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James Packer's insane $132-million mansion up for grabs

Aussie billionaire James Packer has put up his $132-million mansion up for sale. The 12-bedroom Beverly Hills home was previously owned by Hollywood star Danny DeVito, before Packer bought it off him in 2018 for $93-million, according to realtor.com. Dating back to the 1930's, the luxury estate has been named “Beverly Hills at its finest," as it sits on 2260 sqm and boasts a three-storey accessory dwelling, a separate maids quarter and a guesthouse. “Boasting living space across multiple structures, enjoy an unparalleled gem in one of the most coveted neighbourhoods in Southern California," the listing read. It's the embodiment of luxury and "iconic L.A. living", with a home theatre that's fully equipped with a bar, a game room, wine cellar, resort-style pool and cigar lounge. The primary suite has a fireplace, sitting room, dual bathrooms, and access to a terrace. With 18 bathrooms you don't need to worry about whether they are occupied as the master suite itself features two master baths, double vanities, a linen closet, powder room, and the option of a shower or a sub and steam shower. Not only that, the private balconies allow you to take in the magnificent views of the estate's lush yard, but also the surrounding canyons, so there's never a boring day in the multimillion dollar mansion. According to The Daily Telegraph, the billionaire is selling the home because he has no desire to live in LA if his kid's won't be visiting, after his ex-wife Erica Packer and their three kids moved to London earlier this year. Images: realestate.com.au/ Getty

Real Estate

Realistic androids coming closer, as scientists teach a robot to share your laughter

Do you ever laugh at an inappropriate moment? A team of Japanese researchers has taught a robot when to laugh in social situations, which is a major step towards creating an android that will be “like a friend.” “We think that one of the important functions of conversational AI is empathy,” says Dr Koji Inoue, an assistant professor at Kyoto University’s Graduate School of Informatics, and lead author on a paper describing the research, <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/frobt.2022.933261" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published</a> in Frontiers in Robotics and AI. “Conversation is, of course, multimodal, not just responding correctly. So we decided that one way a robot can empathize with users is to share their laughter, which you cannot do with a text-based chatbot.” The researchers trained an AI with data from 80 speed dating dialogues, from a matchmaking marathon with Kyoto University students. (Imagine meeting a future partner at exercise designed to teach a robot to laugh…) “Our biggest challenge in this work was identifying the actual cases of shared laughter, which isn’t easy, because as you know, most laughter is actually not shared at all,” says Inoue. “We had to carefully categorise exactly which laughs we could use for our analysis and not just assume that any laugh can be responded to.” They then added this system to a hyper-realistic android named <a href="https://robots.ieee.org/robots/erica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Erica</a>, and tested the robot on 132 volunteers. <div class="newsletter-box"> <div id="wpcf7-f6-p214084-o1" class="wpcf7" dir="ltr" lang="en-US" role="form"> <form class="wpcf7-form mailchimp-ext-0.5.62 spai-bg-prepared init" action="/technology/robot-laugh/#wpcf7-f6-p214084-o1" method="post" novalidate="novalidate" data-status="init"> <input class="wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text referer-page" name="referer-page" type="hidden" value="https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/" data-value="https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/" aria-invalid="false" /> </form> </div> </div> Participants listened to one of three different types of dialogue with Erica: one where she was using the shared laughter system, one where she didn’t laugh at all, and one where she always laughed whenever she heard someone else do it. They then gave the interaction scores for empathy, naturalness, similarity to humans, and understanding. The researchers found that the shared-laughter system scored higher than either baseline. While they’re pleased with this result, the researchers say that their system is still quite rudimentary: they need to categorise and examine lots of other types of laughter before Erica’s chuckling naturally. “There are many other laughing functions and types which need to be considered, and this is not an easy task. We haven’t even attempted to model unshared laughs even though they are the most common,” says Inoue. Plus, it doesn’t matter how realistic a robot’s laugh is if the rest of its conversation is unnatural. “Robots should actually have a distinct character, and we think that they can show this through their conversational behaviours, such as laughing, eye gaze, gestures and speaking style,” says Inoue. “We do not think this is an easy problem at all, and it may well take more than 10 to 20 years before we can finally have a casual chat with a robot like we would with a friend.”  <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=214084&title=Realistic+androids+coming+closer%2C+as+scientists+teach+a+robot+to+share+your+laughter" width="1" height="1" />  <div id="contributors"> <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/robot-laugh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This article</a> was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/contributor/ellen-phiddian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ellen Phiddian</a>. Ellen Phiddian is a science journalist at Cosmos. She has a BSc (Honours) in chemistry and science communication, and an MSc in science communication, both from the Australian National University. Image: Getty Images </div>

Technology

See inside the $100 million apartments at Crown Casino Tower

Rich property owners have been spending millions to snap up apartments in Sydney’s newest skyscraper, the Crown Casino tower, where residents are treated like royalty.Officially called One Barangaroo, the 71-storey tower has earned the title of Sydney’s tallest residential building after its completion in 2021.Selling agent Knight Frank has said that 90 percent of the building’s 82 units have already been sold, with many residents already fully moved-in.James Packer, the Crown’s largest shareholder, has even scored himself an apartment, spending $72.229 million for it.According to marketing material for the apartments, “the design and amenities of the residences are matched only by the effortless luxury of our impeccable hotel service, available day and night to every resident”.Residents can also enjoy sweeping views of the CBD, a pool deck, multiple gyms, and various restaurants, bars and cafes - where residents get priority reservations - as well as housekeeping and valet services.Other services <a style="background: transparent;margin: 0px;padding: 0px;border: 0px;vertical-align: baseline" href="https://onebarangaroo.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">include</a> an on-site luxury spa with various beauty treatments on offer, as well as “mindfulness training” and access to full-time personal trainers.According to Knight Frank, the pool deck area is one of the most popular spots within the development, with residents able to relax or invite friends, family, or grandchildren over.Erin van Tuil, Knight Frank’s marketing agent, said part of the appeal was that the homes were a “branded residence” under the Crown name.Hotel-branded apartments are also becoming an increasingly popular concept elsewhere in the world, and Ms van Tuil said it can offer a different service than regular apartment complexes.“A hotel concierge offers a different service than what you can find in serviced apartments. For example if you want to organise a sommelier or private chef they can do that for you - a normal concierge wouldn’t,” she <a style="background: transparent;margin: 0px;padding: 0px;border: 0px;vertical-align: baseline" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10459507/Get-glimpse-life-inside-James-Packers-Sydney-Harbour-Crown-Casino-tower.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">explained</a>.Though almost all of the residences have already sold, a two-storey penthouse still remains available for anyone looking to spend $100 million.The six-bedroom apartment includes three private balconies - including one with a plunge pool - as well as three private bars and a butler’s kitchen that is separate from the main kitchen.Images: One Barangaroo

Real Estate

Fergie defends Princess Eugenie’s husband over topless model shots

A model has issued a frank apology to Princess Eugenie after a photograph of her topless on a boat with Jack Brooksbank was shared online. Photos were quick to pop up on the Daily Mail over the weekend, which showed Eugenie’s husband, Jack, aboard a Yacht in the Italian city of Capri. <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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSFqQBoFriE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSFqQBoFriE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by People en Español (@peopleenespanol)</a> </div> </blockquote> He was surrounded by Erica Pelosini, Rachel Zalis and Maria Buccellati. Now, Erica has apologised to the British Royal, who was at home in England, looking after her five-month-old son, August. "I usually never go topless, but my bikini got wet and I decided to take it off. I know it does not look right for Jack and his family,” she told the Daily Mail. “It led people to make improper suggestions and jump to conclusions and it's very hurtful that people are thinking this. “I'm very sorry if I caused any embarrassment to Princess Eugenie and Jack. It wasn't appropriate for me to be topless.” <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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSFouanpIZx/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSFouanpIZx/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Erica Pelosini Leeman (@ericapelosini)</a> </div> </blockquote> Erica wanted to clarify that she and Jack are friends as well as work colleagues. She added they were on the boat as she was taking the group to her favourite restaurant in Italy. On the way back to their hotels, they were hot so decided to cool off in the water. She went on to say Jack talked about missing his wife and their son, August, throughout the whole trip. Jack was in Italy to attend the Unicef Summer Gala, as a brand ambassador for Tequila brand Casamigos. The company was founded by George Clooney, Rande Gerber and Michael Meldman. Fergie has since spoken out in defence of her son-in-law. While talking about the photos on BBC One’s The One Show, she said he was only “doing his job”. "Jack, who was on the front page, is a man of such integrity. “He’s just one of my most favorite people, I call him James Bond actually." "He’s just a superhero in my book, and he’s a great father, a fabulous husband, and he’s never at front of house, he always likes to be at the back. “So for them to make this story is completely fabricated, he works as an ambassador for Casamigos, and he was on doing his job, and so I think it’s really important that we clarify that for Jack‘s sake." <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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSFPhKkFU2s/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSFPhKkFU2s/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Royals UK (@royalsjetset)</a> </div> </blockquote> Jack and Eugenie married in October 2018 at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor. The pair would go on to welcome their son on February 9th, 2021 at London’s Portland Hospital.

News

Lisa Wilkinson opens up about tense exchange with Kerry Packer

Lisa Wilkinson opened up about a tense encounter with late media giant Kerry Packer during the latest episode of Anh’s Brush With Fame. During a candid interview and portrait sitting, Wilkinson spoke to Anh about her upbringing, the death of her father and her prolific media career to date. The turning point for her was the moment she took over as editor of Cleo magazine at the age of 25. Saying she “followed her instincts” to get rid of the magazine’s long-running nude centrefolds, a move she hadn’t cleared with Kerry Packer. “I announced it on Ray Martin’s Midday show, on the day of my first issue going on sale. I thought Kerry was still overseas,” she recalled of the bold move. Wilkinson was then approached by a grim-looking producer off-air, telling her Packer was on the line. “She said, ‘He’s never called the green room before.’ I just thought, ‘Oh. I think this is going to be OK …’ “I breezily grab the phone and said ‘Hi Kerry!’ He said ‘What the [blank] are you doing to my magazine? I’m back. I just saw you on the Midday show. What the [blank] are you doing to my magazine?” Wilkinson trusted her instincts, knowing she’d only have “one crack” at making her vision for the magazine work. “If I’m not strong in my belief that this is the right thing for the magazine, and that I’m not going to falter on this … So I put on my big girl pants and I said, ‘Kerry. Anyone who thinks that this magazine needs to languish in the ’70s any longer shouldn’t be working in magazines. The centrefold has got to go. It’s a very strong statement, and if you have a problem with it, I’ll come and see you right now,” she recalled. “I thought, I’m either about to be sacked, or he’s going to figure I know what I’m talking about. He said to me: ‘Well you’d better know what you’re effing doing,’ and hung up on me.” Wilkinson admitted to feeling a “pressure I’d never felt before … but I was so strong in my belief that it was time for it to go. I heard from Ita not long afterwards and she said, ‘Thank heavens someone’s had the courage to get rid of the centrefold.’” The biggest vindication? A centrefold-free Cleo became an even bigger success than before. “In the 10 years we were there we became the number one women’s lifestyle mag per capita in the world. We just moved it forward – you’ve gotta keep moving!”

News

James Packer breaks his silence on why he and Mariah Carey split: "I had become toxic"

Billionaire James Packer and pop star Mariah Carey dated for 18 months before their highly-publicised engagement was called off in 2016. Now, the Australian businessman has candidly discussed the couple’s failed relationship in his new biography The Price of Fortune: The Untold Story of Being James Packer. According to an excerpt published by <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/">The Daily Telegraph</a>, the 51-year-old says he became “toxic” at the time of their split. “By the time the Israel so-called Case 1000 had become public, the China arrests, and Crown's sale of Macau had occurred and the breakup with Mariah had happened, I had become toxic,” he says in his book. James also denies leaking any details of Mariah’s settlement after the pair’s failed engagement. “I had absolutely nothing to do with the story,” he says. The superstar singer reportedly received AUD$70 million after the breakup for an “inconvenience fee”. She was initially “poised to accept $7 million to walk away” before allegedly increasing the figure, reported The Daily Telegraph. In another published excerpt, James said his relationship was initially “fun”, but his mental health was in a dark place. James also describes his former fiancée as “insanely bright”. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7821526/image_.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b7de77764f31439b9d8703bce79e16de" /> However, underneath the surface, he was struggling mentally with the casino mogul later being admitted to a rehabilitation centre in March 2018. In February 2016, just a month after he proposed to Mariah with an AUD$12.7 million 35-carat ring, he admitted he was not coping well. The toll eventually became too much for James and the relationship collapsed, with the couple announcing their split in October 2016. After their split, Mariah sold the engagement ring for a fraction of the price to an LA jeweller for $2.78 million, reported the New York Post. The singer’s publicist told Page Six at the time: “Mariah has been very vocal recently about her choice to move forward in her life surrounded by positivity.” They added, “That requires leaving emotional and material baggage behind, including an old engagement ring from an ex-boyfriend.” Recently, Seven Network owner Kerry Stokes’ role in the breakdown of the high-profile engagement was also revealed. As James struggled to cope with his business and personal life, Mr Stokes stepped in and took charge of his friend’s private affairs in 2016. Mr Stokes encouraged James to spend time alone in Israel so that his friend could improve his mental health before going ahead with his big day. “Away from all the controversies and the pressures and the intensities ... My concern was that (he and Mariah) were both in bad places and that James needed some space,” Mr Stokes said. “I did postpone his wedding ... James was upset at not seeing her. But he wasn't sure. He was obviously engaged to her. He was obviously emotionally involved. The fact it was postponed, he was happy to get the chance to get himself into a better place.” James still wanted to marry Mariah after his time in Israel but the relationship “fell apart”. Later, James told The Australian that their relationship was a “mistake” for both of them.

Books

Ita Buttrose: “I’m really sad to see James Packer struggling”

Ita Buttrose’s professional relationship with her former boss Kerry Packer began in 1972 when she launched Cleo magazine with the media mogul. She formed a close friendship with Kerry, with his eldest son, James, who was just five years old at the time, regularly playing with Ita’s two children, Kate and Ben – along with James’ younger sister Gretel. Since James’ recent resignation from Crown Resorts for mental health reasons in March, Ita has been understandably deeply concerned. Following his public announcement, the 50-year-old and father of three checked into a psychiatric hospital in the US to seek treatment. <img width="500" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7818656/screen-shot-2018-05-25-at-120344-pm_500x375.jpg" alt="Screen Shot 2018-05-25 At 12.03.44 Pm"/> Speaking exclusively to <a href="https://www.nowtolove.com.au/celebrity/celeb-news/ita-buttrose-james-packer-48619?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=AWW%20may%2025th&utm_term=list_aww_newsletter">The Australian Women’s Weekly</a>, Ita shared, “I just feel very sad for him.” “James is round about the same age as my kids and he learned to swim with my kids and Rob Henkie’s kids, who was Kerry’s cousin. “They all learned to swim together, so I’ve known James since he was a very little boy and I’m really sad to see that he’s struggling at the moment,” the concerned 76-year-old said. Referring to his time in rehab at a Boston clinic, Ita added, “Ros, his mother, was there and I’m sure Gretel, his sister, is somewhere.” Ita also noted, “He seems on very good terms with his former wives [Erica Baxter and Jodhi Meares] and his kids.” <img width="412" height="534" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7818657/screen-shot-2018-05-25-at-120148-pm.png" alt="Screen Shot 2018-05-25 At 12.01.48 Pm"/> Although the magazine and media queen had a very close working relationship with Kerry – and a solid friendship – Ita admits she didn’t know James professionally as they never got the opportunity to work together. “I know [James], but I don’t really know him well because I’d left the company by the time he was in charge,” Ita explained to AWW. “I would see him sometimes at a lunch or I’d run into him somewhere and we’d say ‘g’day’ and have a chat. But as I say, I’ve known him since he was little, and I can see he’s unhappy and it’s sad.”

Mind

Tziporah Malkah reveals real reason for calling off James Packer wedding

Tziporah Malkah has revealed the real reason for calling off her wedding with James Packer, with the 44-year-old former model who was once known as Kate Fischer holding nothing back in a recent interview with A Current Affair. “I was heartbroken,” she said of the split. “I was very smitten with him, I was in love with him. It took me about eight years to get over it... I fantasised for years about us getting back together.” <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FACurrentAffair9%2Fvideos%2F1542527912520247%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> Tziporah said ultimately it was James’ busy work commitments that caused her to call off the two-year engagement, with the formal model admitting, “He was under so much pressure from work and I just refused to marry a credit card.” The one-time star also revealed she has cast the jewellery from her ex-boyfriend into the ocean as part of a cathartic experience to help deal with the grief. “I did the whole walk from here [Bondi Beach] to Clovelly one night with one of my cousins,” she explained. “And at separate points that meant something to me I'd throw a piece of jewellery out into the ocean.” What are your thoughts? Did you see the interview?

Relationships

James Packer “begs” ex-wife to take him back

<div class="replay"> <div class="reply_body body linkify"> <div class="reply_body"> <div class="body_text "> Days after he <a href="/health/mind/2018/03/billionaire-james-packer-steps-down-due-to-mental-health-issues/" target="_blank">stepped down as director of Crown Resorts</a> due to mental health issues, James Packer has checked into rehab and is reportedly “desperate” to reunite with his second ex-wife, Erica Baxter. According to <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/special-features/in-depth/james-packer-illness-billionaire-reaches-out-for-exwife-erica-for-support-in-troubled-times/news-story/b1195a2ab645d907dab74f65f7435405" target="_blank">The Daily Telegraph</a>, the billionaire businessman has “begged” the mother of his children to take him back. However, friends of the pair say Baxter isn’t looking to reconcile, explaining the former couple’s three children are her number one priority. “Turning back the clock five years might be what James wants but it won’t help Erica,” the friend told the Daily Telegraph. “She has finally got her life together and has created a stable life in Los Angeles for her kids. “She doesn’t want to undo the good work she’s done with James repairing the relationship. As platonic friends they are good parents and his children get to see James at his best.” Packer has reportedly checked into one of the most exclusive psychiatric facilities in the US, McLean Hospital in Belmont, California. His 80-year-old mother Roslyn was seen flying out of Sydney Airport last week to be by her son’s side. </div> </div> </div> </div>

Mind

Inside James Packer’s mental health struggles: “No one is immune”

Billionaire James Packer’s <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/mind/2018/03/billionaire-james-packer-steps-down-due-to-mental-health-issues/">shock resignation</a> from Crown Resorts yesterday for “personal reasons” has shone a light on the issue of mental illness. Despite being born into wealth and privilege, the 55-year-old has suffered a tumultuous personal life – some played out in the public spotlight – and long battled depression. “Mr Packer is suffering from mental health issues,” a spokesman for his private investment company Consolidated Press Holdings said. “At this time he intends to step back from all commitments.” BeyondBlue welcomed Mr Packer’s acknowledgment of his mental health struggles, saying it showed that “no one is immune”. From an early age, Mr Packer had a difficult relationship with his father, the late media mogul Kerry Packer. In an interview with Seven’s Sunday Night in 2013, Mr Packer revealed that their relationship had ended on a good note even if he was a “larger than life character” who “could be terrifying”. “My father was an amazing man. No person is perfect and no father-son relationship is perfect,” he said. “He wanted me to live my life my way and never think about what he would have done or what he would have wanted to do.” In the same interview, Mr Packer spoke about how he became depressed and put on weight after the collapse of telco business One.Tel in 2001. It was a year before his married to Jodhi Meares ended. “There is no doubt One.Tel was a terrible investment and something that I regret greatly,” he said. “I became depressed and I was emotionally exhausted and my marriage had broken up. I felt isolated, I felt like a failure. Obviously it was not a great time in my life.” His next married to Erica Baxter, whom he had three children with, ended after seven years in 2013. It is believed that the breakdown of his marriage was part of an array of issues that led to the shocking public brawl with former Channel Nine chief executive David Gyngell, who had been best man at the couple’s wedding. <img width="355" height="546" src="http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/5a94b82609ee73d22e8067ddfae1f95b?width=650" class="tge-imagecaption_img" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> One in five Australians at some stage in their life are affected by mental health conditions. BeyondBlue said talking openly about mental health reduce stigma and countered outdated attitudes. “Mental health issues can affect anyone at any time — no one is immune,” chief executive Georgie Harman said in a statement. “When anyone — including a high-profile person — is prepared to talk publicly about these matters it encourages others to have the conversation. “Workplaces that support individuals taking time out to look after their mental health are creating environments that are not only healthier for everyone, but more productive. “Leaders in all organisations face varying levels of stress. Ignored, these issues can develop into mental health conditions. Prioritising and actively managing our mental health and wellbeing can prevent illness. Seeking support and treatment early is crucial to recovery.”

Mind

Billionaire James Packer steps down due to “mental health issues”

James Packer has stepped down as director of Crown Resorts – which owns the Crown casinos in Melbourne and Perth – citing “mental health issues”. The billionaire casino mogul’s sudden resignation is due to personal issues, according to a statement from Mr Packer’s private business, Consolidated Press Holdings. “Mr Packer is suffering from mental health issues. At this time he intends to step back from all commitments,” it said. Crown Resorts executive chairman John Alexander said, “We have appreciated James’ contribution to the Board and respect his decision to step down from his role as director at this time.” Earlier this month, Mr Packer sold more than $100 million worth of his shares in Crown. His remaining stake was still valued at more than $4 billion. Mr Packer, who is the son of the late media mogul Kerry Packer, has a reported net worth of $3.9 billion.

Mind

Inside the home of Kerry Packer's wild cricket parties

Wild parties? They don’t come much more riotous than the times when the country’s top cricketers got together at 77 Pymble Avenue with Kerry Packer to celebrate his World Series Cricket (WSC) revolution of 1977-8. “They were all here … Kerry, Dennis Lillee, Rod Marsh, Greg, Ian and Trevor Chappell, Jeff Thompson …” says Malcolm Carver, the current owner of the house, well-known in Pymble as being a fabulous place to party. “It was earlier owned by Geoff Forsaith, who was a friend of Kerry’s, a member of the WSC governing committee and was appointed the manager of the Australian team. The house featured in the TV mini-series Howzat! Kerry Packer’s War, and a new book to be released Cricket Outlaws, I understand will mention those parties here too.” But the house’s own rebel past pre-dates even those tumultuous times. It was built in 1972 by multi award-winning architect Russell Jack in a style founded by a group of architects who revolted against the international modernist movement by coming up with an Australian style all of their own. This open-plan, five-bedroom, three-bathroom home, L-shaped with its rooms all opening to the outside decking and a 12.5-metre pool, is a perfect example of that Sydney School, and is referred to, by those in the know, simply as “The Pymble House”. CEO of Jack’s firm, Allen Jack + Cottier, Michael Heenan, says the house is still legendary within the practice. “It still inspires us because of its directness and its structural integrity and how it understands its materials,” he says. “It came about after a trip to Japan and revelations of modernism. “It’s beautiful with its black timber beams, spotted gum ceilings and white-washed walls. And it’s also, with all the rooms sharing the sunlight and space, the perfect response to the climatic conditions of Sydney.” The house’s style will also feature in a new book about modernism being written by architecture experts Professor Hannah Lewi and Professor Philip Goad of the University of Melbourne, Modern: Modern Australian Landscape and Design. “There was lots going on in that period – the 1960s and ’70s – about trying to create something tied to a different region, rather than international modernism,” says Professor Lewi. “They were about integrating the house with the landscape and making it a lot more organic. “Sydney has certainly identified historically with the school often called ‘nuts and berries’ and there’s a lot of appreciation for the homes that have been left unchanged.” Current owner Malcolm Carver, also an architect and the former principal of practice Scott Carver, which often competed for awards against Allen Jack + Cottier – where, ironically, his daughter Emma Carver once worked – says he is now planning to downsize from the house that has been his family home for the last 25 years. “Its design was, in many ways, way before its time,” he says. “It has those big floor-to-ceiling, open glass doors and it’s like a big outdoor room of a Balinese resort. That outdoor space is the most important space in the whole house.” There’s only one reason The Pymble House never won awards, too. Mr Forsaith and his wife Robin who commissioned the house liked to keep a low profile because of his involvement in the WSC, and his friendship with the Packers, so would never allow it to be entered. Now the home has sit the Pymble market with a $3.9 million price guide, through Stone Real Estate’s Andy Howden. Howden says it’s easy to understand why this house became such a popular venue for parties. “That’s exactly what it was designed for: entertaining.” “Every single living space opens on to that entertaining area and the pool. It’s a very, very rare house that would be a delight to live in and, at the same time, it’s also such a modernist architectural icon.” Written by Sue Williams. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.domain.com.au" target="_blank">Domain.com.au</a>. Hero image credit: Facebook / Neil Burns

Domestic Travel

What does the collapse of Network Ten mean for viewers?

Yesterday, Network Ten announced it was going into voluntary administration, putting hundreds of employees – not to mention some of our favourite shows – in jeopardy. So what went wrong? And how will its collapse affect viewers? The announcement comes six years after a major shake-up in which the channel vastly expanded their news line-up and shifted their traditional evening shows to digital Channel Eleven – a move criticised at the time by interim CEO Lachlan Murdoch and shareholder James Packer. Within just one and a half years of the change, Ten had fallen from its position as one of Australia’s most profitable networks to one of its least, losing millions of dollars. Rumours have been circulating for a while now regarding the struggling station, but the final nail in the coffin came when Murdoch, Packer and fellow shareholder Bruce Gordon refused to guarantee a $250 million loan to help Ten repay its $200 million debt to the Commonwealth Bank. “This decision follows correspondence received from Illyria [Murdoch’s investment vehicle] and Birketu [Gordon] over the weekend which left the directors with no choice but to appoint administrators,” the network announced to ASX. However, it’s not the first time Ten has found itself on the brink of disaster. In 1972 and 1990, the network was saved by new strategies, including more content targeted at younger demographics. It’s this move away from youth audiences that Aussie TV historian Andrew Mercado believes is responsible for the collapse. “The last time Ten was in receivership, one Australian show survived,” he recalled to <a href="http://www.news.com.au/finance/business/media/what-went-wrong-at-network-ten/news-story/f81c50a91b464af536faf94bf328bfad" target="_blank">News.com.au</a>. “That show was E Street, because it had the best advertising demographic of 18-35, it had male viewers, and Ten realised young people could be their future, they could program for that age group.” “That became their strategy through the ‘90s, with The Simpsons, Twin Peaks, Melrose Place, Seinfeld. Ten became the youth network. They weren’t coming number one in the ratings, but they ended up making the most money from advertising.” Mercado believes Ten tried too hard to compete with Seven and Nine, bringing in more news and breakfast programs. “Seven and Nine blatantly copy each other, but Ten always used to have a point of difference. But they got cold feet and automatically reverted back to the same breakfast shows.” As for programming, it will likely be business as usual at Ten and you’ll still be able to tune in to your nightly MasterChef or The Project. It’s lower-rating, American-produced shows that will take the hit. Australian TV networks are required to air at least 55 per cent Aussie content between 6am and midnight, so chances are all our favourites will stay – they’ll just be trimmed back a bit thanks to cost-cutting measures. What do you think about Ten going into administration? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. Image credit: AAP.

Boom-packer: 64-year-old grandma backpacks around Europe

I’m sure there are many baby boomers out there who remember backpacking in your younger years. With a rucksack on our back and little money in the pocket, backpacking is about exploring cities in faraway places and sleeping in questionable beds. Fast-forward a few decades and it’s safe to say most of us prefer more luxurious holiday travel plans. However, backpacking has changed a lot since those days – it’s much safer and cleaner – meaning everyone, even over-60s, can (and should) do it! In fact, this is becoming a trend and one that has already been coined, “boom-packing”.Just ask Over60 community member, Judi Bradshaw, 64, from Parmelia, Western Australia who found the whole experience “amazing, fun, exhausting and exhilarating”.Judi and her daughter went on a whirlwind European trip for four weeks – and yes, they backpacked the whole way!“Backpacking was my plan from the start as I don't like planned structured holidays,” Judi tells Over60. “I’m a bit of a wing it girl through life anyway so to me it was about the freedom to stay or move when it suited us.”With only carry-on luggage in tow, the only thing the mother-daughter duo booked was flights into Paris and the first two nights’ accommodation. From Paris to Barcelona to Berlin, Judi and her daughter travelled with ease.“Backpackers accommodation was fantastic but we did book private rooms where we had our own bathroom,” explains Judi.  “Laundry facilities in all accommodation was always available hence the carry-on luggage.”Judi wasn’t worried or even phased about not having anything booked in advance. “Computers are available for use at all accommodation to book travel and accommodation in the next country to visit,” she explains, “but we mainly used our phones to book anything, all from the comfort of our room.”And what a comfortable and easy experience the trip was. “Tours were always available through reception in accommodation,” Judi says, continuing, “although in Rome we bought a 24-hour pass on a hop on hop off open top double decker bus which took us to all the sites we wanted to see like the Colosseum.”It’s not to say backpacking didn’t come with challenges but Judi always saw the positive side of things.“We encountered our only hiccup when our Athens to Rome flight was cancelled. We got there in the end via Bulgaria which was another country on the passport!” says Judi, continuing, “some people might not like the uncertainty of nothing planned, but if you can retain a sense of humour and can think on your feet it's a fantastic way to travel. Look for the solution not the problem.”Although Judi was determined to travel light the whole trip she had to admit defeat in the beautiful Greek island of Santorini.“We spent six nights in this idyllic part of the world and while this was our relaxation time we did manage to get off the sun lounges for a day for a boat ride to climb an active volcano then on to visit Ora for the sunset and overlooking the postcard buildings,” she smiles. “We conceded defeat here and bought a suitcase because the shopping was great as were the people – and the food too.”After the four weeks came to a close, it was clear that Judi had a trip of a lifetime.“I still look back in amazement – travelling with my daughter, the fantastic places we saw, the adventures we had, the people that we met, the laughs we had along the way, the appreciation of life and history I could share with her on our visit to the concentration camp [in Berlin],” recalls Judi.“A reward in life you cannot buy, just a life experience,” she simply states.For any Over60s members concerned about whether they can keep up backpacking, Judi advises not to let health worries get in the way of life’s many possibilities.“I do have quite bad osteoporosis but never let it get in the way of life,” explains Judi, whose positive attitude sees the best of the backpacker lifestyle. “It’s just a condition that you have to be aware of… exercise is must so lots of walking up and down stairs at train stations was good and a lot of walking and sightseeing,” the traveller says, continuing, “Health issues, I'll worry about when I get old”.If there’s one thing Judi takes away from this experience – apart from the amazing memories with her beloved daughter – it that she wants all over-60s to consider giving backpacking a go. “In our travels we only saw one other couple close to my age backpacking,” she smiles. “Backpacking was an amazing experience and would love to see more people my age out there doing this. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

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Boom-packer: 64-year-old grandma backpacks around Europe

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Boom-packer: 64-year-old grandma backpacks around Europe

Boom-packer: 64-year-old grandma backpacks around Europe

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