a party at his Los Angeles home in April 1977.
Donna Summer in the arms of Arnold Schwarzenegger at a party at his Los Angeles home in April 1977.Michael Ochs Archives

Some of the anecdotes about his life are full of his stubborn personality and his mercurial but playful endurance. The most touching Schwarzenegger anecdote is perhaps the one about the boy who tried to play soccer because his father showed an interest in the sport that his older brother, Meinhard (a superb boxer and mountaineer) was not so good at. The lanky pre-teen that was Arnold stubbornly kicked the ball around until his father lost interest after watching him lose an unimportant game. From there he went on to lift weights, tired of being a disappointment to his brother and his father, the Nazi Gustav, who was a police officer, war veteran and chronic abuser, and who even wondered if that mushy little wimp was really his biological son.

One of the most endearing aspects of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s life is perhaps his youthful escapade as an 18-year-old. In the midst of his military service in the Austrian army in the summer of 1965, he went absent without leave (AWOL) to participate in a bodybuilding competition in Germany. Despite facing consequences, including time in the stockade and a reprimand from his superiors, Schwarzenegger claims in his memoir, Total Defiance: My Incredible Story (published in 2012), that this act of rebellion was a rare and worthwhile experience.

Another memorable anecdote from his military days involves his training in driving tanks. During his service year, he had the opportunity to operate an antique tank through the Austrian countryside. In later years, Schwarzenegger tracked down the tank and eventually purchased it when it was bound for the scrapyard. He transported it to the United States, where he exhibited it to his friends. Subsequently, he donated it to the Motts Military Museum in Ohio in 2000.

However, upon visiting the museum at a later date, Schwarzenegger was disappointed by the condition in which his cherished tank was displayed. Consequently, he requested its return and currently utilizes it as an integral component of an educational program for youths from disadvantaged neighborhoods in Los Angeles. As part of this program, if the participating children exhibit good behavior, Schwarzenegger rewards them with a field trip and the opportunity to drive his tank.

These intriguing episodes highlight the unique experiences and interests of Arnold Schwarzenegger, demonstrating his willingness to seize unconventional opportunities and create impactful initiatives that combine his personal passions with a desire to inspire and educate others.

Winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing

Other fascinating aspects of Schwarzenegger’s personality have to do with his use of tactics in his younger years to psychologically destabilize his opponents, something like the trash talking common in boxing or basketball, but little less than unheard of in the much more genteel world of European bodybuilding. Arnold says he developed very sophisticated strategies to “torpedo the self-esteem” of candidates with better bodies than his. In his opinion, rather than foul play, the use of this type of trickery was a symptom of “superior intelligence” to that of his rivals, not to mention the blind determination and competitive instinct that have always guided him.

Also noteworthy is the trick he played on his on-screen muscle rival, Sylvester Stallone, which only came to light years later. In 1990 he received a script that he considered one of the worst he had ever read and, aware of how things worked in Hollywood, he leaked to the press his enormous interest in starring in it. As he anticipated, this raised his rival Stallone’s suspicion, and he fought to get his hands on the project. Arnold’s dastardly trick worked. Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot became a critical and public flop and, by Stallone’s own admission years later, “one of the worst movies in the solar system.”

Arnold Schwarzenegger at a party at the Four Seasons in New York in 1976.
Arnold Schwarzenegger at a party at the Four Seasons in New York in 1976.Fairchild Archive (Penske Media via Getty Images)
Young Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Young Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger.Ron Galella (Ron Galella Collection via Getty)

A unique accent

Already in the United States, the young adult proved his mettle by resisting any attempt to interfere with his career. Mark Hamill, the future Luke Skywalker, with whom he struck up a friendship when they were both starting to frequent casting calls, advised him to “choose a stage name that people would be able to remember” and to get rid of the dreadful accent that made him sound like “an operetta Nazi” as soon as possible. Since it’s hard to say no to a man possessed by the Force, Schwarzenegger took his advice on only one occasion: in his first high-profile role in Hercules in New York, he appeared as Arnold Strong in the credits and struggled to impose an accent more from the suburbs of Omaha than the outskirts of Graz.

The experiment left a bad taste in his mouth: it made no sense to give up what made him different and to replace it with a dull name and a fake accent. So he returned to the not so unpronounceable Schwarzenegger and that Teutonic touch that he has never really wanted to get rid of, even though he has demonstrated on multiple occasions that his Yankee accent is now much better than it was in 1970.

The same with politics. Arnold first won election as governor of California in 2003, at a time when he was considered a disciple of Nixon’s fiscal austerity and Reagan’s cultural conservatism. During the campaign, he insisted on presenting himself as the Terminator who was going to wipe the irresponsible frivolity and affectations of the Democrats off the map, even though his advisors thought it smarter to avoid the negative connotations of the character and present himself as a much nicer kindergarten cop.

Mick Jagger and Arnold Schwarzenegger at the Hôtel du Cap in Antibes (France).
Mick Jagger and Arnold Schwarzenegger at the Hôtel du Cap in Antibes (France).Jean Pigozzi

Arnold Schwarzenegger had a keen understanding that his fellow citizens in the Golden State would embrace a tough stance with greater fervor than misguided paternalism. His foresight proved accurate, as his success marked the beginning of a fast-paced trajectory—from being an immensely popular pop icon to attaining political power—a path subsequently traversed by Donald Trump. However, when Schwarzenegger sought re-election in 2007, he astutely recognized the shifting political climate and swiftly embarked on a sharp course correction. This transformation led him to adopt centrist and even progressive positions on certain issues, ultimately securing another triumph. Throughout this journey, Schwarzenegger’s guiding principle has always been to trust his own instincts.

Schwarzenegger is an individual who may appear unconventional, with a physical appearance likened to a “condom stuffed with walnuts,” yet his resilience and consistency amidst striking contradictions make him an unyielding force. His unwavering self-image remains impervious, much like a nuclear bomb-proof shelter. Undeniably, Schwarzenegger’s captivating persona warrants the production of numerous documentaries to illuminate the multifaceted aspects of his life and career.

Schwarzenegger’s story is a testament to his adaptability, astuteness, and unwavering confidence in navigating the realms of both entertainment and politics. His remarkable journey serves as a compelling case study, showcasing the dynamic nature of leadership and the significance of trusting one’s own instincts in the face of evolving circumstances.


Continue Reading

Trending

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates 
directly on your inbox.

You have Successfully Subscribed!