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Paul Simon reveals sad health update

<p>At 82 years of age, the great Paul Simon – one half of the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel – has admitted to facing a new health challenge that could prove devastating to millions of fans worldwide: hearing loss.</p> <p>In a recent revelation, he spoke candidly about how this health issue has affected his performances, yet also how he's adapted in oder to continue pursuing his passion for music.</p> <p>Simon's discussion about his hearing loss comes ahead of the premiere of a two-part docuseries, <em>In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon</em>, set to air on MGM+ starting March 17. It's a timely revelation, shedding light on the personal struggles behind the legendary musician's enduring career.</p> <p>During a panel discussion, Simon disclosed the impact of his hearing loss on his recent stage experiences. While he's regained some comfort in singing and playing instruments, he noted difficulties when certain instruments overshadow his own voice.</p> <p>"If there's a drum or an electric guitar," he revealed, "it's too loud and I can't hear my voice. But when I first lost the hearing, I couldn't get – it threw me off."</p> <p>It's a frustration that resonates deeply with any performer reliant on auditory cues for their craft.</p> <p>Simon's journey with hearing loss began suddenly, with the loss predominantly affecting his left ear. In a previous interview, he described the initial frustration and annoyance at the unexplained condition, hoping it would eventually resolve itself.</p> <p>"Nobody has an explanation, so everything became more difficult," he said in a <em>Times</em> interview in May 2023. "My reaction to that was frustration and annoyance; not quite anger yet, because I thought it would pass, it would repair itself."</p> <p>Despite the challenges, he's found solace and creative expression through his daily guitar playing, using it as both a creative outlet and a source of comfort during trying times.</p> <p>Reflecting on his musical journey alongside Art Garfunkel, Simon highlighted the enduring impact of their collaboration. From their humble beginnings as schoolmates in New York to becoming one of the best-selling music acts of the 1960s and 1970s, Simon & Garfunkel's legacy is undeniable. Their timeless hits, including "The Sound of Silence," "Mrs Robinson," and "Bridge Over Troubled Water," continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.</p> <p>Despite occasional tensions and artistic differences that led to their split in 1970, Simon & Garfunkel's partnership endured, marked by intermittent reunions for select performances. Their ability to transcend personal conflicts in the pursuit of their shared musical vision speaks volumes about their dedication to their craft and the enduring power of their bond.</p> <p>While Simon's journey may have taken an unexpected turn, his musical legacy continues to shine brightly, resonating with generations past, present and future.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Hearing

Paul Hogan calls Margot Robbie's Oscars snub a "dull tradition"

<p>Paul Hogan has called out The Academy for their "dull tradition” after Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig were snubbed for an Oscar nomination in February. </p> <p>Despite being the only film directed by a woman to earn more than $1 billion at the box office, Robbie and Gerwig were both <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/movies/margot-robbie-snubbed-as-oscar-nominations-announced" target="_blank" rel="noopener">snubbed </a>in their respective categories of leading actress and best director during the 96th Academy Awards, which sparked outrage online. </p> <p>Speaking to <em>Sunrise</em> on Friday, the <em>Crocodile Dunde</em>e actor revealed his thoughts on why he thinks both the Aussie actor and <em>Barbie</em> director missed out on a nomination. </p> <p>“To see them not nominated, that’s a sort of like ... a dull tradition of ‘if it’s not about pain and suffering, it can’t be very good’. It’s not fair,” Hogan said.</p> <p>He then praised Robbie, saying: “She’s great — not only is she beautiful and smart, she’s a nice kid, too.”</p> <p>During the interview on <em>Sunrise</em>, Hogan also reflected on the time he hosted the Oscars in 1987, and said that it was good fun. </p> <p>“It was fabulous because I was probably the first person ever allowed on live television to do the Oscars without presenting a script or having anything written on the auto-cue,” he said.</p> <p>“They were very nervous but Samuel Goldwyn, who was the producer, said, ‘I’ve seen him on television. He’s Hoges … let’s just let him go and it’ll be fun for all of us’.”</p> <p>The actor added that while he rarely felt "intimidated", there were a few times in his career where he was starstruck — most notably when he met the Queen, Princess Diana, and Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor.</p> <p>Hogan's first public appearance was in 1971 at Nine's amateur talent programme <em>New Faces</em>. </p> <p>He rose to international fame after his role as Mick "Crocodile" Dundee in the 1986 film <em>Crocodile Dundee, </em>which won him the 1987 Golden Globe Award for Best Actor and a few other nominations at the BAFTAs. </p> <p><em>Images: Seven/ Getty</em></p>

Movies

"I want answers": Simon Dorante-Day's cunning plan to prove royal connections

<p>The Queensland man claiming to be the son of King Charles and Queen Camilla has shared his new plan to prove once and for all that he has royal family connections. </p> <p>Simon Dorante-Day has long claimed through his 30 years of research, he discovered that he is the illegitimate son of the monarch, and has attempted to prove his theory through various means. </p> <p>Now, his new plan to get his hands on royal DNA to unequivocally prove his family heritage involves another member of the royal family. </p> <p>Speaking with <a href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/aussie-man-claiming-to-be-charles-son-drops-new-prince-harry-dna-bombshell-c-13488374" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>7News</em></a>, the 57-year-old said he and his wife have been told by a “trusted source” that Prince Harry could be amenable to helping them gather proof.</p> <p>“We got advice from a really good, really trusted source that we should approach Harry and make a connection there and ask for DNA,” Elvianna said.</p> <p>Simon added, “I was really taken aback when he said that. But it’s definitely something I’m going to do. I’ve long been a supporter of Harry and Meghan, I think it’s disgraceful the way they’ve been treated by the royal family."</p> <p>“The way they are treated on social media too, it’s just one big ‘Punch-Meghan-and-Harry-a-thon’, seriously. It’s really starting to annoy me."</p> <p>He said he is planning to "make contact with him and explore this as an opportunity," pointing out that the royal family's treatment of Harry could make him more willing to help.</p> <p>"At the end of the day, I feel like he just might be as keen as I am to expose what Charles and Camilla and the powers that be have done to me. The injustice."</p> <p>“It’s worth me pointing out that Charles and Camilla, Buckingham Palace, the entire royal family - not one of them has ever said my claims are not true. They’ve never denied what I believe, told me I’m wrong."</p> <p>Simon said “the wheels are in motion” in terms of making contact with Prince Harry, and that he’s hopeful of a positive outcome.</p> <p>“I want answers,” he said. “And I feel Prince Harry is the man to help me find them.”</p> <p>“And I think their silence speaks volumes.”</p> <p>Simon said “the wheels are in motion” in terms of making contact with Prince Harry, and that he’s hopeful of a positive outcome.</p> <p>“I want answers,” he said. “And I feel Prince Harry is the man to help me find them.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook / Getty Images </em></p>

Family & Pets

He's back! Charles and Camilla's secret "son" drops DNA bombshell

<p>The Australian man who has long claimed to be the secret child of King Charles and Queen Camilla has shared the details of a wild plot to extract his DNA. </p> <p>The 57-year-old man from Queensland revealed he was tracked down by an American woman, who claimed she was the illegitimate child of the late Prince Philip, and attempted to get a DNA sample from the man. </p> <p>Simon Dorante-Day has made headline around the world with his claims that he is the son of Charles and Camilla, which he says are the results of decades worth of research. </p> <p>“My grandmother, who had worked for the Queen, told me outright that I was Camilla and Charles’ son many times,” he said.</p> <p>Now, in an interview with <a href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/aussie-man-who-claims-to-be-charles-and-camillas-son-drops-biggest-ever-dna-bombshell-c-12788618" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>7News</em></a>, Dorante-Day shared the story of how he was tracked down by the American woman, who knocked on his door in the early hours of the morning on December 2nd. </p> <p>The 57-year-old and his wife Elvianna were immediately skeptical of the woman, who said she used a private investigator to track him down. </p> <p>“This woman claimed that she was the secret illegitimate daughter of Prince Philip who lived in San Francisco,” Dorante-Day said.</p> <p>“She explained that she had travelled from the US after hiring an investigator to track me down in Queensland. The whole purpose of her visit was to ask me for a sample of my DNA."</p> <p>“She wanted to compare it to hers, to basically prove that we were both related to the royal family.”</p> <p>After humouring the woman and letting her share her evidence along with her elaborate story, Simon concluded that the whole thing was a scam, along with an illegal attempt to extract his DNA.</p> <p>“This woman had a lot of so-called proof to back up her claims, but the whole thing just seemed really fishy,” he said.</p> <p>He recalled how the woman shared her own adoption story, which resulted in her turning to the FBI for help, who allegedly handed her her original birth certificate, which listed Prince Philip as her father. </p> <p>“Of course my bulls*** meter is flying off the handle at this point. I know how hard it is to get any government authority to address these sorts of issues — I hardly think the Federal Bereau of Investigation would just offer up the fact that she was the daughter of the Queen’s late husband," Simon said. </p> <p>“It was all just wild.”</p> <p>The Queensland father and grandfather said it wasn’t long until the woman gave away her real reason for wanting his DNA: money.</p> <p>“She said that she’s already been given a large payout from the royal family after she proved she was the daughter of Prince Philip,” he said.</p> <p>“And she felt that if she was able to compare my DNA to her DNA, and prove we were both descendants of the royal family, then we could ask them for even more money."</p> <p>“Elvianna and I told her what we’ve said to everyone from day one — this isn’t about money for us, at all. This is about us finding out who my birth parents are and protecting my family. We have never wanted money.”</p> <p>After saying goodbye to the pair, Dorante-Day said he and his wife were left reeling.</p> <div> <p>“At the end of the day, this was an illegal attempt to procure my DNA,” he said. </p> <p>Despite the whole experience leaving Dorante-Day and his wife rattled, he said his stance on proving that he is Charles and Camilla's son has not changed. </p> <p>“It takes a lot of work, money and time to build a case like this, but I am confident I will get there,” he said.</p> <p>“I know Charles and Camilla are my parents and I’m ready to prove it.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Supplied</em></p> </div>

Family & Pets

Happy birthday AUD: how our Australian dollar was floated, 40 years ago this week

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/selwyn-cornish-1297285">Selwyn Cornish</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-national-university-877">Australian National University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/john-hawkins-746285">John Hawkins</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-canberra-865"><em>University of Canberra</em></a></em></p> <p>These days, we take for granted that the value of the Australian dollar fluctuates against other currencies, changing thousands of times a day and at times jumping or falling quite a lot in the space of a week.</p> <p>But for most of Australia’s history, the value of the Australian dollar – and the earlier Australian pound – was “<a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/education/resources/explainers/exchange-rates-and-their-measurement.html#:%7E:text=exchange%20rate%20volatility.-,Pegged,or%20a%20basket%20of%20currencies.">pegged</a>” to either gold, pound sterling, the US dollar or to a value of a basket of currencies.</p> <p>The momentous decision to <a href="https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/the-long-road-that-led-to-the-floating-of-the-australian-dollar-20141121-11ra30">float</a> the dollar was taken on Friday December 9 1983 by the Hawke Labor Government, which was elected nine months earlier.</p> <p>As they approached the cabinet room at what is now Old Parliament House, Treasurer Paul Keating asked Reserve Bank Governor Bob Johnston to write him a letter to say the bank recommended floating.</p> <p>The letter, dated December 9, referred to the bank’s concern about the "volume of foreign exchange purchases and its belief that if these flows are to be brought under control we shall need to face up without delay either to less Reserve Bank participation in the exchange market or capital controls."</p> <p>By “less Reserve Bank participation”, Johnston meant a managed float; direct controls were to be considered “as a last resort”.</p> <p>The bank had long maintained a “<a href="https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/the-long-road-that-led-to-the-floating-of-the-australian-dollar-20141121-11ra30">war book</a>”, bearing the intriguing label “Secret Matter”, outlining the procedures to be followed in the event of a decision to float.</p> <p>An updated version was handed to the treasurer the day before the decision.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/floating-exchange-rates-after-ten-years/">US</a> and the <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/june/23/newsid_2518000/2518927.stm">UK</a> floated their currencies in the early 1970s. Since the early 1980s the value of the dollar had been set via a “<a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/bulletin/2018/dec/understanding-exchange-rates-and-why-they-are-important.html">crawling peg</a>” – meaning its value was pegged to other currencies each week, and later each day, by a committee of officials who announced the values at <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/inside-the-floating-of-the-a-20131211-2z698.html">9.30 each morning</a>.</p> <p>If too much or too little money came into the country as a result of the rate the authorities had set, they adjusted it the next day, sometimes losing money to speculators who had bet they wouldn’t be able to hold the rate they had set.</p> <p>Keating had Johnston accompany him to the December 9 press conference instead of Treasury Secretary John Stone, who had argued against the float in the cabinet room, putting the case for direct controls on capital inflows instead.</p> <p>Johnston’s presence was meant to make clear that at least the central bank supported floating the dollar.</p> <h2>Speculators now speculate against themselves</h2> <p>Keating told the press conference the float meant the speculators would be “<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/from-the-archives-1983-the-australian-dollar-floats-free-20191206-p53hjq.html">speculating against themselves</a>”, rather than against the authorities.</p> <p>One banker quoted that night confessed to being “<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/from-the-archives-1983-the-australian-dollar-floats-free-20191206-p53hjq.html">absolutely staggered</a>”. “I’m not sure they know what they have done,” the banker said.</p> <p>The following Monday on ABC’s AM program, presenter <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2003-12-08/20-years-since-dollar-floated/102568">Red Harrison</a> heralded “a brave new world for the Australian dollar”. He said, "from today the dollar must take its chance, subject to the supply and demand of the international marketplace, and there are suggestions that foreign exchange dealers expect a nervous start to trading when the first quotes are posted this morning."</p> <p>At the time, the Australian dollar was worth 90 US cents. At first it <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2013/sp-gov-211113.html">rose</a>, before settling back.</p> <p>Since then, the Australian dollar has fluctuated from a low of <a href="https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/australian-dollar-floated">47.75</a> US cents in April 2001 to a high of US$1.10 in July 2011.</p> <hr /> <p><iframe id="6ExL8" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/6ExL8/3/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> <hr /> <h2>The long road to the float</h2> <p>The idea first took hold in Australia when Commonwealth Bank Governor <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/bulletin/2022/dec/hc-coombs-governor-of-australias-central-bank-1949-1968.html">“Nugget” Coombs</a> visited Canada in 1953, at a time when it was one of the few countries with a floating exchange rate.</p> <p>On his return, Coombs wrote the bank should consider Canada’s experience.</p> <p>A strong advocate from the mid-1960s was the bank’s economist <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1475-4932.1986.tb00915.x">Austin Holmes</a>. Among those he mentored at what by then was called the Reserve Bank were Bob Johnston, Don Sanders and John Phillips.</p> <p>All three were in the cabinet room when the decision was taken.</p> <h2>Backed by Cairns, opposed by Abbott</h2> <p>An unlikely advocate in the 1970s was the left-wing Labor treasurer <a href="https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-03/05Hawkins.pdf">Jim Cairns</a>.</p> <p>But asked in 1979 whether he was in favour of a float, the then Reserve Bank governor <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/about-rba/history/governors/sir-harold-murray-knight.html">Harry Knight</a> responded by quoting Saint Augustine, saying “God make me pure, but not yet”. An oil shock was making markets turbulent at the time.</p> <p>In 1981, the Campbell inquiry into the Australian financial system delivered a landmark report to Treasurer John Howard, <a href="https://treasury.gov.au/publication/p1981-afs">recommending</a> a float. The idea was backed by neither the Treasury nor Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser.</p> <p>Two years later, Howard watched from opposition as Labor did what he could not.</p> <p>The Liberal Party generally backed Labor’s move, with one notable exception – the later prime minister, <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/tony-abbott-wrote-20-years-ago-floating-dollar-didnt-make-sense-20131206-2ywpm.html">Tony Abbott</a>, who in 1994 wrote that "changing the price of the dollar moment by moment in response to each transaction makes no more sense than altering the price of cornflakes every time a buyer takes a packet off the supermarket shelves."</p> <h2>A success by any measure</h2> <p>The floating exchange rate has served Australia well.</p> <p>When the Australian economy has slowed or contracted – in the early 1990s, the Asian financial crisis, the global financial crisis and in the COVID recession – the Australian dollar has fallen, making Australian exports cheaper in foreign markets.</p> <p>When mining booms have sucked money into the country, the Australian dollar has climbed, spreading the benefit and fighting inflation by increasing the buying power of Australian dollars.</p> <p>It’s why these days, hardly anyone wants to return to a <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/education/resources/explainers/exchange-rates-and-their-measurement.html">pegged</a> rate.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/217548/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/selwyn-cornish-1297285">Selwyn Cornish</a>, Honorary Associate Professor, Research School of Economics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-national-university-877">Australian National University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/john-hawkins-746285">John Hawkins</a>, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-canberra-865">University of Canberra</a></em></p> <p><em>Image </em><em>credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/happy-birthday-aud-how-our-australian-dollar-was-floated-40-years-ago-this-week-217548">original article</a>.</em></p>

Money & Banking

MasterChef finalist jailed for 24 years

<p>Paul Douglas Frost, a <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">former finalist on MasterChef Australia, has been ordered to</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> serve a minimum of 24 years in prison – up to a maximum of 32 years – for 43 sexual offences he against 11 children that he committed during his time working as a Sydney swim coach.</span></p> <p>It's been over four years since Frost's arrest, and now the verdict – delivered by Judge Sarah Huggett at Downing Centre District Court in Sydney – sees justice for his crimes that occurred over a period of ten years and involved children as young as ten years old.</p> <p>Judge Huggett made special mention of the “escalating gravity and brazenness” of Frost's crimes against his victims, the <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">youngest of whom was nine or 10 years old when the abuse began, while the oldest was molested until the age of 16.</span></p> <p>Huggett also made it clear in her ruling that Frost had shown no remorse for his actions, while dismissing character references that portrayed him as a protector of young people.</p> <p>“There is no evidence that would permit me to find on balance that he is contrite or remorseful,” she told the court. Frost appeared in court not in person, but via video link from Shortland Correctional Centre, and showed little to no reaction throughout Judge Huggett's sentencing.</p> <p>The majority of Frost’s crimes occurred at a swimming school in southwest Sydney, and testimonies from his victims outlined the depth of Frost’s manipulation, encouraging explicit discussions about sex and masturbation, which eventually led to inappropriate physical contact.</p> <p>The court was also told of Frost's tendency to coerce his victims into remaining silent after the assaults. Judge Huggett also said that Frost’s offences were “opportunistic, impulsive and spontaneous,” which helped him to create an environment that made the discussion of explicit matters appear normal to his victims.</p> <p>Judge Huggett said Frost, who was in his 20s when the crimes were comitted, “created opportunities for him to be alone” with the victims. “In addition to manipulating the victims, he manipulated the parents who trusted him with their children." </p> <p>Frost’s earliest possible release date is June 3, 2047. He is currently being held in protective custody following an assault in July at Shortland Correctional Centre.</p> <p><em>Images: Network 10</em></p>

Legal

Sir Paul McCartney spreads joy by signing fan's piano

<p>A lucky Adelaide fan's dream came true after getting his piano signed by the one and only Sir Paul McCartney.</p> <p>The former Beatle took to Instagram to share the moment he signed a piano for music enthusiast, Pete. </p> <p>"Alright, here we are signing Pete's piano," the icon said while dressed casually in an all-black outfit with a grey sharpie in one hand. </p> <p>"Pete's from Adelaide, so am I, here we go," the 81-year-old joked as he signed the piano. </p> <p>"To Pete, cheers, Paul McCartney 2023." </p> <p>The former Beatle then said: "you’ll have to look at that every time you play," before playing the intro of one his former band's smash hits <em>Lady Madonna.</em></p> <p>The video was captioned: "Who knew Pete would hit the right keys with Paul? Taking a moment out of his #PaulMcCartneyGotBack tour Paul signs a dedicated fan's piano in Adelaide 🇦🇺".</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/reel/Cy_6zyUv_wX/?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/Cy_6zyUv_wX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Paul McCartney (@paulmccartney)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The cover photo of the reel showed Pete holding a sign which said: "Paul please sign my piano" and his dreams finally came true. </p> <p>Fans have expressed their joy for Pete and praised Sir Paul for his kindness. </p> <p>"Pete just had the best day of his life and he knows it ❤️" one wrote. </p> <p>"He's surely gonna treasure that piano for the rest of his life!" another commented.</p> <p>"Sir Paul…. Thank you for being so gracious, and so generous. You were an absolute pleasure to meet!" Pete, the fan whose dreams came true, added. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Music

Fan called out over "racist" complaint at Sir Paul McCartney's concert

<p>A fan has copped some backlash after complaining about an "Acknowledgment of Country" sign at Sir Paul McCartney's concert in Sydney over the weekend .</p> <p>The sign read: "We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation and all family groups connected to this Country, as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather and perform today.</p> <p>"We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today." </p> <p>It was displayed over two large screens during McCartney's gig at Allianz Stadium, and concertgoer Kobie Thatcher was not happy with it. </p> <p>"You can't even go to a concert now without an "acknowledgement of country,"" she tweeted on Saturday. </p> <p>Most fans were quick to call her out on her "racist" remark. </p> <p>"You went to a Paul McCartney concert and are complaining about treating POC [people of colour] with respect?" one wrote.</p> <p>"The Beatles refused to play to segregated concerts in the USA. Peace and love is what you take to his concerts, not division and hate." </p> <p>"Oh for gods sake, get over it, he also flew the pride flag, I guess your knickers are in a twist about that too!" another commented. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">You can’t even go to a concert now without an ‘acknowledgement of country’ 🙄 <a href="https://t.co/lHmqgtroTz">pic.twitter.com/lHmqgtroTz</a></p> <p>— Kobie Thatcher (@KobieThatcher) <a href="https://twitter.com/KobieThatcher/status/1718177010915455229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>"You & other racists could move to Texas, if that would be better for you," a third added. </p> <p>"You conservatives are always getting triggered so easily huh," a fourth commented. </p> <p>However a few others agreed with Thatcher's tweet. </p> <p>"I thought this "welcome to country" crap was gonna be finished after we ALL voted No!" wrote one person.</p> <p>"So sick and annoying. Disgusting too," another added. </p> <p><em>Images: Getty/ X</em></p>

Legal

Sam Mac under fire for excluding mum from once-in-a-lifetime concert

<p>Sam Mac <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">had all the best intentions when he planned the surprise announcement for his dad's 70th birthday, but his execution had fans bombarding his page with furious comments. </span></p> <p>The <em>Sunrise</em> weatherman posted a <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@sammactiktok/video/7295241603319368962" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a> on Monday of him walking with his parents moments before he surprised his dad with tickets to former Beatles member Paul McCartney’s Sydney Concert. </p> <p>"I told my parents we were walking to a bar called SPM," the text overlay read on the TikTok. </p> <p>“I’ve been lying to you both – there is no bar,” Sam told his parents, who believed they were heading there to celebrate his dad's birthday. </p> <p>“There is no bar called SPM … SPM stands for Sir Paul McCartney,” he said.</p> <p>“Paul McCartney!” his mum exclaimed, but her excitement was short-lived. </p> <p>“Sorry mum, you’re not coming,” he laughed.</p> <p>“I’ll get you an Uber mum, it’s fine, you came to the Logies.”</p> <p>Sam's dad was clearly stunned as he teared up while hugging his son. </p> <p>The rest of the video showed Sam and his dad having a blast as they sang along to a few classic Beatle's songs like <em>A Hard Day’s Night, Hey Jude</em> and <em>Let it Be</em>.</p> <p>But fans couldn't let go of his snub. </p> <p>“Having sat through the Logies myself, it’s just not a fair comparison," one wrote. </p> <p>“Worse still, he brought her all the way there first and made her go home,” added another. </p> <p>"Should have given your mum your ticket. Date night for mum and dad," a third commented </p> <p>"She got dressed up for nothing. At least include her in the surprise. This isn't heartwarming, it's rude," a fourth commented. </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/reel/Cy-A67_JJn5/?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/Cy-A67_JJn5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sam Mac (@sammacinsta)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Sam then clarified his actions in the comments. </p> <p>“Mum is normally the one getting spoiled. We had a great dinner,” he explained.</p> <p>“Dad and I rarely get one-on-one time. This was dad’s night, dad’s birthday. So special.”</p> <p>Despite the confusion of some fans after the snub, many of them also praised Sam. </p> <p>"Your dad will be talking about that for weeks!!" one wrote. </p> <p>“How beautiful you are to surprise them … you will always have that moment,” added another. </p> <p>"Sam this is the best! You are such a special son. The look on your Dad’s face said it all. What a special memory for you both to treasure forever ❤️" </p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

Family & Pets

Tragic new details emerge in alleged murder of Lilie James

<p>After the prestigious St Andrew's Cathedral School in Sydney was been rocked by the alleged murder of a young water polo instructor, Lilie James, new details about the discovery of a possible murder weapon have been revealed.</p> <p>James was found dead in a gym bathroom within the school, with "serious head injuries" that were <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12674723/Lilie-James-murder-Paul-Thijssen-St-Andrews-Cathedral.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly inflicted with a hammer</a>. The circumstances surrounding her death are both puzzling and distressing, leaving the community in shock and disbelief.</p> <p>James, who had been romantically involved with her colleague, 24-year-old sports coach Paul Thijssen, met a tragic end in the place where she had dedicated her time and passion. The two had recently ended their five-week relationship, and the events of that night have left investigators piecing together a disturbing puzzle.</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">CCTV footage obtained by the police revealed that Thijssen followed James into the school's gym bathroom, only to exit more than an hour later. Four hours after leaving the scene, he called the authorities to report a body on the school grounds – police were then able to trace that call to "The Gap" clifftop at Diamond Bay Reserve in Vaucluse, </span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">a notorious suicide spot, where they found </span>Thijssen's backpack, <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">along with an item that has been linked to the homicide.</span></p> <p>The investigation has taken a tragic turn, as authorities are now trying to determine whether Thijssen had taken his own life. Detectives are grappling with the shocking and heartbreaking details of this case, with no prior indication of a history of domestic violence between the two individuals.</p> <p>Thijssen, a former student of St Andrew's Cathedral School, was part of a privileged family that had moved to Australia from the Netherlands in 2015. He excelled as a sports captain during his student years and later returned to the school as a cricket and hockey coach after graduating in 2017.</p> <p>The school, in the wake of this tragic incident, took immediate action to inform parents of the situation via text messages. The message indicated that the school would be closed, except for Year 12 exams, and a "critical incident" had occurred. It assured parents that no students were involved and that there was no ongoing threat to the school community.</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">NSW Premier Chris Minns described it as a “horrible, horrible” crime. “One of the worst that I’ve seen in my public life", while </span>Detective Superintendent Martin Fileman described the crime scene as "quite confronting" for first responders, reflecting the severity and gravity of the situation. The school is working closely with the police to gather more information and provide a safe environment for students and staff members.</p> <p>As the investigation continues, the hope is that it will shed light on the circumstances surrounding her untimely death and provide answers to the many lingering questions.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook / LinkedIn</em></p>

News

Iconic Crocodile Dundee pub hits the market

<p>The iconic Aussie pub that was made famous in <em>Crocodile Dundee</em> has hit the market. </p> <p>The Walkabout Creek Hotel, located in the remote Western Australian town of McKinlay, is up for sale with an asking price of $1.4 million. </p> <p>The local watering hole, which featured in the famous Paul Hogan film, features a public bar, pool room, store room, office, kitchen and a veranda.</p> <p>It also has nine rooms for accommodation and an attached caravan park for out of town visitors. </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.vzrealestate.com.au/listings/rural_sale-3742335-mckinlay/?doing_wp_cron=1694572016.2800199985504150390625" target="_blank" rel="noopener">listing</a> for the pub reads, "This could be the perfect opportunity to purchase a piece of Australian movie history and a great business all while enjoying true country atmosphere and breaking away from busy city life."</p> <p>The property was listed for sale by its owners Debbie and Frank Wust, who are retiring after owning the pub for nine years. </p> <p>“One thing that will always stick in my mind is when we first took over the joint, we had to keep pinching ourselves," Mr Wust told <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-22/crocodile-dundee-pub-for-sale/101256696" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>ABC</em></a>.</p> <div data-component="EmphasisedText"> <p>"We were like, 'Holy moly, we own the <em>Crocodile Dundee</em> pub!'"</p> </div> <p>"It definitely took a bit of getting used to, but honestly, we've been living the dream."</p> <p>"Who doesn't want to own a pub? Any time you want a drink you just go behind the bar and help yourself."</p> <p>Mr Wust said travellers from the UK and the US had made the trek all the way to Australia just to see the pub.</p> <p>Although Debbie and Frank are looking forward to their retirement, they admitted they will be sad when the day comes to had the keys over to the pub's new owner. </p> <p class="paragraph_paragraph__3Hrfa" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;">"I'm really gonna miss the people out here — there are so many great characters," Mr Wust said.</p> <p class="paragraph_paragraph__3Hrfa" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;">"But I reckon we'll be back each year."</p> <p class="paragraph_paragraph__3Hrfa" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;">"It'll be exciting to see what the next lot do with it — if you're gonna buy a pub, may as well make it a famous one."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / VZ Real Estate</em></p>

Domestic Travel

Son of death cap mushroom victim reveals mother's last message

<p>Simon Patterson, the son of Don and Gail Patterson, who tragically fell victim to a mushroom-related incident in Victoria, has spoken emotionally at a public memorial in Korumburra. This marked Simon's first public address since the unfortunate incident.</p> <p>Don and Gail Patterson, along with Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, tragically passed away after consuming a mushroom-infused meal at Erin Patterson's residence in Leongatha, Victoria. </p> <p>At the Korumburra Recreation Centre, Simon emotionally shared, “Mum and dad were very much a team working at life together. The fact they died on consecutive days is fitting in some ways, as it reflects their togetherness as a couple that they always worked so hard to grow.”</p> <p>Simon also disclosed the remarkable resilience of his father, who, despite being in his 70s, managed to survive an emergency liver transplant after the toxic meal. Sadly, his overall health deteriorated rapidly thereafter. Simon recounted the final message his mother sent to their family group chat before her hospitalisation, expressing gratitude for the love they shared.</p> <p>“It was no fluke that mum’s final text message as she lay in Dandenong Hospital was: ‘Lots of love to you all’.</p> <p>"As Mum and Dad lay in comas in the hospital in their final days and each day, we were unsure if they would recover or not, it was comforting to know that when we said: ‘See you later,’ we knew it was true.</p> <p>“The only thing we didn’t know was when. In the meantime, we’ll miss them.” </p> <p>Simon acknowledged his parents' strong Christian faith and emphasised that they were open-minded believers who respected diverse perspectives. He reflected on their perspective on death as an inevitable part of life but not the ultimate end.</p> <p>In a gesture of gratitude, Simon thanked the medical staff at Austin and Dandenong hospitals for their care, particularly noting the compassionate act that allowed Gail to see Don one last time before his transfer to the ICU.</p> <p>Heather Wilkinson's situation remains critical, and her husband, Ian Wilkinson, a church pastor, is recovering in the hospital after consuming the same meal. Reverend Fran Grimes expressed support for Ian's recovery during the memorial service.</p> <p>Detectives are collaborating with the Department of Health to further investigate the incident.</p> <p><em>Images: 7 News / Twitter (X)</em></p>

Family & Pets

Simon Cowell opens up on secret health battle

<p>Renowned television personality and judge of <em>Britain's Got Talent</em>, Simon Cowell, has unveiled his personal journey battling mental health issues and his choice to finally seek treatment.</p> <p>Acknowledged for his acerbic demeanour, Simon Cowell has come forth to disclose a hidden confrontation with his mental well-being.</p> <p>The famous talent show judge conceded that he has grappled with depression throughout the years, though he once regarded it as an inherent aspect of his character – a challenge to be managed privately.</p> <p>While not professing medical expertise, Cowell, 63, shared during his conversation on the "Men In Mind" podcast with Tom Bryant that he has progressively come to realise his situation and embarked on self-directed endeavours to improve his mental health.</p> <p>The pandemic, as Cowell described, acted as a significant amplifier of his mental struggles. The outbreak of COVID-19, he revealed, served as a true catalyst for his introspection.</p> <p>"In the very, very, very early stages, some friends of mine got really ill and I'm talking about really ill," he said on the podcast. "So, I thought, 'God, if I catch this, maybe the same thing's going to happen to me, Eric and Lauren."</p> <p>Lauren, Cowell's partner of 14 years, and their son Eric, aged nine, joined him in navigating the lockdown, predominantly stationed in Los Angeles, USA. They conscientiously adhered to isolation measures and subjected themselves to regular testing.</p> <p>Cowell's apprehensions over his mental well-being were further compounded by the uncertainties surrounding the continuation of <em>Britain's Got Talent</em>. The lingering indecision about resuming filming for the show added an extra layer of strain to his internal battles.</p> <p>“When I see my friends, the first thing I talk about is how therapy has had this super positive effect on my life,” he now says. “I wish I had done this 10 or 20 years ago...it’s like a weight has lifted off my shoulders.” </p> <p><em>Images: Simon Cowell / Instagram</em></p>

Mind

Olympian tragically killed at just 31

<p>A tragic incident has claimed the life of Alexandra Paul, a former Olympic figure skater, at the age of 31 following a collision involving seven vehicles.</p> <p>Alexandra Paul was in a car with her infant child when the accident took place in Melancthon Township, Ontario, Canada. The unfortunate incident occurred when a lorry collided with the car she was in, along with her baby, and five other vehicles that were stationary in a line, according to Canadian law enforcement.</p> <p>While Alexandra Paul was tragically pronounced deceased as a result of the collision, her baby was taken to a nearby children's hospital for treatment of injuries that were determined to be non-life-threatening.</p> <p>Skate Canada, through its Instagram platform, paid homage to Alexandra Paul's memory. The organisation conveyed their sorrow and announced the untimely passing of Alexandra Paul, a highly valued member of the skating community. Recognised as a radiant presence both on and off the ice, Alexandra's commitment, fervour and exceptional skills have left an enduring impression on the realm of figure skating.</p> <p>In remembering Alexandra's contributions to the sport, Skate Canada emphasised the camaraderie and sportsmanship that she consistently embodied. They praised her not just as an accomplished athlete, but also as a paragon of inspiration for budding skaters. Alexandra exemplified the principles of tenacity, persistence, and honourable conduct in sports.</p> <p>Skate Canada further extended their condolences, expressing their sympathy for Alexandra's family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known her during this challenging period.</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/CwY8LfjM58y/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwY8LfjM58y/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Skate Canada / Patinage Canada (@skate_canada)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Alexandra Paul, alongside her husband and skating partner Mitchell Islam, achieved numerous international medals during their career. Their accomplishments include securing three Canadian championship medals and participating in the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Alexandra retired from competitive skating in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of excellence on the ice.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty Images / Instagram</em></p>

News

Paul McCartney’s unusual relationship with Michael Parkinson

<p>Paul McCartney has paid tribute to Michael Parkinson, calling him a “great guy” and a “good friend” in a lengthy and heartfelt post on social media.</p> <p>The iconic interviewer passed away peacefully at home on August 16th after a battle with a brief illness according to a statement from his family.</p> <p>After his death, a flood of tributes poured in from celebrities around the world, including The Beatles frontman Paul McCartney.</p> <p>Parkinson was a personal friend of McCartney’s, as the pair even appeared on a famous album cover together.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p>I first met Michael Parkinson in Liverpool when he and his team came to see us at the Cavern Club. He was a very likeable guy and we eventually did our first TV performances with Granada in Manchester, where Michael worked.</p> <p>Through the years I got to know him more and more, and… <a href="https://t.co/o0fMiXsWwN">pic.twitter.com/o0fMiXsWwN</a></p> <p>— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulMcCartney/status/1692969489980063890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>The two feature on the album cover of Wings‘ coveted "<em>Band On The Run</em>" record as escaped convicts, with Parkinson agreeing to appear on the cover if McCartney would return the favour by being a guest on his chat show.</p> <p>Taking to Twitter on Saturday, McCartney remembered his friend, writing, “I first met Michael Parkinson in Liverpool when he and his team came to see us at the Cavern Club. He was a very likeable guy and we eventually did our first TV performances with Granada in Manchester, where Michael worked.”</p> <p>“Through the years I got to know him more and more, and appeared on his chat show quite a few times. He was a pleasure to talk to and we always had fun. He appeared on the front cover of ‘<em>Band on the Run</em>’ as one of the escaping convicts in the title song. He was very knowledgeable about many subjects and a keen sports-lover.”</p> <p>He added, “I will miss him personally, as a good friend. I send all my love to his family and friends. Cheers Michael, you’re a great guy okay!”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Paul McCartney / Twitter (X)</em></p>

Music

Chris Dawson's twin brother accused of underage sex

<p>Paul Dawson, the twin sibling of Chris Dawson, who is both a convicted murderer and a perpetrator of child sexual abuse, is now facing allegations from several women claiming he engaged in sexual activity with them when they were minors during their time as students – per <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/60-minutes/wife-killer-chris-dawsons-twin-accused-by-four-women-of-underage-sex/8b9b9345-e1d6-4f3d-9bcc-d3f3d4c06603" target="_blank" rel="noopener">60 Minutes</a>.</p> <p>One of Paul Dawson's former students at Forest High School, Shelley Oates-Wilding, shared her experience on a <em>60 Minutes</em> interview, detailing her time during the early 1980s when she was a teenager.</p> <p>Multiple women who attended schools in Sydney's Northern Beaches, where Paul Dawson taught, have also come forward, asserting that the now 75-year-old engaged in sexual relations with them when they were underage.</p> <p>Prior to their teaching careers, both Paul and Chris Dawson were prominent figures in the world of rugby league and modelling. However, their roles as educators have recently come under intense scrutiny as law enforcement reopened investigations into the suspected murder of Lynette Dawson.</p> <p>Although the focus had been primarily on Chris Dawson until now, serious questions now arise about Paul Dawson's behaviour. Shelley's public disclosure unveils disturbing details about how Paul Dawson targeted her. In an exclusive interview with <em>60 Minutes</em>, Shelley revealed that she and Paul spent considerable time socialising with Chris and his young mistress, forming two couples of teachers and students. Shelley alleges that Paul engaged in sexual activity with her at various locations across Sydney's Northern Beaches.</p> <p>The experiences she recalls were intimate and occurred within settings like fitness classes, store rooms, and pools. At the time, the Dawson twins, popular and attractive, garnered admiration from their students, making any attention they showed highly flattering.</p> <p>Shelley reflects on the naivety of youth, sharing that as a 15- and 16-year-old, she lacked the awareness to recognise the grooming that was occurring. She was also a babysitter for Paul's children, which sometimes led to overnight stays.</p> <p>Given the legal framework of the time, the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) deemed it illegal for a teacher to engage in sexual activity with a female student under the age of 17. Shelley vividly remembers an encounter with Paul shortly before the news of Lyn Dawson's disappearance emerged. Paul expressed distress, telling her that something terrible had occurred, and he could no longer maintain their connection. Shelley recalls pondering the severity of the situation at the time.</p> <p>As news circulated about Chris Dawson's missing wife, Shelley sensed a darker narrative than Lyn simply running away. Her personal experiences led her to believe that there was more to the story.</p> <p>"At the beginning of school, I vividly remember going to see him," she said on the program. "He said to me with this extremely pained look on his face that something terrible has happened and he can't see me anymore. I remember thinking, what could be that terrible?"</p> <p>Decades have passed since Shelley's time as Paul Dawson's student. She has since relocated to Hawaii, distancing herself from the Northern Beaches environment where she grew up. While the scars of her childhood experiences can be lasting, Shelley Oates-Wilding channels her journey into positive efforts. She founded Ikaika Hawaii, where she implements holistic programs to guide young individuals toward understanding right from wrong, cultivating perseverance, and embracing respect.</p> <p>She has found the confidence to speak out on Paul Dawson because she knows there are other victims who are in a worse situation than her.</p> <p>Shelley maintains that Paul Dawson likely remains oblivious to any wrongdoing. She perceives a tendency for the Dawson twins to deceive effortlessly, suggesting that their self-perception is intertwined with the narratives they've woven.</p> <p><em>Images: Nine / 60 Minutes</em></p>

Legal

“I really thought it was the end”: Death cap mushroom survivor breaks silence

<p dir="ltr">The man who survived the poisoning effects of eating a death cap mushroom has spoken out, after consuming the deadly ingredients in a dish of spaghetti bolognese prepared by his wife.</p> <p dir="ltr">The same toxic mushroom is now linked to a suspected poisoning in Victoria that has claimed the lives of three people. </p> <p dir="ltr">The shocking incident occurred in 1998, when Simon Claringbold was a robust and athletic 39-year-old, who had an active lifestyle and regularly ran marathons. </p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Claringbold told ABC’s <em>7.30</em> program that he picked the mushrooms in his backyard in Canberra earlier in the day, thinking they were field mushrooms, before discovering they were actually death caps. </p> <p dir="ltr">His wife then cooked them into a spaghetti bolognese, and just 18 hours after eating the contaminated meal, his health took a turn for the worst. </p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Claringbold was rushed to hospital after he became violently ill and started rapidly deteriorating, triggering an arduous battle for his life. </p> <p dir="ltr">The toxic mushrooms Mr Claringbold ingested are understood to be the same variety in the recent poisoning, however, Mr Claringbold’s survival from the ordeal is believed to be sheer luck.</p> <p dir="ltr">Medical experts have explained that death cap mushrooms can vary significantly in their toxicity, making it a game of chance for those who inadvertently ingest them. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Their toxin levels aren’t going to be consistent; it’s not like taking a pill out of a bottle,” Mr Claringbold emphasised to <em>7.30</em>, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the poison.</p> <p dir="ltr">After presenting to the hospital with intense vomiting and diarrhoea, Mr Claringbold gave the hospital a sample of the mushroom to healthcare professionals, who tested the toxin. </p> <p dir="ltr">His health continued to spiral as he encountered hallucinations, moments of blackout and major stress on his liver. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I was preparing for the end, I really thought it was the end. The lights were starting to go out,” he recounted.</p> <p dir="ltr">Remarkably, Mr Claringbold defied the odds, emerging from the ordeal after an 11-day hospitalisation.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Claringbold’s story has come in the wake of the <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/new-details-emerge-in-fatal-mushroom-poisoning-incident">death of his parents</a>, Gail and Don Patterson, and Gail’s sister-in-law Heather Wilkinson, who died after ingesting the same variety of mushroom. </p> <p dir="ltr">Erin Patterson, the 48-year-old ex-wife of Simon Claringbold, allegedly prepared the meal, and had reportedly invited the family over for lunch to negotiate a reconciliation.</p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 18pt;"><em>Image credits: ABC - 7.30</em><span id="docs-internal-guid-e2f95f73-7fff-9efa-8aa8-e6222db6a2c9"></span></p>

Caring

Pee-wee Herman actor dies after secret health battle

<p>The world is mourning the passing of Paul Reubens, the actor whose infectious humour as Pee-wee Herman brought smiles to millions. He has left us at the age of 70 after a prolonged and entirely secret battle with cancer.</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">A somber statement on his official Instagram account read, "Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer, and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy, and belief in the importance of kindness."</span></p> <p>His battle with cancer finally took him away from us, a fact that he had been fighting privately and courageously for years.</p> <p>"Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit," the tribute continued. "A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit."</p> <p>Paul Reubens' journey began in the 1970s as an improv comedian and stage actor with the Groundlings troupe in Los Angeles. The character of Pee-wee Herman was born at The Groundlings Theatre in February 1981 and went on to become a sensation through the 1985 film <em>Pee-wee’s Big Adventure</em>.</p> <p>The subversive 1986 to 1990 Emmy-winning TV series <em>Pee-wee’s Playhouse</em> further solidified his status as a comedic icon, and he revisited the endearing Pee-wee character on various occasions over the years, including the 2016 Netflix movie <em>Pee-wee’s Big Holiday</em>.</p> <p>In 2010, he brought Pee-wee to life on a live Broadway stage in <em>The Pee-wee Herman Show</em>, which garnered a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Special.</p> <p>Beyond Pee-wee, Paul Reubens showcased his acting versatility with roles on TV shows like DC’s <em>Legends of Tomorrow</em>, <em>Gotham</em>, and <em>The Blacklist</em>.</p> <p>Amidst it all, there was a poignant revelation that Reubens had been considered for the iconic character of <em>Roger Rabbit</em>. Footage from the early 1980s surfaced, showing him voicing the role in an early version of <em>Who Framed Roger Rabbit?</em></p> <p>In his final message to his fans, Reubens conveyed: "Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years. I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans, and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you."</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/CvXme4ZxAR0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CvXme4ZxAR0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Pee-wee Herman (@peeweeherman)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>In a gesture of love for his late parents, Judy and Milton Rubenfeld, Paul Reubens requested that any donations in his honour be made to Stand Up to Cancer or other organisations supporting dementia and Alzheimer’s.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

News

Paul Mescal's massive change for Gladiator sequel

<p dir="ltr">Paul Mescal has reaped the rewards of his intensive training after a video of him working out went viral on social media overnight.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 27-year-old Irish actor has been working out in preparation for his role as adult Lucius, the nephew of Roman Emperor Commodus, in the sequel of <em>Gladiator</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mescal impressed fans with his standing dumbbell rows and new look in the clip, as he worked out in just a pair of black shorts and trainers, rocking a beard and moustache, fully embracing his role as Lucius.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This guy’s got to fight and got to be a beast. And whatever that looks and feels like is right for me, is what it’s going to be,” the actor told <em>The Hollywood Reporter</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><iframe title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7247143080187399466&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40letterboxd%2Fvideo%2F7247143080187399466&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp19-sign.tiktokcdn-us.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-useast5-p-0068-tx%2Fa5eae0659f6a4f10a93b40db83730084%3Fx-expires%3D1687503600%26x-signature%3DRNQf9VrXb3NPkoMQOLOEIPiggU8%253D&key=5b465a7e134d4f09b4e6901220de11f0&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p> </p> <p dir="ltr">In the same interview for the outlet, he told them that he doesn’t want the focus to be on his physical transformation, and wants to still look “real”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Sometimes I see films and I’m like, ‘That person doesn’t look real,” he said regarding his transformation.</p> <p dir="ltr">“With films like this and superhero films, there is sometimes a focus on that, which I don’t find that interesting.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Of course there’s a physical robustness required for the character, but past that, I’m not interested,” he added.</p> <p dir="ltr">Thousands of fans took to the comment section on TikTok to praise the actor’s transformation.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Thank you letterboxd good god almighty,” one fan thanked the outlet for posting the video.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Hard work pays off. Looking good man,” praised another.</p> <p dir="ltr">“OMG MY MAN I CANNOT WAIT” gushed another fan.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Paul I’m on my way,” commented a fourth.</p> <p><em>Images: TikTok/ Getty</em></p> <p> </p>

Body

Tragic accident claims pregnant Hollyoaks actress at just 38

<p dir="ltr">Former <em>Hollyoaks</em> actress, best known for her role at Jess Holt on the Channel 4 series, has died at 38. </p> <p dir="ltr">The actress was reportedly travelling with her two sons and nephew when she stopped to answer a phone call on the M66 hard shoulder near Greater Manchester in the United Kingdom. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 38 year old - who is believed to have been 18 weeks pregnant at the time of the incident - was then struck by a speeding vehicle. Frankie, her nine-year-old son Tommy and two-year-old Rocky, as well as her four-year-old nephew Tobias, were all airlifted to hospital. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>The Mirror </em>have reported that Tommy and Tobias were put into medically included comas, while Frankie sadly passed away with her partner, Calvin, “frantically by her side”. </p> <p dir="ltr">The devastating crash occurred on May 14, but the news has only come to the public’s attention since Frankie’s former co-star, Paul Danan, paid a series of emotional tributes on social media. </p> <p dir="ltr">Frankie had been on <em>Hollyoaks </em>between 2000 and 2001, where Paul had had the honour of playing her character’s boyfriend, Sol Patrick. </p> <p dir="ltr">Paul shared pictures of their time together working on <em>Hollyoaks</em>, as well as some more recent pictures of his late friend, along with the caption “I just heard the most shocking upsetting news I've heard in such a long time. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Another good good friend who was such a special person has sadly passed away while carrying her unborn baby and her 2 little boys and nephew who were in the car too. They had a terrible car accident.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He went on to share that the driver responsible for the crash had been charged, before linking the <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/pregnant-mum-frankie-3-children-fight-for-life">GoFundMe</a> that had been set up to support Frankie’s loved ones and “to help them get through the most traumatic incident they have been through.”</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/Ctw7j6TLcg4/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ctw7j6TLcg4/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Paul L Danan (@pauldanan)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">He later shared another series of images and a new caption, writing of his heartbreak over how “Frankie will never get to see her family again” and how “her unborn child … never even got a chance in life, let alone her two little Gorgeous boys and nephew [who] won't see their mum or aunty again.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Paul wrote that his “heart and prayers” went out to Frankie’s boys and her husband, and added that the horrific news “just solidifies things for me about driving dangerously or fast especially when not in a good head space. Look at what can happen, it's actually just too painful to even think about right now.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: GoFundMe</em></p>

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