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"He was on top of the world": Family of Aussie who died on Mount Everest break silence

<p>The family of an Australian man who died while climbing Mount Everest have spoken out.</p> <p>Jason Bernard Kennison, 40, conquered Everest’s summit before falling sick during his descent and dying on May 19, his family said in a statement.</p> <p>“It is with absolute broken hearts that our dearly beloved brother, son, cousin, friend passed away Friday 19th climbing Mt Everest,” the post read.</p> <p>Grief-stricken loved ones have paid tribute to Kennison, describing him as “full of life”.</p> <p>“He would put his mind to something, set a goal and achieve it,” his family said.</p> <p>“Whether that be playing footy as a kid, winning motocross races, working around the world in the mining industry and in high-risk environments.</p> <p>“He wanted to raise awareness and money for Spinal Cord Injuries Australia, wanting to help others who had similar struggles to himself.</p> <p>“We are so proud of his achievements and we take great solace in knowing he made it to the summit. The highest place on this earth.”</p> <p>Jason’s mother Gillian Kennison said her son was “so determined and so full of life”.</p> <p>“He was amazing ... an amazing son, an amazing brother and uncle,” she told reporters.</p> <p>“And he was on top of the world ... literally on top of the world”.</p> <p>The Kennison family revealed Jason had made it to the top of the mountain and was in good spirits.</p> <p>“He had his photo taken on top of the summit,” they said.</p> <p>“He was proud of himself, however, during the descent, he suddenly fell ill and that’s when he passed away.”</p> <p>The family went on to say that their son went through all the proper training he could to prepare to reach the Everest summit.</p> <p>“We would like to send our greatest love and thanks to Nepal where he had Sherpas go above and beyond to help try to bring him home,” they said.</p> <p>“We are worlds apart but united through our love for Jason. His family are heartbroken and he will be forever missed.”</p> <p>Kennison was climbing to raise money for Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA).</p> <p>Rather than flowers, his family has asked others to support Kennison’s fundraising page.</p> <p>In a crippling blow, Kennison’s family has been told it’s too dangerous to retrieve his body.</p> <p>Local media reports his remains are still in the mountain’s balcony area.</p> <p>Expedition company Asian Trekking helped Kennison organise the trip, and managing director Dawa Steven Sherpa said two guides accompanied the Aussie when he became unresponsive.</p> <p>“They ran out of oxygen and bringing supplement bottles from Camp IV couldn’t be possible due to excessive winds,” Sherpa told AFP.</p> <p>“It was high wind and bad weather that prevented them (from) going back to bring him down. He died at the Balcony area.”</p> <p>Kennison, a diesel mechanic who was living in Perth, was involved in a horrific car crash when he was 22 years old.</p> <p>He said he spiralled into depression after being told he would no longer be able to work as a mechanic given multiple broken bones and a spinal cord injury.</p> <p>After years of rehabilitation, Kennison learnt to walk again and was able to go back to work.</p> <p>However, about four years ago, he returned to rehab due to nerve damage in his spine.</p> <p>“A personal goal for me is that fulfilment. To put together all my experiences and just be the person I know I can with integrity and live with all my beliefs and values and just accept that I have had injuries, but I’m still OK.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Facebook</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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The Block pays tribute to late cast member

<p dir="ltr">Cast and crew of <em>The Block</em> have been hit with tragic news, after one of their beloved tradies, Jon-Jeremy Bradey, died aged 42.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pool expert from A Plus Enterprises passed away on October 14.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bradey worked on the show for several seasons, including concreting both Kirsty and James and Josh and Luke’s pools during the 2021 season.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-9e28b796-7fff-8a09-758b-697783458069"><em>The Block </em>paid tribute to the ‘pool king’ at the end of Sunday night’s episode, showing a picture of Bradey in a tuxedo with the caption, “In memory of Jon Jeremy Brady, 1980-2022.”</span></p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/jon-jon-tribtue.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Nine</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Bradey, known as ‘Jon Jon’ to his friends,  was a “devoted husband” and friend as well as legend in the building industry, per the <em>Herald Sun</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">His reputation for precision even earned him the nickname ‘Mr One Percent”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Reece Daniltchenko of Franklin Pools said Bradey’s death had shocked the industry and described the tradie as an “industry icon”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Jon Jon was a devoted husband, father and friend, anything could be achieved when you had him in charge, which I had the privilege of witnessing first-hand,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“To have the opportunity to work with someone so reliable, trustworthy and a leader to his team, always gave me the confidence knowing that the end result will be delivered.</p> <p dir="ltr">“A true legacy the great man has left behind, and the A Plus Enterprises team will no doubt uphold and has the full support and trust of everyone behind them.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Candice Howman, Bradey’s wife, said she was overwhelmed by the love and support received from friends of her late husband.</p> <p dir="ltr">“From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you dearly,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">It has since emerged that Howman and Bradey tied the knot in April, just six months before his death.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a post from earlier this week, Howman shared the couple’s wedding video and marked a heartbreaking milestone.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Our magical wedding 23rd April 2022 💕,” she wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s our 6 months anniversary today, miss &amp; love you forever.”</p> <p dir="ltr">His funeral was held on Monday in Narre Narre North, Melbourne, and he was buried at the Harkaway Cemetery.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bradey is survived by Howman and three children, Anileese, Amelia and Kobe.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-ffc0c2f2-7fff-bb4f-c8e9-6f683d5d75b0"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Facebook</em></p>

Caring

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Icon from The Wombles dies

<p dir="ltr">British actor Bernard Cribbins has died at the age of 93.</p> <p dir="ltr">The beloved actor is best known for his voiceover role in the popular television series <em>The Wombles</em> and <em>Doctor Who</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Devastating news of his passing was confirmed on Thursday in a statement from his agent who described Cribbins as "unique, typifying the best of his generation. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Beloved actor Bernard Cribbins OBE has passed away at the age of 93," the statement read.</p> <p dir="ltr">"His career spanned seven decades with such diverse work ranging from films like The Railway Children and the Carry On series, hit 60s song Right Said Fred, a notorious guest on Fawlty Towers and narrating The Wombles.</p> <p dir="ltr">"He worked well into his 90s, recently appearing in Doctor Who and the CBeebies series Old Jack's Boat.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Former <em>Doctor Who</em> stars David Tennant and showrunner Russell T Davies shared statements following news of Cribbins passing. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Sad news that Bernard Cribbins has passed away," Tennant wrote on Twitter.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgjG22-tf69/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgjG22-tf69/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Russell T Davies (@russelltdavies63)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“Bernard Cribbins (1928-2022) I love this man. I love him. That’s him as Snout in A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Davies’ post began.</p> <p dir="ltr">“D’you fancy doing some Shakespeare, Bernard? ‘Let me see the script.’ He knew everyone! </p> <p dir="ltr">“He’d talk about the Beatles and David Niven, and how he once sat on the stairs at a party impersonating bird calls with T H White. Then he’d add, ‘I said to Ashley Banjo last week…’ </p> <p dir="ltr">“He loved being in Doctor Who. He said, ‘Children are calling me grandad in the street!’ His first day was on location with Kylie Minogue, but all eyes, even Kylie’s, were on Bernard. </p> <p dir="ltr">“He’d turned up with a suitcase full of props, just in case, including a rubber chicken. And what an actor. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Oh, really though, what a wonderful actor. We once took him to the TV Choice Awards and sent him up on his own to collect the award, and the entire room stood up and cheered him. That’s a lovely memory. </p> <p dir="ltr">“He’d phone up and say, ‘I’ve got an idea! What if I attack a Dalek with a paintball gun?!’ Okay, Bernard, in it went! </p> <p dir="ltr">“He loved Gill with all his heart; he mentioned her in every conversation we ever had. A love story for the ages. I’m so lucky to have known him. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Thanks for everything, my old soldier. A legend has left the world.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty </em></p>

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"This is Our House": See inside Bon Jovi’s swanky condo

<p dir="ltr">Rocker Jon Bon Jovi is <a href="https://www.compass.com/listing/155-west-11th-street-unit-14a-manhattan-ny-10011/979017794094838977/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">selling</a> his Manhattan condo for a cool $30.9 million.</p><p dir="ltr">The Livin’ on a Prayer singer <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10508419/Jon-Bon-Jovi-selling-22million-3-951-square-foot-luxurious-Greenwich-Village-condo.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">first bought</a> the four-bedroom apartment - which comes with its own private elevator and garden - in 2017 for $26.6 million.</p><p dir="ltr">Boasting stunning views of Lower Manhattan and the Hudson River through its floor-to-ceiling windows, the 3,951-square-foot condo also includes a Juliette balcony overlooking the city.</p><p dir="ltr">The master bedroom comes with an expansive walk-in-wardrobe, as well as a windowed master bathroom featuring white and grey marble on the walls, floor, and surrounding the tub, as well as a glass-enclosed shower and mosaic detailing on the floor (which is also heated).</p><p dir="ltr">As well as having multiple generous bedrooms, the condo includes a kitchen that opens out into a breakfast room, a huge living room, and its own gallery at the centre of the apartment.</p><p dir="ltr">The condo is located within the exclusive neighbourhood of Greenwich Village, and its new owners will also be able to access The Greenwich Lanes’ fitness centre, 7-square-metre pool, whirlpool, steam rooms and golf simulator.</p><p dir="ltr">Whoever gets the keys to the condo will also live with famous neighbours, including Starbucks CEO Howard Scultz and actor Michael C. Hall.</p><p dir="ltr">Bon Jovi moved to the condo in 2017 after offloading his duplex penthouse, also in Manhattan, for $22.4 million.</p><p dir="ltr"><em>Images: @jonbonjovi (Instagram), Compass</em></p>

Real Estate

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COVID “predictor” Jon-Bernard Kairouz in hospital

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jon-Bernard Kairouz, the comedian who rose to fame for “predicting” NSW case numbers for five days in a row, </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/tiktok-guy-jonbernard-kairouz-hospitalised-in-covid19-ward/news-story/e145f3b9953f8a1eac71c30c798fc991" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">has been hospitalised</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with COVID-19.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 24-year-old is currently in the COVID-19 ward at Kogarah’s St George Hospital.</span></p> <p><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9991637/TikTok-guy-Jon-Bernard-Kairouz-hospital-Covid-19-Sydney-NSW.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Daily Mail</span></a></em> <span style="font-weight: 400;">reports that his father, Richard Kairouz, is believed to be receiving treatment in ICU.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Richard has reportedly been treated for the virus since September 4, with sources telling the publication that he was placed into an induced coma.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He was symptomatic … and kept deteriorating,” a source close to the family said in reference to Mr Kairouz’s father.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“[He] decided to go to hospital on the Saturday afternoon. The whole family is at home in isolation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“After predicting the COVID-19 numbers daily, [Jon-Bernard] couldn’t predict that [his dad] would contract it.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The news of Mr Kairouz’s condition comes after Bankstown Local Court heard he will plead not guilty to inciting others at an </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/named-and-shamed-full-list-of-sydney-protestors-charged" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">anti-lockdown protest</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in Sydney on July 24.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 324.67532467532465px; height:500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844104/50e2c5cbdda7768ce009876a83823698.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/61b9d315de5f4a1c83ff3d00b822ba97" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Twitter</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mr Kairouz was charged with two counts of failing to comply with noticed directions and encouraging the commission of a crime.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Allegedly speaking to the crowd of thousands during the protest, the comedian dubbed himself “the people’s premier”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I must say I’ve crunched the numbers, I don’t think the cases are going to go up tomorrow,” he told the crowd.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“But from what I’ve calculated there’s over 50,000 people here today.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The following day, he was issued with a penalty infringement notice for attending the protest by NSW Police detectives.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844103/ba4b7a18314bbda91d53b2adaad5c98e.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/8e83435f43254576b4ad31b2179d049c" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: NSW Police</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Footage released by police showed Mr Kairouz telling detectives to “take it easy” after being issued with the notice.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He later deleted footage taken at the protest from his Instagram account.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Twitter</span></em></p>

Caring

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“Sooks”: Bill Shorten slams tennis “whingers”

<p><span>Former Labor leader Bill Shorten has slammed tennis players and their entourage who are complaining about the strict quarantine measures in place for the Australian Open.</span><br /><br /><span>There are currently 72 players in hard quarantine.</span><br /><br /><span>They are unable to train outside their hotel rooms for 14 days after there were positive COVID-19 tests on tournament charter flights.</span><br /><br /><span>The strict measures follow after there were six positive cases.</span><br /><br /><span>They have been linked to three international charter flights that carried players, coaches, staff and officials to Melbourne Park for the year's first grand slam.</span><br /><br /><span>Aussie Bernard Tomic is among those in quarantine.</span><br /><br /><span>The controversial Aussie player’s girlfriend Vanessa Sierra has come under criticism after she posted clips of her and Tomic’s experience in lockdown.</span><br /><br /><span>As they spend 14 days togethers in hard quarantine, Ms Sierra has complained about the quality of the food provided to them and the fact she has to wash her own hair.</span><br /><br /><span>"This is the worst part of quarantine. I don't wash my own hair, I've never washed my own hair. It's just not something that I do. I normally have hairdressers that do it twice a week for me," Sierra told her followers.</span><br /><br /><span>"This is the situation that we're dealing with. I can't wait to get out of quarantine just so I can get my hair done."</span><br /><br /><span>Channel Nine's Karl Stefanovic showed the clip to Shorten on the Today Show to get his opinion on the matter, to which the former Labor leader sent a scathing message to the “pampered sooks”.</span><br /><br /><span>"At a human level, sure, it's not great to be cooped in a hotel room for that period of time. But they just need to get a grip," Shorten said.</span><br /><br /><span>"Covid's been shocking. People have died, people have lost their jobs, people haven't been able to go to the funerals of their loved ones and you've got these pampered sooks who are having a cry over their conditions.</span><br /><br /><span>"They're elite athletes, I can sympathise. But they get paid a lot of money to come to the Australian Open. Maybe they've just got to see how the rest of the world is putting up with Covid as well."</span><br /><br /><span>World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has not let any ill words affect him however and has reportedly sent a list of quarantine demands to Australian Open officials, on behalf of the players.</span><br /><br /><span>A Spanish tennis website reported that Djokovic's "demands" to Craig Tiley included reduced isolation periods, better food and having players moved to "private houses with tennis courts”.</span><br /><br /><span>Nick Kyrgios took aim at the tennis star, on Monday night, saying: "Djokovic is a tool.”</span><br /><br /></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Djokovic is a tool. I don’t mind Bernie but his Mrs obviously has no perspective, ridiculous scenes 🤦🏽‍♂️ <a href="https://t.co/MMgeriH2GJ">https://t.co/MMgeriH2GJ</a></p> — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1351131106993725443?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><br /><span>The players will pocket a minimum $100,000 if they take part in the Australian Open main draw.</span></p>

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"A tool": Nick Kyrgios slams Novak Djokovic over Aus Open demands

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>Nick Kyrgios has slammed Novak Djokovic after Djokovic made a list of demands to the Australian Open organisers demanding better conditions for players in quarantine.</p> <p>There are currently 72 tennis players in hard quarantine, which means they're unable to train outside their hotel rooms for 14 days despite being told upon arrival they would have 5-hour exemptions to train.</p> <p>The hard lockdown is due to positive coronavirus tests on tournament charter flights.</p> <p>Djokovic sent Australian Open boss Craig Tiley a list of demands that he wanted to be actioned for players currently in lockdown, which Kyrgios has slammed.</p> <p>“Djokovic is a tool,” Kyrgios wrote while sharing a news report.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Djokovic is a tool. I don’t mind Bernie but his Mrs obviously has no perspective, ridiculous scenes 🤦🏽‍♂️ <a href="https://t.co/MMgeriH2GJ">https://t.co/MMgeriH2GJ</a></p> — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1351131106993725443?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2021</a></blockquote> <p>He also slammed Bernard Tomic's girlfriend for complaining about the food served in quarantine, saying that she's had to wash her own hair.</p> <p>“This is the worst part of quarantine,” Sierra said on her YouTube channel.</p> <p>“I don’t wash my own hair. I’ve never washed my own hair. It’s just not something that I do. I normally have hairdressers that do it twice a week for me.</p> <p>“This is the situation that we’re dealing with. I can’t wait to get out of quarantine just so I can get my hair done.”</p> <p>“I don’t mind Bernie but his Mrs obviously has no perspective, ridiculous scenes,” Kyrgios wrote.</p> <p>This isn't the first time Kyrgios has slammed Djokovic, with Kyrgios criticising him for organising the Adria Tour exhibition event in the Balkans, where multiple people including Djokovic got coronavirus from the event.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

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Jon Bon Jovi reveals secret behind 31 years of successful marriage with high school sweetheart

<p>Rocker Jon Bon Jovi and his wife Dorothea Bongiovi are madly in love, just as they were when they first began dating back in high school.</p> <p>The couple opened up to <em><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://people.com/music/jon-bon-jovi-wife-dorothea-40-year-love-story/" target="_blank" title="people.com">People</a></em><span> </span>magazine on Wednesday and admitted the secret recipe to cook up a bond like the one they have shared for over 40 years.</p> <p>“Mutual respect,” Bon Jovi told the outlet.</p> <p>“Having grown up together and grown together. And we really like each other. We want to hang out.”</p> <p>The pair, both 58, have four children: Stephanie, 27, Jesse, 25, Jacob, 18, and Romeo, 16.</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/CFfZ-LJsYAh/?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/CFfZ-LJsYAh/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by BON GIOVI FAMILY🤍✨ (@bongiovi.family)</a> on Sep 23, 2020 at 12:25pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The <em>Livin’ On A Prayer</em> singer also admitted that in spire of the endless fame and fortune, Dorothea has always remained “without a doubt” his rock.</p> <p>“We work hard at it, but we enjoy each other and we never fell for the trappings of what celebrity can do,” he said.</p> <p>“We’ve witnessed that happen over the years to people that were close to us and people that we knew from afar. It’s just what I do, it’s not who I am. I write songs.</p> <p>“I happen to be very good at performing them. That’s it.”</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/CFxFnj7s58A/?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/CFxFnj7s58A/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Bongiovi kids ( Fan Account ) (@bongiovi_kids)</a> on Sep 30, 2020 at 9:14am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The couple have also been outspoken on giving their kids a normal upbringing.</p> <p>Together the pair launched the Soul Foundation in 2006, and together alongside their family and the organisation, they aim to tackle homelessness and hunger in the United States.</p> <p>“It’s a partnership,” Dorothea told the outlet.</p> <p>“When we see injustice or people suffering, you want to help. We’re very blessed, and we have the ability to do that.”</p> <p>“I’m happiest if I like what I do for a living, I’m doing right by my family and I’m making the world just a little bit better,” Bon Jovi said.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838138/bon-jovi.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/363c63675a9c41dbbd7514c7e6cd9df6" /></p> <p>The couple met at Sayreville War Memorial High School in their New Jersey hometown.</p> <p>In 1989, at the height of Bon Jovi’s success, the couple eloped to Las Vegas.</p> <p>Bon Jovi admitted he is not saint, and found a sanctuary in his marriage.</p> <p>“She’s the glue,” he said.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838136/bon-jovi-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/42c1458918954fdeb1ad99d76a87b3e8" /></p> <p>“I’m the crazy visionary with all kinds of things flying, and the seams are all splitting. She’s the one following me with the glue and the thread and needle, keeping it all together.</p> <p>“Somehow I became the poster boy for a long-married rock star.</p> <p>“But I’ll accept the mantle because I’m so happy.”</p>

Relationships

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5 minutes with author Bernard Gallate

<p>In <em>5 minutes with author</em>, <em>Over60</em> asks book writers about their literary habits and preferences. Next in this series is Bernard Gallate, a writer, illustrator and teacher based in Sydney. He worked in the animation industry for companies such as Hanna-Barbera and Walt Disney before turning to writing and illustrating children’s books. His first contemporary novel, <em>The Origin of Me </em>is out now.</p> <p><em>Over60</em> talked with Gallate about creating children’s books, dealing with writers’ block, and Ruth Park’s timeless work.</p> <p><strong><em>Over60</em>: What is your best writing tip? </strong><strong>Alternatively, what is the worst writing advice you’ve ever received?</strong></p> <p>Bernard Gallate: Good tip: Experiment with perspective. Instead of always writing from within a character, step back a little and give them free reign occasionally, as if you’re observing them doing their own thing.</p> <p>Worst tip: “Keep writing regardless of how you’re feeling”. I think it’s ultimately more productive to spend a little time tending to your internal state, instead of pressing on defiantly in a terrible mood. Small excursions and occasional treats are always beneficial.</p> <p><strong>How did you find writing a novel compared to writing children’s books?</strong></p> <p>I think everything has to be more distilled, more concise when writing children’s books because of the size restrictions dictated by format. There was definitely more freedom to explore multiple ideas in the early stages of writing my novel, <em>The Origin of Me</em>. Later in the process though, structuring and re-structuring became a huge challenge – especially with a dual narrative involved.</p> <p><strong>What book(s) are you reading right now?</strong></p> <p>I’ve just started <em>The Drover’s Wife</em> by Leah Purcell.</p> <p><strong>What was the last book that made you laugh?</strong></p> <p><em>Nothing to See Here </em>by Kevin Wilson. It’s about a young woman, Lillian, who’s cajoled into becoming the nanny of twins who spontaneously combust when upset. The premise sounds grisly, but the book is a hilarious spin on the tale of an underdog prevailing against the odds.</p> <p><strong>When it comes to writing, do you plan ahead or go with the flow?</strong></p> <p>I prepare as much as possible, then jump right in and yield to the flow whenever it comes and wherever it takes me. Going somewhere unexpected and maybe a little risky is always preferable to stagnating. I wrote a 25-page synopsis for <em>The Origin of Me, </em>but the story was constantly evolving right up to the final draft.</p> <p><strong>How do you deal with writer’s block?</strong></p> <p>I give myself permission to play, go on an excursion, a walk or a swim. The solution often comes when I’m not fixated on finding it. If a scene is a bit stodgy, I challenge myself to transform it into something tasty, or remove it. A lot of my worst sections have become favourites.</p> <p><strong>Which author, deceased or living, would you most like to have dinner with?</strong></p> <p>Ruth Park. Her widely acclaimed first novel, <em>The Harp in the South, </em>has never been out of print. And after twelve years of working at The Rocks Discovery Museum, I still have young visitors telling me that <em>Playing Beatie Bow </em>is their favourite book. I love her descriptions of Sydney’s Surry Hills and The Rocks in earlier, leaner times, and her characters are unforgettable.</p> <p><strong>What trope grinds your gears? </strong></p> <p>The gay character being portrayed as witty, flamboyant and neurotic but destined for a tragic ending like a briefly spectacular firework is a bit overdone. Hopefully my character, Pericles Pappas, is a bit more nuanced. I’m always a sucker for the outsider finding their place in the world, and for the average protagonist doing something exceptional.</p>

Books

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Heartbroken family of 71-year-old man watch footage of him vanishing in Sydney shopping centre

<p>Retired barber Bernard Gore, 71, was on a three-week trip to Sydney with his wife of 50 years, Angela, to visit one of their three adult children in December 2016. </p> <p>The couple were staying in their daughter’s apartment in Woollahra, in the city’s east and planned to return to his home in Tasmania on January 11, 2017. </p> <p>However on January 6, 2017, Mr Gore set off for a day trip to Westfield Bondi Junction at 12:30 Pm. </p> <p>His final moments were recorded on CCTV footage, which showed him on his 15- minute walk past a number of shops along Oxford St before he went into the shopping centre. </p> <p>Footage from inside the shopping centre shows him walking inside at 12.48pm, up the incline of level four and through door L407 at 12.50pm.</p> <p>This footage has been shown to his family for the first time, with Mr Gore’s daughter, Melinda, beginning to cry as she saw her father disappear from sight on the TV screens in the NSW Coroners Court in Lidcombe on Monday morning. </p> <p>“There is no further CCTV footage of Bernard after the time Bernard entered the fire stairs,” counsel assisting the coroner, Anna Mitchelmore SC, said.</p> <p>When Mr Gore initially disappeared, his wife searched through the areas they usually visited before returning home at 2pm. </p> <p>His family became “increasingly worried” as it got darker and reported him missing to police at 8pm. Later that night they also reported him missing to Woolworths and Westfield security. </p> <p> “Tragically, (it was) not until around 8 am on January 27, 2017, that Bernard was found deceased in the fire stairs,” Ms Mitchelmore said.</p> <p>“His body was found by a maintenance worker at the bottom of the stairwell he had entered.”</p> <p>She said it had been “immensely distressing for his family” who had wondered for weeks where their beloved family member was gone. </p> <p>“Only for him to be found at the place for which he had set off on January 6,” Ms Mitchelmore said.</p> <p>She said the 71-year-old was found lying in a “semi-kneeling position” in the stairwell. </p> <p>“It appears that he had been sitting on a chair that was found near his body, and at some stage he had fallen forward and off the chair.”</p> <p>He was found along with his white hat, a handkerchief, dentures, glasses case and a $5 note. </p> <p>The court was told Mr Gore had gone missing once before in Hobart. </p> <p>His son, Mark, had bought him a watch which had a GPS tracking device but Mr Gore hadn’t worn it on the day he went missing as it wasn’t working. </p> <p>His daughter, Melinda, had also given him a copy of her address and contact details on that day.</p> <p>Records obtained from the shopping centre showed the push-button exit door at the bottom of the stairwell was not opened once in the three-week period between when Mr Gore went missing and when his body was discovered. </p> <p>No alarm was activated. </p> <p>He was taking medication for hypertension and a mild cognitive impairment at the time of his death. </p> <p>The married couple had “more or less had a routine when they attended Westfield,” Ms Mitchelmore said. </p> <p>Deputy State Coroner Derek Lee is this week overseeing a five-day inquest into Mr Gore’s death.</p> <p>A forensic entomologist analysed data that “indicated to him Bernard died a minimum of one to two weeks before his body was found,” according to Ms Mitchelmore. </p> <p>The  issues due to be explored are the adequacy of the review of CCTV footage, the physical searches conducted by Westfield security and police, and the signage – both painted and illuminated – in the stairwell.</p> <p>Ms Mitchelmore said she anticipates the inquest will hear there was no ‘Code Grey’ - the centre’s missing person procedure - called on January 6 or 7.</p> <p>“It’s likely that it was a more informal search as opposed to a search ... by a Code Grey.”</p> <p>The inquest will also investigate why police and security formed the view in the early stages of their investigation that Mr Gore had never arrived at Westfield.</p> <p>“The intention is to always conduct a coronial investigation in a thorough and comprehensive way,” Mr Lee said.</p> <p>“It’s also the aim to identify whether there have been any shortcomings or deficiencies.</p> <p>“Not for the purpose of assigning blame or fault (but) whether some important lessons can be learned from an otherwise traumatic event.”</p>

News

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Bernard Tomic returns for another explosive interview on 60 Minutes

<p>Ah, Bernard Tomic. He’s done it again! As he sits down for another interview with a major television network, it can be easy to forget how often he’s managed to annoy the Australian population with his careless comments.</p> <p>It first started in 2017, after he was eliminated from Wimbeldon, and told Channel 7’s <em>Sunday Night</em> at the time that he only had to put in 50 per cent effort and still earned millions for his troubles. </p> <p>“Wouldn’t anyone want to take a job in a professional sport in one of the biggest sports in the world and only give 50, 60 per cent and earn millions of dollars?” he said last July. “I think everybody would take that.”</p> <p>He then continued his tirade against his career, where he told <em>The Project</em> that he regrets getting into the tennis industry.</p> <p>Tomic told host Carrie Bickmore in 2018: <span>“I don’t love tennis but I like it a lot and it’s something that I need to do and I need to do as best as I can,” he explained.</span></p> <p>This year, he’s continued to alienate his fellow Australian players, by accusing Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt, where there were claims Tomic made threats to Hewitt’s family members and his wife.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">Australia, you don't want to miss this. A brand new, explosive season of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/60Mins?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#60Mins</a> begins 8.30 Sunday. <a href="https://t.co/ZwyhGhGw5b">pic.twitter.com/ZwyhGhGw5b</a></p> — 60 Minutes Australia (@60Mins) <a href="https://twitter.com/60Mins/status/1089792694140821504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>That should bring you up to speed on his colourful history around the press. However, it’s not like he’s learnt his lesson, as Tomic is sitting down with Allison Langdon from <em>60 Minutes</em>.</p> <p>Langdon doesn’t hold back as she tells the star in a preview of the interview: <span>“The problem you have is that people don’t like you. You’re seen as lazy, selfish, a brat.”</span></p> <p>Tomic then winks at the host and Langdon is not impressed at all.</p> <p>It seems like<em> 60 Minutes</em> this weekend is shaping up to be an interesting segment indeed.</p> <p>What do you think about Bernard Tomic? Will you be watching his interview with Allison Langdon? Let us know in the comments. </p>

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Lleyton Hewitt breaks his silence over Bernard Tomic attack

<p>Lleyton Hewitt has snapped back at Bernard Tomic’s criticism of his Davis Cup captaincy. Tomic, when asked on Monday whether or not he would be available to play in the Davis Cup, had some interesting things to say about Hewitt’s captaincy.</p> <p>Tomic said: <span>"It's all Lleyton. I'm going to say it honestly, no-one likes him anymore. </span></p> <p>"He's just doing the wrong thing. He's playing Davis Cup, I thought he was retired. He's playing all these matches and stuff like this. You know what I mean?</p> <p>"He used to hate Tennis Australia. It's weird. And now he loves them. What's happened here?"</p> <p>However, the comments haven’t gotten to Hewitt. He broke his silence and told Channel Nine: <span>"I had a bit of a laugh actually. </span></p> <p>"It's kind of Bernie being Bernie, especially after a loss last night and going in and complaining about a few things.</p> <p>"So, for me, I kind of just laugh it off and move forward."</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7822755/bernard-tomic.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d66775febc7148838f631f708b867585" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Bernard Tomic at the Australian Open.</em></p> <p>Depsite Tomic specifically naming other Aussie players who were frustrated with Hewitt, such as Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis, Hewitt wasn’t worried by those comments either.</p> <p>"Those boys [Kyrgios and Kokkinakis] are going on for big matches today … we've spoken before the Australian Open and we will continue to speak after the Australian Open leading into the Davis Cup tie.</p> <p>"For me, I love being a part and helping the Australian players as much as possible."</p> <p>However, Hewitt made a point to say that things might have been overshadowed by Tomic’s comments.</p> <p>"I guess the disappointing thing [was] that the Aussies had such a great day yesterday, on both the men's and women's side," Hewitt elaborated.</p> <p>"It probably got overshadowed by Bernie's comments."</p> <p>With eight Australian players advancing to the second round of the men’s and women’s draws on the first day of the Australian Open, it’s shaping up to be an interesting start to the grand slam tournament.</p> <p>Have you been watching the Australian Open? Let us know in the comments.</p>

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Bernard Tomic's petulant press conference: Answers 10 questions in 64 words

<p><span>Australian tennis player Bernard Tomic made a bizarre French Open exit after being defeated by the lucky loser who signed on to replace Nick Kyrgios, Marco Trungelliti.</span></p> <p><span>The Queensland player lost to Trungelliti 6-4 5-7 6-4 6-4 in Tomic’s first round of the tournament.</span></p> <p><span>Tomic’s petulant mood was obvious during the post-match press conference when he answered 10 questions in just 64 words.</span></p> <p><span> </span></p> <p><span>Q. How do you assess that?</span></p> <p><span>BERNARD TOMIC: Well, it was okay, no?</span></p> <p><span>Q. How are you feeling sort of physically? You’ve had that big run on clay the last couple of weeks. So were you fully fit and you obviously gave it your all out there?</span></p> <p><span>BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, I guess I was okay.</span></p> <p><span>Q. So do you head to the grass court season now with renewed confidence? You’ve been hitting the ball pretty well.</span></p> <p><span>BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah, we’ll see. We’ll see what’s next.</span></p> <p><span>Q. You were wearing different clothes during the qualifying than you are now. Can you tell me about the change in attire?</span></p> <p><span>BERNARD TOMIC: It is what it is. That’s all I can say.</span></p> <p><span>Q. Have you thought anything about the uncertainty — it was unusual as of last night there was no name next to you in the order of play. It just said ‘lucky loser’, and we didn’t know who it would be. Was that unusual or a twist in terms of preparing for it, just having that uncertainty?</span></p> <p><span>BERNARD TOMIC: Yeah. But it changed, then I had to play. That’s it.</span></p> <p><span>Q. What positives do you take away from the qualifying week you had?</span></p> <p><span>BERNARD TOMIC: It was solid. It was good.</span></p> <p><span>Q. These are times that are challenging for you. What are some of the things that you have learned during this time?</span></p> <p><span>BERNARD TOMIC: What do you mean?</span></p> <p><span>Q. Well, have you reflected on your place in tennis? On your desire? Are you in this primarily for financial reasons or do you want to do other things?</span></p> <p><span>BERNARD TOMIC: Next question.</span></p> <p><span>Q. So will you head back to Mouratoglou’s for another practice based there or what’s the plan?</span></p> <p><span>BERNARD TOMIC: I go home to Monaco and that’s it.</span></p> <p><span>Q. In the qualifying you played with the shot clock. I was just wondering what are your thoughts on it and were you noticing it the whole time? What was it like?</span></p> <p><span>BERNARD TOMIC: I like it. It’s good.</span></p> <p><span> </span></p> <p><span>On Friday, Trungelliti lost in the final round of Roland Garros qualifying and then made the journey back to his Barcelona home.</span></p> <p><span>After finding out that no lucky loser had signed on to replace Kyrgios as Tomic’s first-round opponent, Trungelliti drove back to Paris for the tournament on Sunday night.</span></p> <p><span>The tennis player completed the nine-hour journey just before midnight with his mother, grandmother and brother.</span></p> <p><span>Despite not being confirmed as a starter 21 minutes before the match, Trungelliti proceeded to win and pocketed $90,000.</span></p> <p><span>He would have received $20,000 more but Kyrgios was paid the first-round loser’s cheque after he withdrew because of new grand slam rules.</span></p> <p><em>Image credit: Twitter <span class="username u-dir u-textTruncate">@rolandgarros</span></em></p>

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Karl Stefanovic takes a serve at Bernard Tomic: "He's so annoying!"

<p>Karl Stefanovic is unimpressed that Bernard Tomic has lashed out at Lleyton Hewitt following his comments that it was unlikely <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/2018/01/lleyton-hewitt-blasts-bernard-tomic/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tomic will ever play in the Davis Cup again</span></strong></a>.</p> <p>The tennis athlete,  who recently walked out of<em> I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here</em>, didn’t hold back when he responded to Hewitt’s comments.</p> <p>“I don’t care what Lleyton said. I never lost to him,” Tomic said bluntly while appearing on The Project.</p> <p>“The important thing is that there’s a reason why I played Davis Cup and there’s a reason why my record stands that good,” Tomic said.</p> <p>“I stand by my call. They know they can’t win without me and I know they can’t win without me.”</p> <p>This morning on the <em>Today</em> show, Karl Stefanovic had his say about Tomic’s comments.</p> <p>“He’s so annoying ... so annoying!” Stefanovic said. “Lleyton Hewitt was number one in the world. Bernie, you never got there. Respect Lleyton.</p> <p>“He goes on and on. I don’t want to hear from him anymore. Can you do your talking on the court rather than off?”</p> <p>In his time in the South African jungle for the Channel 10 reality show, Tomic revealed that he was feeling depressed.</p> <p>“With respect, if he has got something that is not quite going well for him he should get help for it,” Karl said. “Everyone should be encouraged to do that. But it’s continually coming out and bagging people who have made it, actually done it and achieved, it’s just too much.”</p> <p>During his interview on <em>The Project</em>, Tomic also claimed that Tennis Australia was a corrupt organisation and compared it to world football body FIFA.</p> <p>“I’m not happy with that whole situation with Tennis Australia. Until that clears and a few of the problems come out,” Tomic said.</p> <p>“We’ve seen it with the FIFA Federation, how they were corrupt and I know it’s in there. I’m yet to address it. Hopefully I can speak about it soon.”</p> <p><em>The Project</em> host Waleed Aly questioned the 25-year-old on why he wanted to return to the Davis Cup even though he thought Tennis Australia was corrupt, but Tomic doubled down on his opinion.</p> <p>Previously, Tomic has admitted that at times he makes comments that he regrets five minutes later.</p> <p>Waleed Aly questioned if that were to happen with his claims on the show.</p> <p>“Is this a statement you might regret in five minutes?” Aly said.</p> <p>“No. This is a statement I stand by,” Tomic responded.</p> <p>“It’s up to only them to fix ... we have a few wrong people in that organisation and I hope that can change and I hope the best players can be playing Davis Cup again.”</p>

TV

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Lleyton Hewitt blasts Bernard Tomic: "He's made some mistakes"

<p>Lleyton Hewitt has said that it is unlikely that Bernard Tomic will ever play in the Davis Cup again.</p> <p>On Tuesday, Hewitt responded to Tomic’s controversial comments that his country will never win the tournament again without him, saying that there were a number of factors that made Tomic unappealing for future selection.</p> <p>Tomic made the comments before heading into the African jungle to be a contestant on Channel Ten’s <em>I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here.</em></p> <p>Hewitt explained that he has the perfect team environment right now and it would be hard for Tomic to win him over ever again.</p> <p>When asked of Tomic’s chances of returning to the Davis Cup team, Hewitt said, “It is highly doubtful."</p> <p>Hewitt added, “There’s a lot more that plays out behind the scenes than what Bernie says publicly. For me, he’s made some mistakes and it will be a long way back.</p> <p>“With the team camaraderie we have at the moment, it’s as good as I’ve been a part of in a long time. We fully believe with the players we have here, we can go a long way.”</p> <p>Hewitt’s team is made up of Nick Kyrgios, Alex de Minaur, Jordan Thompson, John Peers and John Millman.</p> <p>Before leaving to go on the Channel 10 show, Tomic said that “the only way for Australia to win the Davis Cup” was with both him and Kyrgios.</p> <p>Hewitt said the team members had already laughed off Tomic’s comments.</p> <p>“I don’t watch a lot of those kind of shows but a couple of boys have kept a close eye on it and it keeps them in good humour at night and gives them something to talk about,” Hewitt said.</p> <p>“The team camaraderie is as good as I have seen for a long time.</p> <p>“We believe we can go a long way and I back these boys.”</p> <p>When asked if Australia could win without Tomic, Hewitt said, “I think everyone would agree he wouldn’t be able to help us right now.”</p> <p>Hewitt revealed that he was unsure whether Tomic would continue tennis, saying it was a decision the 25-year-old needs to decide for himself.</p> <p>“It’s strange. You either want to be a tennis player or you don’t,” he said of Tomic’s TV reality show appearance.</p> <p>“I don’t know (if he will play again). He still wanted to play the Australian Open and tried to qualify and good on him for that.</p> <p>“But it is pointless if he is playing in quallies and you are not committed to the sport.</p> <p>“He’s wasting not only his time but also everyone around him.”</p> <p>On Friday, the team’s Davis Cup tie against Germany will begin in Brisbane. </p>

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Bernard Tomic: "Why I wish I never got into tennis"

<p>Bernard Tomic shocked the nation when it was revealed he was joining the cast of Channel 10’s I’m a <em>Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!</em> after failing to qualify for the Australian Open, and in a candid new interview with <em>The Project</em>’s Carrie Bickmore, the former world No. 17 explained the reason behind his decision.</p> <p>“I don’t love tennis but I like it a lot and it’s something that I need to do and I need to do as best as I can,” he told Bickmore.</p> <p>When asked if he regretted getting into tennis altogether, Tomic shocked viewers, replying, “Yeah, probably. The grind with everything and I mean taken, you know, 18 years already. It’s stressful, it’s not easy, it’s a big job.”</p> <p>On his decision to enter the jungle, the 25-year-old said he hopes to change the public’s negative perception of him but confesses his emotional instability might just make it worse. “I might get really angry,” he said.</p> <p>“I don’t really think of what I’m going to say and I just always say it and then I really regret it and go, ‘Maybe I shouldn’t have said that.’”</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheProjectTV%2Fvideos%2F10155275677418441%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p> <p>However, Tomic, who recorded the interview prior to entering the South African jungle, had no idea just how tough it would be, and is already back to his old ways and considering giving up.</p> <p>In last night’s episode, Tomic, who admitted he has a fear of heights, was chosen by camp leader Anthony Mundine to complete a tucker trial (a challenge for the celebrities to win a decent meal) in which he was suspended over a cliff on narrow boards and given goggles that made everything appear upside down.</p> <p>After stumbling and claiming he was going to vomit, Tomic shouted the words “I’m a celebrity, get me out of here,” making him the first contestant to quit a challenge this series.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">How about the fall from Tomic. He really struggled out there under intense conditions. Welcome to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ImACelebrityAU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ImACelebrityAU</a>! <a href="https://t.co/AQdMbDxxQS">pic.twitter.com/AQdMbDxxQS</a></p> — #ImACelebrityAU (@ImACelebrityAU) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImACelebrityAU/status/957907966094663681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2018</a></blockquote> <p>“I just wasn’t expecting all of this, you know. I am just not coping well. This is not the real world,” Tomic said.</p> <p>“This is the jungle. This is so different. Not what I expected. I don’t think I can do it. I think it is best if I go. There is no point in me being here anymore and wasting unnecessary time for myself.”</p> <p>Fellow camp mates Mundine and <em>The Real Housewives of Melbourne</em> star Jackie Gillies managed to talk Tomic into staying for one more night to consider his decision, saying, “we would love you to stay”.</p>

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Bernard Tomic explains: “I’m not the bad boy people think I am”

<p>Bernard Tomic has developed a reputation for being in the news for all the wrong reasons, but ahead of his appearance on Channel 10 program <em>I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here</em>, the tennis prodigy wants to set the record on his public image straight.</p> <p>The 25-year-old Tomic has copped a beating in the press for everything from feigning injury to traffic violations, but the professional tennis player who was once ranked No. 17 in the world told <a href="https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Fairfax</strong> </em></span></a>there’s another side to his personality.</p> <p>"I've said so many things in so many press conferences that caused problems," Tomic told Fairfax.</p> <p>“There's been incidents with police and arrests in Miami. Obviously, I did these things and I regret them. Now I'm keen to show people a different side to my personality."</p> <p>Tomic admitted that he has his regrets but stopped short of apologising.</p> <p>"I regret 80 per cent of what I've done," he says.</p> <p>"I didn't know any life apart from tennis since I was eight years old," he says.</p> <p>"I was just a machine, training with my father ... I didn't have a childhood; obviously, that took its toll."</p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7S55Pq4RrfI" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p>Tomic was in the news earlier this year when, after failing to qualify for the Aussie Open, he invited journos to replicate his actions while he counted his riches.</p> <p>"I regretted saying that about two minutes later," he says. "But when you truly get to know me, I'm a good guy. I'm not the bad boy people think I am."</p> <p>What are your thoughts? Do you think Tomic is getting the short end of the stick? Or is it about time the Australian tennis star grew up and fulfilled his potential?</p>

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Bernard Tomic slammed for petulant act in tournament loss

<p>Bernard Tomic has been <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/2017/07/bernard-tomic-sunday-night-interview/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>slammed by tennis fans and commentators</strong></span></a> for a petulant act in his first-round loss to Pierre-Hugues Herbert at the Vienna Open.</p> <p>After dropping his first service game, the 25-year-old seemed to be playing hard, breaking back at back at 4-5 when Herbert was serving for the opening set.</p> <p>Then, while up 40-0 at 5-5, Tomic did this:</p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xWUX1sfLZQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p>After the underarm first serve Tomic lost the point quickly and would go on to lose the match against Herbert 7-6 (7-4), 7-5, who is ranked 83 in the world.</p> <p>2017 <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/2017/07/pat-rafter-reveals-truth-about-his-davis-cup-captain-stint/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>hasn’t been a great year for Tomic</strong></span></a>, where inconsistent results have seen his overall ranking drop more than 100 places since the start of the year.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Bernard Tomic served underarm to try to win a point ... What a pathetic attempt at playing a professional game</p> — tim (@__tim_c) <a href="https://twitter.com/__tim_c/status/922557225255649280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2017</a></blockquote> <p>What’s your take? Do you think this is a moment of petulance? Or was is just a mere moment of madness? Tell us what you think in the comments below. </p>

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Pat Rafter reveals sad truth about his Davis Cup captain stint

<p>Pat Rafter has responded to Bernard Tomic’s television interview on Sunday night, expressing a number of regrets about his dealing with Tomic during his four-year stint as Davis Cup captain.</p> <p>Rafter spoke to KIIS FM on radio on Monday in response to <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/2017/07/bernard-tomic-sunday-night-interview/">Tomic’s Channel Seven Sunday Night interview</a></span></strong>, where Tomic called the to-time US Open winner “not that much of a nice guy” and said he likes to “put on a show”.</p> <p>Thought Rafter did not apologise, the Aussie tennis champ said he felt he could have handled Tomic better during his time as Davis Cup captain and then head of performance.</p> <p> "One of the things I said publicly was that he was pretty disgraceful out there," Rafter said.</p> <p>Rafter made those comments after a US Open match Tomic played against Andy Roddick in 2012 where he appeared to tank in the third set.</p> <p>"Maybe I shouldn't have said that. Maybe it should have been said between him and me."</p> <p>Rafter also agreed with Tomic’s assessment that he acts differently depending on who he’s with.</p> <p>“He’s not entirely wrong, at the end of the day we do wear different hats for different occasions,” Rafter says. “I do put on different faces for different occasions.</p> <p>“I don’t want to bash up on Bernie. He’s got a point and he’s got a voice and he can say what he wants to say. We have had run-ins, we see life a little bit differently.”</p> <p>Of his time as Davis Cup captain, Rafter said he went in believing he could quickly make an impact when he first started dealing with a then 18-year-old Tomic.</p> <p>"… I thought at the time I could make some change but I found out pretty quickly I couldn't impact that," Rafter said.</p> <p>"We see life a bit differently.</p> <p>"So we are going to have disagreements and I was pretty vocal in that and he was pretty hurt by it."</p> <p>After four years as Davis Cup captain, Rafter quit a year earlier than expected and moved onto the head of performance at Tennis Australia. He admitted that he had a lot of difficulty handling the young Australian players.</p> <p>"I realised I had no impact with these guys whatsoever. They couldn't relate to me and I couldn't relate to them," he said.</p> <p>"It wasn't enjoyable," he said of the Davis Cup stint.</p> <p>"I reckon I had one or two enjoyable ties out of the four years I did it for. It was just hard work and banging my head against the wall all the time."</p> <p>Rafter says while he doesn’t hold any ill will toward Tomic, he hasn’t spoken to him in a year and has no plans to get in touch. </p>

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Bernard Tomic: “It's just a job ... I haven't really tried”

<p>In a candid new interview on Seven’s <em>Sunday Night</em> program, tennis star Bernard Tomic has opened up about his life and career, admitting he’s amazed to have come so far given how little effort he occasionally puts in.</p> <p>The troubled Tomic, who has slid from a high of number 17 in the rankings to a meagre 69 in the past year, is unapologetic for his behaviour on and off the court.</p> <p>“Throughout my career, I’ve given 100 per cent,” he told Melissa Doyle. “I’ve given also 30 per cent. But if you balance it out, I think all my career's been around 50 per cent and I haven’t really tried, and really achieved all this. So just amazing what I’ve done.”</p> <p>Tomic, who has been no stranger to criticism over the years, has silenced his naysayers, explaining he could’ve jumped ship at any time and been paid handsomely for it. “There’s been big offers to play for different countries. Millions that ... people could only imagine. And I never did that. I stayed loyal to Australia.”</p> <p>Asked if his love for the sport will ever return, Tomic responded with a firm “no”. “I’m just going to go about it as a job.”</p> <p>The sports star also took aim at fellow Aussie tennis success Pat Rafter, slamming his false “nice guy” image. “Pat’s said a lot of bad things about me, throughout my career, and, you know, he’s always perceived as this nice guy. People don’t know him in the back of closed doors. He’s not that much of a nice guy ... he likes to put on a show.”</p> <p>Did you watch the interview last night? What did you think about Tomic’s comments? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. </p>

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