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Paul McCartney shares emotional message on John Lennon’s birthday

<p dir="ltr">Paul McCartney has shared an emotional post in dedication to John Lennon on what would’ve been his 84th birthday. </p> <p dir="ltr">The music icon took to Instagram to share a photo from the stage in which he is performing in front of footage of Lennon, who died at the age of 40 in 1980.</p> <p dir="ltr">McCartney shared the moving birthday tribute to his late friend and former bandmate, thanking him for “being there”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Happy Birthday John. Thanks for being there,” he captioned the photo. </p> <p dir="ltr">McCartney’s dedication to his late friend and musical collaborator touched the hearts of Beatles fans around the world who were quick to praise his kind words.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DA5xSyjC8bL/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DA5xSyjC8bL/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Paul McCartney (@paulmccartney)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“I’m going to cry,” one wrote, while another added, “You and John after many decades are still the best songwriters of the world!”</p> <p dir="ltr">“I remember the news on that sad day in December. Happy birthday John,” commented another in reference to the day Lennon passed. </p> <p dir="ltr">The birthday message comes after McCartney lifted the lid on the final conversation he had with Lennon before he died. </p> <p dir="ltr">Speaking candidly about their “complicated” relationship on <em>The Howard Stern Show</em>, he recalled how their wholesome conversation was sparked by a shared hobby. </p> <p dir="ltr">McCartney told Stern the conversation was “very special” in spite of the “whole horrible thing of the group breaking up”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And I ring John and I was making bread and got quite good at it,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So when I heard John was doing it, it was great. We could just talk about something so ordinary.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“There’s no threat or anything. It was just two guys talking about, ‘Well, I don’t know. Do you leave it overnight or what do you do? And someone says, ‘Yeah, I leave it overnight in a hot cupboard’ and you’d just be chatting.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was really nice and I was so glad that we got back to that relationship that we’d always had when we were kids. We’d lived in each other’s pockets for so long that it was great to get back to that.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Instagram</em> </p> <p> </p>

Relationships

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Paul Hogan's grandson facing jail over airport robbery

<p>Paul Hogan's grandson is facing charges after breaking into a secure room at Sydney Airport, just months after avoiding jail on other charges. </p> <p>Police have alleged that Jake Paul Hogan had housebreaking tools in his possession on August 10th when he broke into a secure employee bike rack room in the carpark of the Sydney International Airport.</p> <p>It was there he allegedly stole a custom bike worth $5,000, before returning just three days later with the same housebreaking tools and two black mountain bikes which are suspected to have been stolen.</p> <p>Mr Hogan was charged with six offences related to the break-ins on August 28th, when he was already in custody on remand over separate allegations of breaking and entering.</p> <p>The charges come just three months <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/turn-his-life-around-paul-hogan-s-grandson-set-to-be-released-from-prison" target="_blank" rel="noopener">after</a> the 34-year-old was released from prison after 57 days behind bars. </p> <p>At the time of his release, Hogan broke down in court after learning that his father has moved to Sydney to support him in living a life without crime when he leaves jail.</p> <p>His father Todd Hogan, who is the son of the Crocodile Dundee star, flew back from New Zealand to support his son at the sentencing, in which he was sentenced for breaking into apartment buildings to fund his “high-level drug habit” and for breaching a court order against an ex-girlfriend in May. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Facebook</em></p>

Legal

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Real reason why Paul Burt was sacked

<p>A senior source from Channel Seven has revealed the real reason why Paul Burt was sacked, just days after he <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/axed-weatherman-s-blunt-farewell-message-live-on-air" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unleashed</a> at his former employer live on-air. </p> <p>An insider at the network reportedly told the<em> <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13682975/Paul-Burt-Seven-sacked-reason.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail</a> </em>that Burt, who worked at Seven for more than a decade, was sacked because focus group research found he was unpopular with audiences. </p> <p>"Paul Burt was sacked after extensive audience research across the Queensland market that identified he was one of the least-liked presenters on-air, with the dreaded 'switch-off' factor," the source said. </p> <p>The research had been conducted in the first quarter of 2024. </p> <p>The source also told the <em>Daily Mail</em> that perceived audience appeal was an important consideration when deciding who would be let go from the program and "it's not like names were picked out of a hat."</p> <p>"Networks spend a fortune on polling and focus groups to identify emerging talent and test long-serving presenters," they said. </p> <p>"The audience decides who reads the news."</p> <p>Burt did not accept the research, telling the <em>Daily Mail</em>: "I mean, these people are going to try and cover their backs." </p> <p>"I think if they're looking at numbers like that, they might want to change the people who are giving them those numbers.</p> <p>"Because I'm on the ground, I hear what people say and I understand what they want. I've been doing it now for 28 years."</p> <p><em>Daily Mail </em>also obtained a farewell email that Burt sent to his colleagues at the network on Monday afternoon. </p> <p>"Hey everyone, never thought I'd be writing this email anytime soon, but here we go," the email reportedly began. </p> <p>"First and foremost, I want to say thank you to everyone who I have worked directly with, you have all been incredibly awesome and do sensational jobs and deserve far more recognition than you get. </p> <p>"Secondly, those who reached out to me after the news over the weekend and today to 'check in' on me and pass on your kind words, wow, it's been very humbling so thank you."</p> <p>Burt also reportedly did not attend his farewell last Friday and had told management he would not be attending it. </p> <p>"I'm not that kind of guy," he told the <em>Daily Mail</em>. </p> <p>"I don't want there to be any hoo-ha. I don't need a cake. I'm not interested."</p> <p>He also said that he did not wanted to cut into his work schedule on a busy Friday evening when he did about 10 live crosses to the newsroom. </p> <p>"I don't want to give up my time to get back to the office when I'm on location," he said. </p> <p>"I didn't want to stand there and get, 'Here's a cake, congratulations, goodbye and thank you for your time'. I never asked for it." </p> <p>He also said:  "Don't get me wrong, I really admire the network. I love the network. I truly do.</p> <p>"Unfortunately, I just think at this point in time, things could have been handled a bit differently in certain sectors of the newsroom.  </p> <p>"If you have three of your best-selling items in a shop, do you get rid of those three and just deal with what's left over? As a business person, I don't think you do."</p> <p>Seven West Media, which also owns the West Australian, is slashing 150 editorial staff in a round of redundancies, which has affected other big names like newsreader Sharyn Ghidella. </p> <p><em>Images: Seven</em></p>

TV

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Axed weatherman's blunt farewell message live on-air

<p>Weatherman Paul Burt has lashed out at Channel 7 in an awkward final report after he was axed by the network. </p> <p>The veteran weatherman was recently cut by Seven after almost three decades in the industry as part of a cost-cutting move, and he took aim at the network in his final sign off on Saturday. </p> <p>“Hello everybody yes it is my last weather for the network tonight,” he began. </p> <p>“Let’s get straight into it everyone because it’s the most important thing is your Sunday and not me.”</p> <p>He then detailed the weather outlook before presenter Samantha Heathwood farewelled him.</p> <p>Burt then thanked viewers for their "trust, loyalty, and support" and thanked his family before unleashing on the network. </p> <p>“If I’d had the opportunity I wouldn’t have wanted to go this way,” Burt said. “It’s what happens when you get sacked”.</p> <p>The network then cut to footage for Burt, who has been at Seven since 2013, presenting various segments over the years, including him delivering the weather from a helicopter during floods. </p> <p>In an interview with <em>The Australian</em>, Burt revealed that he had only been given  “55 seconds to say my goodbyes”. </p> <p>“I really don’t understand it, why people are being treated this way,” Burt said.</p> <p>“It was a shock, I was told to come in and have a meeting which I did and I was told my contract was not being renewed. It was rather embarrassing for my wife and children. They found out before I could even tell them. Obviously things get leaked.</p> <p>“Some of the decisions made lately are quite harsh. I’ve lost a lot of friends who have been made redundant or got the sack.”</p> <p>Burt wasn't the only one made redundant in the network's cost-cutting move. Veterans including Robert Ovadia, Sharyn Ghidella,  Andrew Frampton and seasoned Melbourne crime reporter Cameron Baud have all gone.</p> <p><em>Images: Channel 7</em></p>

TV

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Pioneering TV presenter reveals terminal diagnosis live on air

<p>Popular New Zealand TV presenter Joanna Paul-Robie has revealed she is dying of cancer. The pioneering presenter, known for her work on TV3, shared the heartbreaking news during an interview with Radio New Zealand on Friday morning.</p> <p>Paul-Robie, who has been a beloved figure in the broadcasting world, made the announcement while accepting the Icon Award for her contributions to the creative industries.</p> <p>“I was so touched because this award means so much to me, coming from Tauranga Moana,” she said. “But more importantly, because I am, unfortunately, dying – I have terminal cancer – and really to have this award before one posthumously gets it is an even better break. I can’t tell you the lightness, the brightness, the feeling of aroha inside me last night.”</p> <p>Reflecting on her career, Paul-Robie recounted her experiences as one of the few Māori individuals on New Zealand's television screens. “The newsroom was really … it was being run by mostly a pair of middle-class, middle-aged white men who had the audacity and the balls to say ‘If it bleeds, it leads’ but these guys you know they had never been in a Māori world,” she remarked.</p> <p>Starting her career at Radio New Zealand, Paul-Robie later became a newsreader for TV3 and played a significant role in establishing Māori Television in 2004, serving as a program and production manager.</p> <p>During a 2011 interview with <em>NZOnScreen</em>, she spoke about the challenges and triumphs of setting up the network. “There’s been a handful of people in the world who have built a television station and taken it to air,” she said. “There are only a handful of people in the world who can do that and even though it nearly broke me in half on the day that we launched, I thought ‘hell we did that’. I think it is difficult for someone like me with an A-type personality to think now you have done your big thing maybe you should take it easy now.”</p> <p>Paul-Robie's courage and dedication have left an indelible mark on New Zealand's broadcasting landscape. Her announcement has been met with an outpouring of support and love from colleagues, fans and the wider community, who admire her strength and resilience in the face of such a personal battle.</p> <p><em>Images: <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">NZOnScreen</span></em></p>

Caring

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Long-serving ABC star calls it quits

<p>Paul Barry, the veteran host of <em>Media Watch</em>, who has made a career out of poking the media bear, has announced his departure from the ABC show in December. After an illustrious (and occasionally infamous) tenure that would make a soap opera look like a nap, Barry is hanging up his microphone at the ripe age of 72.</p> <p>“I’ve been in the hot seat for 11 years and it’s time to give someone else a go,” Barry remarked, possibly while the hot seat sighed in relief. Indeed, hosting Media Watch is no small feat – it's a bit like riding a roller coaster while simultaneously refereeing a brawl. But Barry has certainly done it with aplomb, panache and a fair amount of flair.</p> <p>His announcement has left viewers with mixed feelings – a blend of gratitude for his unyielding service and a tinge of sadness, akin to the bittersweet end of a beloved TV series. Barry promised to stay with us until December, giving us ample time to stock up on popcorn and enjoy the remaining episodes. "Lots of fun to be had before then," he teased, hinting at some final rounds of media mischief.</p> <p>For those who might be wondering what Barry plans to do next, well, that's still a mystery. Perhaps he'll take up knitting, but knowing him, it’ll likely be with barbed wire.</p> <p>Barry first commandeered <em>Media Watch</em> in 2000 before returning in 2013, making a grand comeback that rivalled any reality TV show. Over the years, he has ruffled enough feathers to fill a sizeable pillow factory. Commercial media outlets, politicians and even his own network – as <em>Media Watch</em> famously runs independently of the ABC – have all been on the receiving end of his sharp critiques. His fearless approach has made him a hero to many and a headache to some.</p> <p>One of Barry’s most memorable moments came in 2013 during a spat with columnist Andrew Bolt. When Bolt provocatively asked Barry to reveal his salary on air, Barry did just that – $191,259, to be precise. It was a jaw-dropping moment that left viewers stunned and Bolt, presumably, a bit flummoxed.</p> <p>In between his stints at <em>Media Watch</em>, Barry has donned many hats – investigative reporter for the <em>Sydney Morning Herald</em>, correspondent for <em>60 Minutes</em>, and author of several books, including a controversial unauthorised biography of James Packer. His career has been a veritable smorgasbord of journalism, controversy and unflinching honesty.</p> <p>An ABC spokesperson paid tribute to Barry, highlighting his “track record of independent commentary, analysis, and robust discussion about the media industry and its ethics – or lack thereof.” Barry has indeed been the watchdog’s watchdog, never shying away from calling out malpractice, no matter where it reared its head.</p> <p>As the ABC gears up to announce a new host, the shoes left behind are large ones to fill. Barry’s departure marks the end of an era – one filled with wit, grit and an unwavering commitment to holding the media accountable.</p> <p>So, here’s to Paul Barry – the feather-ruffler, the truth-seeker, the man who made us laugh, gasp and, most importantly, think. As he steps down from <em>Media Watch</em>, we wish him the very best in his next adventure, whether that’s taking on new journalistic endeavours or finally perfecting that tricky scarf pattern.</p> <p>Bravo, Mr Barry. You will be missed.</p> <p><em>Image: Media Watch</em></p>

TV

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How to write creative non-fiction history

<p><em>Discovering an old photo album from the 1920s, celebrated author and adjunct professor <strong>Paul Ashton</strong> embarked on a journey to turn historical research into engaging creative non-fiction, blending meticulous evidence with captivating storytelling. Here he shares he insights on the fascinating process. </em></p> <p>One afternoon my elderly father and niece came to my home for lunch. On their way they had seen something on a council clean up. ‘We thought you might be interested in this,’ said my father handing me a small, brown photo album. I was.</p> <p>The album contained around 100 undated black and white photographs. It became apparent quickly that this was the record of a road trip done in the 1920s or 1930s. A boy, two women and a man had gone on a trip from Sydney up through New England, to Tamworth then to Brisbane and back to Sydney. Shadows in some of the images indicate that they were taken by the man and at least one of the women. The album provided the basis for my first children’s book, Palmer’s Mystery Hikes.</p> <p>One photograph stood out for me. Hundreds of people were gathered somewhere in the bush. In the far left-hand corner in the background was an elevated table covered with a large white tablecloth. With a magnifying glass I could just make out ‘Palmers [something] Hike’. In 1932 Palmer’s men and boys’ department store, in Park Street in Sydney, had established a hiking club to promote the sale of hiking apparel. You bought a ‘mystery’ ticket from New South Wales Railways with which Palmer had an arrangement; turned up at Central Station on Sunday morning; and were taken to a mystery destination. From there you did a ten-mile hike to another station and were then trained back to Sydney. There were five hikes. The third one to the Hawkesbury River attracted over 8,000 people.</p> <p>Turning historical research into believable fiction or creative non-fiction has certain demands. How do you strike a balance between historical research and evidence and the narrative form? This is a big question and will ultimately depend on many things, including the availability of primary and secondary sources and the nature of the particular narrative. But perhaps the most important question is: how do writers use the past to give their work historical dimensions and insights?</p> <p>For me, the most critical element is context. And it’s the thing most missing in much historically based fictional literature. Evoking people, places and periods involves understandings of things such as continuity and change over time, historical process – like colonisation and suburbanisation – ideologies and superstitions. Where appropriate, these should form subtle backgrounds to the narrative. Fiction and creative non-fiction as historical modes of presenting history should also show – not tell.</p> <p>My edited collection, If It’s not True It Should Be (Halstead Press), explores writing history using fictional techniques. As Peter Stanley has written in that book, ‘those who seek to illuminate the past through the imaginative recreation of historical fiction … [are] motivated by the fundamental conviction that what links the fidelity of the historian and the imagination of the historical novelist is that the work of both should be offered and read as if it were true.’</p> <p><em>ABOUT THE AUTHOR<br />Paul Ashton is adjunct professor and co-founder of the Australian Centre for Public History at the University of Technology Sydney and adjunct professor at the University of Canberra and Macquarie University. He has authored, co-authored, edited and co-edited over 40 books and is editor of the journal Public History Review. His series of creative non-fiction children’s histories – Accidental Histories – is being published by Halstead Press.</em></p> <p><em>Images: Supplied</em></p>

Books

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“Turn his life around”: Paul Hogan’s grandson set to be released from prison

<p>The grandson of Crocodile Dundee is set to be released from prison after 57 days behind bars. </p> <p>Jake Paul Hogan, 34, broke down in court after learning that his father has moved to Sydney to support him in living a life without crime when he leaves jail.</p> <p>His father Todd Hogan, who is the son of the Crocodile Dundee star, flew back from New Zealand to support his son at the sentencing at the Downing Centre Local Court, which Jake appeared at via audio link. </p> <p>The younger Hogan was in custody on remand after his bail was refused in March, and was sentenced on Wednesday for breaking into apartment buildings to fund his “high-level drug habit” and for breaching a court order against an ex-girlfriend.</p> <p>Before falling into a life of drugs, Jake worked as a carpenter but soon became homeless after his drug addiction took hold.</p> <p>In order to fund his drug habit, the 34-year-old began sleeping in abandoned buildings, and stealing clothes and other items to sell for cash. </p> <p>Deputy Chief Magistrate Sharon Freund described Jake’s actions as a “sudden escalation of offending” after his life broke down, while also telling the court she was “comforted” by the fact he was supported by his father Todd and sister in court.</p> <p>“This is a young man that needs some scaffolding, he totally has the ability to turn his life around,” she said. “No doubt you were having difficulty seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and managing to find your way out of the hole.”</p> <p>The court was told Jake’s father was having trouble contacting his son during his difficult times, and had even flown to Sydney from New Zealand to find him.</p> <p>“Mr Hogan you are phenomenally lucky to have these supports,” Ms Freund said.</p> <p>She told the court Jake’s father is set to remain in Sydney to give him support when he leaves custody.</p> <p>Jake was convicted of all charges and sentenced to a community corrections order for two years, and an intensive corrections order for nine months.</p> <p>“I wish you good luck Mr Hogan,” Ms Freund said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Facebook </em></p>

Legal

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Paul Simon reveals sad health update

<p>At 82 years of age, the great Paul Simon – one half of the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel – has admitted to facing a new health challenge that could prove devastating to millions of fans worldwide: hearing loss.</p> <p>In a recent revelation, he spoke candidly about how this health issue has affected his performances, yet also how he's adapted in oder to continue pursuing his passion for music.</p> <p>Simon's discussion about his hearing loss comes ahead of the premiere of a two-part docuseries, <em>In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon</em>, set to air on MGM+ starting March 17. It's a timely revelation, shedding light on the personal struggles behind the legendary musician's enduring career.</p> <p>During a panel discussion, Simon disclosed the impact of his hearing loss on his recent stage experiences. While he's regained some comfort in singing and playing instruments, he noted difficulties when certain instruments overshadow his own voice.</p> <p>"If there's a drum or an electric guitar," he revealed, "it's too loud and I can't hear my voice. But when I first lost the hearing, I couldn't get – it threw me off."</p> <p>It's a frustration that resonates deeply with any performer reliant on auditory cues for their craft.</p> <p>Simon's journey with hearing loss began suddenly, with the loss predominantly affecting his left ear. In a previous interview, he described the initial frustration and annoyance at the unexplained condition, hoping it would eventually resolve itself.</p> <p>"Nobody has an explanation, so everything became more difficult," he said in a <em>Times</em> interview in May 2023. "My reaction to that was frustration and annoyance; not quite anger yet, because I thought it would pass, it would repair itself."</p> <p>Despite the challenges, he's found solace and creative expression through his daily guitar playing, using it as both a creative outlet and a source of comfort during trying times.</p> <p>Reflecting on his musical journey alongside Art Garfunkel, Simon highlighted the enduring impact of their collaboration. From their humble beginnings as schoolmates in New York to becoming one of the best-selling music acts of the 1960s and 1970s, Simon & Garfunkel's legacy is undeniable. Their timeless hits, including "The Sound of Silence," "Mrs Robinson," and "Bridge Over Troubled Water," continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.</p> <p>Despite occasional tensions and artistic differences that led to their split in 1970, Simon & Garfunkel's partnership endured, marked by intermittent reunions for select performances. Their ability to transcend personal conflicts in the pursuit of their shared musical vision speaks volumes about their dedication to their craft and the enduring power of their bond.</p> <p>While Simon's journey may have taken an unexpected turn, his musical legacy continues to shine brightly, resonating with generations past, present and future.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Hearing

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Paul Hogan calls Margot Robbie's Oscars snub a "dull tradition"

<p>Paul Hogan has called out The Academy for their "dull tradition” after Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig were snubbed for an Oscar nomination in February. </p> <p>Despite being the only film directed by a woman to earn more than $1 billion at the box office, Robbie and Gerwig were both <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/movies/margot-robbie-snubbed-as-oscar-nominations-announced" target="_blank" rel="noopener">snubbed </a>in their respective categories of leading actress and best director during the 96th Academy Awards, which sparked outrage online. </p> <p>Speaking to <em>Sunrise</em> on Friday, the <em>Crocodile Dunde</em>e actor revealed his thoughts on why he thinks both the Aussie actor and <em>Barbie</em> director missed out on a nomination. </p> <p>“To see them not nominated, that’s a sort of like ... a dull tradition of ‘if it’s not about pain and suffering, it can’t be very good’. It’s not fair,” Hogan said.</p> <p>He then praised Robbie, saying: “She’s great — not only is she beautiful and smart, she’s a nice kid, too.”</p> <p>During the interview on <em>Sunrise</em>, Hogan also reflected on the time he hosted the Oscars in 1987, and said that it was good fun. </p> <p>“It was fabulous because I was probably the first person ever allowed on live television to do the Oscars without presenting a script or having anything written on the auto-cue,” he said.</p> <p>“They were very nervous but Samuel Goldwyn, who was the producer, said, ‘I’ve seen him on television. He’s Hoges … let’s just let him go and it’ll be fun for all of us’.”</p> <p>The actor added that while he rarely felt "intimidated", there were a few times in his career where he was starstruck  — most notably when he met the Queen, Princess Diana, and Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor.</p> <p>Hogan's first public appearance was in 1971 at Nine's amateur talent programme <em>New Faces</em>. </p> <p>He rose to international fame after his role as Mick "Crocodile" Dundee in the 1986 film <em>Crocodile Dundee, </em>which won him the 1987 Golden Globe Award for Best Actor and a few other nominations at the BAFTAs. </p> <p><em>Images: Seven/ Getty</em></p>

Movies

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Happy birthday AUD: how our Australian dollar was floated, 40 years ago this week

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/selwyn-cornish-1297285">Selwyn Cornish</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-national-university-877">Australian National University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/john-hawkins-746285">John Hawkins</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-canberra-865"><em>University of Canberra</em></a></em></p> <p>These days, we take for granted that the value of the Australian dollar fluctuates against other currencies, changing thousands of times a day and at times jumping or falling quite a lot in the space of a week.</p> <p>But for most of Australia’s history, the value of the Australian dollar – and the earlier Australian pound – was “<a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/education/resources/explainers/exchange-rates-and-their-measurement.html#:%7E:text=exchange%20rate%20volatility.-,Pegged,or%20a%20basket%20of%20currencies.">pegged</a>” to either gold, pound sterling, the US dollar or to a value of a basket of currencies.</p> <p>The momentous decision to <a href="https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/the-long-road-that-led-to-the-floating-of-the-australian-dollar-20141121-11ra30">float</a> the dollar was taken on Friday December 9 1983 by the Hawke Labor Government, which was elected nine months earlier.</p> <p>As they approached the cabinet room at what is now Old Parliament House, Treasurer Paul Keating asked Reserve Bank Governor Bob Johnston to write him a letter to say the bank recommended floating.</p> <p>The letter, dated December 9, referred to the bank’s concern about the "volume of foreign exchange purchases and its belief that if these flows are to be brought under control we shall need to face up without delay either to less Reserve Bank participation in the exchange market or capital controls."</p> <p>By “less Reserve Bank participation”, Johnston meant a managed float; direct controls were to be considered “as a last resort”.</p> <p>The bank had long maintained a “<a href="https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/the-long-road-that-led-to-the-floating-of-the-australian-dollar-20141121-11ra30">war book</a>”, bearing the intriguing label “Secret Matter”, outlining the procedures to be followed in the event of a decision to float.</p> <p>An updated version was handed to the treasurer the day before the decision.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/floating-exchange-rates-after-ten-years/">US</a> and the <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/june/23/newsid_2518000/2518927.stm">UK</a> floated their currencies in the early 1970s. Since the early 1980s the value of the dollar had been set via a “<a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/bulletin/2018/dec/understanding-exchange-rates-and-why-they-are-important.html">crawling peg</a>” – meaning its value was pegged to other currencies each week, and later each day, by a committee of officials who announced the values at <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/inside-the-floating-of-the-a-20131211-2z698.html">9.30 each morning</a>.</p> <p>If too much or too little money came into the country as a result of the rate the authorities had set, they adjusted it the next day, sometimes losing money to speculators who had bet they wouldn’t be able to hold the rate they had set.</p> <p>Keating had Johnston accompany him to the December 9 press conference instead of Treasury Secretary John Stone, who had argued against the float in the cabinet room, putting the case for direct controls on capital inflows instead.</p> <p>Johnston’s presence was meant to make clear that at least the central bank supported floating the dollar.</p> <h2>Speculators now speculate against themselves</h2> <p>Keating told the press conference the float meant the speculators would be “<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/from-the-archives-1983-the-australian-dollar-floats-free-20191206-p53hjq.html">speculating against themselves</a>”, rather than against the authorities.</p> <p>One banker quoted that night confessed to being “<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/from-the-archives-1983-the-australian-dollar-floats-free-20191206-p53hjq.html">absolutely staggered</a>”. “I’m not sure they know what they have done,” the banker said.</p> <p>The following Monday on ABC’s AM program, presenter <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2003-12-08/20-years-since-dollar-floated/102568">Red Harrison</a> heralded “a brave new world for the Australian dollar”. He said, "from today the dollar must take its chance, subject to the supply and demand of the international marketplace, and there are suggestions that foreign exchange dealers expect a nervous start to trading when the first quotes are posted this morning."</p> <p>At the time, the Australian dollar was worth 90 US cents. At first it <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2013/sp-gov-211113.html">rose</a>, before settling back.</p> <p>Since then, the Australian dollar has fluctuated from a low of <a href="https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/australian-dollar-floated">47.75</a> US cents in April 2001 to a high of US$1.10 in July 2011.</p> <hr /> <p><iframe id="6ExL8" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/6ExL8/3/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> <hr /> <h2>The long road to the float</h2> <p>The idea first took hold in Australia when Commonwealth Bank Governor <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/bulletin/2022/dec/hc-coombs-governor-of-australias-central-bank-1949-1968.html">“Nugget” Coombs</a> visited Canada in 1953, at a time when it was one of the few countries with a floating exchange rate.</p> <p>On his return, Coombs wrote the bank should consider Canada’s experience.</p> <p>A strong advocate from the mid-1960s was the bank’s economist <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1475-4932.1986.tb00915.x">Austin Holmes</a>. Among those he mentored at what by then was called the Reserve Bank were Bob Johnston, Don Sanders and John Phillips.</p> <p>All three were in the cabinet room when the decision was taken.</p> <h2>Backed by Cairns, opposed by Abbott</h2> <p>An unlikely advocate in the 1970s was the left-wing Labor treasurer <a href="https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-03/05Hawkins.pdf">Jim Cairns</a>.</p> <p>But asked in 1979 whether he was in favour of a float, the then Reserve Bank governor <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/about-rba/history/governors/sir-harold-murray-knight.html">Harry Knight</a> responded by quoting Saint Augustine, saying “God make me pure, but not yet”. An oil shock was making markets turbulent at the time.</p> <p>In 1981, the Campbell inquiry into the Australian financial system delivered a landmark report to Treasurer John Howard, <a href="https://treasury.gov.au/publication/p1981-afs">recommending</a> a float. The idea was backed by neither the Treasury nor Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser.</p> <p>Two years later, Howard watched from opposition as Labor did what he could not.</p> <p>The Liberal Party generally backed Labor’s move, with one notable exception – the later prime minister, <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/tony-abbott-wrote-20-years-ago-floating-dollar-didnt-make-sense-20131206-2ywpm.html">Tony Abbott</a>, who in 1994 wrote that "changing the price of the dollar moment by moment in response to each transaction makes no more sense than altering the price of cornflakes every time a buyer takes a packet off the supermarket shelves."</p> <h2>A success by any measure</h2> <p>The floating exchange rate has served Australia well.</p> <p>When the Australian economy has slowed or contracted – in the early 1990s, the Asian financial crisis, the global financial crisis and in the COVID recession – the Australian dollar has fallen, making Australian exports cheaper in foreign markets.</p> <p>When mining booms have sucked money into the country, the Australian dollar has climbed, spreading the benefit and fighting inflation by increasing the buying power of Australian dollars.</p> <p>It’s why these days, hardly anyone wants to return to a <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/education/resources/explainers/exchange-rates-and-their-measurement.html">pegged</a> rate.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/217548/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/selwyn-cornish-1297285">Selwyn Cornish</a>, Honorary Associate Professor, Research School of Economics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-national-university-877">Australian National University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/john-hawkins-746285">John Hawkins</a>, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-canberra-865">University of Canberra</a></em></p> <p><em>Image </em><em>credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/happy-birthday-aud-how-our-australian-dollar-was-floated-40-years-ago-this-week-217548">original article</a>.</em></p>

Money & Banking

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MasterChef finalist jailed for 24 years

<p>Paul Douglas Frost, a <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">former finalist on MasterChef Australia, has been ordered to</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> serve a minimum of 24 years in prison – up to a maximum of 32 years – for 43 sexual offences he against 11 children that he committed during his time working as a Sydney swim coach.</span></p> <p>It's been over four years since Frost's arrest, and now the verdict – delivered by Judge Sarah Huggett at Downing Centre District Court in Sydney – sees justice for his crimes that occurred over a period of ten years and involved children as young as ten years old.</p> <p>Judge Huggett made special mention of the “escalating gravity and brazenness” of Frost's crimes against his victims, the <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">youngest of whom was nine or 10 years old when the abuse began, while the oldest was molested until the age of 16.</span></p> <p>Huggett also made it clear in her ruling that Frost had shown no remorse for his actions, while dismissing character references that portrayed him as a protector of young people.</p> <p>“There is no evidence that would permit me to find on balance that he is contrite or remorseful,” she told the court. Frost appeared in court not in person, but via video link from Shortland Correctional Centre, and showed little to no reaction throughout Judge Huggett's sentencing.</p> <p>The majority of Frost’s crimes occurred at a swimming school in southwest Sydney, and testimonies from his victims outlined the depth of Frost’s manipulation, encouraging explicit discussions about sex and masturbation, which eventually led to inappropriate physical contact.</p> <p>The court was also told of Frost's tendency to coerce his victims into remaining silent after the assaults. Judge Huggett also said that Frost’s offences were “opportunistic, impulsive and spontaneous,” which helped him to create an environment that made the discussion of explicit matters appear normal to his victims.</p> <p>Judge Huggett said Frost, who was in his 20s when the crimes were comitted, “created opportunities for him to be alone” with the victims. “In addition to manipulating the victims, he manipulated the parents who trusted him with their children." </p> <p>Frost’s earliest possible release date is June 3, 2047. He is currently being held in protective custody following an assault in July at Shortland Correctional Centre.</p> <p><em>Images: Network 10</em></p>

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Sir Paul McCartney spreads joy by signing fan's piano

<p>A lucky Adelaide fan's dream came true after getting his piano signed by the one and only Sir Paul McCartney.</p> <p>The former Beatle took to Instagram to share the moment he signed a piano for music enthusiast, Pete. </p> <p>"Alright, here we are signing Pete's piano," the icon said while dressed casually in an all-black outfit with a grey sharpie in one hand. </p> <p>"Pete's from Adelaide, so am I, here we go," the 81-year-old joked as he signed the piano. </p> <p>"To Pete, cheers, Paul McCartney 2023." </p> <p>The former Beatle then said: "you’ll have to look at that every time you play," before playing the intro of one his former band's smash hits <em>Lady Madonna.</em></p> <p>The video was captioned: "Who knew Pete would hit the right keys with Paul? Taking a moment out of his #PaulMcCartneyGotBack tour Paul signs a dedicated fan's piano in Adelaide 🇦🇺".</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cy_6zyUv_wX/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cy_6zyUv_wX/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Paul McCartney (@paulmccartney)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The cover photo of the reel showed Pete holding a sign which said: "Paul please sign my piano" and his dreams finally came true. </p> <p>Fans have expressed their joy for Pete and praised Sir Paul for his kindness. </p> <p>"Pete just had the best day of his life and he knows it ❤️" one wrote. </p> <p>"He's surely gonna treasure that piano for the rest of his life!" another commented.</p> <p>"Sir Paul…. Thank you for being so gracious, and so generous. You were an absolute pleasure to meet!" Pete, the fan whose dreams came true, added. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Music

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Fan called out over "racist" complaint at Sir Paul McCartney's concert

<p>A fan has copped some backlash after complaining about an "Acknowledgment of Country" sign at Sir Paul McCartney's concert in Sydney over the weekend .</p> <p>The sign read: "We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation and all family groups connected to this Country, as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather and perform today.</p> <p>"We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today." </p> <p>It was displayed over two large screens during McCartney's gig at Allianz Stadium, and concertgoer Kobie Thatcher was not happy with it. </p> <p>"You can't even go to a concert now without an "acknowledgement of country,"" she tweeted on Saturday. </p> <p>Most fans were quick to call her out on her "racist" remark. </p> <p>"You went to a Paul McCartney concert and are complaining about treating POC [people of colour] with respect?" one wrote.</p> <p>"The Beatles refused to play to segregated concerts in the USA. Peace and love is what you take to his concerts, not division and hate." </p> <p>"Oh for gods sake, get over it, he also flew the pride flag, I guess your knickers are in a twist about that too!" another commented. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">You can’t even go to a concert now without an ‘acknowledgement of country’ 🙄 <a href="https://t.co/lHmqgtroTz">pic.twitter.com/lHmqgtroTz</a></p> <p>— Kobie Thatcher (@KobieThatcher) <a href="https://twitter.com/KobieThatcher/status/1718177010915455229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>"You &amp; other racists could move to Texas, if that would be better for you," a third added. </p> <p>"You conservatives are always getting triggered so easily huh," a fourth commented. </p> <p>However a few others agreed with Thatcher's tweet. </p> <p>"I thought this "welcome to country" crap was gonna be finished after we ALL voted No!" wrote one person.</p> <p>"So sick and annoying. Disgusting too," another added. </p> <p><em>Images: Getty/ X</em></p>

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Sam Mac under fire for excluding mum from once-in-a-lifetime concert

<p>Sam Mac <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">had all the best intentions when he planned the surprise announcement for his dad's 70th birthday, but his execution had fans bombarding his page with furious comments. </span></p> <p>The <em>Sunrise</em> weatherman posted a <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@sammactiktok/video/7295241603319368962" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a> on Monday of him walking with his parents moments before he surprised his dad with tickets to former Beatles member Paul McCartney’s Sydney Concert. </p> <p>"I told my parents we were walking to a bar called SPM," the text overlay read on the TikTok. </p> <p>“I’ve been lying to you both – there is no bar,” Sam told his parents, who believed they were heading there to celebrate his dad's birthday. </p> <p>“There is no bar called SPM … SPM stands for Sir Paul McCartney,” he said.</p> <p>“Paul McCartney!” his mum exclaimed, but her excitement was short-lived. </p> <p>“Sorry mum, you’re not coming,” he laughed.</p> <p>“I’ll get you an Uber mum, it’s fine, you came to the Logies.”</p> <p>Sam's dad was clearly stunned as he teared up while hugging his son. </p> <p>The rest of the video showed Sam and his dad having a blast as they sang along to a few classic Beatle's songs like <em>A Hard Day’s Night, Hey Jude</em> and <em>Let it Be</em>.</p> <p>But fans couldn't let go of his snub. </p> <p>“Having sat through the Logies myself, it’s just not a fair comparison," one wrote. </p> <p>“Worse still, he brought her all the way there first and made her go home,” added another. </p> <p>"Should have given your mum your ticket. Date night for mum and dad," a third commented </p> <p>"She got dressed up for nothing. At least include her in the surprise. This isn't heartwarming, it's rude," a fourth commented. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cy-A67_JJn5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cy-A67_JJn5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sam Mac (@sammacinsta)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Sam then clarified his actions in the comments. </p> <p>“Mum is normally the one getting spoiled. We had a great dinner,” he explained.</p> <p>“Dad and I rarely get one-on-one time. This was dad’s night, dad’s birthday. So special.”</p> <p>Despite the confusion of some fans after the snub, many of them also praised Sam. </p> <p>"Your dad will be talking about that for weeks!!" one wrote. </p> <p>“How beautiful you are to surprise them … you will always have that moment,”  added another. </p> <p>"Sam this is the best! You are such a special son. The look on your Dad’s face said it all. What a special memory for you both to treasure forever ❤️" </p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Tragic new details emerge in alleged murder of Lilie James

<p>After the prestigious St Andrew's Cathedral School in Sydney was been rocked by the alleged murder of a young water polo instructor, Lilie James, new details about the discovery of a possible murder weapon have been revealed.</p> <p>James was found dead in a gym bathroom within the school, with "serious head injuries" that were <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12674723/Lilie-James-murder-Paul-Thijssen-St-Andrews-Cathedral.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly inflicted with a hammer</a>. The circumstances surrounding her death are both puzzling and distressing, leaving the community in shock and disbelief.</p> <p>James, who had been romantically involved with her colleague, 24-year-old sports coach Paul Thijssen, met a tragic end in the place where she had dedicated her time and passion. The two had recently ended their five-week relationship, and the events of that night have left investigators piecing together a disturbing puzzle.</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">CCTV footage obtained by the police revealed that Thijssen followed James into the school's gym bathroom, only to exit more than an hour later. Four hours after leaving the scene, he called the authorities to report a body on the school grounds – police were then able to trace that call to "The Gap" clifftop at Diamond Bay Reserve in Vaucluse, </span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">a notorious suicide spot, where they found </span>Thijssen's backpack, <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">along with an item that has been linked to the homicide.</span></p> <p>The investigation has taken a tragic turn, as authorities are now trying to determine whether Thijssen had taken his own life. Detectives are grappling with the shocking and heartbreaking details of this case, with no prior indication of a history of domestic violence between the two individuals.</p> <p>Thijssen, a former student of St Andrew's Cathedral School, was part of a privileged family that had moved to Australia from the Netherlands in 2015. He excelled as a sports captain during his student years and later returned to the school as a cricket and hockey coach after graduating in 2017.</p> <p>The school, in the wake of this tragic incident, took immediate action to inform parents of the situation via text messages. The message indicated that the school would be closed, except for Year 12 exams, and a "critical incident" had occurred. It assured parents that no students were involved and that there was no ongoing threat to the school community.</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">NSW Premier Chris Minns described it as a “horrible, horrible” crime. “One of the worst that I’ve seen in my public life", while </span>Detective Superintendent Martin Fileman described the crime scene as "quite confronting" for first responders, reflecting the severity and gravity of the situation. The school is working closely with the police to gather more information and provide a safe environment for students and staff members.</p> <p>As the investigation continues, the hope is that it will shed light on the circumstances surrounding her untimely death and provide answers to the many lingering questions.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook / LinkedIn</em></p>

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Iconic Crocodile Dundee pub hits the market

<p>The iconic Aussie pub that was made famous in <em>Crocodile Dundee</em> has hit the market. </p> <p>The Walkabout Creek Hotel, located in the remote Western Australian town of McKinlay, is up for sale with an asking price of $1.4 million. </p> <p>The local watering hole, which featured in the famous Paul Hogan film, features a public bar, pool room, store room, office, kitchen and a veranda.</p> <p>It also has nine rooms for accommodation and an attached caravan park for out of town visitors. </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.vzrealestate.com.au/listings/rural_sale-3742335-mckinlay/?doing_wp_cron=1694572016.2800199985504150390625" target="_blank" rel="noopener">listing</a> for the pub reads, "This could be the perfect opportunity to purchase a piece of Australian movie history and a great business all while enjoying true country atmosphere and breaking away from busy city life."</p> <p>The property was listed for sale by its owners Debbie and Frank Wust, who are retiring after owning the pub for nine years. </p> <p>“One thing that will always stick in my mind is when we first took over the joint, we had to keep pinching ourselves," Mr Wust told <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-22/crocodile-dundee-pub-for-sale/101256696" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>ABC</em></a>.</p> <div data-component="EmphasisedText"> <p>"We were like, 'Holy moly, we own the <em>Crocodile Dundee</em> pub!'"</p> </div> <p>"It definitely took a bit of getting used to, but honestly, we've been living the dream."</p> <p>"Who doesn't want to own a pub? Any time you want a drink you just go behind the bar and help yourself."</p> <p>Mr Wust said travellers from the UK and the US had made the trek all the way to Australia just to see the pub.</p> <p>Although Debbie and Frank are looking forward to their retirement, they admitted they will be sad when the day comes to had the keys over to the pub's new owner. </p> <p class="paragraph_paragraph__3Hrfa" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;">"I'm really gonna miss the people out here — there are so many great characters," Mr Wust said.</p> <p class="paragraph_paragraph__3Hrfa" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;">"But I reckon we'll be back each year."</p> <p class="paragraph_paragraph__3Hrfa" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;">"It'll be exciting to see what the next lot do with it — if you're gonna buy a pub, may as well make it a famous one."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / VZ Real Estate</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Olympian tragically killed at just 31

<p>A tragic incident has claimed the life of Alexandra Paul, a former Olympic figure skater, at the age of 31 following a collision involving seven vehicles.</p> <p>Alexandra Paul was in a car with her infant child when the accident took place in Melancthon Township, Ontario, Canada. The unfortunate incident occurred when a lorry collided with the car she was in, along with her baby, and five other vehicles that were stationary in a line, according to Canadian law enforcement.</p> <p>While Alexandra Paul was tragically pronounced deceased as a result of the collision, her baby was taken to a nearby children's hospital for treatment of injuries that were determined to be non-life-threatening.</p> <p>Skate Canada, through its Instagram platform, paid homage to Alexandra Paul's memory. The organisation conveyed their sorrow and announced the untimely passing of Alexandra Paul, a highly valued member of the skating community. Recognised as a radiant presence both on and off the ice, Alexandra's commitment, fervour and exceptional skills have left an enduring impression on the realm of figure skating.</p> <p>In remembering Alexandra's contributions to the sport, Skate Canada emphasised the camaraderie and sportsmanship that she consistently embodied. They praised her not just as an accomplished athlete, but also as a paragon of inspiration for budding skaters. Alexandra exemplified the principles of tenacity, persistence, and honourable conduct in sports.</p> <p>Skate Canada further extended their condolences, expressing their sympathy for Alexandra's family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known her during this challenging period.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwY8LfjM58y/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwY8LfjM58y/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Skate Canada / Patinage Canada (@skate_canada)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Alexandra Paul, alongside her husband and skating partner Mitchell Islam, achieved numerous international medals during their career. Their accomplishments include securing three Canadian championship medals and participating in the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Alexandra retired from competitive skating in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of excellence on the ice.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty Images / Instagram</em></p>

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Paul McCartney’s unusual relationship with Michael Parkinson

<p>Paul McCartney has paid tribute to Michael Parkinson, calling him a “great guy” and a “good friend” in a lengthy and heartfelt post on social media.</p> <p>The iconic interviewer passed away peacefully at home on August 16th after a battle with a brief illness according to a statement from his family.</p> <p>After his death, a flood of tributes poured in from celebrities around the world, including The Beatles frontman Paul McCartney.</p> <p>Parkinson was a personal friend of McCartney’s, as the pair even appeared on a famous album cover together.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p>I first met Michael Parkinson in Liverpool when he and his team came to see us at the Cavern Club. He was a very likeable guy and we eventually did our first TV performances with Granada in Manchester, where Michael worked.</p> <p>Through the years I got to know him more and more, and… <a href="https://t.co/o0fMiXsWwN">pic.twitter.com/o0fMiXsWwN</a></p> <p>— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulMcCartney/status/1692969489980063890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>The two feature on the album cover of Wings‘ coveted "<em>Band On The Run</em>" record as escaped convicts, with Parkinson agreeing to appear on the cover if McCartney would return the favour by being a guest on his chat show.</p> <p>Taking to Twitter on Saturday, McCartney remembered his friend, writing, “I first met Michael Parkinson in Liverpool when he and his team came to see us at the Cavern Club. He was a very likeable guy and we eventually did our first TV performances with Granada in Manchester, where Michael worked.”</p> <p>“Through the years I got to know him more and more, and appeared on his chat show quite a few times. He was a pleasure to talk to and we always had fun. He appeared on the front cover of ‘<em>Band on the Run</em>’ as one of the escaping convicts in the title song. He was very knowledgeable about many subjects and a keen sports-lover.”</p> <p>He added, “I will miss him personally, as a good friend. I send all my love to his family and friends. Cheers Michael, you’re a great guy okay!”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Paul McCartney / Twitter (X)</em></p>

Music

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Chris Dawson's twin brother accused of underage sex

<p>Paul Dawson, the twin sibling of Chris Dawson, who is both a convicted murderer and a perpetrator of child sexual abuse, is now facing allegations from several women claiming he engaged in sexual activity with them when they were minors during their time as students – per <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/60-minutes/wife-killer-chris-dawsons-twin-accused-by-four-women-of-underage-sex/8b9b9345-e1d6-4f3d-9bcc-d3f3d4c06603" target="_blank" rel="noopener">60 Minutes</a>.</p> <p>One of Paul Dawson's former students at Forest High School, Shelley Oates-Wilding, shared her experience on a <em>60 Minutes</em> interview, detailing her time during the early 1980s when she was a teenager.</p> <p>Multiple women who attended schools in Sydney's Northern Beaches, where Paul Dawson taught, have also come forward, asserting that the now 75-year-old engaged in sexual relations with them when they were underage.</p> <p>Prior to their teaching careers, both Paul and Chris Dawson were prominent figures in the world of rugby league and modelling. However, their roles as educators have recently come under intense scrutiny as law enforcement reopened investigations into the suspected murder of Lynette Dawson.</p> <p>Although the focus had been primarily on Chris Dawson until now, serious questions now arise about Paul Dawson's behaviour. Shelley's public disclosure unveils disturbing details about how Paul Dawson targeted her. In an exclusive interview with <em>60 Minutes</em>, Shelley revealed that she and Paul spent considerable time socialising with Chris and his young mistress, forming two couples of teachers and students. Shelley alleges that Paul engaged in sexual activity with her at various locations across Sydney's Northern Beaches.</p> <p>The experiences she recalls were intimate and occurred within settings like fitness classes, store rooms, and pools. At the time, the Dawson twins, popular and attractive, garnered admiration from their students, making any attention they showed highly flattering.</p> <p>Shelley reflects on the naivety of youth, sharing that as a 15- and 16-year-old, she lacked the awareness to recognise the grooming that was occurring. She was also a babysitter for Paul's children, which sometimes led to overnight stays.</p> <p>Given the legal framework of the time, the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) deemed it illegal for a teacher to engage in sexual activity with a female student under the age of 17. Shelley vividly remembers an encounter with Paul shortly before the news of Lyn Dawson's disappearance emerged. Paul expressed distress, telling her that something terrible had occurred, and he could no longer maintain their connection. Shelley recalls pondering the severity of the situation at the time.</p> <p>As news circulated about Chris Dawson's missing wife, Shelley sensed a darker narrative than Lyn simply running away. Her personal experiences led her to believe that there was more to the story.</p> <p>"At the beginning of school, I vividly remember going to see him," she said on the program. "He said to me with this extremely pained look on his face that something terrible has happened and he can't see me anymore. I remember thinking, what could be that terrible?"</p> <p>Decades have passed since Shelley's time as Paul Dawson's student. She has since relocated to Hawaii, distancing herself from the Northern Beaches environment where she grew up. While the scars of her childhood experiences can be lasting, Shelley Oates-Wilding channels her journey into positive efforts. She founded Ikaika Hawaii, where she implements holistic programs to guide young individuals toward understanding right from wrong, cultivating perseverance, and embracing respect.</p> <p>She has found the confidence to speak out on Paul Dawson because she knows there are other victims who are in a worse situation than her.</p> <p>Shelley maintains that Paul Dawson likely remains oblivious to any wrongdoing. She perceives a tendency for the Dawson twins to deceive effortlessly, suggesting that their self-perception is intertwined with the narratives they've woven.</p> <p><em>Images: Nine / 60 Minutes</em></p>

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