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Police officer arrested amid search for missing men

A police officer has turned himself in over the <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/police-officer-sought-in-connection-to-disappearance-of-two-men" target="_blank" rel="noopener">suspicious disappearance</a> of two men. Former Network Ten presenter 26-year-old Jesse Baird and his boyfriend 29-year-old Luke Davies were last seen on Monday, with police launching an extensive investigation into their disappearance. On Thursday, officers called for Constable Beau Lamarre to come forward as part of the investigation, believing he could hold valuable information. Now, on Friday morning, the celebrity blogger turned police officer presented at Bondi Police Station where he was arrested. The man was then taken to Waverley Police Station where he is assisting with inquiries, police said. During a press conference on Friday afternoon, a lead investigator confirmed the young officer has been charged with two counts of murder, while adding the families of the young men have been told the investigation is being treated as a homicide. Lamarre is an ex-partner of Baird and was a former celebrity blogger before joining NSW Police in 2020. Online the 28-year-old would often go by the pseudonym Beau London, creating accounts on social media and a celebrity blog page titled That's The Tea, where he posted selfies alongside celebrities such as Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Harry Styles and Taylor Swift. <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">An investigation began into Baird and Davies' disappearance after number of their personal items, including a watch, clothes, credit cards and keys were found by a worker in Club Cronulla, with blood stains present on the items. <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">Police have also searched two homes during their investigation - one in Balmain and one in Paddington - with officers "immediately" establishing a crime scene at the Paddington home after finding blood spatters. <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">According to officers, a “significant” amount of blood consistent with a fatality and signs of a struggle were discovered inside Mr Baird’s Paddington home on Thursday afternoon. <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">Image credits: 9News / Instagram

Legal

Sandra Bullock mourns the passing of her longtime partner after private illness

Hollywood star Sandra Bullock's beloved partner, Bryan Randall, has passed away at the age of 57, with the heart-wrenching news confirmed by his grieving family in a statement shared on Monday. “It is with great sadness that we share that on Aug. 5, Bryan Randall passed away peacefully after a three-year battle with ALS,” the statement read. “Bryan chose early to keep his journey with ALS private and those of us who cared for him did our best to honour his request. We are immensely grateful to the tireless doctors who navigated the landscape of this illness with us and to the astounding nurses who became our roommates, often sacrificing their own families to be with ours. At this time we ask for privacy to grieve and to come to terms with the impossibility of saying goodbye to Bryan.” The statement was signed with a poignant, "His Loving Family". Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a merciless neurological affliction that ravages motor neurons that command delicate voluntary muscle movement. Regrettably, there is currently no remedy for the condition. Bullock, aged 59, crossed paths with model-turned-photographer Randall when he was summoned to capture her son Louis’ birthday celebration in the early days of 2015. Their connection was immediate and profound. The mother-of-two, and an actress who has fiercely guarded her privacy over the years, chose to unveil fragments of her relationship's intimacy during a candid appearance on Red Table Talk in 2021. “I found the love of my life. We share two beautiful children — three children, [Randall’s] older daughter. It’s the best thing ever,” Bullock said at the time. “I don’t wanna say do it like I do it, but I don’t need a paper to be a devoted partner and devoted mother … I don’t need to be told to be ever present in the hardest of times. I don’t need to be told to weather a storm with a good man.” She added that Randall was also a superb “example” to her two children: “He’s the example that I would want my children to have... I have a partner who’s very Christian and there are two different ways of looking at things. I don’t always agree with him, and he doesn’t always agree with me. But he is an example even when I don’t agree with him... I’m stubborn but sometimes I need to sit back and listen and go, ‘You’re saying it differently but we mean exactly the same thing.’ “It’s hard to co-parent because I just want to do it myself.” "He was so happy, but he was scared. I'm a bulldozer. My life was already on the track, and here's this beautiful human being who doesn't want anything to do with my life but the right human being to be there." Images: Getty

Caring

More details revealed by father of Queensland cop killers

The father of the two men who shot at two Queensland police officers has opened up about his son’s gun obsession and how they turned away from religion which eventually led to the horrific murder of the officers. Constable Rachel McCrow, 29, and Constable Matthew Arnold, 26, were fatally shot at a property in Wieambilla, three hours outside of Brisbane as they carried out a missing persons call. Nathaniel and Gareth Train were identified as the two brothers who killed the officers, with their father Ron Train revealing how the pair turned to the dark side. “I’d describe them as two boys who lost their way in life,” he told A Current Affair, refusing to say they are monsters. Mr Train explained that he raised his sons with Christian beliefs but they turned away from religion before becoming estranged from their parents when they were in their 20s. “They went down this track, this dark track, which we have no understanding of.” He explained that the pair soon became obsessed with guns and that it was Gareth who showed more interest in the activity and was more controlling. “He was very difficult to control, very overpowering.” But in a surprising turn of events, Mr Train believes that Nathaniel’s marriage to Stacey Train, the third shooter, was up in the air after Gareth married her. “I just think in the end that he took over that relationship that Nathaniel and Stacey had,” Mr Train continued. Nathaniel and Stacey’s two children however were also estranged from the family. Mr Train said he broke down in tears after hearing what his sons had done saying he couldn’t take responsibility for their actions or defend them. “I cried out to God, because, you know, I’m a believer. I just could not understand,” he said. “Those decisions were made as adults. I can’t accept responsibility for something in an adult mind. “There’s no excuse for that. No excuses for their behaviour, and I don’t excuse my boys of their actions at all. “They’ll stand before God in this world. They can’t be brought to justice in the secular world, but they will before God.” Constable Matthew Arnold and Constable Rachel McCrow were at a property in the western Darling Downs, about three hours west of Brisbane when they were shot on December 12. One of the neighbours, Alan Dare, 58, was also shot and killed in the attack. Constable Arnold and Constable McCrow were joined by two other officers, Constable Keeley Brough and Constable Randall Kirk, both aged 28, at the property. A six-hour siege ensued, with the officers opening fire about 4.45 pm which saw Constable Arnold and Constable McCrow killed. Constable Kirk was also wounded while Constable Brough, who was only eight weeks into her new role, managed to escape and raise the alarm. The pair were finally joined by Special Operations police and helped them shoot dead three suspects, including brothers Nathaniel and Gareth Train, and Stacey Train, after a six hour siege. Images: Nine News

News

Cop sent farewell texts to loved ones during shootout

One of the police officers that survived the shootout which killed two of her colleagues has shared her final texts she sent to loved ones in the event she didn’t make it. Constable Rachel McCrow, 29, and Constable Matthew Arnold, 26, were fatally shot at a property in Wieambilla, three hours outside of Brisbane as they carried out a missing persons call. Constable Keeley Brough and Constable Randall Kirk, both aged 28, were also at the property with Constable Kirk suffering a gunshot wound. Nathaniel and Gareth Train were identified as the two brothers who killed the officers, with Stacey Train identified as the third shooter. Constable Brough thought these would be her final moments and that she would either be shot at or burned alive. So she sent farewell texts to her loved ones. "Constable Brough grabbed her phone to seek assistance for her colleagues," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Parliament House. "And then, she texted her loved ones, what she imagined would be her final goodbyes. "Even then, surrounded by danger and death, her first thought was for her fellow officers." Mr Albanese said it was a “miracle” that Constable Brough survived the terrifying ordeal. "[Constable Brough] did not know whether she was going to be shot, or she was going to burnt alive," Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers told the ABC on Tuesday. "'I do know she was sending messages to loved ones saying she almost thought it was her time. What was going through her mind, one cannot comprehend. "She was in contact with her other colleagues trying to assure them we could get support to go and assist their fallen colleagues at that point in time." Constable McCrow and Constable Arnold will be farewelled at a funeral service at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre at 10am on December 21. Details on how the public can offer their condolences will be available in the next few days. Images: Facebook

News

Pregnant wife of surviving police officer opens up

Constable Randall Kirk was one of four officers who attended a remote property in Queensland to conduct a welfare check, before they were ambushed and shot at by the residents. While Constable Kirk is now recovering in hospital, his colleagues, 29-year-old Constable Rachel McCrow and 26-year-old Constable Matthew Arnold, were murdered during the execution-style ambush. The gunmen, Gareth Train and his brother Nathaniel, a former Queensland school principal, were killed in a police firefight later that night. Constable Kirk was able to escape the terrifying scene despite being shot in the leg and showered in glass after the gunmen fired at his escaping vehicle. “I’m feeling fine, just a little sore,” Constable Kirk said to Warwick Stanthorpe Today on Tuesday. “My main thoughts are with the other police families at this awful time.” Constable Kirk’s wife Breanna said he had “minor surgery” in Toowoomba on Tuesday morning and was “doing well”. “When I first spoke to Randall at the Chinchilla Hospital (on Monday night), his first thoughts were for his colleagues,” she shared. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Randall’s deceased colleagues.” Mrs Kirk, who is pregnant with the couple’s second child, said they were overwhelmed with support from the community and their policing family. “Randall and I are very grateful for the overwhelming support from the Chinchilla and Stanthorpe communities,” she said. “We have spoken to the Police Minister Mark Ryan (Tuesday) morning, and he has offered wonderful encouragement and support.” Image credits: Facebook

Caring

"With Honour They Served": Outpouring of emotion after shooting victims identified

The two police officers who were executed at a Queensland rural property have been identified. Constable Matthew Arnold and Constable Rachel McCrow were at a property in the western Darling Downs, about three hours west of Brisbane when they were shot on December 12. One of the neighbours, Alan Dare, 58, was also shot and killed in the attack which led to a manhunt for the alleged attackers. Police services around the country offered their condolences to the families of Constable Arnold and Constable McCrow after their heroic actions. “It is with a heavy heart we confirm the deaths of Constable Matthew Arnold and Constable Rachel McCrow,” Queensland Police wrote on Facebook. “Their lives were cut tragically short in the line of duty at Wieambilla yesterday. “With Honour They Served.” Police were at the rural property in response to a missing person, who was later identified as former school principal Nathaniel Train. There were grave concerns for Mr Train who disappeared from Dubbo in the NSW Central West in early December. Constable Arnold and Constable McCrow were joined by two other officers, Constable Keeley Brough and Constable Randall Kirk, both aged 28, at the property. A six-hour siege ensued, with the officers opening fire about 4.45 pm which saw Constable Arnold and Constable McCrow killed. Constable Kirk was also wounded while Constable Brough, who was only eight weeks into her new role, managed to escape and raise the alarm. The pair were finally joined by Special Operations police and helped them shoot dead three suspects, including brothers Nathaniel and Gareth Train, and a third female, after a six hour siege. Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll was heartbroken at describing what had happened, following the death of her colleagues. “This has been incredibly distressing and tragic for everyone, particularly family, officers involved, colleagues, the organisation and the community,” she said. “As you would appreciate. It is an extremely emotional and challenging time for the Queensland Police Service. Losing one of our own has a profound impact on every single officer and their families. To lose two officers in one incident is absolutely devastating. “This event is the largest loss of police life we have suffered in a single incident in many years. “I want to pay tribute to the two other officers who attended....they bravely did what they could to save their colleagues in the most horrendous circumstances. Their bravery was beyond belief. “Thank you also to the specialist police and other first stand-of-responders who were involved in the dangerous confrontation for many hours last night. Matthew and Rachel were highly respected and much loved members of the Queensland Police Service. “They were both committed and courageous young people who had a passion for policing and for serving their community. “Both are under 30 years of age. Both had wonderful careers and lives ahead of them.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also offered his condolences to the fallen officers. “Terrible scenes in Wieambilla and a heartbreaking day for the families and friends of the Queensland Police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty,” he wrote on Twitter. “My condolences to all who are grieving tonight – Australia mourns with you.” Images: Facebook

News

Allen’s drop lollies inspired by iconic Kirks soft drinks

Two iconic brands have teamed up to bring Aussies an interesting sweet treat. <h4 dir="ltr">Introducing: Allen’s gummy candy inspired by Kirks soft drinks.</h4> The collaboration is inspired by Kirks Classic Pasito, Creaming Soda and Lemonade flavoured drinks. The lollies come in a 170g pack for $3.60 from all major supermarkets and convenience stores from late-August 2022. Fans of the brands were immediately thrilled by the news, as the Nestlé Head of Marketing Confectionery Joyce Tan said, “We’re so excited to introduce Allen’s Inspired by Kirks as a celebration of party memories.” “So many Aussies share moments of Kirks soda flavours and Allen’s lollies at their social celebrations – and now we’ve brought these icons together for the ultimate classic party combo. “We’ve been making lollies here in Victoria since 1891 and with each new creation we hope each bite transports lolly lovers back to those shared moments and brings a smile to their face.” Kirks Senior Brand Manager Catalina Pachon said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Allen’s who celebrate and love sharing moments together, just like Kirks. “These new lollies are inspired by Kirks favourite flavours which are well-known by generations of Australians.” It’s not the first iconic collaboration Nestlé has released in recent weeks, with the recent KitKat Milo flying off shelves across the country. Image: Allen's

Food & Wine

Kirk Douglas’ home hits the market for eye-watering price

The Beverly Hills home belonging to the late Kirk Douglas has <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/805-N-Rexford-Dr_Beverly-Hills_CA_90210_M12177-91742" target="_blank">hit the market</a> with a hefty $USD 7.495 million ($AUD 10.55 million) price tag. Douglas lived at the Hollywood home with his wife, Anne Douglas until his death at 103 in 2020. Anne died the following April, at the age of 102. Their longtime home comes with a star-studded history, including autographed outdoor tiles signed by Hollywood royalty, including Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, Roger Moore, Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Fonda, who left their marks while attending dinner parties hosted by the couple. “Kirk and Anne loved to entertain, and they would host dinner parties with Hollywood icons,” <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/beverly-hills-home-late-kirk-douglas-comes-with-memorabilia/" target="_blank">said</a> Rochelle Atlas Maize, the listing agent from Nourmand & Associates. “Each dinner guest personally signed stepping stones that are now displayed in the backyard. These stones make this a truly one-of-a-kind property that is rich in history and unlike any other on the market right now.” Along with the signed pavers, the four-bedroom, five-bedroom home boasts a resort-style pool and spa, and a two-storey guesthouse. Inside, the house offers large living and dining areas, including a living room with a fireplace and French doors that spill out onto a brick-paved courtyard. The rooms feature decorative ceiling designs, built-ins, ensuites, and natural light coming in through multiple windows and skylights. The home, known as “The Stars of Beverly Hills”, was originally built in 1921. Images: Getty Images, Realtor

Real Estate

Kirk Douglas snubs Michael in will

Kirk Douglas was laid to rest on February 7 at the Westwood Memorial in Los Angeles, two days after he passed at his home. He was 103. According to The Mirror, Kirk did not leave any of his fortune to his son, Michael, a Hollywood star who has his own net worth of about $300 million. But Kirk, who throughout his lifetime was known to work with multiple charity organisations, left money to several beneficiaries. A total of $50 million will be distributed through the Douglas Foundation, which was founded by Kirk and his wife, Anne. The Mirror reported that some of the beneficiaries include St Lawrence University, the Sinai Temple of Los Angeles, the Kirk Douglas Theatre and the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Before he died, Kirk and Anne were planning to make some more generous donations. Kirk is survived by Anne, who is his second wife, and three of his four sons: Michael, Joel, and Peter.

Retirement Income

Kirk Douglas’ grandson reflects on his passing in emotional interview

Kirk Douglas’ grandson has honoured the late acting legend in an emotional interview. Speaking to <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cameron-douglas-legacy-grandfather-kirk-douglas-hard-imagine-anyone-doing-it-better-1278758">The Hollywood Reporter</a>, Cameron Douglas said it was difficult to lose his grandfather, who died on February 5 at the age of 103. “He was always there, always supportive and he believed in me even when maybe I had given up on myself,” said Cameron, who previously struggled with drug addiction. “Losing him is one of those things that, even when you sort of see it coming … it’s still difficult. “I take solace in the pride of being his grandson and having had the opportunity to spend as much time with him as I have. When I look at his life, what he accomplished and the way he carried himself, it's hard for me to imagine anyone doing it any better.” Cameron said he brought his partner Viviane Thibes and daughter Lua Izzy to Los Angeles so that the family could spend more time with Kirk. “I moved about 15 minutes away from them and have been spending a lot of time with him, bringing my daughter [and] Vivian over on weekends,” said the 41-year-old. “Just watching the bond between my daughter and grandfather was extremely special. “He would light up every time she was around. When she was in the same room, all she wanted to do was either be in his lap or be the focus of his attention. I'll remind her of that when she gets older, showing her that connection through photos.” Cameron followed in the footsteps of his father Michael and his grandfather to become an actor after serving nearly eight years in prison for possessing cocaine and <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/cameron-douglas-long-way-home-book-memoir-hollywood-life-prison-a9180571.html">distributing methamphetamine</a>. “He said to me, not that long ago, ‘Cameron, I’m so happy to see that you’re finally functioning’. That’s this kind of credo among the members of our family – to be ‘functioning’ – and I know that made him proud.”

Family & Pets

Catherine Zeta-Jones farewells father-in-law Kirk Douglas: “I miss you already”

Catherine Zeta-Jones has shared a touching tribute to her late father-in-law Kirk Douglas, following his death on Thursday at 103 years of age. The actress had a close bond to the Hollywood star and they immediately got along after she married his son, actor Michael Douglas, in 2000. “To my darling Kirk, I shall love you for the rest of my life. I miss you already. Sleep tight,” the actress wrote on Instagram underneath a heartwarming photo of the pair sharing a touching moment. <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8NOuvqnhbi/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8NOuvqnhbi/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">To my darling Kirk, I shall love you for the rest of my life. I miss you already. Sleep tight...</a> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/catherinezetajones/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Catherine Zeta-Jones</a> (@catherinezetajones) on Feb 5, 2020 at 5:18pm PST </div> </blockquote> Zeta-Jones has always been close to her father-in-law, with the star regularly posting photos of the pair on social media. In December, she shared a photo of them embracing to mark his 103rd birthday. “This guy on my knee, is 103!!!!!! Happy Birthday Pappy!!! I love you with all my heart.” <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B52P6e6H5UE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B52P6e6H5UE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">This guy on my knee, is 103!!!!!Happy Birthday Pappy!!! I love you with all my heart. 😘❤️</a> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/catherinezetajones/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Catherine Zeta-Jones</a> (@catherinezetajones) on Dec 9, 2019 at 2:03am PST </div> </blockquote> When Catherine and Michael tied the knot close to 20 years ago, many people questioned the relationship due to the 25-year age gap between them. But one person remained firmly on their side: Kirk. On the couple’s 19th wedding anniversary in November last year, Catherine shared a sweet note Kirk had given them to mark the milestone occasion. “Dear Michael and Catherine, Happy anniversary!” read the note typed on Kirk’s personal stationary. <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0dugHvnMuz/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0dugHvnMuz/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">And that was lunch 👍🏻</a> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/catherinezetajones/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Catherine Zeta-Jones</a> (@catherinezetajones) on Jul 28, 2019 at 7:53am PDT </div> </blockquote> “Michael, you have learned a very important lesson, to stay married you must obey your wife! Keep practicing what I do with my wife.” After splitting from Michael’s mother, Diana Douglas in 1951, Kirk went on to marry Anne Buydens in 1954. They remained married for 66 years up until his death.

Beauty & Style

Kirk Douglas dies aged 103

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> Spartacus actor Kirk Douglas has passed away at the age of 103, his son revealed to People Magazine. Michael Douglas said: “It is with tremendous sadness that my brothers and I announce that Kirk Douglas left us today at the age of 103. “To the world, he was a legend, an actor from the golden age of movies who lived well into his golden years, a humanitarian whose commitment to justice and the causes he believed in setting a standard for all of us to aspire to.” Throughout his career that spanned seven decades, Douglas starred in over 90 films, with hits such as Spartacus and The Vikings making him one of the biggest box office stars in the 1950s and 1960s. He was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor in 1959 for his role as boxer Midge Kelly in Champion. He went on to earn two more Oscar nominations as a producer for The Bad And The Beautiful in 1953 and Lust For Life in 1957. He appeared alongside John Wayne in three movies – In Harm’s Way, Cast A Giant Shadow and The War Wagon and also pocketed $50,000 for saying the only English word at the end of a Japanese TV commercial: Coffee. But his proudest achievement was his major role in breaking the Hollywood blacklist: Actors, directors and writers who were excluded professionally due to their ties to the communist movement in the 1950s. Douglas was in a helicopter crash in 1991, which he survived. But five years later, he suffered from a stroke. Due to the stroke, he was left with slurred speech and damaged facial nerves, but despite it all, he still powered through to attend the Academy Awards two weeks later to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. Scroll through the gallery below to see Kirk Douglas' life in pictures. </div> </div> </div>

Caring

“Suicide by cop”: Victorian police officer defends hitting disabled pensioner

A Victorian Police officer said that he genuinely felt he was facing a “suicide by cop” scenario when he repeatedly hit a disabled pensioner with a baton and stood on his head during a welfare check. Pensioner John was also pepper sprayed during the ordeal with six police officers and the welfare check was ordered after he failed to return messages from a counsellor and withdrew from opioid medication. Senior Constable John Edney is one of three officers who are fighting assault charges over the September 2017 incident. "I did believe it was a real suicide by cop scenario," he told a contested hearing at Heidelberg Magistrates Court, according to <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/victorian-police-officer-defends-hitting-disabled-pensioner-with-baton/a4596c15-6e83-4e8d-86a3-9319dbae5a29" target="_blank">9news</a>. Edney also said that he believed that John was armed and posed a threat to police officers. Video footage played to the court showed John answering a knock from Edney at his front door and said he wanted to be alone. "I don't want to f------ talk," he screams. "Get off my f------ property. "If you get the crowbar, you'll have to shoot me,” John continued. "I've been maced before and nothing happened." Edney said that his fear increased after that interaction and believed that John had weapons inside his house. "Part of the reason of going into his house was to check for weapons," he told prosecutor Diana Manova. "I did believe he was armed." The officers then pulled the pensioner to the ground and restrained him while Edney hit John’s calf with the baton six times and put his foot on his head. Edney said that both moves were justified as he was concerned John may “bite and spit” at police. When asked if he considered those actions appropriate, Edney said “Yes”. Senior Constable Brad McLeod and Senior Constable Florian Hilgart are also charged over the assault.

News

Michael Douglas’ sweet moment with 101-year-old dad Kirk Douglas

Celebrating his 50th year in Hollywood on Tuesday, Michael Douglas was presented with a long overdue star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame next to his father, the legendary Kirk Douglas. The 74-year-old has many career highlights, but he is best known for playing Gordon Gekko in Wall Street, which ended up winning him an Oscar. Michael was surrounded by loved ones, including wife and actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, 49, and his dad Kirk who is now 101 years old. Also accompanying the actor for the monumental occasion was his The China Syndrome co-star Jane Fonda, 80, and his 39-year-old son Cameron Douglas. Michael shared a special moment with Kirk as the father and son seemed to be having a heartfelt conversation, with Michael ending it with an affectionate peck on the lips. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7821863/kiss.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/38f2b93bd4c94919b34b028f16cb15ed" /> Giving a heartfelt speech during the ceremony, Jane Fonda said: “When I first heard Michael was getting a star I thought, ‘What took so long?’ Especially because he has always been ahead of his time.” Starring in over 60 films and television shows, Michael is considered a veteran in the industry. Some of his most prominent roles were for the 1970s police series The Streets of San Francisco, thriller films Fatal Attraction and Basic Instinct, and his most recent Marvel movie Ant-Man. Fonda, who is the daughter of actor Henry Fonda, revealed the pressures she and Michael faced due to being born into a family that is considered Hollywood royalty. “Both of our fathers were movie legends,” she said. “Can you imagine Michael heading out to go to an audition and Spartacus is sitting at the table?” Michael’s achievements don’t just stop at acting, as the film One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest scored him a second Academy Award for producing. He has also produced a number of independent titles. “I have been lucky enough to be part of classic Hollywood and new Hollywood,” he said. Michael considered himself privileged to be able to have the opportunity to have his name beside 2600 talented men and women on the Walk of Fame. “They are people who passionately cared about what they did and about entertaining people around the world,” he said. Swipe through the gallery above to see photos from the special occasion.

Movies

Kirk Douglas celebrates 101st birthday!

Legendary actor Kirk Douglas has celebrated his 101st birthday surrounded by friends and family at his Beverly Hills home. The Hollywood icon was joined by his wife, 98-year-old Anne Buydens, sons Joel and Michael Douglas and great-niece Kelsey Douglas for the celebrations, and while Michael’s wife Catherine-Zeta Jones couldn’t make it, she reportedly sang “Happy Birthday” to Kirk over FaceTime. Oscar-winning actor Michael took to Facebook to share some of the photos from his dad’s big day, which you can see in the gallery above, writing, “At 101, Dad is a true amazement and a great time was had by all.” Despite suffering a stroke 20 years ago, Kirk’s health has only improved, and he credits his beloved wife Anne with helping him achieve such longevity. “I was lucky enough to find my soulmate 63 years ago, and I believe our wonderful marriage and our nightly ‘golden hour’ chats have helped me survive all things,” he told <a href="http://www.closerweekly.com/posts/kirk-douglas-birthday-120092" target="_blank">Closer</a> last year. “I am always asked for advice on living a long and healthy life. I don’t have any. I do believe, however, that we have a purpose for being here. I was spared after a helicopter crash and a stroke to do more good in the world before I leave it." Image credit: Michael Douglas/Facebook.

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