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Chilling vision of missing family emerges

<p>A video filmed in New Zealand's west coast is the first "credible" sighting of a father and his kids who went missing three years ago. </p> <p>Tom Phillips along with his daughter Jayda, now 11, son Maverick, 9 and daughter Ember, 8, disappeared from the New Zealand town of Marokopa in December 2021. </p> <p>There have been hundreds of sightings of Phillips reported to police since then, with many of them unverified, and the children nowhere in sight.</p> <p>But now, new footage shot on the evening of October 3, showed all four of them marching through a grass field in Marokopa, in a single file with camouflage gear and heavy backpacks.</p> <p>The video, filmed by pig hunters, was handed to police and has since prompted a large-scale search of farmland in the area this week, which unfortunately failed to locate Phillips and his children. </p> <p>In the footage, the family seemed unaware they were being filmed from afar, with one of the witnesses describing them as "equipped for the bush". </p> <p>The children's mother, Catherine, has seen the video and instantly recognised her kids. </p> <p>“I’m so happy that they’re all there," she told the <em>New Zealand Herald</em>. </p> <p>"I’m so relieved to see all three of my babies. They’re all alive."</p> <p>The pig hunters who filmed the footage recalled their short encounter with the children. </p> <p>“The children asked: ‘Who else knows we’re here?’ And then they just kept on walking. They were all packed up, they had big packs on. I think the father sort of kept them moving,” Farmer John McOviney told the New Zealand Herald.</p> <p>In another interview with radio station <em>Newstalk ZB</em>, McOviney said that Phillips was carrying a large rifle. </p> <p>NZ Police Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders has also confirmed the sighting was being treated as "credible". </p> <p>"While nothing further of significance was located, investigators will now assess information gathered to determine any next steps," he said. </p> <p>"This is the first time all three of the children have been sighted, which is positive information, and we know it will be reassuring for the children's wider family."</p> <p>While police remain tight-lipped about what their next steps are, they said : "Our focus is very much on the safe return of Jayda, Maverick and Ember to their whānau [the Maori word for family] and we are doing all that we can to make that happen.”</p> <p>Phillips and his three children first went missing on September 11, 2021, and an arrest warrant was issued for Phillips shortly after their disappearance. </p> <p>He does not have legal custody over his children is alleged to have breached a custody order by taking them. The children are believed to have had no education or contact with others since their disappearance. </p> <p>Members of the public have been warned not to approach Phillips if they spotted him, as he may be armed. </p> <p><em>Images: TVNZ/ Waikato Police</em></p>

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Knitting helps Tom Daley switch off. Its mental health benefits are not just for Olympians

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michelle-oshea-457947">Michelle O'Shea</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gabrielle-weidemann-91497">Gabrielle Weidemann</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a></em></p> <p>Olympian Tom Daley is the <a href="https://www.teamgb.com/athlete/tom-daley/3y6lj3NwM4u2dORkh8DkXo#:%7E:text=Tom%20Daley's%20medals&amp;text=Tom%20Daley%20was%20the%20first,Paris%20with%20a%20first%20silver.">most decorated diver</a> in Britain’s history. He is also an avid knitter. At the Paris 2024 Olympics Daley added a fifth medal to his collection – and caught the world’s attention knitting a bright blue “Paris 24” jumper while travelling to the games and in the stands.</p> <p>At the Tokyo Olympics, where Daley was first <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jul/27/tom-daley-knits-a-tea-cosy-holder-to-keep-his-gold-medal-safe-from-scratches">spotted knitting</a>, he <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/07/29/nx-s1-5055677/tom-daley-olympics-2024-diving-knitting">explained</a> its positive impact on his mental health.</p> <blockquote> <p>It just turned into my mindfulness, my meditation, my calm and my way to escape the stresses of everyday life and, in particular, going to an Olympics.</p> </blockquote> <p>The <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/01612840.2024.2364228">mental health benefits of knitting</a> are well established. So why is someone famous like Daley knitting in public still so surprising?</p> <h2>Knitting is gendered</h2> <p>Knitting is usually associated with women – <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/02614367.2019.1579852">especially older women</a> – as a hobby done at home. In a <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.4276/030802213X13603244419077?casa_token=Y-MLTtrt_o4AAAAA:7c1Y6DSAd0XH19q0N-FBqqws68JFpgXYx5DACMMw24D3AuoqLkh0VVKMh7M6GNchmQpWSj1KR9tzCFw">large international survey</a> of knitting, 99% of respondents identified as female.</p> <p>But the history of yarn crafts and gender is more tangled. In Europe in the middle ages, <a href="https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/articles/nb82_knt.pdf">knitting guilds were exclusive</a> and reserved for men. They were part of a respected Europe-wide trade addressing a demand for knitted products that could not be satisfied by domestic workers alone.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/articles/nb82_knt.pdf">industrial revolution</a> made the production of clothed goods cheaper and faster than hand-knitting. Knitting and other needle crafts became a leisure activity for women, done in the private sphere of the home.</p> <p>World Wars I and II turned the spotlight back on knitting as a “<a href="https://theconversation.com/one-million-pairs-of-socks-knitting-for-victory-in-the-first-world-war-30149">patriotic duty</a>”, but it was still largely taken up by women.</p> <p>During COVID lockdowns, knitting saw another <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/02/well/family/pandemic-knitting-election-stress.html">resurgence</a>. But knitting still most often makes headlines when men – especially famous men like Daley or actor <a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2013/01/ryan-gosling-hobby-knitting-interview">Ryan Gosling</a> – do it.</p> <p>Men who knit are often seen as <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-17/men-who-unpick-knitting-stereoptype/11516016">subverting</a> the stereotype it’s an activity for older women.</p> <h2>Knitting the stress away</h2> <p>Knitting can produce a sense of pride and <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01612840.2024.2364228">accomplishment</a>. But for an elite sportsperson like Daley – whose accomplishments already include four gold medals and one silver – its benefits lie elsewhere.</p> <p>Olympics-level sport relies on perfect scores and world records. When it comes to knitting, many of the mental health benefits are associated with the process, rather than the end result.</p> <p>Daley <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wwXGOki--c">says</a> knitting is the “one thing” that allows him to switch off completely, describing it as “my therapy”.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6wwXGOki--c?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>The Olympian says he could</p> <blockquote> <p>knit for hours on end, honestly. There’s something that’s so satisfying to me about just having that rhythm and that little “click-clack” of the knitting needles. There is not a day that goes by where I don’t knit.</p> </blockquote> <p>Knitting can create a “flow” state through rhythmic, repetitive movements of the yarn and needle. Flow offers us a <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2017-32525-014">balance</a> between challenge, accessibility and a sense of control.</p> <p>It’s been shown to have benefits relieving stress in high-pressure jobs beyond elite sport. Among surgeons, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37150722/">knitting has been found</a> to improve wellbeing as well as manual dexterity, crucial to their role.</p> <p>For other health professionals – including oncology nurses and mental health workers – knitting has <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/01612840.2024.2364228">helped to</a> reduce “<a href="https://cjon.ons.org/cjon/20/1/impact-knitting-intervention-compassion-fatigue-oncology-nurses">compassion fatigue</a>” and burnout. Participants described the soothing noise of their knitting needles. They developed and strengthened team bonds through collective knitting practices.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dTTJjD_q2Ik?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption><span class="caption">A Swiss psychiatrist says for those with trauma, knitting yarn can be like “knitting the two halves” of the brain “back together”.</span></figcaption></figure> <p><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1062001/full">Another study</a> showed knitting in primary school may boost children’s executive function. That includes the ability to pay attention, remember relevant details and block out distractions.</p> <p>As a regular creative practice, it has also been <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01612840.2024.2364228#d1e1860">used in the treatment</a> of grief, depression and subduing intrusive thoughts, as well countering chronic pain and cognitive decline.</p> <h2>Knitting is a community</h2> <p>The <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.4276/030802213X13603244419077">evidence</a> for the benefits of knitting is often based on self-reporting. These studies tend to produce consistent results and involve large population samples.</p> <p>This may point to another benefit of knitting: its social aspect.</p> <p>Knitting and other yarn crafts can be done alone, and usually require simple materials. But they also provide a chance to socialise by bringing people together around a common interest, which can help <a href="https://intellectdiscover.com/content/journals/10.1386/crre.7.1.11_1">reduce loneliness</a>.</p> <p>The free needle craft database and social network Ravelry contains <a href="https://blog.ravelry.com/2022-community-stats/">more than one million</a> patterns, contributed by users. “Yarn bombing” projects aim to <a href="https://www.artsnw.com.au/the-yarn-bombing-project">engage the community</a> and beautify public places by covering objects such as benches and stop signs with wool.</p> <p>The interest in Daley’s knitting online videos have formed a community of their own.</p> <p>In them he shows the process of making the jumper, not just the finished product. That includes where he “<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tomdaley/reel/C-LRgGYtbv3/?hl=en">went wrong</a>” and had to unwind his work.</p> <p>His pride in the finished product – a little bit wonky, but “<a href="https://www.instagram.com/madewithlovebytomdaley/?hl=en">made with love</a>” – can be a refreshing antidote to the flawless achievements often on display at the Olympics.<!-- 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/236051/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/michelle-oshea-457947"><em>Michelle O'Shea</em></a><em>, Senior Lecturer, School of Business, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gabrielle-weidemann-91497">Gabrielle Weidemann</a>, Associate Professor in Psychological Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </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/knitting-helps-tom-daley-switch-off-its-mental-health-benefits-are-not-just-for-olympians-236051">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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Tom Cruise steals the show at epic Paris 2024 Closing Ceremony

<p>As the Olympic flame was extinguished to signal the Paris 2024 Games officially closed, a surprising famous face stole the show at the epic closing ceremony. </p> <p>In true Olympics style, as the French capital wrapped up their Games, they passed the torch to the 2028 host city Los Angeles, who were having their own celebratory concert. </p> <p>To help in the handover, acting legend Tom Cruise, who is famous for doing many of his own stunts, came in with a skydiving stunt reminiscent of his <em>Mission Impossible</em> films that saw him swing from atop Stade de France before touching down on the stadium’s field.</p> <p>The 62-year-old actor greeted athletes as he walked toward the stage to the final guitar shreds of the American national anthem, as the crowd erupted in cheers. </p> <p>He received the Olympic flag from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and gymnast Simone Biles, then strapped it safely to the back of a motorcycle and rode off into the sunset, which switched into a pre-recorded video that tracked his journey to Hollywood.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you, Paris! Now off to LA. <a href="https://t.co/MxlAb0hZbT">pic.twitter.com/MxlAb0hZbT</a></p> <p>— Tom Cruise (@TomCruise) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomCruise/status/1822749650463732136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>In the video, Cruise sped down the streets of Paris on the motorcycle, passing landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, and cruised onto a waiting airplane.</p> <p>"I'm on my way," he said, as he put on skydiving gear, as he then leapt from the plane and headed to the iconic Hollywood sign, where he turned the "O"s into Olympic rings before passing the flag off to Olympic cyclist Kate Courtney.</p> <p>The Olympics wrapped up with USA winning over overall medal tally with an impressive 126 medals, followed closely by China in second place and Japan in third place. </p> <p>Australia wasn't far behind in fourth place, as Nine commentary applauded the Aussie athletes for their most successful games ever.</p> <p>"The theme of the Closing Ceremony tonight: record," Eddie Maguire said in commentary for Nine.</p> <p>"It was a record performance by our Australian athletes. Paris provided record crowds, record ratings around the world on all platforms of media."</p> <p>"Paris, merci beaucoup, au revoir. See you in four years when the City of Angels welcomes the world to the city of dreams for LA 2028."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine Network </em></p>

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Aussie Olympian arrested in Paris after trying to buy drugs

<p>An Aussie Olympian has been arrested after he was caught on the streets of Paris trying to buy a gram of cocaine. </p> <p>Hockey superstar Tom Craig tried to outrun police when he was caught, before realising he couldn't evade the authorities and surrendered. </p> <p>He and teammates had been at a family and friends celebration at the Hotel Maison in Montmartre in the 9th arrondissement after both his team and the Hockeyroos team of girlfriend Alice Arnott lost in the quarter finals.</p> <p>The 28-year-old had spent nearly 18 hours in custody after being arrested at midnight on Tuesday before being released with “a probationary criminal warning for drug use”.</p> <p>As a result of his indiscretion, the Kookaburras veteran has had his Olympic rights stripped from him, been banned from the athletes village and told he does not have the right to march in the closing ceremony.</p> <p>Craig, who is a qualified solicitor, fronted the media in central Paris hours before an AOC press conference, in which he apologised for his behaviour.</p> <p>“I would firstly like to apologise for what has occurred over the last 24 hours,” the Tokyo silver medallist said. “I made a terrible mistake and I take full responsibility for my actions."</p> <p>“My actions are my own and by no way reflect the values of my family, my teammates, my friends, the sport and the Australian Olympic team. I have embarrassed you all and I’m truly sorry.” </p> <p>In the AOC press conference, Australian Olympic chef de mission Anna Meares said she was adamant Kookaburras star Tom Craig was acting alone when trying to purchase the drugs. </p> <p>“We do feel very confident that this is an isolated incident,” Meares said.</p> <p>“I would rather be here talking about the three gold medals that we have won today. But here we are first."</p> <p>“I cannot condone what Tom has done. He is a good person who made a bad decision. But there are consequences that come with decisions like this."</p> <p>“Our team has been exemplary at these Games and his actions do not reflect the values of this team, nor do they diminish this team’s performances. He has apologised, shown remorse and he has owned up to his mistake and we will support him if he needs help."</p> <p><em>Image credits: X (Twitter)/DAVE HUNT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

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Mission: Impossible Sydney mansion sells for eye-watering price

<p>One of Sydney's most iconic properties, known as the Boomerang in Elizabeth Bay, has sold for $80 million. </p> <p>The mansion is featured in the second instalment in the <em>Mission: Impossible</em> franchise, with the 2000 movie starring Tom Cruise being set and filmed in Sydney.</p> <p>It was the first house to officially sell for above $1 million in 1978, before setting another record in 2002 when it fetched $20.7 million.</p> <p>Now, multiple sources have confirmed it has been snapped up by a purchaser, originally from Asia, for four times what it last sold for. </p> <p>The property has long been rated as one of Sydney’s Top 50 homes, and has been in the name of Katrina Fox, the daughter of Melbourne-based billionaire trucking magnate Lindsay Fox, since 2005. </p> <p>The impressive home was put up for sale by Ray White in 2017 with hopes of selling for $60 million and then again with Brad Pillinger of Pillinger for $80 million in 2021 — the last agent to have it listed.</p> <p>Pillinger couldn’t be contacted ahead of publication, but other sources have confirmed the property has sold for the $80m asking price, while speculation from other sources that the result was $105 million have been dismissed.</p> <p>Boomerang sits on 4233 square metres of waterfront land, and features 25 rooms including a private cinema modelled on the State Theatre.</p> <p><em>Image credits: realestate.com.au / Paramount Pictures</em></p>

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"I saw that!": Tom Cruise reacts to Shirvo's 100m Olympic sprint

<p>Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise, known for his association with A-list celebrities – and of course for his energetic, high-speed running in almost every film he's ever made – found himself captivated by<em> Sunrise</em> host Matt Shirvington's Olympic Games history.</p> <p>Appearing on the Channel 7 breakfast show on Monday morning, Cruise was greeted by enthusiastic fans outside the Sydney studio who chanted his name and displayed banners.</p> <p>However, it was a particular video showcasing Shirvo's performance in the 100-metre sprint at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games that truly caught Tom's attention.</p> <p>"Tom, I have to be honest with you, as a kid growing up, I was a sprinter and went to the Olympic Games," began Matt during the segment.</p> <p>"Did you? Wow, what year were you?" an intrigued Tom inquired.</p> <p>Matt went on to reveal that he had competed in the 100-metre sprint at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Tom, clearly impressed, responded, "I saw you run in that Olympics. I saw that!"</p> <p>As Tom gazed at the screen, he witnessed Matt, donning yellow and green attire, sprinting patriotically in the competition, juxtaposed with footage of the actor's own running scenes in his action movies.</p> <p>"Look at that. You're a great runner. I'm a good runner," remarked Tom.</p> <p>He then went on to explain that while he often runs in his films, he doesn't receive much assistance with training.</p> <p>"I've been an athlete my whole life, participating in gymnastics and sprinting. I was like that little kid who would get a new pair of sneakers and then joyfully sprint, splashing through puddles.</p> <p>"I haven't had extensive training, you know, but throughout the years, I've received some coaching and worked with different coaches as I grew up."</p> <p>Tom continued, "You know what I do? I observe people, study them, and then try different things on my own.</p> <p>"I'm the kind of person who watches someone, imitates them, and reads about other people's training. I've trained with different Olympians, constantly studying."</p> <p>At this point, Matt chimed in, saying, "If you ever need a coach, let me know."</p> <p>Amidst giggles, Nat Barr interjected, "We'll arrange a training session for you guys."</p> <p>Tom went on to reveal that earlier that morning, he had engaged in sprints around his hotel room in Sydney, as he always makes an effort to stay fit.</p> <p>"I've trained my whole life. You never take a break," he emphasised.</p> <p><em>Images: Sunrise</em></p>

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Aussie Olympian’s exciting family news

<p dir="ltr">Olympic gold medalist Tom Slingsby and his wife, <em>The Bachelor</em>’s Helena Sauzier, are expecting their first child. </p> <p dir="ltr">The couple, who married in February 2023, announced their exciting news with a post to social media, where Slingsby shared a picture from their wedding along with a snap of their ultrasound. </p> <p dir="ltr">Their year had started on a high, and looks set to end on one too, with Slingsby’s caption declaring that their bundle of joy was due in December. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Little boy incoming,” his caption read. “So excited for the future with @helenasauzier and our new addition in December."</p> <p dir="ltr">The wedding picture was a throwback to the happiest day of their lives - and another post from Slingsby, when he shared the news of their nuptials with his followers after at least three years of dating. </p> <p dir="ltr">The competitive sailor had used his February post to gush about his new wife and their “perfect day”, just a few days after tying the knot aboard the Ghost II superyacht.</p> <p dir="ltr">His comments were awash with love and celebration from friends, family, and fans - just like his baby announcement.</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/Ct6KkAkrivk/?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/Ct6KkAkrivk/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tom Slingsby (@tslingsby)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Loved ones were more than happy to repeat the process, flocking to Slingsby’s comment section to shower their happy messages on the couple - directing them to both via Slingsby, as Sauzier’s account was private. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Congratulations on the buoy guys!” fitness enthusiast Andrew Pap wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Ahhhh Stahppp congrats you guys!!” former <em>The Bachelor</em> star Brittany Hockley said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Congrats mate,” Aussie yachtsman Jimmy Spithill shared, with near identical sentiments coming from Slingsby’s fellow Olympian Matt Graham. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Peanut … I love you squishy,” mother-to-be Helena chimed in. </p> <p dir="ltr">“PEANUT!!!! So so so excited for you and @helenasauzier! Love you guys so much xx,” a friend wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Congratulations, so glad to hear the Slingsby lineage will continue!!” one supporter gushed. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Awe how exciting. Wonderful news. Congratulations to you both,” another said. </p> <p dir="ltr">One had high hopes for the pair, that it was “simply gorgeous news”, and telling them “you’ll both make such great parents!”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Gorgeous news! It will be the wildest ride you have ever been on!” another revealed. “May the lead up to your little man’s arrival and beyond be smooth sailing.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, sports broadcaster Kaylee Hartung had just one question for the happy couple, “will you name him Montell? Or Jordan? Congratulations!!”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Tom Cruise’s unconventional acceptance speech

<p dir="ltr">Tom Cruise has given one of the most unique acceptance speeches at the 2023 MTV Movie &amp; TV Awards.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 60-year-old, who famously performs his own stunts and is a licensed pilot himself, delivered a pre-recorded speech on May 7 while flying a World War II propeller plane.</p> <p dir="ltr">Cruise won best performance in a movie for <em>Top Gun: Maverick</em>.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Things we'll never forget: <a href="https://twitter.com/TomCruise?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TomCruise</a>'s performance in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TopGun?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TopGun</a>: Maverick 🎥 </p> <p>Congrats to Tom Cruise on winning Best Performance in a Movie at the 2023 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MTVAwards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MTVAwards</a>! <a href="https://t.co/dZr3Wglpdq">pic.twitter.com/dZr3Wglpdq</a></p> <p>— Movie &amp; TV Awards (@MTVAwards) <a href="https://twitter.com/MTVAwards/status/1655367059994456065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr"> “Hi everyone, thank you so much for this award,” he said from the cockpit. “I make these films for you. I love you. I love entertaining you. To know how much you enjoy it, how much you appreciate it, there’s just no better feeling.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In his acceptance speech, Cruise appears to be piloting the P-51 Mustang plane that he owns, which was featured in Top Gun: Maverick.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You have a wonderful summer," Cruise said in his speech. "Thank you again for letting me entertain you. It’s an absolute privilege. We’ll see you at the movies.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Cruise also recorded a similar message from the same plane that was played for King Charles II during the coronation concert on May 8. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Pilot to pilot," Cruise said. "Your Majesty, you can be my wingman any time.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Twitter</em></p>

Movies

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Olympian makes surprise announcement of new baby boy!

<p>Tom Daley and husband Dustin Lance Black have announced the news of their second child's arrival.</p> <p>The pair shared the news with the <em>Times</em> before taking to Instagram to reveal their son’s unique name, giving fans quite a surprise as they had not publicly revealed what they were expecting.</p> <p>Daley posted a picture of his now family of four and a sweet picture of him holding the newborn, paired with the caption, “🧡 PHOENIX ROSE BLACK-DALEY 🧡”</p> <p>"Our family has grown in the last week, we welcomed Phoenix to the world on 28/03/23 and he's just perfect 🧡 Robbie is loving being a BIG BRO! 👨‍👨‍👦‍👦”</p> <p>Friends and fans were quick to celebrate the couple’s new addition to the family in the comment section.</p> <p>Fellow Olympic diver Matty Lee wrote, “Can’t wait to meet him! Love you all ❤️”</p> <p>"Oh my god tom 😍💖 congrats angel!!!!” wrote social media star Holly H.</p> <p>Black also took to Instagram, posting a photo of the four of them, writing "And then there were four. Our second son, Phoenix Rose Black-Daley, arrived at 3:34 pm on March 28, 2023. ❤️"</p> <p>His comment section was also filled with excited friends and celebs wishing them well.</p> <p>“Congrats fellas!!!!” NSYNC singer Lance Bass wrote.</p> <p>“MAZEL TOV!!! ❤️🙌” TV presenter Andy Cohen said.</p> <p>The couple, who were married in 2017, welcomed their first child, five-year-old Robert Ray via surrogate in 2018.</p> <p>Young Phoenix isn’t the only newborn with an unusual name in the news at the moment, with proud mum <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/my-whole-heart-paris-hilton-shares-new-photos-of-baby-boy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paris Hilton announcing the birth of her first child</a>, a son with a name you won't forget.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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“I thought you needed a morale boost”: Tom Gleeson’s rough review for The Project

<p>Tom Gleeson has built a name for himself with his particular brand of comedy - sarcastic and dry, it’s a rare sight to behold when a sincere moment breaks through. </p> <p>But that’s exactly what happened when the stand-up comedian and host of <em>Taskmaster Australia </em>stopped by The Project for a chat, surprising everyone when he seized an opportunity to sing his praises for the show’s new line-up. </p> <p>“It's no surprise that he [Tom] finds it very weird to be nice,” <em>The Project</em>’s official Twitter account wrote when sharing a clip of his segment, “and he tried it on us.”</p> <p>“I like making fun of comedians, that’s always a treat. But I can be nice as well,” Tom began, “but it’s off-putting. Would you like to see me be nice?” </p> <p>The panel were eager to accept the unexpected offer, with Tom then informing them, “it’s weird, I’m loving the new <em>Project</em>. It’s great! I love it.” </p> <p>When one remarked that it “still sounded mean”, Tom agreed that it didn’t sound right, and decided the next best thing was to compliment them all. </p> <p>“What’s not to like about this show?” he asked. “We’ve got Liz, you know, a legend of Australian sports. Sarah Harris who’s a natural on camera, I’ve always loved you since I saw you on <em>Studio 10</em>. We’ve got Waleed, an intellectual with - you know - political opinions that are hard to pin down. We’ve got Sam who’s the best comedian of his generation - I’ve seen his act, it’s amazing.” </p> <p>This time, the panel believed him, gushing over the nice words to a round of applause from the live studio audience. </p> <p>Tom again admitted that it was weird for him, and when he was asked if it was bad for his reputation to say such things, he said, “well, to be honest, I only said it ‘cause I’ve seen your ratings and I thought you needed a morale boost.” </p> <p>Thankfully, the hosts - and the audience - saw the funny side, bursting into laughter while Tom declared that it felt better to be “back to normal.” </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/nonstoptom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NonStopTom</a> holds two of the meanest positions on TV, Hard Quizmaster and Taskmaster, so it's no surprise that he finds it very weird to be nice… and he tried it on us.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheProjectTV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheProjectTV</a> <a href="https://t.co/5DL5FCj9vQ">pic.twitter.com/5DL5FCj9vQ</a></p> <p>— The Project (@theprojecttv) <a href="https://twitter.com/theprojecttv/status/1635923339544784897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>However, the new ‘normal’ for <em>The Project </em>drives Tom’s joke a little too close to home. Over the course of a year, the talk show’s broadcast audience numbers have seen a sizeable drop - almost 100,000 down.</p> <p>While shows across multiple Australian networks have been hit with a viewership slump, <em>The Project</em>’s coincides with the departure of hosts Carrie Bickmore, Peter Helliar, and Lisa Wilkinson. </p> <p>It was only in 2023 that the show locked in the new line-up of Waleed Aly, Sarah Harris, Georgie Tunny, Michael Hing, Sam Taunton, and Hamish MacDonald. </p> <p>A panel that Tom Gleeson, at least, is a fan of. </p> <p><em>Images: Channel 10 </em></p>

TV

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Tom Cruise dines with legends on Sir Michael Caine’s big day

<p>Tom Cruise has spent the night with fellow industry heavyweights while out for dinner for Sir Michael Caine’s 90th birthday. </p> <p>The evening marked the first time that the 60-year-old actor, best known for his work in <em>Top Gun</em> and <em>Mission Impossible</em>, was spotted publicly since his absence at the 2023 Oscars was noted - while his film was nominated for Best Picture, Cruise was not in attendance at the event. </p> <p>He was one of a few select guests at Caine’s birthday celebrations, with the 90-year-old screen legend host welcoming the likes of Cruise, David Walliams, screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie, and Denise Welch to his private dinner at the River Cafe in London. </p> <p>Author and comedian Davia Walliams immortalised the gathering by sharing pictures with keen fans to his social media accounts, a series of snaps he captioned “Happy 90th Birthday to the legendary Sir Michael Caine.”</p> <p>“I have no idea why it brings me so much joy to see Tom Cruise & you hang[ing] out together for Michael Caine's birthday, but it does,” one eager supporter wrote. “Thanks for sharing!”</p> <p>“Looks like a fun night. Sorry I couldn’t make it,” joked another. </p> <p>“Easy to see why he skipped out on the Oscars,” one said. “He knows where the real power lies.” </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/Cpye3ruDG95/?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/Cpye3ruDG95/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by David Walliams HQ (@dwalliams)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Meanwhile, actress and TV personality Denise Welch took a slightly different approach to showcasing the party, opting instead to post a clip of a joke for mature audiences she’d shared with the party, writing that it was “such an honour to be asked by Shakira to say a few words at Sir Michael Caines’ 90th birthday!!! He loves a dirty joke and so does @tomcruise it appears!!!!” </p> <p>Her fans loved it, with one quipping “Tom Cruise skipping the Oscars to watch Denise perform stand up was not on my 2023 bingo card.” </p> <p>Denise liked the comment so much she later tweeted a headline that quoted it, calling it her “favourite headline ever.” </p> <p>“No way is that Tom Cruise & Michael Caine.... just fainted. I can't imagine being at the same table as Hollywood Royalty,” another admitted on the original post, starstruck. </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/CpzeNmPITWi/?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/CpzeNmPITWi/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Denise Welch (@denise_welch)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>In both posts, it appears that Cruise was seated right next to Caine for the celebration, with many voicing their surprise that the two were friends. </p> <p>The pair have never technically appeared together in a movie, but both actors did have parts in the 2002 film <em>Austin Powers in Goldmember</em>. However, Cruise’s role was only a cameo at the beginning of the comedy, while Caine portrayed Nigel Powers. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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"We’re all f***ed if that happens": 60 Minutes' stunning f-bombshell

<p><em>60 Minutes</em> reporter Tom Steinfort spoke for Australians all across the nation when he swore at Treasurer Jim Chalmers in an interview on interest rates.</p> <p>The exchange transpired as homeowners brace for a 10th consecutive rate rise, with the move expected to produce the highest interest rates Australians have seen in the past decade. </p> <p>“Do you see similarities between now and what happened in the early ‘90s?” Steinfort asked the treasurer, referencing a difficult period of recession for Australia.</p> <p>“There’s absolutely no chance that interest rates will get to the level that they were at in the early 1990s. I wanna make that clear,” Chalmers responded. </p> <p>And while the treasurer had wasted no time in giving his answer, it wasn’t enough to stop Steinfort from scoffing, “yeah, well, we’re all f***ed if that happens.”</p> <p>In January 1990, interest rates peaked - or hit rock bottom - at a record high of 17.5 per cent. </p> <p>And now, the RBA is set to deliver more bad news - passing on another 0.25 per cent interest rate rise - with homeowners already feeling their wallet strings tightening when faced with the disparity between house prices and annual wages. </p> <p>Australia’s inflation rate of 7.8 per cent marks the highest level since the early 1990s and is over twice that of the RBA’s 2-3 per cent inflation target - one they adopted in 1993. - the RBA took on its inflation target in 1993.</p> <p>Experts fear that further interest rate hikes will see Australia face its first recession since 1991, a concern that Steinfort clearly shares. </p> <p>Elsewhere in the interview, Steinfort wanted to know if Chalmers believed Australians had seen the worst of the inflation crisis, asking, “do you think we’ve hit the inflation peak?” </p> <p>“That’s our expectation, yeah,” Chalmers said. “We think that’s most likely, uh, that inflation peaked at Christmas time and has started to moderate. But we won’t know until we get that next set of data.”</p> <p>“You think we might be through the worst of it?” Steinfort pressed. </p> <p>“Well, I think inflation is starting to come off,” Chalmers responded, before adding that despite his optimism, Australians shouldn’t expect for things to get easier overnight, “but even as it moderates we can’t be complacent about it, because it’s still going to be a challenge in ‘23, just like it was in ‘22.” </p> <p>“You paint a picture that we’ve turned a bit of a corner and that there are better times ahead, but the people we’re speaking to - I mean, even when I look at my home mortgage bill - we’re not feeling it,” a sceptical Steinfort pointed out. </p> <p>To which a smiling Chalmers answered, “yeah, I understand, and I think that certainly the prime minister understands, and that the government understands, that people are under real pressure now. </p> <p>“We’re doing what we can to deal with it within the constraints of a responsible budget.” </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Federal treasurer Jim Chalmers believes we’ve already seen the worst of Australia’s inflation problem. However he says 2023 will still be a challenging time for many families.</p> <p>Watch <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/60Mins?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#60Mins</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/9Now?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@9Now</a> <a href="https://t.co/4G5tZZO3fU">pic.twitter.com/4G5tZZO3fU</a></p> <p>— 60 Minutes Australia (@60Mins) <a href="https://twitter.com/60Mins/status/1632322412959215617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><em>Images: 60 Minutes</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Tragic update on Tom Sizemore’s health condition

<p>Actor Tom Sizemore’s family have shared a tragic update surrounding his health condition, 10 days after he was rushed to hospital after suffering a brain aneurysm.</p> <p>In a statement issued to Variety, Sizemore’s manager, Charles Lago, revealed that there is “no further hope” for the actor and his family are in the midst of “deciding end of life matters”.</p> <p>The actor, best known for his roles in films such as <em>Saving Private Ryan</em>, <em>Black Hawk Down</em> and <em>Pearl Harbor</em>, suffered an aneurysm at his home in Los Angeles on February 18 and was hospitalised in critical condition.</p> <p>“Doctors informed his family that there is no further hope and have recommended end of life decision. The family is now deciding end of life matters and a further statement will be issued on Wednesday,” Lago said in a statement updating the media on the 61-year-old star’s condition.</p> <p>“We are asking for privacy for his family during this difficult time and they wish to thank everyone for the hundreds of messages of support, and prayers that have been received. This has been a difficult time for them.”</p> <p>The US Sun reported that an unknown person found Sizemore lying in his house and called 911, where emergency services then transported him to a local hospital.</p> <p>Sizemore rose to fame in the 1990s with a string of supporting roles in successful action and war roles, including distinguished roles in the heist film <em>Heat</em>, an award-nominated turn in the comedy <em>Heart and Souls</em>, and an acclaimed role in what turned out to be his most successful film, <em>Saving Private Ryan</em>.</p> <p>However, personal scandals eclipsed his acting career in the 2000s, with substance abuse, legal issues and allegations of on-set sexual abuse.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

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Saving Private Ryan star in critical condition

<p>Tom Sizemore has been hospitalised and is in intensive care after suffering a brain aneurysm, his spokesperson, Charles Lago, told CNN.</p> <p>Sizemore is in critical condition and is in a “wait and see situation,” said Lago. </p> <p>"His family is aware and waiting for updates," Lago told the outlet. "There is no further update at this time.”</p> <p>At 61 years of age, the Saving Private Ryan star hails from Detroit and has appeared in several hit crime and war movies in the ‘90s and 2000s, including the films Heat, Natural Born Killers, Pearl Harbor and Black Hawk Down.</p> <p>Often portraying a tough guy, he is likely best known for playing Sergeant Mike Horvath in the World War II movie Saving Private Ryan. </p> <p>Sizemore was nominated for a Golden Globe Award in 2000 for Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television for his role in Witness Protection. </p> <p>More recently, the actor appeared in episodes of Cobra Kai and Twin Peaks.</p> <p>Sizemore has long struggled with drug addiction and has had a catalogue of legal issues during his career.</p> <p>In 2003 he was convicted on domestic violence charges stemming from his relationship with former fiancée Heidi Fleiss. In 2006 he pleaded no contest to using methamphetamine outside a motel. He was then arrested in Los Angeles in 2009 for suspected battery of a former spouse and then again in 2011 for the same offence. </p> <p>Speaking to Larry King on CNN in a 2010 interview, Sizemore revealed he had been addicted to cocaine, heroin and meth. He also participated in the 2010 season of the reality show Celebrity Rehab with Dr Drew.  </p> <p>Image credit: Getty</p> <p style="color: #0e101a; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> </p>

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Why why WHYYYY Tom Jones' biggest hit is ‘cancelled’

<p>Choirs have been informed that they are no longer allowed to perform Welsh singer Tom Jones’ classic “Delilah” during international rugby matches at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.</p> <p>The announcement, made on Wednesday, came after allegations of misogyny, sexism, racism, and homophobia within the Welsh Rugby Union. Prior to banning the song, claims of a toxic culture within the WRU’s governing body were made public during a TV documentary, and chief executive Steve Phillips issued his resignation. </p> <p>Previously in 2015, the WRU had removed “Delilah” from its Test match playlists and half-time entertainment, but now guest choirs have been asked not to perform it. </p> <p>“‘Delilah’ will not feature on the playlist for choirs for rugby internationals at Principality Stadium,” a spokesperson for the stadium confirmed. </p> <p>“Guest choirs have also more recently been requested not to feature the song during their pre-match performances and throughout games,” he continued, “the WRU condemns domestic violence of any kind.</p> <p>"We have previously sought advice from subject matter experts on the issue of censoring the song and we are respectfully aware that it is problematic and upsetting to some supporters because of its subject matter."</p> <p>The lyrics of concern, written in the 1960s, reference a woman’s murder at the hands of her jealous partner. </p> <p>“I crossed the street to her house and she opened the door. She stood there laughing,” the song goes, “I felt the knife in my hand and she laughed no more.” </p> <p>The decision to ban the song has been met with mixed response, with many unsure that it was the right step towards tackling the WRU’s issues - or if it was even a step at all. </p> <p>“All the things they need to do,” tweeted WRU wing Louis Rees-Zammit, in what is believed to be a comment on the situation, “and they do that first…”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">All the things they need to do and they do that first….😶</p> <p>— Louis Rees-Zammit ⚡️ (@LouisReesZammit) <a href="https://twitter.com/LouisReesZammit/status/1620804107392155654?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>“Wrongheaded,” was what Welsh Conservative shadow sport minister Tom Giffard said of the decision. “One that amounts to simple virtue signalling, designed to ease the pressure the WRU are currently under. Calls to ban the song span at least the last decade, yet the WRU have chosen now to act.”</p> <p>He went on to state that people would rather see “institutional change” within the WRU, with better working practices and a refined complaint process. </p> <p>But, as he put it, “instead they are choosing to ban a much loved Tom Jones song. This action will solve nothing."</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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The biggest winners and losers of the Oscar nominations

<p>The nominees for the 95th Academy Awards were announced overnight, with fan favourites in for a shot at snagging the coveted Oscar awards. </p> <p>Actors Riz Ahmed and Allison Williams made the announcements from the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.</p> <p>Some nominees came as no surprise to avid film fans, while others were a shock, with some favourite apparently snubbed by the Academy. </p> <p>Sci-fi comedy drama Everything <em>Everywhere All At Once </em>scored 11 Academy Award nominations, the most for any film in 2023, with Best Picture well within their sights. </p> <p><em>All Quiet on the Western Front </em>and <em>The Banshees of Inisherin </em>came in second with a total of 9 nominations each.</p> <p>Australian actor Cate Blanchett was honoured with a chance at Best Actress for her leading performance in the psychological drama <em>Tár</em>. Cate is a favourite in this category, and a win would see her with three Oscar awards to her name. </p> <p>In the Best Actress category, many were shocked to see Viola Davis snubbed for her work in the historical drama <em>The Woman King</em>. Viola had been a contender for the award all season, with recognition at the BAFTA Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, and the Screen Actors Guild Awards.</p> <p>Australia’s own Baz Luhrmann missed out on a nomination for his directing work on <em>Elvis</em>, but the film didn’t miss out entirely, bagging nominations in eight categories, including the sought after Best Picture. </p> <p>James Cameron, director of <em>Avatar: The Way of Water</em>, best known for directing <em>Titanic</em>, did not receive a nomination for Best Director either. </p> <p>Catherine Martin, the most awarded Australian in the history of the Oscars with four wins to her name, received two nominations for her work on <em>Elvis</em> for both Costume Design and Production Design. </p> <p>The nominees for Best Actor came with no surprises, though many thought Tom Cruise may feature there for his performance in<em> Top Gun: Maverick</em>. Hugh Jackman also missed out on a nomination in this category for his work in <em>The Son</em>. </p> <p>Despite snubs in other categories, most films were acknowledged with multiple nominations, though perhaps not always in the areas they wanted. Fans were certain the likes of <em>The Woman King</em>, <em>Babylon</em>, and <em>The Whale </em>would be up for a chance at Best Picture, but each was left disappointed when the list of contenders was announced. </p> <p>With six nominations, <em>Top Gun: Maverick </em>looks set to take home at least one award, but all eyes are on Tom Cruise and his chance for a first Academy Award win. While he wasn’t nominated for Best Actor, the film did secure itself a chance at Best Picture, with many praising the Academy for honouring a box office success. </p> <p>The winners of the 95th Academy Awards will be announced on March 13 (Australian time), with comedian Jimmy Kimmel set to host the event. </p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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The Block couple hit back at claims they are living in a caravan

<p dir="ltr"><em>The Block</em> couple Tom and Sarah-Jane have hit back at claims that they are living in a caravan after a shock loss on the show.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple reportedly had to move their family into a caravan after earning just $20,000 in profit over their property’s reserve on the show.</p> <p dir="ltr">After the series ended, the couple kept their fans updated on their lives on social media before something caught their eagle eyes.</p> <p dir="ltr">During a tour of their holiday home in Lake Eildon, north of Melbourne fans pointed out that during the Channel Nine show, the house was described as their holiday “weekender”.</p> <p dir="ltr">This then led to the Daily Mail to run an article claiming the couple were “living out of a CARAVAN” after their massive loss.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The pair were forced to sell their Ford Ute to make ends meet after walking away with just $20,000 at auction day and are now staying at a Victorian caravan park,” the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-11502619/The-Blocks-Tom-Sa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">article</a> read.</p> <p dir="ltr">Anyone who has been following the couple are well aware of their struggles, but the pair put an end to the rumour that they are doing it tough.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/12/block-hero-2.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr">“This time 6 years ago we bought our home! Gee time has flown. Also lets take a moment for a Tom with hair &amp; a moustache,” the couple wrote on Instagram along withe a photo of them in front of their new house.</p> <p dir="ltr">They also had a screenshot of the Daily Mail article with the caption: “Just letting you all know we are not living in a caravan. Though if we were retired we totally would! Also how’s that dig at the Kmart furniture.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Queen Elizabeth’s “unlikely friendship” with Tom Cruise

<p dir="ltr">Queen Elizabeth II really enjoyed meeting Tom Cruise in the weeks before her death that she organised to have him celebrate her Platinum Jubilee. </p> <p dir="ltr">The late British monarch “really hit it off” with the <em>Top Gun</em> star but the pair were unable to rekindle at the Platinum Jubilee due to the Queen’s mobility issues.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, the Queen was adamant on seeing Tom again that she organised a tour of Windsor Castle. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The Queen let it be known that she was really disappointed not to have met Tom at the pageant, so he was invited to have a special tour of Windsor Castle with everything laid on for him. Afterwards, just the two of them had tea together,” the source said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Tom enjoyed his time at the castle that he was also given the opportunity to fire a ceremonial gun.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She loved seeing him and they really hit it off, so much so that she invited him back for lunch. He was even allowed to fly in by helicopter,” the source continued. </p> <p dir="ltr">Unfortunately, the lunch never happened with the Queen passing away at the age of 96 on September 8. </p> <p dir="ltr">Tom has previously spoken of his admiration for Queen Elizabeth saying everything she has achieved are historic.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She’s just a woman that I greatly admire. I think she is someone who has tremendous dignity and I admire her devotion. What she has accomplished has been historic,” he said at the time.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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Speculation swirls around the new James Bond

<p dir="ltr">With Daniel Craig sipping his last shaken-not-stirred martini, the identity of the next James Bond continues to be one of Hollywood’s greatest mysteries.</p> <p dir="ltr">After years of rumours and speculation, top candidate Idris Elba is out of the running, with Hollywood sources revealing he is prioritising other roles.</p> <p dir="ltr">As a result, the new top contender is 26-year-old <em>Spiderman </em>star Tom Holland - with Ladbrokes placing odds of 40/1 on him - though it’s unclear whether he will take on the challenge.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Tom Holland might not be the traditional Bond type, but the odds suggest he has a slight chance of replacing Daniel Craig, and plenty of punters seem to think the same,” Ladbrokes’ Alex Aparti told <em><a href="https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/films/1655037/next-james-bond-tom-holland-spider-man-daniel-craig-007-odds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Express UK</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though Ladbrokes are still placing <em>Superman </em>star Henry Cavill as the favourite for the next Bond, helped by the fact he auditioned for the role back in 2005 and lost out to Craig, recent reports have revealed that producers are looking to cast an actor who is under 5’10” (178cm) and looks younger than previous Bonds, per <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/celebrity-photos/producers-have-strengthened-rumours-tom-holland-next-007/news-story/7b99d27f81c29f50dad395ed95180993" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite these new reports, bookies have rounded out the list of likely picks for the next 007 with former <em>Bridgerton </em>heartthrob Regé-Jean Page, Tom Hardy of <em>Mad Max </em>and <em>Venom </em>fame, and Scottish <em>Game of Thrones</em> star Richard Madden.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The race to replace Daniel Craig is firmly on,” Apati said.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the franchise’s producers, the next Bond film is unlikely to be in cinemas until 2025, with the eighth Bond actor to be announced in the next year.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-9ee6fc2c-7fff-0370-7e4d-78c1ed9cd7b9"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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Sir Tom Jones collapses

<p>Sir Tom Jones has been forced to postpone a concert in Budapest, after he collapsed just hours before being scheduled to take to the stage. </p> <p>The 82-year-old singer was treated by private doctors, who advised he postpone the concert. </p> <p>Local news outlets reported that an ambulance was not called to the venue, but Jones' private physicians attended to him backstage.</p> <p>A message from the venue in the Hungarian capital translated to English said, "Unfortunately following doctors' advice, Tom Jones regrets he is unable to perform at the MVM Dome this evening."</p> <p>"The show will be rescheduled to Tuesday 16th August 2022. All tickets will remain valid for the revised date."</p> <p>"Sir Tom sends his sincere apologies for the inconvenience created but looks forward to performing for you in August."</p> <p>There has been no further update on Jones' condition.</p> <p>Sir Tom has been jetting around the world for his much-anticipated Surrounded By Time tour and has been sharing regular snaps of his travels and shows on Instagram. </p> <p>His ongoing European and US tour features more than 50 dates and the singer is due to perform in cities across Germany, Croatia, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway and Belgium over the coming weeks.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

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