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Joe Biden has COVID. Here’s what someone over 80 can expect

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hassan-vally-202904">Hassan Vally</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a></em></p> <p>If US politics leading up to the 2024 presidential election was a Hollywood thriller, it would be a movie full of plot twists and surprises. The latest twist is President Joe Biden has <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/17/politics/joe-biden-tests-positive-covid-19/index.html">COVID</a> and is isolating at home.</p> <p><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/07/17/statement-from-press-secretary-karine-jean-pierre-3/">Biden’s doctor says</a> his symptoms are mild and include a runny nose, cough and generally feeling unwell. His temperature, oxygen levels and respiratory rate are said to be normal.</p> <p>Biden, who has <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cv2gj8314nqo">been diagnosed</a> with COVID twice before, <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/07/17/statement-from-press-secretary-karine-jean-pierre-3/">has received</a> his COVID vaccine and booster shots, and has taken the first dose of the antiviral drug Paxlovid.</p> <p>No doubt, Biden will be receiving the best of medical care. Yet, as much <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-joe-biden-experiencing-cognitive-decline-heres-why-we-shouldnt-speculate-234487">recent media coverage</a> reminds us, he is 81 years old.</p> <p>So let’s look at what it means for an 81-year-old man to have COVID in 2024. Of course, Biden is not just any man, but we’ll come to that later.</p> <h2>Luckily, it’s not 2020</h2> <p>If we were back in 2020, a COVID diagnosis at this age would have been a big deal.</p> <p>This was a time before COVID vaccines, before specific COVID treatments and before we knew as much about COVID as we do today. Back then, being over 80 and being infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (the virus that causes COVID) represented a significant threat to your health.</p> <p>It was very clear early in the pandemic that your chances of getting severe disease and dying <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-are-older-people-more-at-risk-of-coronavirus-133770">increased with age</a>. The early data suggested that if you were over 80 and infected, you had about a 15% likelihood of dying from the illness.</p> <p>Also, if you did develop severe disease, we didn’t have a lot in the toolkit to deal with your infection.</p> <p>Remember, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson <a href="https://theconversation.com/scott-morrison-has-covid-its-a-big-deal-but-not-how-you-think-178298">ended up in the ICU</a> with his COVID infection in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/17/boris-johnson-and-coronavirus-inside-story-illness">April 2020</a>, despite being 55 at the time. That’s a much younger age than Biden is now.</p> <p>Former US President Donald Trump also had what was understood to be a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/feb/11/trump-coronavirus-ventilator-covid-illness">very severe case</a> of COVID in October 2020. He was 74 at the time.</p> <h2>How things have changed</h2> <p>So let’s wind the clock forward to 2024. A lot has happened in four years.</p> <p>COVID is still a disease that needs to be <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/changing-threat-covid-19.html">taken seriously</a>. And for some people with other health conditions (for instance, people with heart disease or diabetes) it poses more of a threat. And of course we know more about the well-publicised <a href="https://theconversation.com/i-have-covid-how-likely-am-i-to-get-long-covid-218808">longer term effects</a> of COVID.</p> <p>But the threat COVID poses to an individual is far less now than it has ever been.</p> <h2>More of us have some immunity</h2> <p>First, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/03/who-estimates-90-of-world-have-some-resistance-to-covid">most people</a> have some immunity to COVID now, whether this has come from vaccination or prior infection, and for many both.</p> <p>The fact that your immune system has had some exposure to the virus is transformative in how you respond to infection. Yes, there’s the ongoing problem of waning immunity over time and the virus mutating meaning you need to have regular booster vaccines. But as your immune system has “seen” the virus before it allows it to respond more effectively. This means the threat posed by infection has fallen drastically.</p> <p>We know Biden has received his booster shots. Boosters have been shown to offer <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-are-the-new-covid-booster-vaccines-can-i-get-one-do-they-work-are-they-safe-217804">substantial protection</a> against severe illness and death and are particularly important for older age groups.</p> <h2>Now we have antivirals</h2> <p>Second, we also have antiviral medicines, such as Paxlovid, which is effective in reducing the likelihood of severe illness from COVID if taken soon after developing symptoms.</p> <p>In <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2118542">one study</a>, if taken soon after infection, Paxlovid reduced the likelihood of severe illness or death by 89%. So it is <a href="https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/therapies/antivirals-including-antibody-products/ritonavir-boosted-nirmatrelvir--paxlovid-/">highly recommended</a> for those at higher risk of severe illness. As we know, Biden is taking Paxlovid.</p> <p>Paxlovid has also been associated with rebound symptoms. This is when a person looks to have recovered from infection only to have symptoms reappear. Biden experienced this <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-do-some-people-who-take-paxlovid-for-covid-get-rebound-symptoms-or-test-positive-again-like-president-biden-188002">in 2022</a>.</p> <p>The good news is that even if this occurs in most instances the symptoms associated with the recurrence tend to be mild.</p> <h2>Biden would have the best care</h2> <p>The other factor of course is that Biden would have access to some of the world’s best medical care.</p> <p>If his symptoms were to become more severe or any complications were to develop, you can be assured he would get the best treatment.</p> <p>So is Biden’s diagnosis news? Well of course, given all the speculation about his health. But in terms of COVID being a major threat to Biden’s health, there are no indications it should be.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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/234999/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hassan-vally-202904"><em>Hassan Vally</em></a><em>, Associate Professor, Epidemiology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Bonnie Cash/Pool via CNP/Shutterstock Editorial </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/joe-biden-has-covid-heres-what-someone-over-80-can-expect-234999">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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Pirates of the Caribbean actor and former pro surfer killed in shark attack

<p>Tamayo Perry, renowned surfer and actor known for his role in <em>Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides</em>, tragically lost his life in a shark attack off Oahu's North Shore on Sunday.</p> <p>The 49-year-old was surfing near Goat Island when the incident occurred, as confirmed by Shayne Enright of the Honolulu Emergency Services Department.</p> <p>Perry, who played a buccaneer in the popular movie franchise, had a distinguished career with appearances in films such as <em>Blue Crush</em> and the television series <em>Hawaii Five-O</em>. Beyond his acting career, Perry was celebrated as a former professional surfer and a beloved lifeguard.</p> <p>Responding to an emergency call just before 1pm local time, personnel from Honolulu Ocean Safety, alongside the city's fire, police and emergency medical services departments, rushed to Malaekahana Beach. The caller reported seeing a man who appeared to have suffered shark bites. Lifeguards promptly brought Perry to shore, but he was pronounced dead upon arrival. In response to the attack, Ocean Safety personnel posted shark warnings in the area.</p> <p>"Tamayo's personality was infectious, and as much as people loved him, he loved everyone else more," said Honolulu Ocean Safety acting chief Kurt Lager at a news conference. "Tamayo was a legendary waterman and highly respected," added Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, describing Perry's death as "a tragic loss".</p> <p>Perry, alongside his wife Emilia, ran the Oahu Surfing Experience, a business offering surfing lessons. According to his biography on the company's website, Perry surfed professionally for over 15 years, notably winning the Pipeline Master trials in 1999. He began his career as a lifeguard on the North Shore for the City and County of Honolulu Ocean Safety in July 2016. That same year, he appeared in <em>Pirates of the Caribbean</em> and an episode of <em>Hawaii Five-0</em>.</p> <p>Perry's wife Emilia shared a heartfelt tribute to her lost husband on Instagram, writing: "We all want to be the hero of our own story, one of the redeeming characteristics of humanity is our desire to follow our convictions always and without fear. Few of us are able to truly be that hero, Tamayo Perry was is and will be forever.</p> <p>"He was everyone’s big brother, stern and uncompromising with an infectious and kolohe smile. He was your rescuer in time of need, your safety when all things fell apart. He was a knight forged in the fires of the North Shore in the 90’s, his faith in Christ the rock upon which he stood. Few are those who truly follow in the footsteps of Jesus, Tamayo never took his eyes off the path.</p> <p>"Tragic though his passing may be, he left this world doing what he loved where he loved to do it. We find strength in knowing he is in heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ, trading barrels at Pipeline with his friends that have gone before him."</p> <p>The World Surf League also expressed their condolences in a statement: "We are deeply saddened to share that the surf community lost a beloved icon yesterday. A well-known surfer and lifeguard, Tamayo Perry, passed away after injuries from a shark attack that occurred on the East Side of Oahu. Tamayo was a Pipeline/Teahupo’o specialist, freesurfer, former competitor, and member of the WSL for many years. He became a lifeguard for the city and was a big part of the North Shore community. Our hearts go out to Tamayo’s family and friends."</p> <p>Perry's passing has left a profound void in both the surfing and local communities, where he was deeply admired for his skills, charisma and generous spirit.</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/C8nL-QeS5C2/?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/C8nL-QeS5C2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tamayo Perry (@oahusurfingexperience)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><em>Image: Walt Disney Studios | Instagram</em></p>

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Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello announce separation

<p>Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello have announced their separation, after being married for seven years.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair, who have previously been dubbed one of Hollywood’s most solid couples, confirmed the news of their divorce in a statement to <em><a href="https://pagesix.com/2023/07/17/sofia-vergara-and-joe-manganiello-separate-after-7-years-of-marriage/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Page Six</a></em> on Monday.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We have made the difficult decision to divorce. As two people that love and care for one another very much, we politely ask for respect of our privacy at this time as we navigate this new phase of our lives,” the statement read.</p> <p>Vergara is currently celebrating her 51st birthday with a group of friends in Italy, with Manganiello notably absent from the celebrations.</p> <p dir="ltr">A source also told <em>Page Six</em> that they have been “growing apart for a while now” and “are taking some distance from each other to contemplate their future”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Another source added that “no one out there (in Italy) with her is even attempting to pretend that it’s not over. It’s over. It’s done.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Vergara and Manganiello’s last public sighting together was in June, when the actress visited Manganiello on the set of his new film, <em>Nonnas</em>, in New Jersey.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple first met through Vergara’s former <em>Modern Family</em> co-star, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, in 2014 at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, while she was still engaged to ex Nick Loeb.</p> <p dir="ltr">When Vergara and Loeb’s engagement was called off, Manganiello reached out and the pair started dating.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I knew pretty quickly that I could trust her, and she knew pretty quickly that she could trust me,” Manganiello told <em><a href="https://people.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">People magazine</a></em> of their bond in 2020.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And we’re both the kind of people who are capable of putting the other person ahead of ourselves. I was capable of putting her wishes ahead of mine, whatever they were, and she was capable of doing the same. Once you have that, you don’t let go of it.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Pirates of the Caribbean island up for sale

<p dir="ltr">A Bahamian island, which was the backdrop for two iconic blockbuster films, is now up for sale for the eye-watering price of $150m.</p> <p dir="ltr">The island, known as Little Pipe Cay, was used as a backdrop for two Hollywood films: <em>Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl</em> and <em>Casino Royale</em>, a film in the James Bond franchise.</p> <p dir="ltr">Spanning across over 40 acres of land, the island boasts stunning white-sand beaches and what locals refer to as “Bombay-Sapphire Blue” waters.</p> <p dir="ltr">The main property has 11 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms and four cottages, it’s basically like having a private mini resort.</p> <p dir="ltr">The property also has a deepwater dock that’s big enough for a superyacht, so you can host boat parties or simply cruise around with your peers.</p> <p dir="ltr">The lucky buyer will feel like they are on a never-ending getaway, as they can escape into the gardens or take a dip into the Olympic-sized infinity pool, the perfect place to appreciate the stunning tropical scenery.</p> <p dir="ltr">For those looking for some indoor activities, the island also offers a gym and spa, in the fully staffed island so that you will never need to lift a finger.</p> <p dir="ltr">The island is also home to many exotic plants and animals, including dolphins and sea turtles, so for those nature lovers it’s the perfect place to reconnect with mother nature.</p> <p dir="ltr">Alternatively, if you decide you’re bored of the same views, you can hop on a helicopter and fly off to another island or country, as the island also has a helipad for your travelling needs.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: realestate.com.au/ Engel &amp; Völkers Bahamas/ Getty</em></p>

Real Estate

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Meghan Markle dethrones Joe Rogan for top spot on Spotify

<p dir="ltr">Meghan Markle has dethroned Joe Rogan on Spotify following her first episode on her podcast, <em>Archetypes</em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Duchess of Sussex released the first episode of <em>Archetypes</em> on August 23 and two days later the podcast had soared to the number one spot on Spotify’s most-listened chart.</p> <p dir="ltr">This subsequently knocked Joe Rogan’s podcast, <em>The Joe Rogan Experience</em> from the top spot where he discusses everything from current events and politics to science and philosophy on his weekly podcast.</p> <p dir="ltr">Meghan and Prince Harry reportedly signed a whopping $18 million, three-year podcast deal with Spotify for the new show.</p> <p dir="ltr">Two years later, The Duchess of Sussex released her first episode with her "dear friend" and tennis champion Serena Williams. </p> <p dir="ltr">Meghan spoke with Serena about her tennis career, before she brought up a terrifying story in which there was a <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/meghan-markle-confirms-fire-in-archie-s-nursery" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fire in baby Archie's nursery</a> during a royal engagement in Africa in 2019. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Duchess explained how their family had only been in the township of Nyanga for a few hours before the incident took place.</p> <p dir="ltr">She detailed how then four-month-old Archie narrowly avoided a fire in his nursery as his nanny took him to another part of the residence when the heater burst into flames. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Duchess then shared how she was required to attend another formal engagement, rather than stay home with her child. </p> <p dir="ltr">"I'm giving this speech to women and girls, and we finish the engagement, we get in the car and they say, 'There's been a fire at the residence. There's been a fire in the baby's room.' What?” Meghan says in the podcast. </p> <p dir="ltr">She went on to explain how Archie's nanny Lauren had taken him downstairs briefly before he was put to bed for a nap, and the heater in the room caught fire. </p> <p dir="ltr">Luckily, no one was injured during the fire, but Meghan said both her and her husband were rattled by the experience and were rushed out to attend another engagement, rather than stay with their son. </p> <p dir="ltr">She said, "And we came back. And of course, as a mother, you go, 'Oh my God, what?' Everyone's in tears, everyone's shaken. And what do we have to do? Go out and do another official engagement?"</p> <p dir="ltr">"I said, 'This doesn't make any sense'. I was like, 'Can you just tell people what happened?' And so much, I think, optically, the focus ends up being on how it looks instead of how it feels."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Spotify</em></p>

Technology

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Beverly Hills, 90210 star Joe E. Tata dead at 86

<p dir="ltr"><em>Beverly Hills, 90210</em> star Joe E. Tata has passed away at the age of 86 following a battle with Alzheimer’s. </p> <p dir="ltr">His devastating death was announced by Tata’s co-star Ian Ziering on Instagram, who paid tribute to the man who played Peach Pit owner Nat Bussichio on the show for 10 years.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ziering started off his post acknowledging the deaths of other colleagues, Jessica Klein one of 90210’s most prolific writers and producers, Denise Douse who played Mrs. Teasley, before sharing the heartbreaking announcement. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m very sad to say Joe E Tata has passed away. Joey was truly an OG, I remember seeing him on the Rockford files with James Garner years before we worked together on 90210,” his post began.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was often one of the background villains in the original Batman series. </p> <p dir="ltr">“One of the happiest people I’ve ever worked with, he was as generous with his wisdom as he was with his kindness. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Though the peach pit was a 90210 set, It often felt like the backdrop to the Joe E Tata show. </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/ChsG7TirHFW/?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/ChsG7TirHFW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Ian Ziering (@ianziering)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“The stories of days gone by that he would share, incredible experiences in the entertainment industry that he was a part of would keep us all captivated. </p> <p dir="ltr">“He may have been in the back of many scenes, but he was a leading force, especially to us guys, on how to appreciate the gift that 90210 was. </p> <p dir="ltr">“My smile dims today but basking in fond memories moves him from my eyes to my heart where he will always be.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My sincere condolences go out to his family and friends, and everyone else he was dear too. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Rest In peace Joey.” </p> <p dir="ltr">Tata’s health began to deteriorate in 2014 but it was only in 2018 when he was officially diagnosed with Alzehimer’s </p> <p dir="ltr">“Now 86 years old, his illness has progressed to its final stages," Tata’s daughter Kelly wrote on a crowdsourcing page for her father. </p> <p dir="ltr">"He spends his days scared and confused. The few times I've seen him, there is relief and joy in his eyes."</p> <p dir="ltr">"Nat was a loving father figure to the kids of West Beverly High. In real life, my Dad, Joey, is honest, kind, and a truly incredible father."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Jacinda Ardern slammed for “shocking” gift to Joe Biden

<p dir="ltr">A gift the New Zealand Prime Minister gave to US President Joe Biden has been criticised by environmentalists who say she showed a “lack of care” in her “appalling” gift choice.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Ardern gave Mr Biden a swamp kauri bowl, made from glazed timber harvested from kauri trees commonly found in wetlands and culturally significant sites in the country’s North Island.</p> <p dir="ltr">Fiona Furrell, the chair of the Northland Environmental Protection Society criticised the “faux pas”, saying Ms Ardern shouldn’t have given a gift that promoted the exchange of indigenous plants and a process that harms the ecosystem.</p> <p dir="ltr">“To us, swamp kauri, of all things for a gift to America, is really not on. It's shocking after all the work we've gone through to try and protect these wetlands that produce the swamp kauri,” chair Fiona Furrell told <em><a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/471281/environmentalists-mana-whenua-criticise-pm-s-appalling-gift-to-us-president" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RNZ</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The milling of kauri timber often damages or destroys the peat swamps where they are buried, often for up to 60,000 years, which prompted the Supreme Court of New Zealand to restrict what was considered a legal export of the timber in 2018.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the ruling, swamp kauri items must be a product in itself, in its final or kitset form, and ready to be used or installed into a larger structure.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-42fc494e-7fff-0b8e-9157-735dd9f2115a"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">However, Ms Ardern’s office confirmed the gifted kauri bowl was bought from Nelson Parker, who was investigated for exporting wood products to China and was found to have likely broken the Forest Act for exporting a large kauri log arrangement and calling it art.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/jacinda-ardern-gift1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>A pamphlet of swamp kauri products from Nelson Parker, including bowls. Image: RNZ</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Parker wasn’t prosecuted because the manufacturer was originally told the kauri was compliant, even though little work had been done to change it from being raw wood.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Furrell said the Kiwi PM should have done more “investigating” before choosing such a polarising gift.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Any use of swamp kauri that is featured by our government, therefore puts our wetlands at risk, because people will want more swamp kauri now,” Furrell said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He [Biden] could make the decision himself. Perhaps it could be returned to New Zealand.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Parker has defended Ms Ardern’s decision, claiming that anyone who questioned her gift choice was a “parasite”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“To think that people, somebody, can out of the goodness of their heart give a gift to somebody and then somebody comes in behind and says, 'Well that's wrong, it's illegal, it's immoral' or whatever they say. To me that shows you the quality of the people actually,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“To be quite blunt, these people, they're probably listed as zero in my opinion, as far as I'm concerned.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I can pretty well describe these people to you, they probably don't do anything. They're parasites. As far as I'm concerned, if they want to meddle in what we do, well, then it's not a wise thing to do.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-eb42abf8-7fff-60b9-4bce-64e6ccdd4fe6"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @jacindaardern (Instagram)</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Jacinda Ardern welcomed as “good friend” by Joe Biden

<p dir="ltr">New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has left talks with US President Joe Biden on a positive note, saying the interaction pointed to the “warmth” in their relationship as political leaders.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Ardern was initially scheduled to meet with Mr Biden for one hour during her ongoing US tour, but the pair continued to talk for another 30 minutes, as reported by <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/jacinda-ardern-wows-us-president-joe-biden-in-white-house-meeting/news-story/a05ab88bfe0e2bfcc93a29f337db4684" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I think that is a demonstration of the warmth in our relationship,” Ms Ardern said after the meeting.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Biden welcomed Ms Ardern as a “good friend”, citing the last time they met at the launch of the Indo-Pacific Framework and said: “We need your guidance”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You understand that your leadership has taken on a critical role in this global stage - and it really has,” Mr Biden said.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair also discussed gun control, online extremism, Ukraine, climate change, and the growing influence of China in the Pacific, with the last issue becoming the main focus as the US attempts to bolster its presence in the region.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-8c909d5e-7fff-d3f9-ef5f-8e1a34bb0e44"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“We are in an incredibly difficult international environment,” Ms Ardern said.</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/CeP0hflvMcD/?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/CeP0hflvMcD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">According to a senior administration official, the leaders had a “very warm” and “direct” conversation, as the Biden administration looks to step up its cooperation to support the Pacific Island states.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The President and the Prime Minister met for well over an hour,” the official said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The conversation was very warm, very direct, and there was a great understanding between the two of them, as you would expect.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And there really was discussion about the shared vision for the Indo-Pacific and the importance, in particular, of stepping up engagement with the Pacific Island states.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In a joint statement after the meeting, both leaders expressed their concern about the security agreement between the People’s Republic of China and the Solomon Islands, which also caused a stir in Australia in April.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In particular, the United States and New Zealand share a concern that the establishment of a persistent military presence in the Pacific by a state that does not share our values or security interests would fundamentally alter the strategic balance of the region and pose national-security concerns to both countries,” the statement read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“A freer and more open Indo-Pacific depends on preserving the international rules-based order in the maritime domain.</p> <p dir="ltr">“To that end, we reaffirm our support for freedom of navigation and overflight, in the South China Sea and beyond, in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).</p> <p dir="ltr">“We oppose unlawful maritime claims and activities in the South China Sea that run counter to the rules-based international order, particularly UNCLOS.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We reiterate our grave concerns regarding the human-rights violations in Xinjiang, and the erosion of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong, which undermines the high degree of autonomy enshrined in the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Basic Law.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The meeting comes as China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, finishes his ten-day tour of the Pacific Island region, having visited eight nations in total and raising concerns that deals similar to that between China and the Solomon Islands would be struck with other countries.</p> <p dir="ltr">Within hours of Ms Ardern and Mr Biden’s meeting, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian accused the US of “distorting the truth that the cooperation between China and the Pacific Island countries has been in line with regional benefits”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“China and Solomon Islands have no intention to establish military bases,” Mr Zhao said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Australia is also making efforts to meet with leaders in the region, with newly-sworn-in Foreign Minister Penny Wong jetting off to Samoa and Tonga for her second visit to the Pacific in nine days.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We want to make a uniquely Australian contribution to help build a stronger Pacific family - through social and economic opportunities including pandemic recovery, health, development and infrastructure support, as well as through our Pacific labour programs and permanent migration,” Ms Wong said in a statement.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We will increase our contribution to regional security: we understand that the security of the Pacific is the responsibility of the Pacific family, of which Australia is a part.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We will stand shoulder to shoulder with our Pacific family in addressing the existential threat of climate change. And we will deepen cultural and sporting ties.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0c2debcf-7fff-0413-2aec-9fcf453570fb"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

International Travel

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Do YOU know Joe? Football team's desperate search for 6-year-old superfan

<p>A UK football club is trying to track down a dedicated six-year-old fan who sent 50 cents in a letter to his favourite player. </p><p>The boy, known only as Joe, wrote to Swindon Town FC in a touching note, explaining his love for the football club and the devastating reason why he cannot attend a football game in person. </p><p>The note reads, "Mummy doesn't have any money to come to Swindon games because she has no money for food and has to pay for my dinner at school."</p><p>"I like Swindon Town Harry McKirdy. I will come one day."</p><p>Joe then attached three coins, a 20p, 5p and 1p, to the note and singed his name and age of "6 1/2".</p><p>After receiving the note, the football club shared a photo of it on Twitter in a bid to track down Joe so they can get in touch with him. </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">📢 | We have received this letter from Town fan Joe, aged 6 and a half. <br /><br />We'd really love to get in touch with Joe, but we don't have a return address. <br /><br />If anyone recognises the writing or thinks they know who Joe is, please email supporters@swindontownfc.co.uk<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/STFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#STFC</a> 🔴⚪️ <a href="https://t.co/JFgLgNm2Lz">pic.twitter.com/JFgLgNm2Lz</a></p>— Swindon Town FC (@Official_STFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Official_STFC/status/1493630090533613574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2022</a></blockquote><p>The post has since received thousands of likes and comments in support of Joe and his mother. </p><p>One social media user said, "I can see there are lots of offers here for Joe and his mum to come to a game. So if you manage to find Joe I'd like to pay for a weeks worth of food shopping for them. Please keep us informed."</p><p>A <a href="https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/thisisforjoe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JustGiving</a> page has been launched by a likeminded football fan to help find Joe and get him to Swindon for a game. </p><p>The page reads, "Swindon Town FC have been contacted by a young boy called Joe who unfortunately doesn't have the privileges of being able to attend football matches!"</p><p>"This is where football comes together. Lets all get together and fund for Joe &amp; his family to attend a game &amp; for Joe to be mascot for the day giving him an experience for life!"</p><p>The page has already raised over $12,000 AUD, with all proceeds going to Joe and his family once they are found. </p><p>As well as the kindness from these football-loving strangers, the Swindon Town FC tweeted a message saying Joe's letter prompted them to join forces with a local food bank to help their community. </p><p><em>Image credits: Twitter @Official_STFC</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Joe Biden and Boris Johnson caught napping at COP26

<p dir="ltr">US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson were both caught trying to catch some shut eye during the COP26 Climate Change Conference in Glasgow this week, and while that may sound bad, many people were quick to look for the nuance in the situation.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a video posted to Twitter by<span> </span><em>Washington Post<span> </span></em>journalist Zach Purser Brown, President Biden can be seen closing his eyes for approximately 20 seconds, before he is approached by an aide. After their conversation, Biden can be seen rubbing his eyes.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Biden appears to fall asleep during COP26 opening speeches <a href="https://t.co/az8NZTWanI">pic.twitter.com/az8NZTWanI</a></p> — Zach Purser Brown (@zachjourno) <a href="https://twitter.com/zachjourno/status/1455174496164458496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2021</a></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Some weren’t convinced he was actually falling asleep, with one Twitter user writing, "I have extensive knowledge re: watching old men fall asleep during church. This ain’t that. I’d bet everything he was just closing his eyes so he can listen better w/out distraction."</p> <p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, others accepted that he was falling asleep, but shared their own experiences of what his schedule might have looked like that contextualised his exhaustion. One Twitter user wrote, “When I worked in the Joint Staff and would go NATO meetings, we'd typically fly overnight then have a whole day of meetings...I'd grow my fingernails long to stick them into my palms during the meeting to keep from falling asleep. Nice work by the aide to intervene.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Others said it indicated he was not up to the job, with one person writing, “If it isn’t that important, then he shouldn’t be there. If it is important and he can’t stay awake, then he shouldn’t be there. Either way it shows he is not up to the job.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Fortunately, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was on hand to help Biden feel less alone. He was spotted shutting his eyes during the opening ceremony of the conference, while seated next to Sir David Attenborough and the Secretary-General of the United Nations. While some made fun of the Prime Minister for nodding off, others wondered why he was not wearing a mask when both men next to him were.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Takes an extra special kind of dickhead to not wear a mask to protect David fucking Attenborough <a href="https://t.co/UwJFBxc3pz">pic.twitter.com/UwJFBxc3pz</a></p> — James Felton (@JimMFelton) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimMFelton/status/1455271483102703622?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2021</a></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">A source at Number 10 said it was “total nonsense” to suggest Johnson had been falling asleep. Obviously, he was just resting his eyes.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Twitter/<span>Getty Images</span></em></p>

News

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Ivermectin fan Joe Rogan thought an Australian comedy sketch was ‘propaganda’

<p dir="ltr">Former reality TV host and podcaster Joe Rogan shared a video on his Instagram on Monday night, writing, “Not only has Australia had the worst reaction to the pandemic with dystopian, police-state measures that are truly inconceivable to the rest of the civilized world, but they also have the absolute dumbest propaganda.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CVvyYXzgrD2/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CVvyYXzgrD2/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Joe Rogan (@joerogan)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The biggest problem with his caption was that the video was from the satirical ABC show<span> </span><em>Gruen,<span> </span></em>and Rogan had just made the embarrassing mistake of being unable to distinguish between satire and reality.</p> <p dir="ltr">An easy mistake to make for someone who can’t differentiate between human medicine and horse medicine; after contracting COVID-19, Rogan<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.npr.org/2021/09/01/1033485152/joe-rogan-covid-ivermectin" target="_blank">made sure his fans knew</a><span> </span>that he had included Ivermectin as part of his treatment, despite the FDA confirming it to be  ineffective against COVID-19.</p> <p dir="ltr">This isn't Rogan's first time expressing concern about the plight of innocent Australians who are living in a police state and being force fed dumb propaganda; he<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.ladbible.com/news/latest-joe-rogans-interview-with-yeonmi-park-is-being-called-his-best-ever-20210805" target="_blank">told North Korean defector Yeonmi Park that</a>, “There’s some crazy s*** going on right now where the army is trying to keep people inside in Australia."</p> <p dir="ltr">He continued, "They have full-on government lockdowns where the government is flying helicopters over the streets (and telling people) ‘go back indoors, you’re not allowed to be outside’, which is crazy.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The<span> </span><em>Gruen<span> </span></em>video features a man falling to the floor while having an allergic reaction, and a woman crouched over him, reassuring him while getting ready to use an EpiPen on him. He stops her and asks, “Wait, what brand EpiPen is that?”, “What’s in it?”, “Medicine? How long was it researched for?”, “What are the stats from Europe?”, and, most importantly, and why Rogan posted the video, the man wheezes as his throat is closing up, “What does Joe Rogan say?” before grabbing her by the shoulders, croaking out “Call Joe”, and dying.</p> <p dir="ltr">To an even slightly informed viewer, it’s an obvious send-up of anti-vaxxers who get their information from increasingly dubious sources like relatives on Facebook, Joe Rogan and other podcasters with no medical or scientific qualifications or expertise, or dodgy websites based in Eastern Europe. To Joe Rogan, it was another example of how the tyrannical Australian government was fighting back against COVID-19, apparently.</p> <p dir="ltr">A lot of his supporters seemed to also believe the sketch was genuine, with one commenting, “Australia is fine as long as you don’t watch the free TV”, and another, Australian jiujitsu black belt holder Kit Dale, commenting, “Australia has become weak”. Others pointed out that Rogan, who self-identifies as a comedian, should be able to take jokes about him since he’s more than happy to make jokes at the expense of others.</p> <p dir="ltr">Rogan eventually edited the caption to add, “apparently this is not a real ad. It’s from a satirical show.” Yeah Joe, we know. Thirty seconds of doing your own research would have told you that from the beginning.</p> <p dir="ltr">The video's creators continue to have a good sense of humour, with Paper Moose CEO Nick Hunter<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/joe-rogan-calls-gruen-transfer-covid-19-vaccine-satire-advertisement-australian-propaganda/ac0c5bb5-45fa-404f-9715-e56fdac74088" target="_blank">telling 9News.com.au</a>, "Gruen is a satirical show. The point of the video was to talk about some of the issues anti-vaxxers have and put it in a humorous context to show the ridiculousness of what is out there."</p> <p dir="ltr">"Its literally a demonstration of the problem we are trying to solve in the world today, so it was kind of hilarious that Joe Rogan reacted the way he did."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Michael S. Schwartz/Getty Images</em></p>

Legal

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“I miss her”: Joe Biden reveals effect of presidency on marriage

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a new joint interview, Joe and Jill Biden share just how their 44-year marriage has changed since Joe entered the White House for the second time.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a cover story for </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.vogue.com/article/first-lady-dr-jill-biden-profile" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vogue</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> profiling the first lady, the US president admits the couple have spent more time apart since his presidency began.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I miss her,” Joe said of his wife.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’m really proud of her. But it’s not like we can just go off like we used to.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“When we were living in Delaware and married, once a month we’d just go up to a local bed-and-breakfast by ourselves, to make sure we had a romantic time to just get away and hang out with each other.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After spending eight years as Vice-President under the Obama administration, Joe said the couple had to adapt now that he’s president, with political duties often taking priority.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’ll find that I’m working on a hell of an important speech and I’m distracted, and then I may not be working on one and I want to go and hang out with her, and she’s working on an important speech!” he told </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vogue</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We have to figure out a way - and I mean this sincerely - to be able to steal time for one another. I think that’s the deal.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jill confirmed that the couple’s busy schedules has proved to be a challenge, revealing they’re “both so busy” and have to “try a little harder to make time for one another”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Even the thing about having dinner together: Sometimes we eat on the balcony; last night we ate in the yellow Oval, upstairs,” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s just part of the day that we set apart, and we still light candles, still have conversations, still put the phones away.”</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQtCZKBg65g/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQtCZKBg65g/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Vogue (@voguemagazine)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jill has previously revealed how the couple has committed to dining together during her first solo interview as first lady on </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Kelly Clarkson Show</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She told Clarkson about how she tries to keep regular “Sunday night dinners” in their schedules, despite being “a little busy lately”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“But the kids look forward to [Sunday dinners] and I think traditions really ground kids,” Jill added.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the couple’s latest interview with the famed fashion magazine, Jill also opened up about her work as a teacher.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“When I became second lady - and there was so much I wanted to do - I always said, ‘I will never waste this platform’,” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jill continues to teach English at Northern Virginia Community College, where she said her students refer to her as “Dr. B”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With an even bigger platform now as first lady, Jill said she has no intention of giving up teaching.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“There’s so much to do. There is… so. Much. To. Do.”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Vogue Magazine / Instagram</span></em></p>

Relationships

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Stunning picture captures moment Joe Biden won US election

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>A fast-thinking member of the Biden household captured the moment Joe Biden learned he had won the 2020 election.</p> <p>Biden was with family members in his home in Delaware where he learned he would be the 46th President of the United States.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">11.07.20 <a href="https://t.co/HHVJMmIoAW">pic.twitter.com/HHVJMmIoAW</a></p> — Naomi Biden (@NaomiBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/NaomiBiden/status/1325190941058113536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>His grandchildren were the ones who broke the good news to Biden, as he was relaxing with his wife Jill on their veranda.</p> <p>“Pop, Pop! We won!” they told the now-president-elect, according to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/live-blog/2020-11-07-trump-biden-election-results-n1246882/ncrd1246979#liveBlogHeader" target="_blank" class="editor-rtflink"><em>NBC News</em></a>.</p> <p>Despite Biden being in a "cautious mood" before his victory was announced, he's celebrating now and has pushed forward with his plans for office.</p> <p>In the first steps in his transition plans, there would be more COVID-19 testing and Americans would be asked to wear masks.</p> <p>He also announced that there will be a focus on the economy, with plans to tackle racism and climate change.</p> <p>In his first speech as president-elect on Saturday, Mr Biden said it was "time to heal" the US and vowed "not to divide but to unify" the country. Addressing Trump supporters directly, he said: "We have to stop treating our opponents as enemies."</p> <p>However, current US President Donald Trump is yet to concede, despite Biden congratulating him on a hard-fought campaign.</p> <p>Trump has vowed to contest the election results on several fronts, with a recount being held in Georgia and plans for the same outcome in Wisconsin.</p> <p>Trump has also vowed to take legal action to the Supreme Court, alleging voting fraud without evidence.</p> </div> </div> </div>

News

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Sam Newman slated for “vile” Joe Biden tweet

<p><span>Sam Newman has been crucified on social media after he called US President-elect Joe Biden “mentally retarded” in a tweet that was swiftly deleted moments later.</span><br /><br /><span>Newman was let go from his media gig earlier this year when he made offensive comments about George Floyd.</span><br /><br /><span>This time, the Australian media personality has possibly topped the cake with his latest controversy.</span><br /><br /><span>The 74-year-old went berserk on Twitter on Sunday after Biden was declared the winner of the US election.</span><br /><br /><span>“Great day for inclusion and diversity,” Newman said.</span><br /><br /><span>“Shows someone who is mentally retarded and has special needs, can attain high office. Congratulations, Joe Biden.”</span></p> <p><span>The comments were blasted by hundreds of people, with several labelling him “vile” and others calling for his account to be shut down.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838668/sam-newman-joe-biden-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/bed2c9e0862d45dfa3e6c968e13ad8ef" /></p> <p><em>Sam Newman's now delete tweet about Joe Biden</em><br /><br /><span>Newman was slammed in June for calling Floyd “a piece of s***” in a scathing attack after AFL players supported the Black Lives Matter movement by kneeling before games.</span><br /><br /><span>That crude comment got him sacked and his latest controversy follows just days after comedian Dave Hughes copped a lashing for accidentally mocking Biden’s stutter.</span><br /><br /><span>“Joe Biden just had a mad struggle stringing sentences together. Is it the autocue?” Hughes wrote on Twitter.</span><br /><br /><span>He deleted the tweet and quickly apologised.</span><br /><br /><span>“I genuinely didn’t know Biden has always had a speech impediment. Good on him. Thanks for the heads up,” Hughes said.</span><br /><br /><span>“I was commenting on Joe’s struggle to read the autocue.</span><br /><br /><span>“I didn’t think it had anything to do with a stutter.</span><br /><br /><span>Sorry for my ignorance.”</span></p>

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Sam Armytage’s blistering response to man who criticised her outfit

<p>Yesterday morning, a photographer from Queensland posted a picture on Twitter comparing Samantha Armytage’s outfit to the “pirate shirt” worn by Jerry Seinfeld in his hit show <em>Seinfeld.</em></p> <p>Peter Wallis posted his tweet after seeing Armytage in the shirt on <em>Sunrise.</em></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/sam_armytage?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sam_armytage</a> watching Seinfeld last night? <a href="https://t.co/gVgxPOspRg">pic.twitter.com/gVgxPOspRg</a></p> — Peter Wallis (@petewallisphoto) <a href="https://twitter.com/petewallisphoto/status/989267006288379904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote> <p>An unimpressed Sam sent a tweet to her 174,000 followers explaining the significant reason why she wore the shirt on TV.</p> <p>“How did I know there’d be a ‘pirate shirt’ comparison today? It’s actually the @witcheryfashion #whiteshirtcampaign for @OvarianCancerOZ. But thx for your feedback,” she wrote.</p> <p>This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Witchery White Shirt Campaign in support of the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF).</p> <p>During the campaign, 100 per cent of gross proceeds from the shirts sold go to OCRF.</p> <p>The campaign is a fundraising success, raising more than $10 million for the foundation throughout the past 10 years.</p> <p>The campaign also raises awareness around the statistic that a woman dies of the disease every 10 hours.</p> <p>This is not the first time Armytage has received criticism in the last month, with protestors <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/2018/04/protesters-highjack-sunrises-live-commonwealth-games-coverage/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">appearing in the background of<em> Sunrise</em></span></strong></a> on their Commonwealth Games set on April 10 on the Gold Coast.</p> <p>The protest followed a <em>Sunrise</em> segment on Aboriginal adoption, that some believe descended into “blatant racism”.</p> <p>The protestors, standing on the Gold Coast beach backdrop, screamed at Armytage, saying they were “coming for her in her dreams” and that they were going to “write a letter and get her fired”. </p>

Beauty & Style

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Australian family attacked by pirates on sailing trip

<p>An Australian family travelling around the world on a sailing trip has reportedly been attacked by pirates off the coast of Yemen.</p> <p><a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>The Daily Telegraph</strong></em></span></a> reports Louise Turner, her husband Lachin and their two young children were sailing in what they believed to be a safe corridor when they were approached by the rouge vessels.</p> <p>“We were essentially sitting ducks,” Ms Turner told the paper.</p> <p>“We were at the wrong place at the wrong time. We were completely vulnerable.”</p> <p>The family was reportedly stalked by the pirate skiff for about four hours, with more vessels approaching them with intermediary tactics designed to halt their progress.</p> <p>The vessels continued to follow and Ms Turner grew terrified for the safety of her children Siara, 11, and Kai, 4, issuing a frantic mayday call of “imminent pirate attack”.</p> <p>As Ms Turner operated the catamaran and her husband frantically manned the engine, the mayday was received by a container ship and passed onto warships patrolling the area.</p> <p>The pirates reportedly “looked eerily focused as they completed their reconnaissance.”</p> <p>“Effectively they were shepherding us away from the closest vessel that could assist us,” Ms Turner said.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMERCHANTNAVAL.OFFSHORE%2Fposts%2F1812515665475982&amp;width=500" width="500" height="519" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></p> <p><span>With things looking decidedly grim, the family was relieved to receive a radio message advising a helicopter from a Japanese warship was on its way. </span></p> <p><span>The Turners changed course to meet up with the warship, but not without more intimidation from the pirates who remained close. </span></p> <p><span>Ms Turner said: “This was it for us. Attack imminent­. Simply put, we could not possibly prevent them boarding us. But fate intervened and we believe it was only by minutes that the appearance of two warships on the horizon thwarted the attack.”</span></p> <p><span>The Turners managed to make it to the friendly vessel and refuel, but are thanking their lucky stars the attack wasn’t a lot worse. </span></p> <p><span>“We are incredibly lucky that we were not attacked, however, the threat was all too real,” Ms Turner said, with the family now back home safe.</span></p> <p><span>“This has been a sobering and frightening experience.”</span></p> <p><em>Hero image credit: The Daily Telegraph</em></p>

Cruising

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Captain makes terrifying announcement on cruise

<p>Passengers on the Sea Princess, a round-the-world cruise that set sail from Sydney, have had their world turned upside down by a terrifying announcement from the captain.</p> <p>Writing for <em>News.com.au</em>, media specialist Carolyne Jasinski described the moment the captain of the ship told passengers they must prepare for a pirate attack.</p> <p>“When 1900 passengers set sail from Sydney on a world cruise, they had no idea for 10 of their 104 days at sea, there would be a dusk-til-dawn ban on any fun on deck,” she writes.</p> <p>“Captain Gennaro Arma addressed the ship. He apologised for alarming passengers. However, the threat, he said, was real and the ship must be prepared for a pirate attack.”</p> <p>While most people on a cruise won’t consider piracy unless they find a copy of Treasure Island in the library, it’s a very real threat and one, as Jasinski explains, the crew take very seriously.</p> <p>Jasinski explains, “It was made very clear on the Sea Princess, very quickly, that this pirate threat was not something to be joked about.</p> <p>“Any remaining smirks soon disappeared as the pirate drill alarm sounded and the crew was instructed to move to their designated muster stations.</p> <p>“Passengers were sent back to their cabins so they could be counted.</p> <p>“For the purpose of the drill, they needed only to remain there and be crossed off a list by their stateroom attendants.</p> <p>“They were advised to sit on the floor and to hang on to hand rails in case the ship had to manoeuvre away from pirate ships.”</p> <p>As a precautionary measure, the captain enforced a 10-day blackout on night-time entertainment, and the level of tension on the ship quickly rose.</p> <p>She writes, “For the 10-day blackout, there was a weird kind of excitement. Once aware of and alerted to the prospect of pirates, we watched vessels more carefully.</p> <p>“A fishing boat was not looked at the same way. It was no longer an interesting speck on the horizon. We wondered what they were doing so far out at sea and whether there was something hiding behind it.”</p> <p>Have you ever had something strange happen on a cruise?</p>

Cruising

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Fake Aldi shut down after lengthy five-year battle

<p>The no-love-lost war for shopper’s dollars has seen another casualty, as an imitation Aldi in Canada finally announced it would be shutting its doors after a five-year battle.</p> <p>Mike Hallett, the owner of the store which has developed a cult following for selling Aldi-owned products, finally admitted defeat in his battle with the German retailer.</p> <p>He said, “It’s been a long time coming. The prospect of going to trial against a major corporation when you’re one guy — you get lots of opinions from lawyers telling you: ‘Run.’”</p> <p>Hallett’s store, Pirate Joe’s, opened in Vancouver in 2012, and quickly gathered a fan base for selling Aldi-owned products which weren’t available in the region.</p> <p>Aldi wasn’t happy, but as Hallett told the <a href="http://www.bbc.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>BBC</strong> </em></span></a>last year, “This is completely legal. No doubt (Aldi’s efforts to shut me down) is a question of brand control.”</p> <p>Just a year after Hallett set up shop Aldi called demanding he shut down and while Hallett won some of the preliminary legal battles he eventually found the stress of an $80 billion retail giant breathing down his neck too much to bear.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3D801173336707769%26id%3D170996319725477%26substory_index%3D0&amp;width=500" width="500" height="714" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></p> <p>Hallett told <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/au" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>The Guardian</strong></em></span></a>, “Business hates uncertainty. When you’re sued by your supplier that’s like weaponised uncertainty. Basically, your supplier hates your guts. Then people would come up to me and thank me for doing it. That was the curse; we had so many people who loved what we do but it was devilishly hard to do.”</p> <p>While Hallett might have shut up shop, numerous Canadians who channelled their rage towards Aldi on social media including one former shopper who wrote, “Hey Trader Joe’s, aka Aldi. As is customary, after you shut down the competition, you’re supposed to announce you are building stores in every major city in Canada... Hello?!”</p> <p>What’s your take? Should Hallett have had to shut up shop?</p>

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