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‘To truly forget life for a while – a reprieve and a reward’: why Australians love going to the cinema

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ruari-elkington-105955">Ruari Elkington</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a> Australians have had plenty of time in the last 100 years to work out what they value about cinema-going and why it matters. Head to any cinema and catch the Val Morgan advertising in the pre-show. Take a closer look at the date the company was founded. Not 1984, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Val_Morgan">but 1894</a>. That’s more than 125 years of “Making Messages Memorable” on Australian screens. We have a deep and abiding love for cinema in this country. Over the last century, the experience of going to the movies has both shifted significantly (<a href="https://villageroadshow.com.au/-/media/VRL-Corporate-Media-Library/Documents/Press-Releases/2017/5-December-Gold-Class-Celebrates-20-Years.pdf">we invented Gold Class, you know</a>) and somehow remained resolutely enduring in terms of appeal. My colleague Tess Van Hemert and I have spent the last two years <a href="https://research.qut.edu.au/dmrc/projects/resilient-screens-investigating-the-value-of-australian-cinema-exhibition/">researching</a> the cultures and practices of cinema-going and how cinema sites shape that experience. A typical response in our research was: "I love the cinema experience. It’s a bonding experience, if it’s good it’s an emotional and cathartic experience." <h2>‘A reprieve and a reward’</h2> Cinemas <a href="https://www.bfi.org.uk/industry-data-insights/reports/measuring-economic-value-cinema-venues">are a catalyst</a> for social, cultural and economic activity wherever they operate, from single-screen regional sites to major multiplexes in suburban shopping malls. Cinema, our participants said, is the “ideal” way to watch a movie: "I like to sit as close as I can to the screen so that the ‘real’ world is completely blocked out. I am immersed in & in awe of the film only. To truly forget life for a while – a reprieve & a reward." Cinemas also mirror communities back to themselves. We may go in alone, as a couple or with family and friends, but in the cinema we form a community. When reflecting on returning to the cinema between COVID lockdowns, one person spoke of seeing American Utopia "There were only about 10 people in the cinema. We didn’t know each other but we all started spontaneously dancing, first in our seats, and then everyone ran down to the floor in front of the screen to dance together. It was like a mini music festival when live music was banned." Despite the cost, despite the hassle, despite the need to leave the couch, Australians turn up time and time again to cinemas. In 2023, the Australian box office generated nearly <a href="https://if.com.au/australian-box-office-neared-1b-in-2023/">A$1 billion</a> (although this is down on <a href="https://variety.com/2020/film/asia/australia-annual-box-office-drops-1203476275/">pre-COVID figures</a>). Four of the top ten highest grossing films of all time in Australia have been released <a href="https://www.valmorgan.com.au/2022-at-the-movies">since the pandemic began</a>. Australian census data tells us cinema-going remains Australia’s <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/people-and-communities#:%7E:text=44%25%20of%20people%20attended%20the,popular%20cultural%20venue%20or%20event">most popular</a> cultural activity. <h2>‘Being able to switch off’</h2> When cinemas face closure – or shut temporarily, as they did during the pandemic – the outpouring of community support can galvanise a community and remind them of all the times and ways in which they valued that access to that experience. One participant spoke of seeing their first film in the cinema after the pandemic: "It made me appreciate the whole cinema experience more. Getting out and being able to switch off was a welcome change." In our research, we observed how cinemas began to <a href="https://www.palacecinemas.com.au/blog/the-cinema-why-we-love-it/">articulate</a> their value to community through the pandemic period of forced closures. In the <a href="https://eprints.qut.edu.au/243758/">large-scale national audience research</a> we conducted in partnership with Palace Cinemas the value audiences derive from cinema-going was as diverse as the programming. They remembered specific films, such as watching the opening credits of Force Awakens with a crowd of avid fans, or feeling like they were “experiencing summer in Italy” while watching Call Me By Your Name. They focused on memories of the people they were with, such as feeling “all grown up” while seeing arthouse films with their dad when they were a kid. <h2>‘Float in the memory’</h2> They spoke about the feelings they had before during and after the screening and the experience overall. One respondent wrote of loving the end of a film: "the quiet few minutes as the credits roll and you float in the memory of the film. This only happens for me when I see it in the cinema." Another participant spoke about leaving the cinema and: "doing a walk around the block thinking about the movie, still thinking about the movie driving home." One participant said they love “being able to have respectful (unbothered) alone time publicly”. Clear in this data is that memorability – and the experience of cinema – is far more nuanced than the simple appeal of watching a big film in a big room on a big screen. Cinemas continue to serve Australian communities in far more complex way than simply movies and popcorn. Cinema has always battled headwinds. Since radio, cinema has constantly faced in-home entertainment technology that was supposed to knock it over completely – TV, colour TV, cable, satellite, VHS, DVDs and now streaming. Each time, the desire for people to come together in a space and watch something unique in a way they can’t find anywhere else, with a level of engagement they can’t find anywhere else, has prevailed. We all have a kitchen at home, but we still love going out to restaurants. Disney, Warner Bros and Australia’s own Birch Carrol and Coyle all celebrated 100 years of operation in 2023. To sustain another century, more research is needed to better understand how cinema-going must continue to evolve to meet shifting audience expectations.<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/222597/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ruari-elkington-105955">Ruari Elkington</a>, Senior Lecturer in Creative Industries & Chief Investigator at QUT Digital Media Research Centre (DMRC), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a> Image credits: Getty Images 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/to-truly-forget-life-for-a-while-a-reprieve-and-a-reward-why-australians-love-going-to-the-cinema-222597">original article</a>.

Movies

“Deeply disappointed”: The Wiggles hit out at council’s “harsh” use of iconic song

The Wiggles have taken aim at the Western Australian city of Bunbury for using their iconic song in a “harsh” way. The childrens’ entertainers found out the local council had been playing their song Hot Potato on an endless loop to deter homeless people from congregating. The song had been playing at the Graham Bricknell Music Shell, a stage in one of the town’s parks, that plays host to bands and events. When not in use for entertainment purposes, homeless people would gather under the shell and pitch tent to seek shelter from the elements. After being alerted to the fact that their song was being used in such a callous way, The Wiggles contacted The City of Bunbury and banned them from using the song. In a statement given to the <a href="https://thewest.com.au/entertainment/the-wiggles-slap-the-city-of-bunbury-with-music-ban-over-homelessness-row--c-12413889" target="_blank" rel="noopener">West Australian, </a>they said, “The Wiggles’ music is created to bring joy and happiness to children and families around the world, and we are deeply disappointed to hear that it is being used in any other way.” The council had been using the Wiggles’ song for around six months before the band issued their ban. Mayor of Bunbury Jaysen Miguel defended his decision to play the music, saying, “The City of Bunbury has been running music on and off there for the past six months, as happens across Australia and across the world where you can have music in certain areas to deter anti-social behaviours.” “But... there has been a known problem where people are getting in and turning the music up to full bore.” Local homeless cafe provider Intown Centre said the council needed a better response to the homelessness crisis, as Chair David Bailey said, “In the last couple of days, I have been walking around and I have heard it, but I did not think it was the council.” “I thought it was someone with a CD player,” he said. “It did strike me as odd. It is harsh . . . (and) there needs to be a better response.” Image credits: Getty Images

Caring

Sinead O'Connor was once seen as a sacrilegious rebel, but her music and life were deeply infused with spiritual seeking

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/brenna-moore-1457909">Brenna Moore</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/fordham-university-1299">Fordham University</a> When news broke July 26, 2023, that the gifted Irish singer <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-66318626">Sinead O’Connor had died</a>, stories of her most famous performance circulated amid the grief and shock. Thirty-one years ago, after a haunting rendition of Bob Marley’s song “War,” O’Connor ripped up a photograph of Pope John Paul II on live television. “Fight the real enemy,” she said – a reference to <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-catholic-church-sex-abuse-crisis-4-essential-reads-169442">clerical sex abuse</a>. For months afterward, she was banned, <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sinead-o-connor-booed-pope-bob-dylan-concert-1176338/">booed and mocked</a>, dismissed as a crazy rebel beyond the pale. Commemorations following her death, however, cast the protest in a very different light. Her “Saturday Night Live” performance is now seen as “invigorating,” <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/26/arts/music/sinead-oconnor-snl-pope.html">the New York Times’ pop critic wrote</a>, and “a call to arms for the dispossessed.” Attitudes toward Catholicism, sex and power are far different today than in 1992, whether in New York or O’Connor’s native Dublin. In many people’s eyes, the moral credibility of the Catholic Church around the world <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/245858/catholics-faith-clergy-shaken.aspx">has crumbled</a>, and trust in faith institutions of any sort is <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/1597/confidence-institutions.aspx">at an all-time low</a>. Sexual abuse, once discussed only in whispers, is now beginning to be talked about openly. I join the chorus of voices today who say O’Connor was decades ahead of her time. But leaving it just at that, we miss something profound about the complexity and depth of her religious imagination. Sinead O’Connor was arguably one of the most spiritually sensitive artists of our time. I am <a href="https://www.fordham.edu/academics/departments/theology/faculty/brenna-moore/">a scholar of Catholicism in the modern era</a> and have long been interested in those figures – the poets, artists, seekers – who wander <a href="https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/K/bo90478851.html">the margins of their religious tradition</a>. These men and women are dissatisfied with the mainstream centers of religious power but nonetheless compelled by something indelibly religious that feeds the wellsprings of their artistic imagination. Throughout her life, O’Connor defied religious labels, exploring multiple faiths. The exquisite freedom in her music cannot be disentangled from <a href="https://www.americamagazine.org/arts-culture/2021/09/16/sinead-oconnor-rememberings-memoir-moore-241369">that something transcendent</a> that she was always after. <h2>‘Rescuing God from religion’</h2> Religion is often thought about as discreet traditions: institutions that someone is either inside or outside. But on the ground, it is rarely that simple. The Catholic Church had a strong hold on Irish society as O’Connor was growing up – a “theocracy,” she called it <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/sep/10/sinead-oconnor-pope-visit">in interviews</a> and <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/126006/sinead-oconnor">her memoir, “Rememberings</a>” – and for many years she <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-oconnor/singer-sinead-oconnor-demands-pope-steps-down-idUSTRE5BA39Y20091211">called for more accountability</a> for the clerical abuse crisis. But she was also open in her love of other aspects of the faith, albeit often in unorthodox ways. She had a tattoo of Jesus on her chest and continued to critique the church while appearing on television with a priest’s collar. Ten years after her SNL performance, O'Connor took courses at a seminary in Dublin with a Catholic Dominican priest, Rev. Wilfred Harrington. Together, they read the prophets of the Hebrew Bible and the Psalms: sacred scriptures in which God’s voice comes through in darker, moodier, more human forms. Inspired by her teacher, she made the gorgeous album “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xncY5WP12BQ">Theology</a>,” dedicated to him. The album is a mix of some of her own songs inspired by the Hebrew Bible – like “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/wat,h?v=Kf24-rgyOeI">If You Had a Vineyard</a>,” inspired by the Book of Isaiah; and “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh7s5BKphw8">Watcher of Men</a>,” which draws from the biblical story of Job – and other tracks that essentially are sung versions of her favorite Psalms. In <a href="https://wfuv.org/content/sinead-oconnor-words-and-music-2007">a 2007 interview</a> with Fordham University’s WFUV radio station, O'Connor said that she was hoping the album could show God to people when religion itself had blocked their access to God. It was a kind of “rescuing God from religion,” to “lift God out of religion.” Rather than preaching or writing, “music is the little way that I do that,” she said, adding, “I say that as someone who has a lot of love for religion.” <h2>Reading the prophets</h2> In doing so, she stood in the long line of the prophetic tradition itself. The great Jewish thinker <a href="https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/abraham-joshua-heschel-a-prophets-prophet/">Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel’s</a> book “<a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-prophets-abraham-j-heschel?variant=40970012721186">The Prophets</a>” begins with this sentence: “This book is about some of the most disturbing people who have ever lived.” Over and over, the Bible shows the prophets – the prophets who inspired “Theology” – mounting bracing assaults on hypocrisies and insincerities in their own religious communities, and not politely or calmly. To many horrified Catholics, O’Connor’s SNL appearance and her many other criticisms of the church were blasphemous – or, at best, just throwing stones from outside the church for attention. Other fans, however, saw it as prophetic condemnation. It was not just a critique of child abuse but of church officials’ professed compassion for children – sanctimonious pieties <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/nov/26/catholic-church-ireland-child-abuse">as they covered up the abuse</a>. In calling this out and so much more, O’Connor was often seen as disturbing: not just the photo-of-the-pope incident, but her androgyny, her shaved head, her openness around her own struggles with mental illness. But for many admirers, as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VLy1A4En4U">the documentary “Nothing Compares</a>” makes clear, all this showed that she was free, and like the prophets of old, unashamed and unafraid to provoke. <h2>Rasta to Islam</h2> At the same time, O’Connor’s religious imagination was so much more than a complex relationship with Catholicism. Religion around O’Connor was eclectic and intense. She was deeply influenced by <a href="https://theconversation.com/reggaes-sacred-roots-and-call-to-protest-injustice-99069">Rastafarian traditions</a> of Jamaica, <a href="https://wfuv.org/content/sinead-oconnor-words-and-music-2007">which she described</a> as “an anti-religious but massively pro-God spiritual movement.” She considered Sam Cooke’s early album with the Soul Stirrers the best gospel album ever made. She counted among her spiritual heroes Muhammad Ali – and <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-45987127">converted to Islam in 2018</a>, changing her name to Shuhada’ Sadaqat. Yet O’Connor’s vision was not fragmented, as if she were constantly chasing after bits and pieces. The miracle of Sinead O’Connor is that it all coheres, somehow, in the words of an artist who refuses to lie, to hide or not say what she thinks. When asked about spirituality, O’Connor once said that she preferred to sing about it, not talk about it – as she does in so many songs, from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkP-0rnr_Gw">her luminous singing of the antiphon</a>, a Marian hymn sung at Easter services, to her Rasta-inspired album, “<a href="https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/5945-throw-down-your-arms/">Throw Down Your Arms</a>.” In “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haYbyQIEgQk">Something Beautiful</a>,” a track from the “Theology” album, O’Connor speaks both to God and the listener: “I wanna make/ Something beautiful/ For you and from you/ To show you/ I adore you.” Indeed she did. To be moved by her art is to sense a transcendence, a peek into radiance.<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/210540/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/brenna-moore-1457909">Brenna Moore</a>, Professor of Theology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/fordham-university-1299">Fordham University</a> Image credits: Getty Images 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/sinead-oconnor-was-once-seen-as-a-sacrilegious-rebel-but-her-music-and-life-were-deeply-infused-with-spiritual-seeking-210540">original article</a>.

Music

BBC presenter suspended over "deeply concerning" allegations

A BBC presenter has been suspended after allegations emerged of them playing a teenager for sexually explicit images. The unnamed presenter allegedly paid the teenager, who was 17 when the correspondence began, a total of £35,000 ($67,000AUD) for the pictures over a three year period. UK culture minister Lucy Frazer said earlier she had spoken about the "deeply concerning" allegations with BBC Director General Tim Davie, who assured her the BBC is "investigating swiftly and sensitively". The allegations were first reported by <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/22978239/bbc-star-paying-teenager-sexual-pictures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a> newspaper, who said the child’s mother first came forward with the allegations in May 2023. The presenter reportedly stayed on the air for a month after the initial report was made. The alleged victim’s mother also said that the money given to their child was used to fund a drug habit. The woman said of the BBC presenter, “When I see him on telly, I feel sick. I blame this BBC man for destroying my child’s life.” "Taking my child’s innocence and handing over the money for crack cocaine that could kill my child.” In a statement on Sunday, the BBC confirmed that it "first became aware of a complaint in May". "New allegations were put to us on Thursday of a different nature and in addition to our own enquiries we have also been in touch with external authorities, in line with our protocols," it added. The statement said that "a male member of staff has been suspended". "This is a complex and fast moving set of circumstances and the BBC is working as quickly as possible to establish the facts in order to properly inform appropriate next steps," the BBC added. London's Metropolitan Police released a statement later on Sunday confirming the BBC contacted it over the matter, "but no formal referral or allegation has been made". "We will require additional information before determining what further action should follow," it added. The BBC said it takes "any allegations seriously" and has "robust internal processes in place to proactively deal with such allegations". In an internal email sent to staff and quoted on the BBC website, Davie said he is "wholly condemning the unsubstantiated rumours being made on the internet about some of our presenting talent". Since The Sun published the allegations, some BBC presenters have taken to social media to deny that they are the broadcaster in question, with the perpetrator yet to be formally named. Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

"Truly magical": A Lasting Tale gives everyday Australians a voice

Amidst a world engulfed in fake news, endless scrolling, and the pursuit of instant gratification, Dimity Brassil firmly advocates for the significance of collecting the stories and wisdom of our elderly. Following the unfortunate loss of her father and sister in rapid succession, Dimity approached her 89-year-old mother, Anne, with a heartfelt request to capture her life story in her own voice. Anne graciously agreed, leading the duo to create <a href="https://www.alastingtale.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Lasting Tale</a> – a project that would later prove to empower older Australians in sharing their life stories with their loved ones, unbeknownst to Dimity at the time. "When my father and sister passed away, it became apparent that we had not adequately documented their histories, especially my sister, who left behind a young child," Dimity reflects. "I realised that we would soon forget the sound of her voice and that we hadn't captured many of her stories in her own words for her daughter to cherish." Motivated by this realisation, Dimity was determined to do the same for her mother, a captivating individual whose accomplishments, community work, and insightful, witty observations on life remained largely unknown to even her own children, let alone her grandchildren. Recently launched nationwide, A Lasting Tale now engages 40 professional journalists in recording private audio life stories for families across Australia. To date, over 1500 everyday Australians have shared their life stories for the benefit of their families. By utilising the app's interactive questions or availing themselves of the professional podcasting service, families can capture essential information and stories from their loved ones. These recordings can be preserved as personalised audio series, serving as cherished mementos for generations to come. A Lasting Tale provides a free mobile app and collaborates with retirement villages, palliative care providers, libraries, community organisations, and even runs specialised life story intergenerational programs in aged care facilities. One of the most interesting stories of people who have used the new service is that of Carla Lidbury, whose mum, Linda, was diagnosed with terminal cancer and passed not long after the recording. Carla says, “When Mum was diagnosed with cancer, my sister and I knew we wanted to have her life story recorded. “Mum had such an amazing memory and was really visual with how she described things. I felt it was enabling us to keep a piece of mum forever. “Mum was an aerobics teacher in the 1980s and such fun. She had so many amazing stories to tell that would be lost after she passed, and luckily Mum was open to the experience and looking forward to it.” Linda passed not long after recording her story. Carla adds: “I didn’t listen to Mum’s audio life story until a few weeks after she passed. Wow! It was magical to hear her voice. It brought joy, I laughed, I cried. “There were so many emotions and happy moments when we heard it. It made me realise she wasn’t just my Mum – she was Linda, she was a person who had her adventures and career and friends. She was amazing.” Through this remarkable project, countless families have been given the gift of capturing the essence of their loved ones' lives, creating a lasting legacy that transcends time. Each recorded tale becomes a precious treasure, offering solace, laughter, and tears – a reminder that behind the roles of parents and grandparents, there are individuals with vibrant histories, remarkable adventures, and a wealth of wisdom to impart. A Lasting Tale reminds us to cherish and celebrate the stories that make us who we are, bridging generations and weaving a tapestry of human experiences that will endure for years to come.

Family & Pets

"Deeply distressed": Tragedy strikes Robert De Niro's family

Robert De Niro's grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, has tragically passed away, as confirmed by his daughter, Drena De Niro. Drena De Niro, who is 51 years old and Robert De Niro's daughter from his previous marriage to Diahnne Abbott, shared the devastating news of her young son's passing on Instagram. In a heartfelt tribute, accompanied by a photo of her late son, she expressed her deep love for him, stating: "My beautiful sweet angel. I have loved you beyond words or description from the moment I felt you in my belly. You have been joy in my heart and all that was ever pure and real in my life." Overwhelmed by grief and yearning to be with her son, she continued, <span style="color: #343541; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"I wish I was with you right now. I wish I was with you. I don't know how to live without you but I'll try to go on and spread the love and light that you so made me feel in getting to be your mama. <span style="color: #343541; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"You were so deeply loved and appreciated and I wish that love alone could have saved you 😞 I'm so sorry my baby, I'm so sorry @carlosmare 😢💔. Rest in Peace and Eternal Paradise my darling boy." <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/CuOES_xN6pO/?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/CuOES_xN6pO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Drena (@drenadeniro)</a> </div> </blockquote> Upon learning the tragic news, Robert De Niro expressed deep distress over his teenage grandson's passing. In a statement provided to the New York Post's Page Six section on Monday, Robert De Niro expressed his sorrow, saying, "I'm deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo." The statement was delivered through a spokesperson. He further added, "We're greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo." At present, the cause of Leandro's death remains unknown, although reports suggest that drugs and drug paraphernalia were found near his body. Leandro was the son of Drena De Niro and graffiti artist Carlos "Mare139" Rodriguez. Carlos commented on Drena's social media post, expressing his heartfelt emotions: "Words aren't enough to express the joy he gave us or the loss we now endure with our families and friends. He is God's child now. On this full moon, his spirit illuminates what could not be seen in the dark. You can't spell LOVE without LEO." Several celebrities, including Lenny Kravitz, Andy Cohen, and Naomi Campbell, expressed their support and condolences in the comments section of Drena's post. Drena De Niro is the eldest of Robert De Niro's seven children. He adopted her in 1976 after marrying her mother, Diahnne Abbott. Robert also has a son named Raphael, 46, with Ms. Abbott, as well as twins named Aaron and Julian, 27, with Toukie Smith. Additionally, he has a son named Elliot, 25, and a daughter named Helen, 11, with Grace Hightower. In May, Robert announced that he and his partner, Tiffany Chen, welcomed their seventh child, a daughter named Gia. Images: Instagram

Caring

"Truly remarkable": Outpouring of love for orphaned infants of bus crash victims

Generous Australians have opened their hearts and wallets to show their support for the two orphaned children of Andrew and Lynan Scott. The Scotts were onboard the bus that crashed in the Hunter Valley and were killed, along with eight others, leaving behind two sons, aged two and four. Since the devastating crash, family friends Sean and Paula Mewing set up a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/Support-the-sons-of-Andrew-and-Lynan-Scott" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page for the young boys from Singleton in northern NSW, with the staggering sum reaching almost $300,000 in just over a week. The page's stated goal was $300,000 to 'to assist in providing ongoing support for the sons' of the Scotts, with more than 2,300 donations making up a total sum of $287,000. Despite the page almost reaching the target, the families of Andrew and Lynan said the page would "remain open in weeks, months and years ahead" to "support these boys in any endeavour they wish to pursue". In an update posted on Sunday, the families of Andrew and Lynan thanked page visitors for "all the love and support you all have shown in the past week either via donations and/or messages on this page, it is truly remarkable." In the messages section, tributes flowed from friends, family and colleagues of the deceased couple. "I worked with Andrew and he was one of the most genuinely sweet men I’ve ever met," one person wrote. "We were usually the first 2 there in the morning and he always had a happy smile and a hello for me! He won’t be forgotten." Another said, "Thank you Lynan and Andrew for being part of my life and sharing your family with me." "I will be forever grateful that our paths crossed. We hope to be there to support the boys in the years to come. Much love to their families now and forever." Image credits: GoFundMe

Caring

10 truly inspirational movies

Have you got a favourite film that just makes you feel good? Inspiring movies come in all shapes and sizes, but often they involve stories of love and strength, overcoming obstacles, or changing people’s lives for the better. See if your favourite fee-good film made our top 10. 1. DEAD POETS SOCIETY This film resonates with a lot of people as it shows how much a good teacher can be a role model for the kids they teach. This is one of Robin William’s most well known roles, and even Ethan Hawke makes an appearance. 2. A BEAUTIFUL MIND It’s nice to see an action star like Russell Crowe in such a different style of movie. Just like the title suggests, this really is a beautiful film. The fact that the story of the brilliant mathematician who also happens to be a paranoid schizophrenic is true makes it even more moving. It shows how someone who has faced adversity and prejudice can overcome the odds to come out on top as a Nobel Prize winner. 3. BILLY ELLIOT Overcoming adversity is nearly always a sure-fire way to move the audience to tears. Not only is Billy trying to do ballet when his father doesn’t approve, but he is also growing up in a single parent family without much money to live on. This is a great film about following your dreams. 4. ERIN BROCKOVICH Another true story that shows you how important it is to stand up for the people who need it most. Julia Roberts is great as go-getter Erin Brockovich in this film. The great humour adds a fun element to this film. 5. FORREST GUMP One of Tom Hanks most famous roles, Forrest Gump is another story that follows the underdog overcoming obstacles within so many parts of his life. The soundtrack is amazingly nostalgic and takes you back to a simpler time. The supporting cast really brings the story to life too. 6. SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE Underdog alert! Well, slumdog that is. This hugely popular film gives us an insight into life in an Indian slum. It shows that despite abject poverty, it is absolutely possible to find love and happiness. 7. THE BLIND SIDE Another great true story with leading lady Sandra Bullock as the tough talking mother. After taking in a homeless boy, the family encourages him to follow his destiny and become a football star. 8. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE Not just one to watch at Christmas, let this classic inspire you at any time of year. A great film that shows us how easy it is to get caught up in our own problems. 9. SOUL SURFER The true-story element is both shocking and moving in this film based on surfer Bethany Hamilton who lost an arm in a shark attack. Despite her horrific ordeal, she didn’t do what most people would have done and quit surfing. Instead she followed her dream to achieve amazing success. 10. PAY IT FORWARD A great concept here, about doing something nice for people and not expecting anything back. It could be family, friends or even strangers. The story will really make you think about the way society works. Image credit: Shutterstock

Movies

Woman slams parking note asking if she was “truly disabled”

A driver has been left fuming after an “entitled” parking note was left on her mother’s car accusing them of misusing a disabled parking spot. Canberra resident Cheyenne took to <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/canberra/comments/12x8cr9/the_absolute_gall_to_leave_this_on_my_mothers_car/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reddit</a> to share her horrific experience and a photo of the note left on her mother’s car. “Hi, are you truly disabled,” the note read. “You both walked from your car like athletes. Please follow the rules.” Cheyenne who was left fuming at the situation captioned the post with “The absolute gall to leave this on my mother’s car in Gungahlin shops parking.”. She then explained: “My mother is disabled, her disability isn’t visible. She was legally given a disability parking permit because she is DISABLED! What a moron”. Speaking to <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/aussie-woman-slams-entitled-parking-note-how-dare-they-041811992.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo News Australia</a>, Cheyenne said that “it’s frustrating” because her mum doesn’t look like she has a disability, even though she has “multiple”. She also explained that her mum has suffered with a polycystic kidney and liver. After a kidney transplant caused further health issues, she was granted a disability badge. "Because she has all of her limbs and is able-bodied, many people have the wrong idea and get entitled," Cheyenne added. Other Reddit users have shared similar experiences. “I have arthritis in my spine and elsewhere – disabling, yet completely invisible. Have had old women yell at me for parking in the disabled spots, despite having a permit,” one user wrote. “My mother recently had surgery so she’s not able to drive. Ordinarily she has a disabled permit anyway. I picked her up from a doctor's checkup and a woman gave me a serve for parking in the disabled bay as I was picking up my mum. People are so quick to judge,” wrote another. “I’m sorry you found this note on your car. There’s no need to ever justify why you have a disabled ‘sticker’. It’s no-one’s business but your own,” commented a third. Images: Reddit

Caring

Camilla “deeply saddened” at loss of dear friend Paul O’Grady

Camilla was preparing for her first state visit as Queen Consort when she received news that nobody ever wants to hear - her friend had passed away. The Queen Consort was set to fly to Germany with husband King Charles - after their trip was initially derailed by protests in France - when the news broke, with Camilla said to be “deeply saddened”. And her spokesperson shared that she will offer her sympathies for Paul’s family “privately in due course.” Camilla and Paul had worked together while she was Duchess of Cornwall, supporting the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. That same establishment also paid tribute to the late Paul, declaring him to have been “a devoted animal lover with the biggest heart.” The two even appeared together on screen as recently as 2022 for a special episode of ITV’s For the Love of Dogs. The series followed the staff at Battersea, and was one that Paul himself had helped to launch a decade prior. As for his time spent with Camilla, the royal family’s official statement revealed the two had shared many fond memories, as well as a good share of laughter with one another. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> RIP Paul 💙💐 <a href="https://t.co/1CN7FtWu42">pic.twitter.com/1CN7FtWu42</a> — no context queen camilla (@nocontxtcamilla) <a href="https://twitter.com/nocontxtcamilla/status/1641018412510896128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2023</a></blockquote> Paul - who throughout his career entertained audiences as a comedian and presenter, and left them in awe with his drag queen persona Lily Savage - died at home at the age of 67. It was Paul’s husband, Andre Portasio, who confirmed the news. “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening,” he said. “He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals, and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit, and compassion. “I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years." Paul’s friends - in life and in the industry - returned the favour, taking to social media to thank Paul for his compassion and his service through the years, and to share the overwhelming love they had for the late star. As presenter Carol Vorderman said on BBC radio’s Today, “he just fizzed, he was one of those people that just made you feel every part of you was alive. "He exploded through the daft, made-up rules of society. He was a massive talent, but you can't forget he was a social worker when he was younger, he saved babies and young children from abuse, he lived in Soho before it was gentrified, he never judged the vulnerable, the weak, the misunderstood." One thing everyone could agree on was that Paul was a “lovely, lovely person”, would be sorely missed by many, and had dedicated his life to the pursuit of helping others. As one former co-worker explained, “he wanted anyone and everyone to be able to apply so they could get a break like he had … a kind and generous man.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> When we worked together at Ch4, Paul O’Grady insisted that new roles on his show were advertised in the local Job Centre. He wanted anyone and everyone to be able to apply so they could get a break like he had. And it made the show better. A kind and generous man. <a href="https://t.co/aQbs2ZUkww">pic.twitter.com/aQbs2ZUkww</a> — Mark Downie (@markmdownie) <a href="https://twitter.com/markmdownie/status/1640983433621954561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2023</a></blockquote> “My condolences to Paul’s friends and family at this sad time. Paul was a defender of the most vulnerable in society, and he made it very clear. On occasions,” one fan wrote in response. “I have nothing but deep respect for the man.” “Incredible thing to do. Incredible man. A true loss,” another said. “I'm devastated by this news. I grew up watching him in many different shows,” said one, in words shared by many. “I loved his humour, his passion for life and i's comforts and of course his compassionate heart for animals. “Paul O'Grady you were a true treasure and you will be dearly and sorely missed.” Images: Twitter

Caring

Alicia Silverstone bares all for cause she truly believes in

Alicia Silverstone bared it all and posed nude in only faux leather boots for PETA’s new campaign. The campaign is an effort to promote more sustainable, vegan versions of the material. “If it takes me getting naked for you to care about animals then that is what I’m after,” the Clueless star, 46, said in a campaign video. “I never, ever, get naked in TV, in film, nothing, never, nope — but I’ve done it for PETA because that’s how much it matters to me,” the actress explained. “I’d rather go naked than wear animals,” Silverstone declared. “There’s this idea that leather is somehow better for the earth but what they don’t realise is the amount of resources – water, food, oil for transport – the amount of energy that goes into making leather is extraordinary. It’s just not sustainable. The Earth can’t handle it,” she refuted. Silverstone also posed with a cactus to encourage people to buy different types of vegan leather. “DON’T BE A PRICK,” the PETA picture proclaims. “Wear Vegan. Buy cactus, mushroom or apple leather instead!” This isn’t the first time the Clueless star has stripped down for a cause she loves. In 2019, she took it all off for PETA to encourage everyone to ditch wool, featuring on a Times Square billboard. Her new campaign will have its own billboard just in time for the New Year’s Eve ball drop. Silverstone has been a vegan since 1999 when she was 21 and has continued to live meat-free. Images: Peta

Beauty & Style

"Truly unique" piece of Australian history acquired by National Museum

Intricate carvings depicting Australia’s early history including colonial bush life, the gold rush and representations of conflict occurring between settlers and First Nations peoples, feature on a unique ‘Australian Colonial Billiard Table’, have been acquired by the National Museum of Australia in Canberra. The table substantially adds to the Museum’s National Historical Collection and supports its mission to tell remarkable stories from Australian history. It was acquired by the National Museum of Australia for $1.1 million, with the support of the Australian Government through the National Cultural Heritage Account, which contributed $550,000. The National Cultural Heritage Account is a grant program that assists Australian cultural organisations to acquire significant cultural heritage objects. The acquisition was also supported by the Pratt Foundation and donors to the National Museum’s 2022 Annual Appeal. The ‘Australian Colonial Billiard Table’ and matching scoreboard is an unrivalled piece of craftsmanship that through the depictions of colonial life and native flora and fauna contributes to an understanding of our national identity and design history. It was built in 1885 by Sydney-based billiard table manufacturer Ben Hulbert and features ornate carvings by skilled cabinet maker George Billyeald. The table has a rich history and was displayed at the 1886 Colonial and Indian Exhibition in London, at Adelaide’s Jubilee Exhibition in 1887 and at Melbourne’s Centennial Exhibition in 1888. It was also reportedly displayed at Buckingham Palace, where it is suggested that it was admired by Queen Victoria and played upon by billiards enthusiast Prince Albert, the Prince of Wales, who was later crowned King Edward VII. National Museum director Dr Mathew Trinca thanked the Australian Government for its financial assistance with the purchase of the billiard table, which he said is a one-of-a-kind example of Australian colonial furniture-making. “The craftmanship and design of this piece is extraordinary. This truly unique acquisition, carefully carved from Tasmanian blackwood, perfectly showcases our colonial history, and we are delighted to be able to share it with the nation,” said Dr Trinca. Museum Curator Dr Ian Coates, who coordinated the acquisition said the decorative panels show how European settlers understood their world, and the vision of Australia they wanted to promote internationally. “Perhaps most significant are the scenes of conflict between First Nations peoples and colonists included as part of life on the frontier. Such representations of conflict are rare. They are an important part of our national history – subject matter that was ignored for much of the twentieth century, and which now forms part of the truth-telling about what happened in the history of our nation.” “The table and scoreboard are magnificent examples of nineteenth century decorative arts. They are also highly significant for the prominent role they played in the global dissemination of Australian iconography and themes during the late-nineteenth century,” said Dr Coates. It will be on display at the National Museum of Australia from 17 November. Image credits: Supplied by National Museum of Australia

Art

John Farnham "deeply touched" by Robbie Williams' tribute

Australian music legend John Farnham has said he was "deeply touched" by Robbie Williams' dedication to the singer, as he continues to battle cancer. In front of 100,000 AFL fans on Friday's grand final match in Melbourne, Robbie took to the stage to deliver a 20 minute mash-up of his biggest hits as the pre-show entertainment. During the medley, he shocked the crowd with his own rendition of Farnham's most well-known track You're The Voice. “The next song is the unofficial national anthem of Australia,” Williams told the crowd. “Let’s all send our love to John and his family.” The enthusiastic audience joined in, singing their mightiest and knowing every word. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5Na-myptTZw" width="100%" height="400" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> “We were delighted to see Robbie Williams dedicate his performance of You’re The Voice to John,” a statement from Farnham’s wife Jill and sons Rob and James said. “John was watching from hospital and was deeply touched by that very generous gesture. He thoroughly enjoyed Robbie’s performance too.” Robbie was joined on stage for his performance by Chong Lim on the keyboards, who has also been John Farnham's touring pianist since 1994. John Farnham is currently undergoing cancer treatment after a gruelling 11-hour surgery, in which doctors removed a part of his jaw due to a cancerous tumour. <p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">"John's recovery from last month's surgery for mouth cancer is progressing well," John’s family said in a statement. <p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">"His medical team are very pleased with his progress over the past month. <p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">"He was moved from ICU and into a general ward a couple of weeks ago. That in itself was terrific progress. <p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">"Each of these steps means things are moving in the right direction and for that we are enormously thankful.” <p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">Image credits: Getty Images

Music

Jamie Oliver shares details about wife's "deeply scary" health condition

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has opened up about his wife’s “deeply scary” experience with long Covid, as the illness remains uncharted territory with fresh data still being uncovered. Jools Oliver has been fighting the illness for the past two years. “She’s had bad COVID and long COVID, so she’s been really affected by it, sadly,” Oliver, 47, shared. “She’s OK, but still not what she wants to be.” “It’s been two years. She finds it deeply scary.” Her condition has left doctors stumped, with long Covid affecting 10-20% of people with ongoing Covid symptoms, according to the World Health Organisation. The popular chef explained they had seen specialist medical professionals but have been unable to cure her symptoms as the condition is still being learnt about. “We’re all over Harley Street like a rash, but no one really knows anything,” Oliver went on, referring to the street in London, known for being home to a large amount of private medical specialists. Despite her condition, Oliver says his wife continues to remain positive and keep her spirits up. The couple share five children together and have been married for 22 years. Oliver's new cookbook is being released on September 1 and, of course, is dedicated to his wife Jools. <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/tv/CftLf9LDs7P/?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/tv/CftLf9LDs7P/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jamie Oliver (@jamieoliver)</a> </div> </blockquote> Image: Instagram

Caring

“Truly grotesque”: Ivana Trump’s golf course burial may help Trump get tax breaks

Ivana Trump, who <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/ivana-trump-s-cause-of-death-revealed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passed away</a> aged 73 in her New York home in mid-July, has been buried on the grounds of her ex-husband Donald Trump’s golf club - and the choice of burial plot may grant the former US president some long-sought tax breaks. Ivana is the first person known to have been buried at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, a state where land taxes are notoriously high. But, cemetery land is exempt from all taxes, rates and assessments, with the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/jul/31/donald-ivana-trump-cemetery-golf-course-taxes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Guardian</a> reporting that Ivana’s grave would therefore have “advantageous tax implications”. According to <a href="https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/465718872" target="_blank" rel="noopener">documents</a> published by ProPublica, the Trump family trust has previously sought to classify a nearby property in Hackettstown, New Jersey, as a cemetery company. Brooke Harrington, a professor of sociology at Dartmouth College, tweeted that she investigated claims that the placement of Ivana’s grave would benefit Trump. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> As a tax researcher, I was skeptical of rumors Trump buried his ex-wife in that sad little plot of dirt on his Bedminster, NJ golf course just for tax breaks. So I checked the NJ tax code & folks...it's a trifecta of tax avoidance. Property, income & sales tax, all eliminated. <a href="https://t.co/VDZBlDyuhQ">pic.twitter.com/VDZBlDyuhQ</a> — Brooke Harrington (@EBHarrington) <a href="https://twitter.com/EBHarrington/status/1553533320469905409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2022</a></blockquote> “As a tax researcher, I was skeptical of rumors Trump buried his ex-wife in that sad little plot of dirt on his Bedminster, NJ golf course just for tax breaks,” she tweeted. “So I checked the NJ tax code & folks...it's a trifecta of tax avoidance. Property, income & sales tax, all eliminated.” In 2012, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2012/02/03/146342330/fairway-to-heaven-trump-eyes-a-golf-course-burial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US radio station NPR reported</a> that Trump planned to build a mausoleum on the property, with the proposal later expanding to potentially containing 1000 possible graves. The plan, which attracted local objections, was later dropped and replaced with a design for a 10-plot private family cemetery” in the same spot before changing again into a proposal for a commercial 284-plot cemetery. Images of Ivana’s final resting place have begun circling online, with many calling out her family for its plain appearance in comparison to memorials to everything from Richard Nixon’s dog to Internet Explorer. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Internet Explorer got a nicer burial than Ivana Trump. <a href="https://t.co/tm5T1hX1bH">pic.twitter.com/tm5T1hX1bH</a> — Thomas (@tarnished_usa) <a href="https://twitter.com/tarnished_usa/status/1553121815517601794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2022</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Top: Richard Nixon’s dog ‘Checkers’ grave. Donald Trump’s first wife Ivana’s on his golf course. <a href="https://t.co/Rh9q96B8H0">pic.twitter.com/Rh9q96B8H0</a> — Hoodlum 🇺🇸 (@NotHoodlum) <a href="https://twitter.com/NotHoodlum/status/1553490177120681985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2022</a></blockquote> “Not sure which is more shocking - - that Trump had Ivana buried on his golf course for a tax write-off or that her three kids thought this was okay,” investigative journalist Victoria Brownworth <a href="https://twitter.com/VABVOX/status/1554049715184062465" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tweeted</a>. “You don’t have to be an Ivana fan to find this truly grotesque.” “You should be ashamed of yourself. This is a public display of your complete disgrace towards your own mother,” another person <a href="https://twitter.com/keraz37/status/1553538090609827842">tweeted</a>, along with a photo of Ivana’s plot surrounded by patchy grass and a golf court in the background. Image: Twitter

Money & Banking

"Deeply saddened" Prince William demands "swift justice" for tragic death

Prince William has sent out a heartfelt message following the tragic death of a senior wildlife ranger in Africa that he met recently – while also pleading for “swift justice” in retaliation for the murder. "I'm deeply saddened to learn of the killing of Anton Mzimba who I spoke to in November," the Duke of Cambridge wrote in a tweet. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I’m deeply saddened to learn of the killing of Anton Mzimba who I spoke to in November. Committed and brave, rangers like Anton are central to the conservation of Africa’s fantastic wildlife. Those responsible must swiftly be brought to justice. My thoughts are with his family. W — The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1552313081367257089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2022</a></blockquote> The head ranger at Timbavati had been the subject of ongoing death threats for quite a while, the non-profit organisation “Helping Rhinos” revealed when confirming news of his passing. "Anton Mzimba, was shot and killed outside of his home last night," the organisation tweeted on Wednesday July 26. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Head of Ranger at Timbavati, Anton Mzimba, was shot and killed outside of his home last night. This follows recent death threats and highlights the daily threat facing Rangers. Our deepest condolences to Anton’s loved ones and co-workers at this difficult time <a href="https://t.co/fRayloiFjB">pic.twitter.com/fRayloiFjB</a> — Helping Rhinos 🦏 (@HelpingRhinos) <a href="https://twitter.com/HelpingRhinos/status/1552240245088964608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2022</a></blockquote> "This follows recent death threats and highlights the daily threat facing rangers. Our deepest condolences to Anton's loved ones and co-workers at this difficult time." Prince William spoke with Mzimba in a conference call in November 2021 during a visit to Microsoft headquarters, to learn more about how technology was being used to disrupt the illegal wildlife trade. The Duke of Cambridge, through the Royal Foundation, founded United for Wildlife in 2014 and is passionate about stopping the trade. "Like so many others, I am deeply saddened by the numbers of elephant, rhino and pangolin who have been illegally slaughtered for their tusks, horns and scales," the Duke, who is also patron of the Royal African Society, said ahead of a visit to Africa, a few years ago in 2018. "But the illegal wildlife trade also has a devastating human impact. Too many brave rangers are tragically killed each year by poachers. Communities see their tourist livelihoods threatened. This is why I am committed to doing what I can to help end this terrible, global crime." Image: Getty

News

"Truly life changing" moment sees new mum win a mansion

Just months before their daughter’s first birthday, a young family has seen their fortunes change dramatically - all because of a £10 lotto ticket. UK resident Becca Pott <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/new-mum-wins-66-million-mansion-with-18-lotto-ticket/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">won</a> an extravagant $6.6 million home, allowing her and her husband to move with their newborn baby from a camped two-bedroom apartment into a sprawling five-bedroom, four-bathroom mansion. The 32-year-old, who hails from southeast England, entered the <a href="https://omaze.co.uk/pages/ascot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Omaze</a> Million Pound House Draw and was the lucky winner after buying a ticket for just $18. But the family almost missed out on the prize. “My husband [Ben] had entered every Omaze Million Pound House Draw prior to this one, but somehow he’d forgotten on this occasion,” Becca told Jam Press. “But luckily I decided to buy a £10 ticket bundle in January without him knowing after seeing the house on television. “I’m never going to let him live this down!” Prior to their win, Becca was on maternity leave from her job as a financial analyst after giving birth to Ava, their eight-month-old daughter, last summer. Their new white stucco home in the upscale neighbourhood of Ascot features views of a private garden, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and high ceilings throughout. “The house is incredible. We’ve been wanting to move to somewhere bigger since our daughter Ava was born, now she’ll be having her first birthday in a mansion,” Becca said. “We didn’t have space for her grandparents to come and stay in our two-bedroom flat, but now they can have the entire third floor when they visit.” Not only did the couple win the home, the prize also covers all property taxes and legal fees associated with it, and comes with an extra $37,600 to help them settle in. Becca and Ben are also free to do with the home as they wish, with the option to live in the house themselves, rent it out or sell it out. For the moment, the family will enjoy their win before deciding what they’ll do heading into the future. “This win is truly life-changing for us,” Becca said. “We’ll stay here and enjoy the house for the summer at least, but whatever we decide to do, we know Ava is set for life.” But the couple aren’t the only winners from the draw, which raised nearly $680,000 for Cancer Research UK. The donations will help the charity fund projects such as TRACERX, the largest genetic study investigating how lung cancer evolves and why treatments stop working, Jam Press reports. The draw is also backed by the charity’s long standing ambassador, Ronan Keating. “So many of us, myself included, have been affected by cancer,” he told Jam Press. “I’ve been a proud supporter of Cancer Research UK for many years and have seen first-hand the difference research makes to those affected by cancer.” Images: Omaze UK (YouTube), Jam Press/Omaze

Real Estate

Savage Garden refuses to sell out their famous song

Hayes said he’s been approached recently by an advertising company wanting to use the band’s 1997 major hit – Truly Madly Deeply – which Hayes wrote. The singer made his fans laugh on Twitter by sharing the lyrics the advertising company wanted to use and Hayes posted: “If you knew how much money I turn down and how hard I fight to protect your high school memories.” The lyrics the company had pitched to him were: VERSE 1 I’ll bring you Greek, I’ll bring you French, I’ll bring you Japanese. I’ll bring you Thai, Steak from the Pub, bring all the food that you need. Close to your door with every step, I’m outside holding your food. It will be warm, It will be tasty ‘cause I’m counting on a real good rating. That’s the reason I’m bringing, you Deep Fried Chicken CHORUS 1 I want to stand with you on food mountain I want to float with you in some cheese. [insert brand name] Like this forever Until more fries rain down on me. Twitter users thanked the singer for not selling out and they described the advertising company’s lyrics as “truly madly cringy”, “awful” and “a travesty.” “These lyrics make me want to throw myself off food mountain,” tweeted <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/savage-garden-star-darren-hayes-rejects-companys-awful-pitch/news-story/@daggerandpe" target="_blank">@daggerandpen</a>. “‘I want to float with you in some cheese’ is my new pick-up line,” wrote <a rel="noopener" href="https://twitter.com/clairenelson/status/1422342652658425858?s=20" target="_blank">@clairenelson</a>. And <a rel="noopener" href="https://twitter.com/timbyrneses/status/1422343095534854154?s=20" target="_blank">@timbyrneses</a> tweeted: “Could you still record it? The people need to hear this cringe.” Truly Madly Deeply was a huge hit for Hayes and his Savage Garden bandmate, Daniel Jones, when it was released in 1997. The song went to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in the US and it became the first song in the chart’s history to spend a full 52 weeks inside the top 30. In Australia it won the ARIA award for Single of the Year and was nominated for Song of the Year but lost out to another Savage Garden song, To the Moon and Back. Savage Garden won 10 ARIAs that year from 13 nominations. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Music

Queen “deeply upset" by Prince Harry

The Queen is said to be deeply disappointed by her grandson, Prince Harry, due to his latest callout on the royal family. The Duke of Sussex spoke candidly about Prince Charles’ parenting style in a podcast interview. He would go on to claim his family had showed “total neglect” for his wellbeing. A royal source reportedly told the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9608457/The-Queen-deeply-upset-Harrys-personal-attacks.html" target="_blank">Mail on Sunday</a>: that “Harry’s grandmother has taken this very personally and is deeply upset by what Harry has said.” “In particular his comments about Charles’s parenting and suggesting his father knows no better because of how he was brought up. “It has been a very upsetting time.” Harry has been a vocal critic of the dynamics that have existed for decades within the royal family since he and his wife Meghan Markle broke away from The Firm and moved to the United States with their son Archie last year. He has sat down for a number of tell-all interviews in recent months, the most explosive one including his chat with Oprah Winfrey. During his interview with the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://7news.com.au/sunrise/on-the-show/prince-harry-throws-charles-and-queen-under-the-bus-in-extraordinary-new-interview-c-2835901" target="_blank">Armchair Expert podcast</a>, the royal revealed he left London to “break the cycle” of “pain” he suffered as a member of the royal family. He also said he needed to “change that for my own kids”. The Duke suggested his father had “suffered” because of his upbringing by the Queen and Prince Philip. He also hinted that his father “treated me the way he was treated”, calling it “genetic pain”. “I don’t think we should be pointing the finger or blaming anybody, but certainly when it comes to parenting, if I’ve experienced some form of pain or suffering because of the pain or suffering that perhaps my father or my parents had suffered, I’m going to make sure I break that cycle so that I don’t pass it on, basically,” Harry said. “It’s a lot of genetic pain and suffering that gets passed on anyway so we as parents should be doing the most we can to try and say ‘you know what, that happened to me, I’m going to make sure that doesn’t happen to you’”. He added: “I never saw it, I never knew about it, and then suddenly I started to piece it together and go ‘OK, so this is where he went to school, this is what happened, I know this about his life, I also know that is connected to his parents so that means he’s treated me the way he was treated, so how can I change that for my own kids”. “And here I am, I moved my whole family to the US, that wasn’t the plan but sometimes you’ve got make decisions and put your family first and put your mental health first.” In the new Apple TV+ docuseries The Me You Can’t See, which was produced by Oprah and Harry, the Duke of Sussex revealed the trauma he underwent following the death of his mother, Princess Diana. Harry said his mental health struggles worsened as he got into adulthood and claimed that between ages 28 to 32 were a “nightmare time” in his life. The 36-year-old said he was willing to drink excessively and take drugs in order to mask his feelings, and that he felt stuck within the royal system. Harry admitted that even flying to London can be a “trigger” for him. “I wasn’t aware of it at the time when I was younger, but after I started doing therapy stuff, I became aware of it,” he said. “I was like, why do I feel so uncomfortable? And of course, for me, London is a trigger, unfortunately, because of what happened to my mum, and because of what I experienced and what I saw.” Harry revealed he was “ashamed” of how he dealt with his mental health and was “really angry” that he had not been offered the support he didn’t know he needed. “I was ashamed that it got this bad,” he said. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841389/harry-queen-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/55e24ffc5c274e9da7a2e10d32311890" /> Image: Prince Harry in Apple TV+ Documentary “I was ashamed to go to my family, because to be honest with you, like a lot of other people my age could probably relate to, I know that I’m not gonna get from my family what I need.” He also said that “one of the biggest reasons” he decided to step back from his role in the royal family was the fear of losing his wife. “I then had a son, who I’d far rather be solely focused on, rather than every time I look in his eyes, wondering whether my wife is going to end up like my mother, and I’m going to have to look after him myself,” he said. Harry revealed he had once found Meghan crying due to the “combined effort of the Firm and the media to smear her” before the Oprah interview aired. “I was woken up in the middle of the night to her crying in her pillow because she doesn’t want to wake me up, because I’m already carrying too much,” he said. “That’s heart-breaking. I held her, we talked, she cried, and she cried, and she cried.” Image: Getty

Family & Pets

Prince Charles “deeply hurt” and seeking comfort in Camilla

Prince Charles is said to be “deeply hurt” by his youngest son and his wife over their sit-down Oprah interview. However not all hope is lost, as reports say the heir is keen on mending his broken relationship with Prince Harry. The world tuned in when Meghan and Harry sat down with Oprah to share their experiences in being a part of the royal family. In the two hour interview, Prince Harry revealed his father stopped taking his calls when they decided to step down from their roles as senior royals and also claimed his brother and dad are“trapped” in the institution. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840300/chrle-harry.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/e1ca4277b469422e986818818ea85484" /> Image: Getty Despite what was painted as a fractured relationship, reports have stated that Prince Charles has plans to contact his son in the coming weeks to try and smooth things over. “You are looking at a father who is deeply hurt by where he finds his relationship with his son,” a friend told the Daily Mail. “But, after much reflection, he also realises that nothing good will come of prolonging the fight. “He feels it is time to heal. Now is the time to mend a broken relationship.” The prince is reportedly being comforted by his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, who "just wants it fixed". Reports stated last week that Prince Charles was “in despair” over the interview where Meghan and Harry said they were cut off financially, Archie’s skin colour was made a concern before his birth, and the pressures and control the couple felt while working for The Firm. Meghan was also candid about her mental health, admitting to Oprah that there were days where she “just wanted to die”.

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