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Denzel Washington's awkward encounter with King Charles

<p>Denzel Washington and King Charles have had an awkward encounter at the <em>Gladiator II</em> premiere in London. </p> <p>The cast of the highly-anticipated film lined up to meet His Majesty, and as the King approached the legendary actor, Washington held out his arm to shake Charles' hand. </p> <p>As the moment took place, the actor told the King with a nervous grin, “I didn’t know if I was supposed to grab your hand or not”.</p> <p>Afterwards, the King asked him about his role in Gladiator II, where he plays the villainous Macrinus, to which Washington joked, “I’m, just an awful … I’m a lovely man you’ll see. I’m a lovely chap”.</p> <p>The King then told Washington, “You’ve been in so many films, it’s fantastic.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCVGH0lowSg/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCVGH0lowSg/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by ITV News Royals (@itvnewsroyals)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Denzel was joined at the premiere by his fellow co-stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and the film's director Ridley Scott. </p> <p>Gladiator II returns fans to Ancient Rome, but is set 20 years after the original <em>Gladiator</em> - released in 2000 and starring Russell Crowe - focusing on a now grown-up Lucius who is forced into slavery after a Roman invasion sees his home destroyed and his wife killed.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Eddie Mulholland/WPA Pool/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Movies

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Hollywood icon reveals plans for retirement

<p>Denzel Washington has revealed that he is going to retire after his next batch of films. </p> <p>The Hollywood icon appeared via videolink on Tuesday’s episode of the <em>Today Show</em>, alongside his co-stars to promote his new film <em>Gladiator II</em>.</p> <p>“I don’t know how many more films I’m going to make. Probably not that many,” the actor, who turns 70 next month, told <em>Today</em> host Richard Wilkins. </p> <p>“I want to do things I haven’t done. I’ve played Othello at 22, I’m about to play Othello at 70,” he said.</p> <p>Denzel will play the role in the Shakespeare play on Broadway alongside Jake Gyllenhaal from February next year.</p> <p>“After that I’m playing Hannibal. After that I’ve been talking with Steve McQueen about a film. After that Ryan Coogler’s writing a part for me in the next <em>Black Panther.</em>”</p> <p>He added, “After that I’m going to do the film Othello. After that I’m going to do King Lear. After that I’m going to retire.”</p> <p>Based on the interview, the actor has six upcoming projects across stage and film, so fans will still get to enjoy a few more of his roles before he retires, following a career that has spanned almost 50 years. </p> <p>Speaking to <em>news.com.au</em>, the actor offered some insight into why he is planning to retire, saying that there are “less and less challenges”, after previously revealing that at this point in his career, there are very few roles he is willing to take. </p> <p><em>Image: Masatoshi Okauchi/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

TV

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Beloved Coronation Street star dies aged 89

<p><em>Coronation Street</em> star Joan Savage has passed away at 89. </p> <p>The actress, known for her role as Celeste Pickersgill in the  ITV soap series, was reported to have passed away peacefully in her home in Twickenham earlier this month. </p> <p>Her cause of death has not been revealed. </p> <p>Tributes have poured in from the star's friends and family. </p> <p>In a touching tribute, her daughter Kelly wrote:  "Mum always used to say 'I'd like to go with my tap shoes on' so the last few years have been extremely difficult for her and us as a family.</p> <p>"I hope she's reunited with her show biz contemporaries and putting on a show up there!" she added.</p> <p>Her friend, Cheryl Forbes paid tribute to the actress on X. </p> <p>"Our dear friend, the remarkable Joan Savage, passed away recently,"  she tweeted. </p> <p>"She was a real star and absolutely brilliant at everything she did," she continued. "An actress, comedienne, singer, impressionist and dancer.</p> <p>"She was truly a very special talent."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our dear friend, the remarkable Joan Savage, passed away recently. She was a real star and absolutely brilliant at everything she did. An actress, comedienne, singer, impressionist and dancer. She was truly a very special talent 💔 <a href="https://t.co/mDtL2YTeX6">https://t.co/mDtL2YTeX6</a></p> <p>— Cheryl Forbes (@mezzocheryl) <a href="https://twitter.com/mezzocheryl/status/1724507318316859598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>Savage has spent over six decades in the show biz industry. She starred in an episode of <em>Dad's Army</em> in 1972, and made multiple appearances in <em>The Arthur Haynes Show</em> between 1956 and 1962. </p> <p>Aside from her glittering career on the screen, she also ventured out  into music, theatre and entertainment.</p> <p>She toured as the leading lady in a George and Alfred Black revue called <em>Music and Madness, </em>where she met performer Ken Morris - who she later on married in 1955 - and the pair performed as a double act. </p> <p>The duo appeared in multiple big shows and advertisements at the time including  <em>Hi Summer, The Black and White Minstrel Show, The Jack Jackson Show</em> and <em>The Arthur Haynes Show.</em></p> <p>In 1960, they welcomed daughter Kelly, but their love story was cut short when Morris tragically passed away on July 3, 1968 following a brain tumour. </p> <p>Four years later, Savage remarried, and tied the knot with husband  Bryan on November 1972.</p> <p>She continued performing and had also established herself as a solo artist, creating popular love songs, comedies and even went on to win the Nordring Radio Prize for her singing in 1974. </p> <p>Savage is survived by her husband Bryan, her daughter Kelly and her two grandkids.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty/ Youtube</em></p>

Caring

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Neighbours and A Country Practice star dies

<p>Award-winning actress Joan Sydney has passed away at age 83. </p> <p>The <em>Neighbours</em> and <em>A Country Practice</em> star died peacefully on December 28, according to her friend, Wentworth star Sally-Anne Upton, who wrote in a tribute, “Thank you for all you have taught me. Love, friendship, many memories shared that will be treasured forever.”</p> <p>After moving from London to Australia in 1965, Joan became a beloved star after appearing on several Australian TV shows. </p> <p>She soon became a household name as Matron Sloane on <em>A Country Practice</em>, featuring in 453 episodes between 1983 and 1990.</p> <p>The long-running role earned her the Silver Logie for Most Popular Actress in 1989.</p> <p>Sydney’s career continued to excel as Mary Patchett in <em>E Street</em>, Mary Price in <em>All Saints</em> and Valda Sheergold on <em>Neighbours</em> in 2002.</p> <p>The actress was a semi-regular character on Ramsay Street before becoming a full-time member of the cast between 2007 and 2008.</p> <p>Sydney’s impressive list of TV credits also included <em>Mother and Son</em>,<em> Something In The Air</em>, and <em>Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries</em>, while she appeared on stage in a number of productions such as <em>My Fair Lady</em>, <em>Equus</em>, <em>Hello Dolly</em>, <em>Cat on a Hot Tin Roof</em> and <em>The Importance of Being Ernest</em>.</p> <p>Friends, fans and former co-stars of the actress took to social media to share heartfelt tributes following news of her passing.</p> <p> </p> <p>“Oh no... This is terrible news indeed. Comedy is never as easy as it looks and this lady made it look effortless. I adored her. Vale Joan Sydney,” wrote <em>A Country Practice</em> star Shane Withington.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Twitter / Getty Images</em></p>

News

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Julia Child's iconic home hits the market

<p dir="ltr">The Washington DC home of famed chef Julia Child has hit the market with an asking price of $3.5 million.</p> <p dir="ltr">Child lived at the 290-square metre yellow clapboard house, where she created some of her most famous dishes that appeared in her book,<span> </span><em>Master the Art of French Cooking</em>, between 1948 and 1959.</p> <p dir="ltr">The three-bedroom and three-and-a-half bathroom home has been restored and renovated by its current owner, Rory Veveers-Carter, since he purchased it for $935,000 in 2015.</p> <p dir="ltr">It also underwent renovations during Child’s time, when she installed a $400 Garland Model stove that is now on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.</p> <p dir="ltr">Now, the kitchen features stainless steel Viking appliances, an eight-burner cooktop stove, double stacked ovens, a wooden hearth, and a wine fridge.</p> <p dir="ltr">But, the original kitchen walls and window that appeared on Child’s cooking shows have remained untouched.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Encased in glass, this window to history that sparked an American food revolution is a classic conversation starter for guests,” the<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2706-Olive-St-NW-Washington-DC-20007/428757_zpid/" target="_blank">listing</a><span> </span>said.</p> <p dir="ltr">The listing also revealed that Mr Veveers-Carter's grandmother was an "avid watcher of Julia's cooking shows" and was drawn to the home after "the building fell into disrepair … work(ing) tirelessly to preserve this landmark house".</p> <p dir="ltr">Along with the famed kitchen where Child created many of her well-known recipes, the house has an open-plan design including an office, living room, foyer, fireplace and powder room.</p> <p dir="ltr">The upstairs floor houses a master bedroom and ensure, as well as two other bedrooms, with one that comes with an adjacent full bath.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Veveers-Carter also transformed the space under the kitchen into a den, laundry area and private Turkish steam room.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the<span> </span><em>Washington Post</em>, the home was first built in 1869 by African American architect Edgar Murphy, who lived there with his family until his death in 1908.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty Images, Zillow</em></p>

Real Estate

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Denzel Washington to star in R-rated Macbeth

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Academy Award winner Denzel Washington will be taking on the titular character of Macbeth in </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Tragedy of Macbeth</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a new adaptation of the famous Shakespearean tragedy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://movieweb.com/the-tragedy-of-macbeth-teaser-a24/" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">new teaser</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> sees Washington depict the fictional Scottish lord in stark black-and-white in an eerie and otherworldly version of medieval Scotland.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height:0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845673/_0-19-screenshot-1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6feccf71e63c402d99b87f90984344e9" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Frances McDormand will star alongside Washington in the new adaptation. Image: A24</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“In meticulously world-weary performances, a strikingly inward Denzel Washington is the man who would be king, and an effortlessly Machiavellian Frances McDormand is his Lady,” the New York Film Festival’s announcement of the film reads.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The film is directed by Joel Coen - one half of the Coen brothers - though this time he will be working solo. </span></p> <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/CRoxy5pIXjd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <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/CRoxy5pIXjd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by A24 (@a24)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Famed actress Kathryn Hunter will also join the cast as a trio of ‘weird sisters’, alongside Brendan Gleeson as King Duncan, Corey Hawkins as Macduff, and </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Queen’s Gambit </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">star Moses Ingram as Lady MacDuff.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Though it echoes the forbidding visual designs - and aspect ratios - of Laurence Olivier’s classic 1940’s Shakespeare adaptations, as well as the bloody medieval madness of Kurosawa’s </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Throne of Blood</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Coen’s tale of sound and fury is entirely his own,” the announcement reads.</span></p> <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/CUDKPNFrkku/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <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/CUDKPNFrkku/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by A24 (@a24)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Coen previously shared his aspirations for the film, with hopes it will be a “boldly inventive visualisation of the Scottish Play” and “an anguished film that stares, mouth agape, at a sorrowful world undone by blind greed and thoughtless ambition”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The film made its debut at the 2021 New York Film Festival in September and is due to be released in select theatres on December 25. It will then be streaming on Apple TV+ on January 14, 2022.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">See the latest teaser trailer below.</span></p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bk6VArB6_us" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: A24</span></em></p>

Movies

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"Grief hits us like tsunamis": Heartbreak for Richard E Grant

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Actor Richard E. Grant has shared how his heart is breaking following the death of Joan Washington, his wife of 35 years.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Grant said he was overwhelmed by the support he received from fans, fellow actors, and loved ones.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“[We’re] overwhelmed by the messages of love, condolence &amp; support we have received from loved ones and strangers from all over the world and the appreciation from actors Joan taught over the years,” the </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Posh Nosh</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> star wrote on Twitter.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Overwhelmed by the messages of love, condolence &amp; support we have received from loved ones &amp; strangers from all over the world &amp; the appreciation from actors Joan taught over the years. Grief hits us like tsunamis as we try and put one foot in front of the other without her 💔 <a href="https://t.co/VDhpFQwmrh">pic.twitter.com/VDhpFQwmrh</a></p> — Richard E. Grant (@RichardEGrant) <a href="https://twitter.com/RichardEGrant/status/1434221078696562691?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Grief hits us like tsunamis as we try and put one foot in front of the other without her.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Grant announced his wife’s passing on Twitter on Friday, sharing a video of him dancing with her to a song by the Platters.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“ONLY YOU! Joan - Love of my Life &amp; Giver of Life to our daughter Olivia,” he captioned the clip.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Our hearts are broken with the loss of your life last night. 35 years married &amp; 38 together.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“To be truly known and seen by you, is your immeasurable gift. Do not forget us, sweet Monkee-mine.”</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">🎵ONLY YOU!🎵Joan - Love of my Life &amp; Giver of Life to our daughter Olivia. Our hearts are broken with the loss of your Life last night. 35 years married &amp; 38 together. To be truly known and seen by you, is your immeasurable gift. Do not forget us, sweet Monkee-mine 💔💔💔💔💔💔 <a href="https://t.co/YcdVAVK1ja">pic.twitter.com/YcdVAVK1ja</a></p> — Richard E. Grant (@RichardEGrant) <a href="https://twitter.com/RichardEGrant/status/1433723682870997001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Washington worked as a voice and dialect coach with many Hollywood stars during her long career.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She worked with Anne Hathaway, Cate Blanchett, Jessica Chastain, and Vanessa Redgrace, as well as with actors on both </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Star Wars: The Phantom Menace</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Attack of the Clones</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hollywood stars have since shared their tributes to the leading dialect coach, including Chastain.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“My heart is broken,” she wrote on Twitter. “Joan Washington had such a profound impact on me, yes, as an artist, but mostly as a woman. Every day I was excited to go to work and giggle with Joan.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“She was a barometer of truth with a wicked sense of humour. I loved her very much.”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mad Max</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Favourite</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> actor Nicholas Hoult shared a message thanking Washington for her kindness.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I can never thank her enough for all her kindness, the lessons she taught me and the memories I’ll cherish,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Comic and actress Dawn French also paid tribute to Washington.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Joan Washington will ALWAYS be remembered by those of us who knew her and were taught by her, as a PHENOMENAL WOMAN. So much love to Richard E. Grant and all the family,” French said.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Richard E. Grant / Instagram</span></em></p>

Family & Pets

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Jean Smart leads new comedy series

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The award-winning actress stars in the new US comedy </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hacks</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, one of the most talked about new shows this year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Starring Smart as the legendary Las Vegas comedian, Deborah Vance, the series follows the dark mentorship which develops between her and young writer Ava (Hannah Einbinder).</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The show’s cast also includes Carl Clemons Hopkins (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hamilton</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">) as Deborah’s chief operating officer, and guest appearances from Kaitlin Olson (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Coyote Ugly</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">), Christopher McDonald (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thelma &amp; Louise</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">), and Rose Abdoo (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Gilmore Girls</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">).</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hacks</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> was created by the trio behind </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Broad City</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, with critics raving about its originality and humour.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 69-year-old has shared her enthusiasm about the role, which allows her full skill and talent to shine through.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I read it, and I just said, ‘This has it all. This could be so great’,” she told the </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Los Angeles Times</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of the script.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s so funny, and it’s balanced with these dark moments. If I could pick out a dozen of my favourite parts I’ve ever done, on stage or in front of the camera, and put them in the body of one person, I feel like [Deborah] is an amalgam of a lot of my favourite things.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Smart’s co-star, Einbinder, is a stand-up comedian and a newcomer to scripted TV.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a show of comradery, Smart helped ease Einbinder’s nerves ahead of her final audition according to an interview she did with </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Glamour</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The last stage of the audition was the screen test with Jean," Einbinder said. "I was really nervous going in, but Jean called me the night before and said, ‘I know it may feel a little surgical tomorrow with all the COVID precautions, but I just want to let you know, I think you’re really great. I think we’re going to have a lot of fun’."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“She was just so classy and cool. I credit a lot of our chemistry to Jean being so warm.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em>Hacks</em> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">premieres to Australian audiences on Friday, August 6, with all 10 episodes available.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Stan</span></em></p>

TV

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Reporters’ book holds new insights on Trump

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A new book penned by </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Washington Post </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">reporters Yasmeen Abutaleb and Damian Paletta has become a source of </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jun/29/trump-white-house-covid-taskforce-fauci" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">shocking revelations</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> about the Trump administration at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Titled </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.harpercollins.com/products/nightmare-scenario-yasmeen-abutalebdamian-paletta" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nightmare Scenario</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Inside the Trump Administration’s Response to the Pandemic that Changed History</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, the authors reported on Trump’s contempt for the COVID taskforce chaired by vice-president Mike Pence, which Trump took to referring as “that f****ing council that Mike has” as the pandemic worsened.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The authors wrote that his derisive term for the taskforce was “a signal that he wished it would go away” and “didn’t want anyone to exert leadership”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Many on the taskforce didn’t want the responsibility either, fearful of the consequences.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The book also revealed that Trump wanted to send Americans infected with the virus to Guantanamo Bay and that he hoped his former aide John Bolton would be “taken out” by COVID-19.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The book also examined the influence of “outside consultants” on Trump that undermined the work of the president’s scientific advisors.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This included unofficial advisor Stephen Moore, who the authors said acted as Trump’s “emissary [from] the conservative establishment” and “strode into the Oval Office to convince the president” to end shutdowns and kickstart the economy as cases continued to spiral and the death toll in the US passed 1,000 people.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Moore is an economist who was nominated to the board of the Federal Reserve in 2019 by Trump, but withdrew after the Guardian and other outlets reported on controversies in his past.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Moore told Abutaleb and Paletta that Trump’s promise to reopen the US economy by Easter 2020 was “the smart thing to do” because “the economic costs of this are mounting and there’s not a lot of evidence that lockdowns are working to stop the spread”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He has also been quoted attacking Dr Anthony Fauci, a former member of the COVID taskforce and the current chief medical advisor to Joe Biden.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Fauci is the villain here,” Moore said. “He has the Napoleon complex, and he thinks he is the dictator who could decide how to run the country.”</span></p>

Books

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Joan Collins shuts down Piers Morgan over Meghan Markle question

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a new interview with Piers Morgan, Dame Joan Collins stayed tight-lipped when asked about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on Morgan’s ITV series “Life Stories”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“What do you make of what’s going on with the British royal family now, with Meghan, Harry, the feud, with [Prince] William, [Prince] Charles?” Morgan asked.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dynasty</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> star - who was made a dame in 2014 by the Queen - wasn’t interested in sharing her opinion on the reported feud between Harry, his brother, and their father.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“My lips are sealed on that subject,” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I just don’t want to go on national TV and say what I think about Meghan and Harry, because look what happened to you.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Morgan seemed to appreciate her response and said: “Exactly - thank you.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The former morning show host’s repeated criticism of Markle following the Sussexes’ interview with Oprah Winfrey saw him walk off the set and quit </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Good Morning Britain</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in April.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Earlier this month, he accused the Duchess of Sussex of telling “downright lies” and called her “Princess Pinocchio” over the weekend.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: news.com.au</span></em></p>

TV

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"All boarded up": Natalie Barr describes scenes in Washington

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>The US election is days away and <em>Sunrise</em> journalist Natalie Barr is on the ground in Washington D.C, describing the mood as "eerie and scary".</p> <p>Many businesses in the area are concerned about the possibility of violence and unrest after the announcement of the new U.S President and have boarded up their windows with plywood as a result.</p> <p>“I just didn’t expect it to be this bad,” Barr said</p> <p>“Shops, restaurants, cafes and government buildings right through the centre of D.C are all are being boarded up.”</p> <p>“It feels like they’re boarding up for a hurricane.”</p> <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/tv/CHD_36oJjUI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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/tv/CHD_36oJjUI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Sunrise (@sunriseon7)</a> on Nov 1, 2020 at 1:03pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Barr was in the US in 2016 to report on the election between Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton and said the mood difference was "just scary".</p> <p>“It doesn’t feel like an election, like the sort of celebration mood that we saw four years ago,” she explained.</p> <p>“Last time they were baking biscuits, there were chocolates with little Trump and Hillary faces, they were doing BBQs with the ‘Trump Burger’ and ‘Hillary Burger, it was kind of like a carnival”</p> <p>“But this is just scary.”</p> <p>“The concern is that no matter who wins, there will be unrest”</p> <p>“It feels like a bit of a battleground.”</p> <p>“It’s pretty awful.”</p> </div> </div> </div>

International Travel

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Ageless Joan Collins celebrates birthday in glamour

<p>Joan Collins, in all her beauty and grace, has left fans desperate to know how she has managed to keep her youthful glow as she celebrated her 87th birthday on the weekend.</p> <p><span>The legendary actress spent her special day in the company of her husband Percy Gibson, 55.</span></p> <p>Taking to Instagram, Collins shared a photograph of the pair holding up a tiny birthday cake perfect for two.</p> <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/CAkMpChFmD5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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> <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/CAkMpChFmD5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Joan Collins (@joancollinsdbe)</a> on May 24, 2020 at 2:28am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Joan looked simply stunning and dressed in an elegant white number, and finished off the look with understated jewellery and a slicked back hairstyle.</p> <p>Joan's husband, who is 32 years her junior, looked playful and happy as he put his arm around his wife.</p> <p>“It wasn't just a happy birthday it was a sensational one – I'm still reeling from the brilliant surprises,” she wrote</p> <p>Joan has received lots of messages from loving fans on social media and a few comments on how good she looked at 87.</p> <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/CAiQpj0FLWl/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><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/CAiQpj0FLWl/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">First thing in the morning my loving #ahubby showered me with #flowers #gifts and #surprises - more to come! 🎂🎉🎁</a></p> <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/joancollinsdbe/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Joan Collins</a> (@joancollinsdbe) on May 23, 2020 at 8:25am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"You look breathtakingly young- the secret please x" one fan remarked.</p> <p>Another said: "Looking very loved and beautifull.. you never seem to get any older."</p> <p>The performer admitted she has hopes of living until 100 years old.</p> <p>"Will I outlive you all? No, I don’t want that," she said during an interview with Mirror Online.</p> <p>"I’ll settle for 100 years old, like Olivia de Havilland, who played Melanie in Gone With The Wind. She lives in Paris and is still going strong".</p>

Beauty & Style

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Why Seattle in the Unites States is worth a stay

<p>Seattle is a city of contrasts. Made famous by the grunge bands of the 1990s and the film Sleepless in Seattle starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, Seattle is built on maritime foundations. In a strange way it seems to exude both old-school charm and modern city know-how. Gourmands rub shoulders with tech heads, museums meet marketplaces and the old fuses with the new. </p> <p>Whether you’re here for a week, or en route to the Canadian ski-fields, you will find plenty to see and do in Seattle. </p> <p>The foodie trail is worth a trawl to get your taste buds tingling. Fresh produce abounds in the Pike Place Markets on the waterfront in downtown Seattle. Wander along the stalls at lunchtime and you will be serenaded by busking musicians. </p> <p>When in Seattle, you have to try deliciously fresh salmon. Pick up a fillet or some smoked salmon at one of the many Pike Place fish-mongers or dine in style at a quaint cafe. If you time it right, you may also witness the famous local tradition of fish-throwing. </p> <p>Across the road you’ll stumble on a hefty queue for the original Starbucks café, which is worth a visit, if only for the historical value. For something sweet, try a homemade treat from one of the First Avenue bakeries. Pop into Beecher’s Handmade Cheese to witness the dairy production process from pail to platter and they will let you do some taste-testing. </p> <p>Start with an Argosy Harbour Cruise tour for information about the history of trade and shipping. The cruise also offers great views from the shipyards. </p> <p>Nearby the Seattle Aquarium has a fabulous exhibition on the life cycle of salmon and introducing puffins, seals and otters. </p> <p>No trip to Seattle would be complete without a visit to the Space Needle. Seattle’s proudest monument, is worth a visit for bird’s eye views over the rooftops and city streets, although the ascent is not very accessible. </p> <p>In the shadow of the Space Needle you’ll find Chihuly Garden and gallery which, showcases the spectacular works of renowned glassblower and sculptor Dave Chihuly. The artist’s works are on display in many famous hotels, including Atlantis in the Bahamas. Inside the gallery,  large-scale long-stemmed flowers are illuminated in the dark exhibition space. Outisde colourful orbs and swirls bring a touch of fun to the garden. The show-stopper is the hanging glass vine on the ceiling of a huge glasshouse. It reflects the natural light beneath the silhouette of the Space Needle.</p> <p>If you’re feeling adventurous, other attractions covered by your City Pass include Pacific Science Centre, the funky Museum of Pop Culture, and the Woodland Park Zoo which is on Seattle’s outskirts. </p> <p>Perry Como and Bobby Sherman famously waxed lyrical about Seattle in their 1950s and 1960s hit singles, crooning that “the hills are the greenest green in Seattle.” A day trip to one of the parks outside the city will offer up excellent hiking trails and in winter great ski spots for the powder hounds. Canada’s Vancouver is also only a 3.5 hour drive from Seattle. If you hire a car in Seattle – it could save you up to a third of the cost of the Canadian equivalent. </p> <p>The beauty of Seattle’s tourist centre is that most sites are accessible on foot. Short walks, a cab or an Uber drive have the city covered – you can use the Monorail system although this is better suited to commuters than sightseers. </p> <p>The weather is characteristically wet and drizzly. It generally remains above zero year-round and reaches its hottest at 18C in July. The rain doesn’t stop people from being out and about so be sure to pack a light rain jacket or poncho. Chat to locals to find out more about the city’s best kept secrets, especially when it comes to up-and-coming cafes or quirky galleries and museums. Seattle’s population of roughly 700,000 are relaxed, approachable and welcoming.</p> <p>After a busy day out and about you won’t be sleepless in Seattle. We recommend a stay at the Mayflower Park Hotel. The cosy, intimate hotel with its grand, old-style interior is located within walking distance to the town centre, and right on the subway line making airport transfers easy. The staff will be calling you by name in no time, testament to the impressive hospitality and enchanting, traditional ambiance. A luxurious Executive Suite with two bathrooms, a sitting room and dining table can be enjoyed for less than $200 US.</p> <p><em>Written by Sophie Cullen. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.mydiscoveries.com.au/stories/settle-in-to-seattle-why-seattle-is-worth-a-stay/">MyDiscoveries.</a> </em></p>

Cruising

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Bei Bei the giant panda leaves Washington for China

<p>Bei Bei the giant panda was born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington D.C in 2015.</p> <p>However, he’s heading back to China after an agreement with the zoo. It means that giant pandas go back to China after the giant panda turns 4.</p> <p>Bei Bei was named by former First Lady Michelle Obama and China’s First Lady Peng Liyuan and was the first generation of pandas to live at the National Zoo.</p> <p>"Bei Bei is part of our family," Steve Monfort, a zoo director, told <em><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/17/us/bei-bei-giant-panda-national-zoo-trnd/index.html">CNN</a></em>. "Our team has cared for him, learned from him and, along with millions, loved watching him grow."</p> <p>“We’re sad he’s leaving, but excited for the contributions he will make to the global giant panda population. Bei Bei is an ambassador for conservation and part of a 47-year program that proves bringing species and habitats back from the brink is possible through global cooperation.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">Bei Bei always sticks the landing. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ByeByeBeiBei?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ByeByeBeiBei</a> <a href="https://t.co/gEFU641UGs">pic.twitter.com/gEFU641UGs</a></p> — National Zoo (@NationalZoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/NationalZoo/status/1196422839672475648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">18 November 2019</a></blockquote> <p>If you’re worried about how he’s travelling, Bei Bei gets his own private jet for the journey from Washington to China.</p> <p>It’s called the Panda Express and he has great snack options on board, including 66 pounds of bamboo, snacks and water. As giant pandas eat 20 to 40 pounds of bamboo each day, this should last Bei Bei a day and a half on his long journey.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">Wheels up on the FedEx Panda 🐼 Express! ✈️ You can track Bei Bei’s flight FDX9759 here: <a href="https://t.co/PizokJyYDt">https://t.co/PizokJyYDt</a> Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/FedEx?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FedEx</a>! <a href="https://t.co/N93Y7HVS3r">pic.twitter.com/N93Y7HVS3r</a></p> — National Zoo (@NationalZoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/NationalZoo/status/1196844909979938818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">19 November 2019</a></blockquote> <p>Bei Bei is the third giant panda that was born at the zoo to move to China, following Tai Shan who moved in 2010 and Bao Bao who moved in 2017.</p> <p>In order to celebrate his time at the zoo, Bei Bei was awarded with an ice cake which had some of his favourite treats, such as sugar cane and sweet potato.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">🐼🎂 Here’s a close up of Bei Bei’s ice cake! It featured some of his fav treats like sugar cane and sweet potato! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ByeByeBeiBei?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ByeByeBeiBei</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PandaStory?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PandaStory</a> <a href="https://t.co/MJYuLAoHEG">pic.twitter.com/MJYuLAoHEG</a></p> — National Zoo (@NationalZoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/NationalZoo/status/1196115384354721792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">17 November 2019</a></blockquote> <p>He has now arrived safely in China and is in safe hands at the Bifengxia Panda Base. The animal care team at the Smithsonian zoo will stay with him for a few days to make sure that Bei Bei adjusts well to his new home.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">🐼 🛬 Bei Bei has arrived safely in China. Our animal care team will go with Bei Bei to his new home and stay with him for a few days at the Bifengxia Panda Base. Thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/FedEx?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FedEx</a> and their crew! Thanks for the outpouring of support for Bei Bei ❤️and our panda team! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ByeByeBeiBei?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ByeByeBeiBei</a> <a href="https://t.co/rFf9aXZYQc">pic.twitter.com/rFf9aXZYQc</a></p> — National Zoo (@NationalZoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/NationalZoo/status/1197090641177649153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">20 November 2019</a></blockquote> <p>There are an estimated 1,800 giant pandas left in the wild and they are listed as “vulnerable” in the wild by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.</p>

Family & Pets

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Dame Joan Collins is back

<p>Dame Joan Collins, 86, is back in the spotlight after appearing in a major ad for the beauty campaign for makeup brand Charlotte Tilbury.</p> <p>The Hollywood star is seen smiling alongside younger models which advertises the celebrity make-up artist’s brand-new Airbrush Flawless Finish Foundation.</p> <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/B1b89G0gLIb/" 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> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><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/B1b89G0gLIb/" target="_blank">Darlings, just ONE MORE DAY until the launch of my NEW! AIRBRUSH FLAWLESS FOUNDATION and MAGIC VANISH Colour Correctors. These NEW! products are where MAKEUP MAGIC meets SKINCARE SCIENCE - I can’t wait for you all to experience the FLAWLESS FEELING 💫✨💓🤩💖!! I LOVE this incredible shot from my Airbrush Flawless Foundation campaign. Featuring 60 GORGEOUS men and women, from @joancollinsdbe to @missfamenyc, @mypaleskinblog and @chey_maya!! #FLAWLESSISAFEELING - - #CharlotteTilbury #AirbrushFlawlessFoundation #New #ComingSoon #FoundationLaunch #Makeup #Beauty</a></p> <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/ctilburymakeup/" target="_blank"> Charlotte Tilbury, MBE</a> (@ctilburymakeup) on Aug 21, 2019 at 11:52am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The foundation itself comes in 44 different shades and after the advertising campaign now has a 17,000 strong waitlist for the shades.</p> <p>The product is highly anticipated amongst the beauty community as it includes the Magic Replexium Serum that claims to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by up to 22 per cent after eight weeks of use.</p> <p>“I have worked with the best laboratories in the world to create my most miraculous skin-creation yet,” says Tilbury, according to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dazeddigital.com/beauty/head/article/45714/1/joan-collins-shines-in-new-charlotte-tilbury-foundation-campaign" target="_blank">Dazed</a>.</em></p> <p>“When I wear this foundation, people ask me if I have had work done! Have I been on holiday? No, no, no! It’s Airbrush Flawless Foundation.”</p> <p>Dame Joan Collins has been flawless since appearing on television at the age of nine. Scroll through the gallery to see how she’s aged (or hasn’t!) over the years.</p>

Beauty & Style

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Joan Collins on working in Hollywood in the 1960s: “The very thought was utterly repugnant”

<p>TV and screen legend Joan Collins appeared on CBS recently and opened up about many aspects of her life, including her career and courtships, to roles such as <em>Cleopatra</em> and the casting couch.</p> <p>The actress, 85, was candid about her experiences as a film star in the light of the #MeToo movement. She revealed she was promised one of the biggest roles in film history as long as she slept with the producer.</p> <p>“There were some very, very big people who promised me this role if I would be ‘Nice’ to them,” she explained.</p> <p>“This was the casting couch. I was dancing with one of the men who was the head of the studio. And he said, ‘I can put you up in a nice little apartment and I will come and visit you and you’ll not only get all the best roles at Fox, but we will see that you get <em>Cleopatra</em>.”</p> <p>Collins revealed in a column for <em>The Daily Mail</em> in 2017 that this man was Buddy Adler, the then head of 20<sup>th</sup> Century Fox.</p> <p>Collins responded quick-wittedly: “I said, ‘Great idea, and I am here with my agent, Jay Kanter, let’s go talk to him about it.’”</p> <p>Collins was questioned on whether she was aware of her actions of denying these propositions and Collins explained she had long held firm on her values.</p> <p>“I was never, ever, ever going to settle for giving my body to some old man for a role, or even a young man or anybody. I would never do that, ever, ever,” she reiterated.</p> <p>In the column she recalled Adler’s response to this remark. He said “Honey, you have quite a sense of humour.”</p> <p>She replied with the same wit, saying, “And a sense of humour is all you’ll ever get from me.” This response cost her the role of <em>Cleopatra</em>, as Elizabeth Taylor landed the coveted gig playing the Egyptian Queen.</p> <p>Collins further discussed her experience in a column for <em>The Daily Mail</em>.</p> <p>“The head of 20<sup>th</sup> Studio Fox at the time, Buddy Adler, and the chairman of the board – a Greek gentleman old enough to be my grandfather – bombarded me with propositions and promises that the role was mine if I would be ‘nice to them,’” Collins wrote for <em>The Daily Mail</em>.</p> <p>“It was a euphemism prevalent in Hollywood. I couldn’t and I wouldn’t – the very thought of these old men was utterly repugnant. So, I dodged and I dived, and hid from them around the lot and made excuses while undergoing endless screen tests for the role of Egypt’s Queen.”</p> <p>Collins further opened up about her romances, from her love affair with Warren Beatty and on-set romance with Harry Belafonte to ranking her five husbands in the interview.</p> <p>Collins alluded to Warren Beatty as one who relished in his press.</p> <p>“We used to stop on Sunset Boulevard at the newsagents and Warren would look through modern screen and see if we had pictures in a magazine,” she recalled.</p> <p>The screen legend was asked if she was in love with Beatty and replied: “I think so. It’s like Prince Charles said, ‘Whatever love is.’”</p> <p>Later, on the set of <em>Island In The Sun</em>, Collins met Harry Belafonte and romance soon followed. Although Collins revealed John Forsyth on <em>Dynasty</em> wasn’t her biggest fan.</p> <p>“John didn’t like me,” Collins revealed. “John is old school and misogynistic, and a bit sexist. He frankly didn’t like this English woman and every person saying that she made the show.”</p>

Movies

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Iconic Washington Monument set to reopen this month

<p><span>Washington Monument is slated to reopen to the public later this month after years of refurbishment works.</span></p> <p><span>For much of the past ten years, visitors were only able to enjoy the iconic American monument from a distance on the National Mall in Washington DC. The site of the obelisk structure was closed in 2011 after a rare 5.8-magnitude earthquake damaged the tower and its elevator, <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/washington-monument-will-reopen-august-180972754/"><em>Smithsonian</em></a> magazine reported.</span></p> <p><span>It took more than two years and US$15 million in repair work before the site reopened in May 2014. However, a couple years later a snapped cable on the elevator that takes people to the 500-foot observation level led to another closure.</span></p> <p><span>Apart from repairs, the National Park Service also added a new glass-and-steel visitor screening centre with “full ballistic and blast protection”, a security office, and a queuing space for 18 to 20 visitors at a time, <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/washington-monument-reopening-washington-dc/index.html"><em>CNN Travel</em></a> reported.  </span></p> <p><span>“The modernization of the monument’s elevator is substantially complete, with just final testing and certification of the safety systems remaining,” a representative said in late July.</span></p>

International Travel

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"I've made massive strides": Nick Kyrgios' stunning victory

<p>Nick Kyrgios has won his sixth ATP title after defeating World no. 10 Daniil Medvedev at the Citi Open in Washington.</p> <p>The Aussie beat the 23-year-old Russian in a straight sets 7-6(6) 7-6(4) victory to secure his second ATP 500 title of the season and improve his record against top 10 players in 2019 to 5-1.</p> <p>Kyrgios is projected to move back into the world’s top 30 from his current ranking of number 52.</p> <p>“This has honestly been one of my favourite weeks of my life. I’ve made massive strides,” Kyrgios said.</p> <p>“I’ve proved to a lot of people and myself that I still have it and can produce at the highest level.</p> <p>“All props to Daniil, he’s one of the most consistent players there are on tour.</p> <p>“This week has been one of the best weeks of my life from a tennis perspective and I feel like I’m growing as a person and getting better every day.”</p> <p>Kyrgios shared that he created new friendships off court. </p> <p>“I made friends with the smoothie guy, he knew what smoothie I wanted, I was playing ping pongs with kids every day, you guys were awesome,” the 24-year-old said.</p> <p>“We all know how Nick can play when he wants to play,” Medvedev said during the trophy ceremony. “And this week he wanted to play, so it was tough.”</p> <p>According to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.atptour.com/en/news/medvedev-kyrgios-washington-2019-final" target="_blank"><em>ATP Tour</em></a>, Kyrgios is set to receive US$365,390 in prize money, while Medvedev as the runner-up will earn US$183,780.</p>

News

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The 5 best US cities to retire in

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Retirement offers many options so you can get the most enjoyable experiences imaginable. Whether that be sitting at home, working on your fitness, or taking a few cruising trips a year. If you’re a retiree looking for a way to get the best out of where you live and are thinking of a relocation to enjoy your golden years, why not try out a completely different country altogether. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The US offers unique experiences and often an affordable lifestyle that promises you a whole new way of living. </span><em><a href="https://www.forbes.com/pictures/mjf45ejhd/25-best-cities-for-an-active-retirement/#120ccdf46f27"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Forbes</span></a> </em><span style="font-weight: 400;">identified cities that rank high based on outdoor cycling and walking facilities, volunteering opportunities, crime rates and availability of doctors. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Scroll through the gallery above to see the safest, most comfortable and beautiful cities in the US to retire in.   </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Have you been to any of these US cities? Let us know in the comments below. </span></p>

Retirement Life

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Dame Joan Collins reveals the secrets to her successful marriage

<p>Maybe fifth time’s the charm? After divorcing four previous husbands, Dame Joan Collins says she has finally found the secrets to a happy marriage. </p> <p>In an exclusive interview with <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-5431059/Dame-Joan-Collins-reveals-secrets-successful-marriage.html">The Mail on Sunday Life</a> the first secret, she shared, is banishing your other half to another room if they snore.</p> <p>The legendary stage and screen star also revealed honesty and giving compliments are also important factors in keeping a marriage successful, as is sharing the housework.</p> <p>“Percy and I manage our lives together, even down to household chores. We don’t have live-in staff,” Dame Joan revealed.</p> <p>Giving an open and hilarious insight into her 18-year marriage to her fifth husband, 52-year-old theatre manager Percy Gibson, Dame Joan, 84, explained, “We are together 24/7 except when he snores, and I say, ‘Darling, I think it’s best that you sleep in the guest room tonight.’”</p> <p>Another secret to Dame Joan and Percy’s successful marriage? The couple’s bathroom arrangements.</p> <p>Agreeing with fellow film star Michael Caine, the actress shared, “Michael once said the secret to a happy marriage is separate bathrooms. I know most people don’t have that luxury, but in our homes, and whenever possible in hotels, we try to keep to that rule. It really does make a difference."</p> <p>But their marriage and living arrangements aren’t always amicable. “Of course, we get irritated with each other, but we are quick to say sorry and we don’t have any secrets,” Dame Joan admitted.</p> <p>“We compliment each other all the time but I’m also quick to point out if he’s getting a bit of a tummy, and he will say if I’ve gone a bit OTT [over the top] with the glitz.”</p> <p>Dame Joan added, “Percy loves me best when we are at home together – me without makeup and him unshaven and in his tracksuit bottoms.”</p> <p>What do you think of Dame Joan Collins’ secrets to a successful marriage? Share your secrets to a happy marriage with us below.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

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