Search

Rare coin hidden for decades to fetch eye-watering sum

Three sisters from the US who inherited a dime coin kept it in a bank vault for more than 40 years, and while they know it had some value, they didn't know just how much until a few years ago. The rare coin, struck by the US Mint in San Francisco in 1975, could be worth more than $US500,000 ($748,000), according to Ian Russell, president of GreatCollections, the auction house selling the coin. What makes the coin depicting President Franklin D. Roosevelt so valuable is that it is just one of two coins missing the "S" mint mark for San Francisco. The other dime sold for $US682,000 (over $1 million) at a 2019 auction and then again months later to a private collector. While avid coin collectors have known about the existence of these two extraordinarily rare coins, their whereabouts had remained a mystery since the late 1970s. “They were hidden for decades,” Russell said. “Most major collectors and dealers have never seen one.” The three sisters from Ohio, who want to remain anonymous, inherited one of the two dimes after the recent death of their of their brother, Russell said. They told Russell that their brother and mother bought the first error coin discovered in 1978 for $27,225, which would amount to roughly $135,000 today. Their parents, who ran a dairy farm, saw the coin as a financial safety net, and it was only until last year that one of the sisters saw the coin first-hand. Russell also said that their brother had reached out to him about seven years ago and told him about the coin, but he too kept it a secret. When Russell told one of the sisters about the potential value of the coin, she told him: “is that really possible?”. The coin, known as the “1975 ‘no S’ proof dime,” will be displayed at a coin show beginning on Wednesday in Tampa, Florida, and before <a href="https://www.greatcollections.com/Coin/1655587" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the auction</a> closes late next month, Russell said. The current highest bidder has offered $US250,000 ($374,000). Images: Great Collections/ Professional Coin Grading Services

Money & Banking

"Cut this rubbish out": Channel 7's fresh "news" segment slammed

Channel 7's major bulletin shake up has not been well received by some viewers. On Friday night, they kicked off their new comedy segment with Mark Humphries, whose satirical humour was intended to be used to "cut through political spin and translate current affairs in the universal news language of taking the piss” according to appointed news director Anthony De Ceglie. Humphries’ three minutes comedy segment premiered under the banner The 6.57pm News, and was made to look like a continuation of the news. That night, they were discussing US President Joe Biden's press conference which aired earlier in the day. “His press conference was delayed for over an hour, presumably because the President was running late … or more likely waddling late,” Humphries said in the segment. “Biden who is 81 – but doesn’t look a day over 90 – spoke smoothly on a variety of issues and allayed voters fears about his age … is what I wish I could tell you. “Instead, this happened …” He then played a clip of Biden confusing Kamala Harries with Donald Trump, followed by another clip of him whispering on the lectern. “Very reassuring and not weird at all,” the comic said. <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/C9TGVSTTozZ/?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/C9TGVSTTozZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Mark Humphries (@humphriesmark)</a> </div> </blockquote> Humphries then tried to make a joke out of it saying that Biden was suffering from a condition called “that guy old” with symptoms including confusing names, long pauses, “and keeping your mouth just that little bit open with that slightly disappointed look like Bunnings just told you the sausage sizzle is closed”. “But if you think that’s bad, wait till you find out the condition the other candidate has ‘that guy convicted felon’,” he concluded. While some Channel 7 viewers "loved" it and thought it was “better than The Project,” a few others were less impressed. “This was an appalling segment … hire, rather than sack, journos,” read one comment on social media. “It was a deplorable segment that has no place in a news bulletin,” another added. "It was absolutely ridiculous. I hope channel 7 cut this rubbish out," wrote a third. "This was cringe," another said. Images: Instagram

Grant Denyer serenades one of Australia's oldest Deal or No Deal contestants

In the latest feelgood episode of Deal or No Deal, 94-year-old contestant Phyllis Goldsack was given the chance to win $100,000. As one of the oldest contestants on the show, Phyllis kept everyone entertained as she challenged the banker. In one particularly sweet moment, game show host Grant Denyer serenaded her with a special song. A clip of the moment was shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, with the caption: "We're not crying, you're crying," and the crying emoji. "Okay the deal is, if I serenade you, with the song of your choosing, you get $800 from my pocket," Grant told Phyllis in the show. The audience were touched when Phyllis revealed that her late husband only ever sang her one song when he proposed, You Are My Sunshine. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> We're not crying, you're crying! 😭<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DealOrNoDealAU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DealOrNoDealAU</a> 6.00 Weeknights on <a href="https://twitter.com/Channel10AU?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@channel10au</a> and 10 Play. <a href="https://t.co/CVR0M5rq7y">pic.twitter.com/CVR0M5rq7y</a> — Deal Or No Deal Australia (@DealOrNoDealAUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/DealOrNoDealAUS/status/1756942546767339956?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2024</a></blockquote> "Should we do it one more time maybe?" Grant asked Phyllis who eagerly replied: "yes, you sing it for me". The crowd joined in and serenaded the 94 year old. “Thank you, you know you have made me feel so happy,” she told Grant. Although Phyllis did not win the $100,000, she went home $9,255 richer, which was the best offer she received from the banker. “That’s why I do this show!” Grant said. Images: X

Harry and Meghan named "2023's biggest losers"

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been crowned "the biggest losers of 2023" by highly influential entertainment magazine The Hollywood Reporter. The publication released its annual list of winners and losers, with celebrities like Taylor Swift, Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig making the winners list. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the other hand topped this year's list of losers, which included Twitter/X/Elon Musk, and the streaming series Yellowstone. The publication wrote that this year's list reflected "some of the industry’s biggest success stories — and most embarrassing missteps." Royal commentator Victoria Arbiter said that this is a huge blow for the royal couple, as The Hollywood Reporter is considered an "industry bible that people pay attention to". "It is humiliating in Meghan's home town and they refer to the couple's - and I quote this - 'whiney documentary', that 'whiney biography' and the horrible South Park episode," she said in an interview with Nine's Today. Despite being crowned this year's biggest losers, Arbiter said that the couple are looking forward to a better year ahead. "It is time to leave the royal family behind and really establish what it is they want to do and make positive steps forward if they plan to be successful in 2024," she said. "We've been promised a number of different things via rumours over the past year, with talk of Meghan's website The TIG relaunching and she was going to launch a lifestyle brand similar to Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop. "Netflix paid $3 million pounds for rights to a book Harry and Meghan said they would turn into a rom-com, however we haven't had further development on those plans." The royal commentator added that Harry and Meghan will need to build consumer trust and avoid "negative, scandalous headlines that follow them everywhere", as they approach the new year. "Hollywood doesn't do well with negativity," she said. Check out the full list <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/hollywood-winners-losers-2023-1235712279/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image: Getty

7 things you never knew about MAS*H

Did you know M*A*S*H ran more than three times longer than the actual Korean War? It may have graced our screens for 11 years, but you might not know all there is to know about the classic TV series, M*A*S*H. <ol> <li>No one wanted a laugh track – Despite pleas from the show’s producers, the network (CBS) went ahead and added in canned laughter. You might have noticed the laugh track growing quieter and quieter as the years progressed, and in the UK, the laugh track was removed entirely.</li> <li>CBS banned an “unpatriotic” episode – An idea for an episode was shot down by the network for being “unpatriotic”. It involved soldiers standing outside in the freezing cold to make themselves sick enough to be sent home – a tactic actually used during the war.</li> <li>The writers got back at complaining cast members – If ever an actor complained about their script (or asked for changes), the writing team would change the script to make it “parka weather”, making the cast swelter in jackets through days in excess of 32°C on their Florida film set.</li> <li>Patients were named after sports teams – After running out of names for patients visiting the hospital, the writers turned to baseball teams. In season six, four Marines are named after California Angels infielders, while in season seven, they named patients after the 1978 Los Angeles Dodgers.</li> <li>M*A*S*H hosted some big-name stars – Guest appearances on the show include Ron Howard, Leslie Nielsen, Patrick Swayze, Laurence Fishburne and Rita Wilson.</li> <li>The series finale broke records – The two-and-a-half-hour 1983 series finale, “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” was watched by a staggering 121.6 million people in the US alone – back then, that was 77 per cent of households with TV sets. It remains the most-watched episode of a TV show in US history.</li> <li>The time capsule didn’t stay buried long – In the series’ second-last episode, the M*A*S*H gang bury a time capsule. When the show wrapped up, the land used as the show’s set was sold, and a construction worker found the capsule just months later. After getting in contact with Alan Alda to return it, Alda told the worker he could keep it.</li> </ol> Image credits: Getty Images

"Finally!": 2023’s Sexiest Man Alive crowned

Patrick Dempsey has been named People’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2023! The 57-year-old actor known for his role as Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd on Grey's Anatomy snagged the title from last year's winner, Marvel heart-throb Chris Evans. In his interview with the publication, the actor said that he will use his new-found status to promote “something positive”. “I’m glad it’s happening at this point in my life,” he said. “It’s nice to have the recognition, and certainly my ego takes a little bump, but it gives me the platform to use it for something positive.” When asked about his reaction to finding out he was 2023's Sexiest Man Alive the actor joked that it was a long-time coming. “I was completely shocked, and then I started laughing, like, this is a joke, right? I’ve always been the bridesmaid!” he joked. “I’d completely forgotten about it and never even contemplated being in this position. So my ego is good.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Introducing PEOPLE’s 2023 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SexiestManAlive?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SexiestManAlive</a>, Patrick Dempsey. 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/4eYnCAG1Zr">https://t.co/4eYnCAG1Zr</a> <a href="https://t.co/5V0xVblnaE">pic.twitter.com/5V0xVblnaE</a> — People (@people) <a href="https://twitter.com/people/status/1722114648638394482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2023</a></blockquote> The father-of-three also joked about how his children, Talula, 21, and 16-year-old twins Sullivan and Darby, will react to this news. “They’re just going to make fun of me and pick on me and figure out every reason why I shouldn’t be,” he said. “Which is good, they keep me young.” Funnily enough, his newfound status was also met with confusion, mostly from the younger generation who have no idea who he is. “Who the hell is Patrick Dempsey?” one confused Gen Zer wrote. “You all are making up new people every day; who is Patrick Dempsey?” another commented. This left many Millennials feeling old. “People ... not knowing who Patrick Dempsey is making me feel like a grandma. What do you mean you didn’t grow up watching Grey’s Anatomy, and you weren’t obsessed with Derek Sheppard since you were 10,” one commented. “There is an is actual difference in being 26 vs. being 23! Because I am seeing 23 yr olds not know who Patrick Dempsey is,” another added. And not everyone who is a Millennial agreed with People's choice. "I mean… yes back in the day. But seriously? How is it not someone who is hot right now? I haven’t even seen/heard him mentioned in years," commented one person. Is it 2005?” another wrote. “Um, he is so 2007,” a third commented. Regardless, Dempsey has aged like fine wine and many have said it's about time. “Finally! Ain’t nobody under this post showed me a white man finer!" Image: People Magazine/ X

Beauty & Style

Carrie Bickmore's rumoured TV return

Carrie Bickmore is rumoured to be the next host of the upcoming reboot of the iconic Aussie game show Deal or No Deal. The former The Project anchor is the front-runner to host the series which is set to air on Channel 10 next year. It is understood that the network is desperate to get Bickmore onboard, but with fame comes a hefty price tag. “She’s one of the biggest stars in Australia and she comes with a very big price tag,” a source reportedly told New Idea, revealing that her current rate is believed to be over $500,000. “Deal or No Deal is currently lined up to air at 6pm as the lead-in to The Project - with hopes those eyeballs that tune in to the game show will stay on to watch Sarah Harris, Waleed Aly, and the gang,” the source added. “It’d be a win-win for the network, getting Carrie back on TV and hosting a show that could actually get people back into watching The Project - it’s sort of genius.” However, she isn't the only star the broadcaster have their eyes on. Peter Helliar is also rumoured to be part of the line up, with a much cheaper price tag. Deal or No Deal first aired in 2003 on Channel 7, and had a ten-year run before the show was axed. Although there's no set date for the when the show will air just yet, they are looking for their next stars with <a href="https://eu.castitreach.com/ag/esgau/dond/welcome.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">casting calls</a> open for those over 18. Image:

It’s warming up and mozzies are coming. Here’s how to mosquito-proof your backyard

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cameron-webb-6736">Cameron Webb</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> The weather is warming up and that means more time in the backyard. It also means more mosquitoes. Here are five ways you can mosquito-proof your backyard that <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-battle-against-bugs-its-time-to-end-chemical-warfare-111629">don’t rely on spraying insecticides</a>. <h2>1. Get rid of water</h2> Mosquitoes need water to complete their life cycles. They <a href="https://theconversation.com/feel-like-youre-a-mozzie-magnet-its-true-mosquitoes-prefer-to-bite-some-people-over-others-128788">need blood</a> – but water and warmth are just as important. Getting rid of water around your backyard will go a long way to keeping mosquitoes away. Water trapped in blocked roof gutters, drains and tarpaulin covering boats and trailers can be a great home for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can exploit the tiniest of water sources too. It may just be the upturned lid of a discarded plastic drink bottle. If it traps water, mosquitoes will find it and lay eggs in it. Flush out your bird bath once a week to disrupt the mosquito’s life cycle. If you have a pond, installing a fountain will discourage mosquitoes. If you can’t keep water clean and circulating, consider filling it with sand and gravel to create an interesting garden bed for succulents or other plants. Mosquitoes will avoid clean and chlorinated swimming pools but will quickly move into “green pools”. If you’re not using your pool, consider <a href="https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Your-local-environment/Wildlife/Living-with-wildlife/Pool-to-pond/How-to-convert-your-pool">converting it to a “pond”</a> so that fish can help keep mosquito numbers down. <h2>2. Screen up – windows, doors and rainwater tanks</h2> If you can’t get rid of permanent water, at least stop mosquitoes getting to it (or you). Ensure <a href="https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/clean-and-green/natural-environment-and-water/water/water-smart-homes/rainwater-tanks/using-your-rainwater-tank">rainwater and septic tanks</a> have screens to stop mosquitoes entering. Screen windows and doors to stop mosquitoes entering the home. There are plenty of flexible screening options for windows, doors and balconies. If you live in a mosquito-prone area, creating a screened outdoor area (such as a pergola, courtyard, or balcony) will give you the opportunity to spend time outdoors without being hassled by mozzies. <h2>3. Choose your garden plants carefully</h2> Some plants <a href="https://bioone.org/journals/Journal-of-the-American-Mosquito-Control-Association/volume-25/issue-3/09-0016.1/Are-Commercially-Available-Essential-Oils-from-Australian-Native-Plants-Repellent/10.2987/09-0016.1.short">contain essential oils and other chemicals</a> that, when extracted and concentrated, provide protection against biting mosquitoes. But there isn’t a lot of evidence that the whole plant will keep mosquitoes away from your garden. Some types of plants are even marketed as “mozzie blockers” or “mosquito repelling”. But there isn’t <a href="https://www.veranda.com/outdoor-garden/a40592197/do-mosquito-repelling-plants-work/">any evidence of effectiveness</a>. In fact, some of these plants, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1440-6055.2009.00736.x">such as melaleucas</a>, also happen to be associated with <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jme/article/36/4/515/903838">hot spots of mosquito breeding</a> in coastal Australia. The plants to avoid around the home are those that help mosquitoes breed, such as <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1440-6055.2008.00641.x">bromeliads</a>, which trap water. <h2>4. Encourage the animals that eat mosquitoes</h2> Mosquitoes are food for a range of animals including birds, bats, fish, frogs, lizards, insects, spiders and <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1365-2656.13965">dragonflies</a>. But don’t expect them to eat enough to keep all mosquitoes away. Bats are often promoted as a good “biological control” options but studies have shown mosquitoes are <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0077183">more likely to be a snack food</a> for small bats, not an irresistible staple of their diet. For garden ponds, frogs will eat a few adult mosquitoes but tadpoles of Australian frogs generally <a href="https://bioone.org/journals/journal-of-the-american-mosquito-control-association/volume-21/issue-4/8756-971X(2006)21%5b492%3aTOFCAF%5d2.0.CO%3b2/TADPOLES-OF-FOUR-COMMON-AUSTRALIAN-FROGS-ARE-NOT-EFFECTIVE-PREDATORS/10.2987/8756-971X(2006)21%5B492:TOFCAF%5D2.0.CO;2.short">don’t eat many mosquito “wrigglers”</a>. Australian native fish <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15532929/">will readily eat mosquitoes</a> and may be useful for backyard ponds. But not all fish are good. While “mosquitofish” (aka “plague minnow”) is distributed overseas to assist in mosquito control, <a href="https://meridian.allenpress.com/australian-zoologist/article/30/3/316/134508/Does-predation-by-the-fish-Gambusia-holbrooki">it’s a disaster for local wildlife</a> and, <a href="https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/aquatic-biosecurity/pests-diseases/freshwater-pests/finfish-species/gambusia">along with other exotic fish species</a>, should not be released into local waterways. <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13157-019-01133-2">Healthier habitats promote fewer mosquitoes</a> so the best thing you can do is create habitats for the animals that eat mosquitoes. <h2>5. Avoid traps and other gadgets</h2> There are lots of devices purported to catch, kill, or repel mosquitoes from your garden. Some may catch a mosquito or two but they’re not very effective in knocking out big numbers. “Bug zappers” with bright lights will collect lots of flying insects. It’s just that mosquitoes make up a very small proportion of collections. Electrocuting devices, again, don’t seem to attract a lot of mosquitoes. Devices that <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-buzz-from-your-smartphone-wont-stop-mosquito-bites-92611">emit high frequency sounds</a> won’t help either. The best devices are typically those that are baited with carbon dioxide. These are a mainstay of state and territory <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/mosquito-borne/Pages/surveillance.aspx">mosquito and arbovirus surveillance programs</a>. For a mosquito, the C0₂ tricks them into thinking the trap is a warm-blooded animal. The only problem is these can be expensive to run and don’t seem quite as effective for mosquito control <a href="https://bioone.org/journals/journal-of-the-american-mosquito-control-association/volume-22/issue-3/8756-971X(2006)22%5b490%3aTATTFA%5d2.0.CO%3b2/Traps-and-Trapping-Techniques-for-Adult-Mosquito-Control/10.2987/8756-971X(2006)22%5B490:TATTFA%5D2.0.CO;2.short">unless used in large numbers</a>. <h2>Yes, you’ll still need repellent</h2> Perhaps the best way to avoid mosquito bites is to pick an insect repellent <a href="https://www.phrp.com.au/issues/december-2016-volume-26-issue-5/a-review-of-recommendations-on-the-safe-and-effective-use-of-topical-mosquito-repellents/">recommended by health authorities</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/mozzies-biting-heres-how-to-choose-a-repellent-and-how-to-use-it-for-the-best-protection-150183">apply it</a> to ensure all exposed areas of skin are covered. These products and safe, affordable and effective.<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/212711/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cameron-webb-6736">Cameron Webb</a>, Clinical Associate Professor and Principal Hospital Scientist, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> Image credits: Getty Images 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/its-warming-up-and-mozzies-are-coming-heres-how-to-mosquito-proof-your-backyard-212711">original article</a>.

Home & Garden

Queen Camilla's damning "proof" in Simon Dorante-Day's case

A seemingly innocent comment made by Queen Camilla to the Archbishop of Canterbury about her relationship with King Charles has become new "proof" in Simon Dorante-Day's claims against the monarch. For several years, 57-year-old Simon from Queensland has claimed that he is the love child of King Charles and Queen Camilla. However, there have been several holes in his fact checking that have seen his claims been slammed. One major blindside in his story is the fact that he was born in 1966, and Charles and Camilla have famously dated their relationship back to when they were introduced by a friend in 1970. When Charles and Camilla first met, they were aged 21 and 22 respectively, and were not photographed publicly together until 1972. However, in a new documentary titled The Real Crown: Inside the House of Windsor, Dr George Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, said their relationship could go back further than initially believed. Dr Carey was the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1991 to 2002, and gave his blessing for Charles and Camilla to marry. In the explosive documentary, Dr Carey says Camilla confirmed that her relationship with Charles went “back to when they were teenagers”. The former Archbishop said he met Camilla at his son’s flat in Peckham, London, to discuss the possibility of marrying Charles, who was then the Prince of Wales. He explained they had met at the obscure location to avoid attracting public attention. “She walked through the front door and we had coffee together… we had an animated conversation and we talked about her relationship with Charles, going way back to when they were teenagers,” Dr Carey said in the TV interview. “And after that I decided there was no way I could treat her as anything other than a really nice human being who is deeply in love with Charles.” Dr Carey later gave his blessing for the pair to marry. Dorante-Day has long claimed that his own personal research has shown that Charles and Camilla first became close in 1965. He believes that months later, in the lead-up to when he was born, Camilla disappeared from Britain’s social scene for at least nine months, while Charles was sent to Australia. “I have been unable to find any photos of Camilla from the last months of 1965 or the beginning of 1966, when she would’ve been heavily pregnant with me,” Dorante-Day said. Speaking to <a href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/queen-camilla-comment-to-archbishop-becomes-explosive-new-proof-in-aussie-simon-dorante-day-royal-love-child-case--c-10543212" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a>, Dorante-Day said the new interview with Dr Carey casts doubt over the public history of Charles and Camilla's early relationships days. “My adoptive grandmother said to me, she said to me quite clearly, that Charles and Camilla were your parents,” he said. “So when I looked back in the history of when they got together and if this was even possible, I didn’t just believe it. But I went off and I researched it." “When you go back and you look at the newspapers from the time and read the royal biographies, it was always stated that they first met in 1972 at a polo match in Windsor." “You know, sometimes the media got it wrong and said 1974 or things like that. But that story was always 1972 until I started doing this." “Then royal commentator Robert Jobson changed it to 1970 in a TV interview with me, pushed it back a few years." “People just keep changing the date. It’s interesting to me." “And now the Archbishop’s story, that Camilla said that they went back to when they were teenagers as well. Yeah. Come on." “It’s the first time someone has given a concrete account of when they met, where it wasn’t just reports and changing dates.” Image credits: Getty Images / Facebook

Family & Pets

"With Jock in our hearts": Channel 10's big MasterChef announcement

The 15th season of Masterchef Australia will be broadcast as planned, Channel 10 have confirmed. The season, otherwise known as Masterchef: Secrets & Surprises, was initially sent into limbo when fan-favourite host and <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/shattered-hearts-culinary-world-mourns-tragic-death-of-jock-zonfrillo">chef Jock Zonfrilllo passed away unexpectedly</a>, reportedly in a Melbourne hotel room. But now, the network behind the hit cooking competition series have confirmed that after a one-week delay and <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/huge-broadcast-blunder-sees-new-footage-of-late-jock-zonfrillo-mistakenly-aired">an unfortunate streaming blunder</a>, Masterchef will return to screens across Australia, and likely the rest of the world in the coming months. The network made the announcement through social media, sharing a statement that assured audiences the decision had come with “the full support of Jock Zonfrillo’s family”. “Masterchef Australia Judge Jock Zonfrillo took great pride in challenging and coaching the contestants and of course inspiring a nation of home cooks,” it continued, before going on to note that they would be keeping the late Zonfrillo close to their hearts over the course of the upcoming season, and beyond. It concluded with the news that “the show will honour Jock by reflecting on his personal and professional life in a celebration of his incredible achievements”, with some fans declaring in the comments that this was the “best way to honour his work”. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The new season of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MasterChefAU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MasterChefAU</a> begins 7.30pm Sunday on 10 and 10 Play. <a href="https://t.co/CnENu2UpUO">pic.twitter.com/CnENu2UpUO</a> — Channel 10 (@Channel10AU) <a href="https://twitter.com/Channel10AU/status/1653667970303033344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2023</a></blockquote> The official Masterchef Australia account shared the same statement, and was met with a similar response from supporters of the show. “I’ll look forward to watching this with a whisky in hand, give it up for Jock,” one wrote. “I look forward to watching it. I think that viewing Jock’s final season together with all other MasterChef fans will be a fitting way for us to remember what an amazing person, chef and inspirational mentor he was,” another said. “A difficult decision,” one noted, “however the opportunity to see the great chef live on and do what it seemed he loved and was so very good at, making people love cooking.” The idea that it could not have been an easy decision to reach for one shared by a large portion of fans, with another likely speaking for all of them when they wrote that “this must have been a really emotionally tough decision for Jock's family. I think I'll need a box of tissues for this one.” “As long as Jock's family are OK with this, we can respect Channel 10's decision,” another decided. “I personally will find it very hard to watch the series in light of what's happened, but I'll think of it as a wonderful tribute to a fantastic man and beautiful soul.” Meanwhile, one fan had another idea for honouring the late chef, asking Masterchef Australia, “would you consider changing the name of the trophy the winner gets to the Jock Zonfrillo trophy?” Images: Twitter

Second MAS*H star to pass away in just one month

Actress Eileen Saki, best known for her role as bar owner Rosie in the hit series M*A*S*H has died. The 79-year-old had been fighting pancreatic cancer, and “passed away peacefully in Los Angeles” on May 1, according to PEOPLE. Eileen’s <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/m-a-s-h-star-passes-away" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fellow M*A*S*H star, Judy Farrell, had died</a> just one month prior on April 2. Eileen’s manager, Camilla Fluxman Pines confirmed the devastating news in a statement to the publication, writing that “she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January. "She was a lung cancer survivor in 2004.She got a second chance at auditioning and working in the industry that she loved so much - she shot a couple big commercials shortly before her diagnosis. "She was often recognized by face or even just voice by people who knew they knew her 'from somewhere' - and loved talking to young actors about the journey." Suki’s former co-star Jeff Maxwell, who brought the character Igor Straminsky to life on M*A*S*H, honoured his late friend with a social media post, sharing the news of her passing on the official page for his MASH Matters podcast. “Our sweet Eileen. Our sassy Rosie,” he wrote, before going on to extend his appreciation - as well as that of her husband, Bob - to Eileen’s devoted fans and followers who offered her their love and their support in her final days, before promising to share more on Eileen as the day went on, and encouraging others to do the same. “Our sweet, sweet Eileen. How we love you,” he concluded. “How we will miss you.” <iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmashmatterspodcast%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0LmjyFaQF6dHNoWfZKNqRpBEqzgyNKSsf41AZxkg9kjKCuSJaisowUawFowusyacyl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="719" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> True to his word, Jeff went on to post a few favourite Eileen moments, from her most recent work in advertisements, to time on screen with the likes of Mickey Rooney and Dom Deluise, and last - but certainly not least - as “a scene with a certain sassy bartender”. <iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmashmatterspodcast%2Fvideos%2F1531503437375801%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Saki had actually been the third actress to portray Rosie, having taken over from Frances Fong and Shizuko Hoshi for her eight episode stint. In the end, she was the final and longest-running owner of Rosie’s Bar, and remains dear to her co-workers and fans for it. “You will forever be in our hearts!” one commented, in a sentiment shared by many. “Sorry to hear of her passing. Great memories at Rosie’s,” said another. “She was the best Rosie of them all and such a great actress,” one declared. “So sorry to hear she passed on.” “One of the finest roles ever played,” someone agreed, before requesting that she “say hello to Col. Blake, Trapper, Major Burns”. And as one said on behalf of them all, “you fought the great fight, Eileen. Now, rest easy, for your burdens and struggles are behind you. Love and strength to the entire family during these hard days ahead.” Images: Facebook

Caring

How to snake-proof your house and garden

If there’s one thing that strikes fear into many Australians, it’s snakes. Sure, some of them are harmless but they are still the last thing you want to see in your home or garden. There are some ways to make your home less inviting to these reptiles. 1. Block their entrance Snakes like to hide in quiet places such as your roof, garage or underneath the house. Try to make it harder for them to get in by covering any holes leading in or out, and ensuring that screens and doors are kept shut. 2. Keep your garden tidy Snakes like to hide, so keep things neat in the backyard to stop them finding a place to do so. Keep your lawns mowed, and garden beds weeded. Keep your shed locked, and be sure to have a clear out regularly to remove any old boxes. If you have wood stored outside try to have minimal space between each piece so that they can’t use it as shelter. Avoid keeping grass clippings and mulch in a pile as snacks find the warmth appealing. 3. Seal holes in walls Snakes love rock and brick walls as they can use them to keep warm, provide shelter, and find food. Block up any holes that they could hide in by filling them in. 4. Reduce the rodent population Snakes like houses that have mice and rats, so try reducing their numbers. Place bait in your house and garden (ensure it is pet-friendly) and this should reduce the chances of snakes hanging around. 5. Keep birds safe Ensure any chook pens or bird cages are well protected from snakes entering them. Also be sure to keep them clean so that rats and mice aren’t entering the pens either. 6. Keep your bins tidy When you dispose of food scraps, always ensure they are in a sealed garbage bag in your bin, rather than just loose. This will keep rats and mice away, and therefore snakes too. 7. Watch your plant choice Think about the types of plants in your garden if snakes are an issue. Low shrubs and bushes are the ideal spot for a snake. Taller trees and flowers could be a better option. Also be sure to keep leaf litter to a minimum as it’s the perfect hiding spot for snakes. Images: Getty

Home Hints & Tips

MAS*H star passes away

M*A*S*H star Judy Farrell has passed away at the age of 84, her son has confirmed to TNZ. The actress, who is best known around the world for her portrayal of Nurse Able, died in hospital nine days after suffering a stroke which left her unable to communicate. However, TNZ have reported that Judy was conscious still and able to squeeze the hands of her loved ones. While Judy’s son Michael - whom she shared with fellow M*A*S*H actor Mike Farrell - has not yet spoken publicly about her mother’s passing, her former co-star Loretta Swift spoke to Fox News Digital about losing “family”. “Judy was a most beautiful woman - inside and out. We grew up together," the actress behind Major Margaret ‘Hot Lips’ Houlihan said. "She was family. This has been a painful loss, but we will always have the beauty of her memory. “Rest in peace, Nurse Able." Farrell starred as Nurse Able in eight episodes of the hit series, and was the only actress to ever be credited as the character. Initially, Nurse Able was a minor role - often just a placeholder for the instances where a background nurse had a line - and from Seasons 2-11 she was played by no fewer than 11 different people. By the fourth season, the role progressed so that she became involved in the show’s plot. It was in the sixth season that Judy Farrell secured her place in television history as Nurse Able, taking over for the character’s final appearances on screen in Seasons 6-11 for eight episodes. During her time on the show, Farrell starred alongside the likes of Loretta Swift, Alan Alda, and ex-husband Mike Farrell. The latter joined M*A*S*H’s cast in 1975, replacing Wayne Rogers, and remained until the 1983 finale. The couple had married in 1963, but went on to divorce 20 years later, in the same year that M*A*S*H bid farewell to its audience. Their split was reportedly amicable, with the two going on to remarry and co-parent their children, son Michael and daughter Erin. And as Farrell’s loved ones mourn her loss, fans and followers of the actress have taken to social media to share their grief, and to honour her work, sharing some of their fondest memories of her time bringing their beloved Nurse Able to life. “RIP Nurse Able. I was so thrilled to have known you, Judy Farrell,” wrote comedian Murray Valeriano. “Condolences to the Farrell and MASH families,” one fan said. And for another, it came as a tragic opportunity to share a clip of Farrell’s work, showcasing the actress alongside some of her former co-stars, with Classic MASH writing “Sad news today.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Sad news today. Judy Farrell has passed away. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClassicMASH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClassicMASH</a> <a href="https://t.co/hCfSpL7c0W">pic.twitter.com/hCfSpL7c0W</a> — Classic MASH 🍸 (@ClassicMASH) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClassicMASH/status/1643275688017903616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote> Images: Getty, Twitter, MASHFandom.com

How grandchild proof is your home?

We all have adventurous little ones in our life who are full of beans and personalities who love nothing more than to explore everywhere and anywhere. Is your home safe for these explorers? It’s a given: little ones can (and will!!!) climb and crawl anywhere and everywhere! Here we have a few helpful tips to ensure your home is a safe place for young children to explore explore! Did you know that accidental falls are among the most common types of injuries that are sustained in the home when it comes to children? Given this, you’ll want to make every effort to keep stairs and hallways clear and clutter-free to make room for your child to explore without tripping. It might also be a good idea to consider temporary fencing around stairways, steps and hallways. Safety gates at the top or bottom of stairs should be securely fastened to the wall and have a locked handle that can be used with one hand. These will prevent toddlers from climbing stairs unsupervised. As you all probably know, grandchildren love to climb, look at everything and pull on anything in their sight. To make sure spaces are as safe as possible, guard any hazards you can see when you look around the house. For instance, conceal window locks and blind cords from adventurous babies. Furthermore, ensure window, back doors and so on are locked Modern technology has many benefits and it’s a tool you can use to help with safeguarding your home. For example, place baby monitors around the home. Baby monitors can provide you peace of mind and now also connect to a smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer allowing them to be managed through a wireless network for parents on the go. Lastly, many child safety products can be DIY installed and keep children safe from hazards such as sharp corners on drawers and tables, power points and stairs. Do a search on the internet or head to your local hardware store or places like Target or Kmart for budget-friendly options. Image: Getty Images

Home Hints & Tips

Troubled TV host Andrew O’Keefe arrested

Troubled TV presenter Andrew O'Keefe has once again been arrested after allegedly breaching his bail conditions. The former Deal or No Deal host was arrested at a home in Vaucluse, in Sydney's eastern suburbs just before 11am on Thursday. NSW Police arrested the 51-year-old before he was taken to Waverley Police Station, where he was charged with breach of bail. The Channel 7 personality was refused police bail on the spot and appeared at Waverely Local Court. The court heard that O’Keefe tested positive for drugs but his lawyer argued the swab was contaminated. He was then released on bail and spoke to the media, furious that he was unable to tell his side of the story. “You don't get to hear the story,” he said outside of court. “The thing about the justice system is that we get no time to prepare as the defendant. “And you're at a distinct disadvantage about getting the facts to even your own people.” O’Keefe’s lawyer argued in court that there was a limited information following the police’s swap test to check his client for drugs. “That's what we discovered in court today. There was a high probability of contempt, erm, contamination (to the sample),” O’Keefe said. Back in January, O’Keefe received six charges, with police alleging he grabbed a sex worker by the throat before punching her and pushing her to the ground. He pleaded not guilty to all six, which included three counts of common assault, intentionally choking a person without consent, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. In February, he pleaded guilty to a separate charge of drug possession. In June, O’Keefe appeared in court to challenge a charge of breaching an apprehended violence order (AVO) against another complainant, and again in July to examine the evidence relating to the allegations of assault and choking. Image: Nine News

News

Mum left devastated after no guests attend her daughter’s party

A US woman has been left devastated after none of the 27 invited guests showed at her daughter’s third birthday party. Mum-of-three Breanna Strong had planned a massive celebration for her daughter, Avery, at KidsTopia Playground, a “jungle-themed indoor playground”, and had catered with pizzas, a Frozen-themed cake, and plenty of goodies for the kids. But, she was left devastated for her daughter when none of the kids turned up. Taking to TikTok, the 27-year-old shared her heartbreak in a clip that quickly went viral and prompted a flood of love to be sent Avery’s way. “We invited 27 kids to Avery's third birthday party. Not a single one of her friends showed up,” she wrote in the video, which showed the empty party room. “Money and time wasted. Breaks my momma heart so bad. Literally going to go home and snuggle my babies.” <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/mum-bday-party1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Images: TikTok The video also included footage of Avery sitting alone eating pizza, before Strong took the rest and threw it in the bin, as well as a clip of Breanna holding back tears while driving home. “I wish I was making this up,” she added in the caption. She later explained in the comments that she had sent out virtual party invitations through Facebook, and while seven families had initially said they would come, some messaged her at the last minute to let her know they couldn’t make it - and the rest stood her up without explanation. But Strong said she was more upset than her daughter was, who was too young to fully understand what happened and had fun at the indoor playground. “She got everything she wanted. Pizza, Frozen cake, and jungle gym. She didn’t know any different rather than having fun. Just shattered my heart,” Strong explained. Commenters were quick to share their support for the young girl, with some sharing that they had similar experiences with their children. “Let’s have a redo. I’ll travel and got a bunch of kids who loves to make friends,” one suggested. “This is a rule at my house. If we are invited, we’re GOING!” another wrote. “We have been the only one that shows up. So sad this happens, I’m so sorry,” a third said. “This happened to one of my daughters. Now I make sure we show up to everyone’s party we are invited to. I never want to see that pain for any child,” one parent shared. Image: TikTok

Family & Pets

6 tips to help your dog live longer

Our furry friends are more like family than just mates, and it pains us terribly when they age – sometimes ungracefully. Tim Norris, dog healer and founder of canine myofunctional therapy (canine massage), acupuncture and dog rehabilitation service <a href="http://bothendsofthelead.com.au/">Both Ends of The Lead</a>, walks us through how to care for an older dog to guarantee them a long and pain-free life. 1. Do not overfeed your dog This can lead to heart disease and joint problems. Feed your dog a nutritious diet to keep them at a healthy weight. These are two ways you can do a ‘self-check’ on your dog to see if they are not overweight. <ol> <li>Stand so that you have a view of your dog from above or over them. You should see there is an obvious waistline just behind their ribcage.</li> <li>If you are unsure, run your hands lightly down the side of your dog’s body and you should be able to feel their ribs.</li> </ol> If you are still not sure if you are overfeeding your dog after doing the checks, then you should speak to your vet and get their advice. There are many variables that determine how much to feed your dog. If you feed them a kibble diet, then the recommended amount to feed is usually stated on the packaging. If you have bought your food from your local vet, then they will normally recommend how much to feed specifically for your dog. We are now starting to see more people feeding a natural raw diet to their dog. If you do decide this suits your dog better, it’s recommended you seek out a certified animal nutritionist to guide you on how much to feed and also how to balance the meals appropriately for your dog specifically. As your dog ages and becomes less active (just like people), it’s likely you will need to feed them a little less, otherwise you risk a range of joint issues like arthritis through overfeeding. If you have a dog that appears underweight, then it is advisable to check with your vet to see if there are any conditions your dog may have that is stopping them from putting on weight. Most pet food brands have a senior range, which will usually include more omega 3, 6 and 9 for bones and joints. Try these ideas on <a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/pets/how-care-your-ageing-pet">how to care for an ageing pet</a>. 2. Don't exercise your dog too much or too little Many breeds of dogs are classed as a senior dog once they reach seven years of age, so it’s important to adapt the way you exercise them to minimise the impact on their joints and help them age more safely. High intensity chase games like throwing a ball can increase the risk of injury and joint problems like arthritis for senior dogs. The jumping, twisting and turning can put a great deal of excess strain on an older dog’s body and although many senior dogs will still enjoy chasing a ball, you should consider if this really is the most appropriate and safest way to exercise a senior dog. 3. If your dog is old, don't throw a ball too much If you do still throw a ball for your senior dog, it’s good to spend at least five minutes warming up their muscles first. This can help reduce the risk of an injury for them. You can do this by just letting them walk at their normal speed until they are warmed up and then throw the ball along the ground, so there is no jumping or twisting for them. If you ever see your dog uncomfortable or slowing down when chasing the ball, this is a good time to stop. If they are sore after chasing a ball or stiff the next day, then it would be wise to stop throwing the ball for them and find a different way to exercise them. 4. Make sure your home is safe If you have floor surfaces like floorboards, vinyl or tiles, these can be very slippery for an older dog, making it easy for them to fall and injure themselves. Placing non-slip surfaces down in areas that your dog uses heavily can help make the floors safer for your dog. 5. Use a step if your dog jumps on and off furniture If your senior dog likes to jump up on the couch or bed, think about having a halfway step so they can get up and down easier. This will help to reduce the impact on their joints and the injury risk. I have treated many dogs who have damaged muscles and ligaments jumping off a bed or couch. They are very avoidable injuries, so using a halfway step or not letting them up on the furniture would certainly have helped in these situations. I have recently helped a 15-year-old poodle called Cino who has arthritis and damaged his leg jumping off the couch. Cino responded very well to acupuncture and massage. I also showed his owner how to massage Cino’s muscles and use a heat pack for his arthritis. The good news is that Cino is no longer in pain and his owner now has a ramp to help him get up and down off the couch. Another dog I worked with recently was a 10-year-old English staffy called Alfie. He tore knee ligaments jumping off the bed and I was able to help rehabilitate Alfie without the need for surgery. A crucial part of Alfie’s rehabilitation was the personalised home care programme I developed for Alfie’s owners to follow. This helped Alfie recover faster and get back to running the house again... but no more jumping off the bed! The personalised face-to-face or online home care programmes are an important service I offer. Having the owner actively involved in the process of helping rehabilitate their dog can make a huge difference to the outcome... just like it did for Alfie. 6. A calm, relaxed home can help your dog feel less stressed Stress can affect our dogs in very similar ways to how it affects us. We can all recognise the impact stress can have on our own health. Our dogs are like sponges and will often show signs of stress when they see that their owners are stressed. Many dog owners testify that their dogs recognise and respond to their emotional states. So, doing all we can to minimise our own levels of stress is a great starting point to help keep our dogs calm and healthier. Being mindful of what your dog is exposed to in the home environment is important. Be aware of what the triggers are that stress your dog and then do all you can to minimise the impact of them if they are exposed to them. The key to a relaxed home environment for your dog always starts with a relaxed dog owner. This article first appeared in <a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/pets/6-tips-help-your-dog-live-longer?items_per_page=All">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestsubscribe?utm_source=readersdigest&utm_campaign=RDSUB&utm_medium=display&keycode=WRA85S">here’s our best subscription offer</a>. Image: Getty Images

Family & Pets

Proof that Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman are our sweetest rock and roll couple

Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman will forever be known as the sweetest rock and roll couple. The loved up couple once again proved that during one of Keith’s shows where Nicole made a surprise appearance on stage. “We love you Nashville,” a smiling Nicole said as Keith embraced her. She then turned to get off stage for her husband to start his show before telling him to “play some music”. "Happy wife, happy life. You guys know what I'm talking about,” Keith responds. Nicole later shared a stunning noir photo of her and Keith with their arms around each other backstage at the show in Nashville. <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/CjeWh7NpWdG/?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/CjeWh7NpWdG/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Nicole Kidman (@nicolekidman)</a> </div> </blockquote> Fans went crazy at the photo, with many thanking the couple for being incredible and sweet during tour. “Nicole you looked amazing last night. I loved your outfit. I waved to you as I was very close to you. You and Keith are such a beautiful blessed couple. Love to you both and your family,” someone wrote. “Love you two Nicole and Keith! You guys are so beautiful together!” another commented. “You two were the sweetest last night - I love seeing a couple still thriving together- gives us all hope,” someone else wrote. “Do you know what I love the most about this photo? It’s the utter love the two of you share — you’re close, you're touching, you’re communicating, you’re supporting, you're in it together. Love it!” another read. Images: Instagram

Music

MAS*H, 50 years on: the anti-war sitcom was a product of its time, yet its themes are timeless

MASH, stylised as M*A*S*H, is the story of a rag-tag bunch of medical misfits of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital thrown together against the horrors of the Korean war in the 1950s. The series endured for 11 seasons, from September 1972 to the final episode in 1983. Originally it was centred on two army surgeons, the wisecracking but empathetic Benjamin “Hawkeye” Pierce, played by Alan Alda, and the deadpan “Trapper” John McIntyre, played by Wayne Rogers. The show had an ensemble cast and different episodes would often focus on one of the featured characters. There was the meek Corporal “Radar” O'Reilly, cross-dressing Corporal Klinger, the easy-going Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake and pious Father Mulcahy. The antagonists, conniving Major Frank Burns and Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan, were foils for Hawkeye and Trapper but occasionally were central characters in some episodes too. <div data-id="17"> </div> Based on the 1970 movie, itself based on a novel, MASH was designed as a “black comedy” set during the Korean War. It was really a thinly veiled critique of the war in Vietnam raging at the time. The creators of the show knew they wouldn’t get away with making a Vietnam war comedy. Uncensored news broadcasts showing the viciousness of Vietnam were transmitted straight to the American public who were, by now, growing jaded of the increasingly brutal war. Setting the series 20 years earlier allowed the creators to mask their criticisms behind a historical perspective – but most viewers realised the true context. <h2>An anti-war sitcom</h2> What started as a criticism of the Vietnam war soon evolved into one for all wars. In many episodes, audiences would be reminded of the horrors of lives lost in the fighting on the line, and the angst and trauma faced by those behind the line. It didn’t matter which war this was, MASH was saying all wars are the same, full of shattered lives. Cloaking this message in comedy was the way the creators were able to make it palatable to a wide audience. The early seasons have a distinctive sitcom feel to them, mostly as a result of the series co-creators, Larry Gelbart and Gene Reynolds, who were from a comedy background. When both creatives left by the end of season five the show took a more dramatic turn. In particular, Alda became more involved in the writing and took it into a more dramatic direction, toning down the comedic elements. This was also reflected in the change of many of the secondary characters. The philandering, practical joker Trapper was replaced by the moral and professional BJ Hunnicutt, the snivelling Frank Burns by the pretentious Charles Winchester, the laconic Henry Blake with the officious Sherman Potter, and the complete absence of Radar after season eight. The voice of the series took on a noticeably Hawkeye focus. As the Vietnam war ended in 1975, the tone of the show also changed. It became less political and focused more on the dilemmas of the individual characters. The laugh track was toned down. But this did not make the show any less popular. Audiences responded strongly to the anarchic anti-authoritarianism of Hawkeye and Trapper/BJ. Almost all the characters are anti-war, reflecting the growing antagonism the American public was feeling towards the Vietnam war and war fatigue in general, post-Vietnam. Even Frank and Hot Lips, the most patriotic characters, sometimes questioned if the war was worth all the suffering and death. And the series reminded people the humour used was not meant to disrespect those fighting but as a coping mechanism of the trauma by those involved. <h2>A timeless classic</h2> That’s not to say there aren’t issues with the show when looked at with modern sensibilities. Contemporary audiences would find problems with some of the representations of characters and issues addressed in the series. Corporal Klinger would today be seen as contentious. His penchant for dressing in women’s clothes was not because he was trans or interested in drag, but because he was trying to get a “Section 8”, or mental health, discharge. Many of the female characters were also relegated to little more than two-dimensional romantic interests or background characters. The only woman who starred with a significant recurring role was “Hot Lips” Houlihan but, as the nickname implies, she was often the butt of sexualised humour. This has not stopped the show maintaining its popularity in the continual re-runs it gets on cable and streaming services. MASH was a product of its time, yet its themes on the absurdity of war are universal. It became more than a TV show: a shared cathartic experience for war-weary audiences. At its heart is the eclectic mix of dysfunctional characters who use humour to laugh in the face of adversity. This is what makes MASH a timeless classic. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/m-a-s-h-50-years-on-the-anti-war-sitcom-was-a-product-of-its-time-yet-its-themes-are-timeless-190422" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Image: YouTube

8 ways to age-proof your brain

While it is well documented that eating a balanced diet (think lots of fruits and veggies and not much sugar, saturated fat or alcohol), as well as getting enough exercise and sleeping about eight hours a night, is not only good for your body but also your brain, there’s something else you need to know too. There is accumulating evidence that a whole host of other activities can help keep your brain young even as you age. Again it’s all about balance, so try a handful of the following. Take dance lessons According to a 2003 landmark study in the New England Journal of Medicine, seniors who danced three to four times a week – especially ballroom dancing – had a 75 per cent lower risk of dementia compared with people who did not dance at. “Dancing is a complex activity,” says study lead author Joe Verghese, M.D., chief of geriatrics at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. “It’s aerobic so it improves blood flow to the brain which has been shown to improve brain connections. It also provides mental challenges.” Play games A 2013 French study found a 15 per cent lower risk of dementia among people who played board games versus those who did not. And the effects seemed to last over the study’s 20-year follow-up. “The idea is that this helps build cognitive reserve,” says Verghese, whose study also found benefits to playing board games like Monopoly. “The more these activities buffer against the disease, you may be able to mask the effects of the disease for longer periods of time. It buys you extra time.” Read more of less While getting stuck into books in good for the brain in general, reading fewer books and articles so you can give them each more focused attention may be even better. “Our brain doesn't do very well with too much information. The more you download, the more it shuts the brain down,” says Sandra Bond Chapman, Ph.D., director of the Center for Brain Health at the University of Texas at Dallas. “It's better to read one or two good articles and think about them in a deeper sense rather than read 20.” Change your font Next time you have to print something (or if you have the option under other circumstances) consider changing the typeface before you print. Chances are, the docs came to you in an easy-to-read font like Arial or Times New Roman, but switching it to something a little less legible like Comic Sans or Bodoni may improve your comprehension and recall of the information, according to a small study out of Harvard University. Likewise, a study at an Ohio high school revealed that students who received handouts with less-legible type performed better on tests than the students who were given more readable materials. It’s a version of the no-pain-no-gain phenomenon: When you exert more effort, your brain rewards you by becoming stronger. But make sure you keep things new by changing fonts regularly. Unitask If you pride yourself on your ability to multitask, you might want to rethink you behaviours. “Multitasking hijacks your frontal lobe,” says Chapman, who is also the author of Make Your Brain Smarter. The frontal lobe regulates decision-making, problem-solving and other aspects of learning that are critical to maintaining brain health. Research has shown that doing one thing at a time – not everything at once –strengthens higher-order reasoning, or the ability to learn, understand and apply new information. Write about your stress It has been shown that if you write about stressful experiences for 20 minutes three day in a row you can see an improvement in memory. “We hypothesized that stress causes unwanted, intrusive thoughts,” says study co-author Adriel Boals, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at the University of North Texas in Denton. “Writing gets rid of intrusive thoughts then working memory increases.” So if something’s bothering you, don’t bottle it up. Play a video game Playing puzzle games on an Xbox may have the same effects as brain-training games. And depending on what you play, they may be even more effective. In a Florida State University study, subjects either played games on Lumosity.com or played Portal 2, a popular action-puzzle game for computers, Playstation and Xbox. Those who played Portal 2 scored better on problem solving, spatial skill and persistence tests. Other research shows that playing Tetris may increase gray matter in the brain. Wash the dishes According to one study, washing the dishes, cooking and cleaning can add to your daily activity total and are linked with a reduced risk of dementia. In the study, people with the least amount of total physical activity were more than twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's compared with people reporting the most activity. Even playing cards and moving a wheelchair counted.

Caring

Our Partners

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Rare coin hidden for decades to fetch eye-watering sum

"Cut this rubbish out": Channel 7's fresh "news" segment slammed

Grant Denyer serenades one of Australia's oldest Deal or No Deal contestants