Search

AFL star ties the knot in stunning wedding

<p>AFL star Darcy Fort is married!</p> <p>The Brisbane Lions player, 31, has tied the knot with partner Jasmine Weiss. </p> <p>The club shared the happy news on their official Instagram page, with the caption: "Congratulations to @darcyfort and his partner Jasmine on tying the knot over the break! 👩🏼‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏻."</p> <p>Jasmine, who has since taken on her husband's surname Fort, looked stunning in an off-the-shoulder wedding dress, with her hair flowing as the pair took pictures during the sunset. </p> <p>The AFL star looked dapper in a classic black and white tuxedo and bow tie. </p> <p>The couple's wedding had some AFL stars in attendance, including Geelong star Gryan Miers and partner Gemma Creighton, who also shared some sweet snaps from the day on Instagram.</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/DCiZgddTKZv/?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/DCiZgddTKZv/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Brisbane Lions 🦁 (@brisbanelions)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"Celebrating the Forts 🥳🥂," she captioned her post, looking chic in a green cocktail dress.</p> <p>She shared a picture of the newlyweds at their reception surrounded by their loved ones who held sparklers up for the married couple. </p> <p>Jasmine changed outfits for the reception, this time wearing a silky halter neck dress for the celebrations. </p> <p>Jasmine and Darcy got engaged in October last year, with Darcy proposing while the couple were on a romantic holiday in Italy. </p> <p>They have been dating since at least 2019. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

Readers response: What was the worst hotel experience you had?

<p>We asked our readers to share their stories of the worst hotel experience that have endured while on holiday, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Deedee Cullum</strong> - At a 5 star in Beijing. Arrived from the airport after 1am. Let into the room to find it occupied with someone having a bath. Instead of changing our room we waited in the lobby for 1 and 1/2 hours while they changed to the correct room and cleaned ours. The wet towels were neatly folded on the towel rack and the used soap was on the basin. When I turned the bedside light on I got a shock. To be fair management were most apologetic and gave us free dining in their top restaurant for the 4 days we were there. It was a few years ago but never forgotten.</p> <p><strong>Bruce Hopkins</strong> - I stopped at a Hotel in Hobart, arrived in the afternoon, checked out the next day, the whole time I stopped there, I never saw anyone on reception or any staff at all. Creepiest hotel I stayed in.</p> <p><strong>Carol Henwood</strong> - When we went to have a shower, and the towels disintegrated! The shower had black mould in all the corners. The carpet was so sticky, we kept our shoes on. We slept on top of the bed as the sheets were crumpled and smelly. What a night.</p> <p><strong>Sheila Kell </strong>- When my eldest son was about 2 years old we took a holiday to Shute Harbour in QLD and in middle of night we heard lots of scratching so turned on light and sat up in bed and there were hundreds of field mice crawling up walls and back of bed. They apparently were having a plague, but we dressed and left. Couldn't sleep in that motel.</p> <p><strong>Christine Warner</strong> - A country pub only option one night. Our room has no lock on the door, and there were gaps in the floorboards so we could see straight down to the bar where it was very noisy. We had already been warned of people breaking in to hotel and motel rooms in that region, so we slept in the car and returned to the room in the morning for a shower.</p> <p><strong>Helen Wilson</strong> - In Singapore, they gave us a “free” breakfast while someone rummaged through our belongings and took stuff.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p> </p>

Travel Trouble

Bindi Irwin's glam hotel receives huge award

<p>A Queensland hotel owned by Bindi Irwin has been named the World's Best Nature Hotel for 2024. </p> <p>The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, located in Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast, was given the honour at the Boutique Hotel Club Awards, which features the finest boutique hotels from across the world. </p> <p>Winners were announced across 18 categories, with 500-vetted nominees from 80 countries globally. </p> <p>The Crocodile Hunter Lodge is named after Bindi's father, the late Steve Irwin, who as known as the original Crocodile hunter capturing the attention of audiences worldwide. </p> <p>Judges commented that the property "really feels like you're entering into relaxation mode."</p> <p>Speaking of the huge win, Bindi said she and her team were "honoured" to receive the recognition for their commitment to an exceptional guest experience.</p> <p>"These awards showcase our dedication to providing extraordinary accommodation at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, where guests can immerse themselves in the natural world, allowing them to reconnect with nature and one another," she said.</p> <p>The Boutique Hotel Club's panel of experts hand-picked a selection of destinations all around the world. They quality test over 400 gold standards of hospitality excellence to find exceptional stays. </p> <p>The title of the World's Best Boutique Hotel went to Akademie Street Boutique Hotel in Franschhoek, South Africa.</p> <p><em>Images: Nine/ Bindi Irwin</em></p>

Domestic Travel

Hotel booking sites actually make it hard to get cheap deals, but there’s a way around it

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-martin-682709">Peter Martin</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/crawford-school-of-public-policy-australian-national-university-3292">Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University</a></em></p> <p>Booking a place to stay on holidays has become a reflex action.</p> <p>The first thing many of us do is open a site such as <a href="https://www.wotif.com/">Wotif</a>, <a href="https://au.hotels.com/?locale=en_AU">Hotels.com</a> or <a href="https://www.trivago.com.au/">trivago</a> (all of which are these days owned by the US firm <a href="https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-will-not-oppose-expedia%E2%80%99s-proposed-acquisition-of-wotif">Expedia</a>), or their only big competitor, <a href="https://www.booking.com/">Booking.com</a> from the Netherlands.</p> <p>Checking what rooms are available – anywhere – is wonderfully easy, as is booking, at what usually seems to be the lowest available price.</p> <p>But Australia’s Assistant Competition Minister Andrew Leigh is concerned there might be a reason the price seems to be the lowest available. It might be an <a href="https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/andrew-leigh-2022/media-releases/supporting-tourism-and-accommodation-providers-set-their">agreement not to compete</a>, or the fear of reprisals against hotel owners who offer better prices.</p> <h2>Agreements to not compete</h2> <p>Leigh has asked the treasury to investigate, and if that’s what it finds, it may be the booking sites have the perverse effect of keeping prices high, especially when the substantial fees they charge hotels are taken into account.</p> <p>For now, the treasury is seeking information. It has set a deadline of <a href="https://treasury.gov.au/consultation/c2022-338978">January 6</a> for hotel operators and booking sites to tell it:</p> <ul> <li> <p>the typical fees charged by online booking platforms</p> </li> <li> <p>the details of any agreements not to compete on price</p> </li> <li> <p>whether hotels that try to compete get ranked lower on booking sites.</p> </li> </ul> <p>What’s likely to come out of it is a ban on so-called price-parity clauses that prevent discounting, or a ban on “algorithmic punishment,” whereby hotels that do discount get pushed way down the rankings on the sites.</p> <p>But in the meantime, there are things we can do to get better prices, and they’ll help more broadly, as I’ll explain.</p> <h2>Flight Centre precedent</h2> <figure class="align-right zoomable"></figure> <p>Back in 2018, in a case that went all the way to the High Court, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) forced <a href="https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/flight-centre-ordered-to-pay-125-million-in-penalties">Flight Centre</a> to pay a penalty of A$12.5 million for attempting to induce airlines not to undercut it on ticket prices.</p> <p>That the ACCC eventually won the case might be an indication price-parity clauses are already illegal under Australian law. But it’s a difficult law to enforce. This is why the treasury is considering special legislation of the kind in force in France, Austria, Italy and Belgium.</p> <p>The ACCC has known for some time that Expedia and Booking.com have included clauses in their contracts preventing hotels offering the same room for any less than they do, even directly.</p> <p>Rather than take the big two to court, in 2016 the ACCC “reached agreement” with them to delete the clauses that prevented hotels offering better deals <a href="https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/expedia-and-bookingcom-agree-to-reinvigorate-price-competition-by-amending-contracts-with-australian-hotels">face-to-face</a>.</p> <h2>The concession that conceded little</h2> <p>From then on, hotels were able to offer better deals than the sites over the phone or in person, but not on their own websites. Given we are less and less likely to walk in off the street or even use the phone to book a hotel, it wasn’t much of a concession.</p> <p>Then, in 2019, with the Commission under renewed pressure from hotel owners for another investigation, Expedia (but not Booking.com) reportedly <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/business-advice/competition/expedia-allow-hotels-undercut-prices-online/">waived</a> the rest of the clauses, giving hotel owners the apparent freedom to advertise cheaper prices wherever they liked including on their own sites without fear of retribution.</p> <p>Except several appear to fear retribution, and very few seem to have jumped at the opportunity.</p> <h2>Algorithmic punishment</h2> <p>An Expedia spokesman gave an indication of what might be in store when he was quoted as saying a hotel that undercut Expedia might “find itself ranked <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/business-advice/competition/expedia-allow-hotels-undercut-prices-online/">below its competitors</a>, just as it would if it had worse reviews or fewer high-quality pictures of its property”.</p> <p>Being ranked at the bottom of a site is much the same as not being ranked at all, something Leigh refers to as “algorithmic punishment”.</p> <p>It’s not at all clear the present law prevents it, which is why Leigh is open to the idea of legislating against it.</p> <p>Although you and I may not often think about what hotels are paying to be booked through sites such as Wotif and Booking.com, and although what’s charged to the hotel isn’t publicised, it appeard to be a large chunk of the cost of providing the room.</p> <p>One figure quoted is <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/industries/tourism/online-travel-booking-fed-up-small-businesses-call-accc-action/">20%</a>. Leigh says hotel owners have told him the fees are in the “<a href="https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/andrew-leigh-2022/transcripts/interview-geraldine-doogue-abc-saturday-extra">double digits</a>”, something he says is quite a lot when you consider the sites don’t need to clean the toilets, change the sheets or help on the front desk.</p> <h2>‘Chokepoint capitalism’</h2> <p>What this seems to mean (the treasury will find out) is almost all bookings are more expensive than they need to be because firms that sit at the “<a href="https://theconversation.com/chokepoint-capitalism-why-well-all-lose-unless-we-stop-amazon-spotify-and-other-platforms-squeezing-cash-from-creators-194069">chokepoint</a>” between buyers and sellers are squeezing sellers.</p> <p>A hotel could always abandon the sites and offer much cheaper prices, but for a while – perhaps forever – it will be much harder to find.</p> <p>In their defence, the operators of the platforms might say they need to get the best offers from hotels in order to make it worthwhile for the operators to invest in their sites, an argument the treasury is inviting them to put.</p> <p>In the meantime, with some hotels reluctant to put their best rates on their websites, but with them perfectly able to offer better rates over the phone, there’s a fairly simple way we can all get a better deal – and help fix the broader problem by weight of numbers.</p> <p>If we look up the best deal wherever we want online, and then phone and ask for a better one (or a better room), we might well find we get it. We might be saving the owner a lot of money.</p> <p>Leigh reckons the more we do ring up, the more the sites might feel pressure to discount their own fees, helping bring prices down even before he starts to think about writing legislation.<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/196460/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-martin-682709"><em>Peter Martin</em></a><em>, Visiting Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/crawford-school-of-public-policy-australian-national-university-3292">Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </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/hotel-booking-sites-actually-make-it-hard-to-get-cheap-deals-but-theres-a-way-around-it-196460">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Travel Trouble

Original Bee Gees star passes away aged 78

<p>Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen has passed away aged 78. </p> <p>News of his death was posted on the official Facebook page of tribute band Best of the Bee Gees. </p> <p>“It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen,” they began. </p> <p>“He enriched our lives and bound our group with love, care and respect.</p> <p>“Not sure how we can go on without his glowing smile and deep friendship. We love you Col. Rest in Peace.”</p> <p>Petersen who was one of the original members of Australian band Bee Gees was born in Kingaroy, Queensland, has been credited for contributing to the band's rise to global superstardom. </p> <p>He was the band's first drummer and performed some of their most beloved songs including <em>Massachusetts, To Love Somebody</em> and <em>Words</em>.</p> <p>Petersen attended the same school in Redcliffe, Queensland as bandmates and brothers Barry Robin and Maurice Gibb, where he first developed an interest in music. </p> <p>After graduating, Petersen moved to the UK to break into the film industry, before he joined the Bee Gees in the 60's becoming the first non-Gibb brother to join the group. </p> <p>“There was an understanding that when the Gibbs’ arrived in England, that if the film thing didn’t work out, I’d join their band,” Petersen told Geelong Independent in 2022.</p> <p>“So I became the fourth Bee Gee, and that was obviously a big turning point in my life.”</p> <p>He left the band after the first phase of their career, just before they reached peak stardom in the '70s disco era, due to conflicts with the group's then-manager Robert Stigwood.</p> <p>Petersen moved back to Australia with his family in 1974, and in 2019 he joined the tribute group Best of the Bee Gees.</p> <p>His death comes after Maurice's sudden death in 2003, which prompted the Bee Gees to retire after 45 years. </p> <p>Robin later died in 2012 aged 62, leaving Barry, Vince Melouney and Geoff Bridgford as the last surviving members of the group.</p> <p>Petersen is survived by his ex-wife Joanne Newfield and their sons Jaime, born in 1971, and Ben, born in 1976.</p> <p><em>Image: </em><em>Everett Collection</em><em style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

Four ways to tell the designer fashion items worth investing in from the ones that aren’t

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/naomi-braithwaite-156824">Naomi Braithwaite</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/nottingham-trent-university-1338">Nottingham Trent University</a></em></p> <p>Whether it’s aspiring to the “quiet luxury” or <a href="https://theconversation.com/new-clean-girl-and-old-money-aesthetics-on-tiktok-make-the-same-old-link-between-hygiene-and-class-208566">“old money” looks</a> taking over TikTok, or cringing at the “<a href="https://theconversation.com/far-from-the-ludicrously-capacious-what-the-fashion-of-succession-tells-us-about-the-show-and-about-society-202744">ludicrously capacious bag</a>” scene in the last season of Succession, designer clothes and accessories have been a hot topic in 2023. But with continued sales growth in <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/state-of-fashion">designer fashion</a>, and concerns about shopping more <a href="https://fashionunited.uk/news/retail/consumers-want-to-shop-sustainably-what-are-the-opportunities-for-brands/2022102465829">sustainably</a>, it’s worth considering investing your money in products that will last longer.</p> <p>Sales in luxury fashion have increased significantly since the pandemic. <a href="https://www.just-style.com/features/covid-two-years-on-expert-analysis-of-top-10-global-apparel-companies/?cf-view">Louis Vuitton</a>, for example, has increased its sales from 2019. And British luxury brand, Burberry, reported sales growth to be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/jul/16/burberry-sales-return-to-pre-pandemic-levels-as-younger-shoppers-splash-out">86% higher</a> in the year following the pandemic (though there has been <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/burberry-shares-take-10-hit-on-warning-of-slump-in-luxury-demand-13009401">another dip in sales</a> more recently).</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.limitlessmanufacturinggroup.com/blog/the-rise-of-athleisure-how-activewear-became-mainstream-fashion">rise of athleisure</a> in fashion and designer collaborations such as <a href="https://www.manoloblahnik.com/gb/the-latest/post/manolo-blahnik-for-birkenstock">Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock</a>, <a href="https://www.gucci.com/uk/en_gb/st/capsule/adidas-gucci">Gucci x Adidas</a> and <a href="https://uk.burberry.com/c/collaborations-supreme-burberry/">Burberry x Supreme</a> have made luxury more available. But prices are still high, so how can you know whether a purchase will stand the test of time and become an investment piece or a fashion flop? Here are four key factors to consider when making a designer purchase.</p> <h2>1. Resale value</h2> <p>An expensive purchase price may not guarantee that your product will hold its value. A key factor to consider is what the resale value of your purchase will be, as this will indicate the item’s investment potential.</p> <p>A fashion investment piece tends to be a luxury product with a higher price ticket. Prices of luxury fashion have increased over the last decade. Chanel bags, for example, have <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterloeb/2022/02/21/luxury-brand-prices-rise-sharply--will-it-cut-demand/">almost doubled</a> in price. Chanel’s iconic medium flap bag has increased from <a href="https://luxecollectivefashion.com/blogs/communique/your-expert-guide-to-the-chanel-price-increases-2023">£7,550 in 2022 to £8,530 in 2023</a> and is considered to be one of the most covetable designs in the <a href="https://www.whowhatwear.co.uk/best-luxury-handbags-resale-value/slide2">resale market</a>.</p> <p>Similarly, Hermès’ famous Birkin and Kelly bag designs, renowned for their quality, are <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/hermes-bag-review-2022-birkin-bag-and-hermes-kelly-bag-remain-most-popular">undoubtedly investment pieces</a>. Despite the high price ticket, <a href="https://www.whowhatwear.co.uk/birkin-bag-prices/slide2">Birkin bags are in demand</a>. They are the most collectable and classic of designer bags, with an average retail price of USD$10,000 (£8,237), <a href="https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3211640/why-hermes-birkin-bag-such-good-investment-according-experts-other-luxury-handbags-might-not-be">which can double in the resale market</a>.</p> <p>Luxury fashion <a href="https://www.pursebop.com/new-app-calculates-the-resale-value-of-designer-handbags/">resaler Vestiaire</a>, along with online marketplaces like eBay, are useful sources for researching and calculating what the value of your purchase will be in the resale market. While designer bags can hold their value post-purchase, <a href="https://www.yourmoney.com/investing/can-clothing-ever-be-considered-an-investment/">clothes can be less straightforward</a> and will depend on the other following factors.</p> <h2>2. Quality and style</h2> <p>A <a href="https://www.voguebusiness.com/fashion/marketing-at-scale-explaining-luxurys-new-brand-identifiers">2023 report</a> has stated that the overt use of logos in recent years, from brands such as <a href="https://www.surefront.com/blog/is-logomania-really-over">Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton</a>, has been replaced by an interest in quiet luxury.</p> <p>Quiet luxury means <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/quiet-luxury-explained-which-brands-will-benefit-2023-4?r=US&IR=T">more simplistic, classic and timeless styling</a>. The focus on exquisite fabrics and design gives a sense of fashion that is not disposable and durable. A cashmere sweater from <a href="https://uk.loropiana.com/en/c/woman/knitwear">Lorna Piana</a> may cost over £1,700 but its quality and classic styling will ensure it’s an investment piece that transcends fashion trend cycle.</p> <p>Consideration of fabrics, styling and design aesthetic are all key in ensuring your fashion investment has longevity.</p> <h2>3. Brand authenticity</h2> <p><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303917660_The_Role_of_Heritage_and_Authenticity_in_the_Value_Creation_of_Fashion_Brand">Heritage and authenticity</a> can secure the value of fashion purchases. Brands that have a strong heritage – that have been around and respected for a long time – are better investment pieces, <a href="https://wwd.com/fashion-news/designer-luxury/luxury-fashion-heritage-chanel-dior1234792018-1234792018/">particularly in the categories of watches, jewellery and handbags</a>. Rolex watches are renowned as investment pieces, with models that are most rare commanding the higher appreciation values.</p> <p>In the realm of clothing, Burberry’s iconic trench coat – which has remained largely untouched in design terms for over 100 years – has been reported to be a good wardrobe investment by <a href="https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/burberry-trench-coats">Vogue</a>. The trench’s timeless design, alongside its long history, has secured its place as an investment product.</p> <p>However, when it comes to making the purchase it is important to go with <a href="https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/burberry-trench-coat/">Burberry’s original design</a>, rather than the fashion-led versions whose value may diminish as seasonal trends move on.</p> <h2>4. Product endorsement</h2> <p>Celebrity endorsement is a popular brand strategy for increasing the value of fashion products. While it may drive sales, it is important to consider what effect it will have on investment quality.</p> <p>A recent example was when the British pop star <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4089170/">Harry Styles</a> wore the <a href="https://harpersbazaar.com.au/adidas-gucci-collaboration-collection/">luxe Adidas x Gucci Gazelle trainers</a>, during his 2023 tour, resulting in a <a href="https://www.sneakerfreaker.com/news/harry-styles-gucci-adidas-gazelle-samba-statistics?page=0">reported 100%</a> increase in sales of the trainer.</p> <p>While sneakers have previously had a bouyant <a href="https://www.fashionbeans.com/article/sneaker-reselling-guide/">resale market</a>, that is now <a href="https://www.voguebusiness.com/fashion/has-the-sneaker-bubble-finally-burst">declining</a>, raising questions as to whether they will continue to be positive investment pieces. Celebrities may create hype – but their endorsement does not always ensure the longevity of a product’s value.</p> <p>In 1999, <a href="https://hypebae.com/2018/10/dior-saddle-bag-history-john-galliano">Dior’s saddle bag</a> was featured on US TV series <a href="https://www.hbo.com/sex-and-the-city">Sex and the City</a>, securing its place as an <a href="https://garage.vice.com/en_us/article/mbxjmn/dior-saddle-bag-sex-in-the-city">iconic designer bag</a>. While this increased its value and desirability at the time, the bag eventually faded from view, until 2018, when Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior’s current design director, relaunched it. This resulted in a frenzy of interest <a href="https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/a42118540/dior-saddle-bag/">in the original Galliano designs</a>.</p> <p>Endorsement creates hype and desirability, but occasionally it can also create a classic too. But this takes time, and it’s best to consider other factors including brand authenticity, quality and style when planning an investment purchase.</p> <p>Also, value does not always have to have a price attributed to it. In the world of designer fashion, it is important not to overlook the significance of the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2023/oct/13/fashion-thats-begging-for-love-designers-want-to-create-meaningful-stuff">emotional durability</a> of our purchases and how that can ensure an enduring value and longevity.</p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/naomi-braithwaite-156824">Naomi Braithwaite</a>, Associate Professor in Fashion Marketing and Branding, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/nottingham-trent-university-1338">Nottingham Trent University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </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/four-ways-to-tell-the-designer-fashion-items-worth-investing-in-from-the-ones-that-arent-215831">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Beauty & Style

The latest COVID booster will soon be available. Should I get one? Am I eligible?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nathan-bartlett-1198187">Nathan Bartlett</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-newcastle-1060">University of Newcastle</a></em></p> <p>Australia’s <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/products/covid-19/covid-19-vaccines/covid-19-vaccines-regulatory-status">Therapeutic Goods Administration</a> (TGA) has recently approved a new COVID booster. The shot was developed by Pfizer and targets <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/what-to-know-about-the-new-covid-19-vaccine-approved-in-australia/z7ev2u8qn">the JN.1 sub-variant</a> of Omicron.</p> <p>This is now <a href="https://theconversation.com/new-covid-vaccines-may-be-coming-to-australia-heres-what-to-know-about-the-jn-1-shots-237652">the fifth iteration</a> of the COVID vaccines, which have been updated regularly to keep up with the rapidly evolving virus, SARS-CoV-2.</p> <p>But nearly five years into the pandemic, you may be wondering, why do we need yet another type of COVID booster? And do we still need to be getting boosters at all? Here’s what to consider.</p> <h2>Targeting the spike protein</h2> <p>Pfizer’s JN.1 booster (and Moderna’s, though the TGA has <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/products/covid-19/covid-19-vaccines/covid-19-vaccines-regulatory-status">not approved</a> this one at this stage) is based on mRNA technology. This technology instructs our cells to produce a specific protein – in this case SARS-CoV-2’s spike, a protein on the surface of the virus that allows it to attach to our cells.</p> <p>This helps the immune system produce antibodies that recognise the spike protein and interfere with the virus getting into our cells.</p> <p>In response to our strengthened immune responses from vaccinations and previous infections (called immune pressure), SARS-CoV-2 has continued to evolve over the course of the pandemic, modifying the shape of its spike protein so our antibodies become less effective.</p> <p>Most recently we’ve faced a soup of Omicron sub-variants, including JN.1. Since JN.1 was first detected <a href="https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/seven-things-you-need-know-about-jn1-covid-19-variant">in August 2023</a>, this Omicron sub-variant has spawned a variety of further sub-variants, such as KP.2 (known as FLiRT), KP.3 (<a href="https://theconversation.com/from-flirt-to-fluqe-what-to-know-about-the-latest-covid-variants-on-the-rise-234073">known as FLuQE</a>) and <a href="https://theconversation.com/xec-is-now-in-australia-heres-what-we-know-about-this-hybrid-covid-variant-239292">XEC</a>.</p> <p>The spike protein is made up of <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41401-020-0485-4">1,273 amino acids</a>, a bit like molecular building blocks. Mutations to <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1228128/full">the spike protein</a> change individual amino acids.</p> <p>Certain amino acids are important for allowing neutralising antibodies to bind to the spike protein. This means changes can give the virus an edge over earlier variants, helping it evade our immune response.</p> <p>Scientists keep updating the COVID vaccines in an effort to keep up with these changes. The better matched the vaccine “spike” is to the spike protein on the surface of the virus trying to infect you, the better protection you’re likely to get.</p> <h2>So who should get vaccinated, and when?</h2> <p>Updating vaccines to deal with mutating viruses is not a new concept. It has been happening for the flu vaccine since <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/spotlight/history-of-vaccination/history-of-influenza-vaccination">around 1950</a>.</p> <p>We’ve become accustomed to getting the annual flu vaccine in the lead-up to the winter cold and flu season. But, unlike influenza, COVID has not settled into this annual seasonal cycle. The frequency of COVID waves of infection has been fluctuating, with new waves emerging periodically.</p> <p>COVID is also <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jtm/article/29/8/taac108/6731971">more transmissible</a> than the flu, which presents another challenge. While numbers vary, a conservative estimate of the reproduction number (R0 – how many people will one person will go on to infect) for JN.1 is 5. Compare this to seasonal flu with an R0 of <a href="https://bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2334-14-480">about 1.3</a>. In other words, COVID could be four times more transmissible than flu.</p> <p>Add to this immunity from a COVID vaccination (or a previous infection) <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-00124-y">begins to wane</a> in the months afterwards.</p> <p>So an annual COVID booster is not considered enough for some more vulnerable people.</p> <p><iframe id="gOYwk" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/gOYwk/2/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p> <p>For adults <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/covid-19-vaccines/getting-your-vaccination">aged 65 to 74</a>, a booster is recommended every 12 months, but they’re eligible every six months. For adults over 75, a shot is recommended every six months.</p> <p>Adults aged 18 to 64 are eligible every 12 months, unless they have a severe immune deficiency. Many conditions can cause immunodeficiency, including genetic disorders, infections, cancer, autoimmune diseases, diabetes and lung disease, as well as having received an organ transplant. For this group, it’s recommended they receive a shot every 12 months, but they’re eligible every six.</p> <h2>Making sense of the advice</h2> <p>A vaccine that targets JN.1 should provide good protection against the Omicron sub-variants likely to be circulating in the coming months.</p> <p>A few things need to happen before the JN.1 shots become available, such as the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation providing guidance to the government. But we can reasonably expect they might be rolled out <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/what-to-know-about-the-new-covid-19-vaccine-approved-in-australia/z7ev2u8qn">within the next month or so</a>.</p> <p>If they hit doctors’ offices and pharmacies before Christmas and you’re due for a booster, the holiday period might be added impetus to go and get one, especially if you’re planning to attend lots of family and social gatherings over summer.</p> <p>In the meantime, the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-are-the-new-covid-booster-vaccines-can-i-get-one-do-they-work-are-they-safe-217804">XBB.1.5 vaccines</a> remain available. Although they’re targeted at an earlier Omicron sub-variant, they should still offer some protection.</p> <p>While young, healthy people might like to wait for the updated boosters, for those who are vulnerable and due for a vaccination, whether or not to hold out may be something to weigh up with your doctor.</p> <p>The advice on COVID boosters in Australia, with stronger wording (“recommended” versus “eligible”) used for more vulnerable groups, reflects what we know about COVID. People <a href="https://academic.oup.com/ageing/article/49/6/901/5862042">who are older</a> and medically vulnerable are more likely to become very unwell with the virus.</p> <p>For young, healthy people who may be wondering, “do I need a COVID booster at all?”, having one annually is sensible. Although you’re less likely to get very sick from COVID, it’s possible. And, importantly, vaccines also reduce the risk of <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanres/article/PIIS2213-2600(24)00082-1/fulltext">developing long COVID</a>.</p> <p>While COVID vaccines do a very good job of protecting against severe disease, they don’t necessarily stop you becoming infected. Evidence on whether they reduce transmission <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2116597">has been mixed</a>, and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38820077/">changed over time</a>.</p> <p>We’ve come to appreciate that vaccination is not going to free us of COVID. But it’s still our best defence against severe illness.<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/239594/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nathan-bartlett-1198187"><em>Nathan Bartlett</em></a><em>, Professor, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-newcastle-1060">University of Newcastle</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </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/the-latest-covid-booster-will-soon-be-available-should-i-get-one-am-i-eligible-239594">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

Neighbours star under investigation after alleged Nazi salute

<p>Former <em>Neighbours</em> star Damien Richardson is under investigation by police after allegedly performing a Nazi salute at an event in September. </p> <p>Richardson, who played Gary Canning in seven seasons of <em>Neighbours</em>, was recorded performing the gesture during a speech at an event run by the National Workers Alliance (NWA), who bills itself as a nationalist organisation dedicated to the "preservation of Western Culture and Identity".</p> <div> </div> <p>In an excerpt of his speech, which was aired as part of an <em>ABC 7.30</em> investigation into the rise of the far-right movement in Australia, the actor is heard stating, "There is a war on men".</p> <p>"I thought it was a war on Western tradition, Western values… and actually it's an anti-white-male-agenda," the actor said at the event.</p> <p>He is then seen appearing to perform a Nazi salute and mockingly asking if he would be locked up for it, saying, “Am I allowed to do that? Am I allowed to do that, or am I going to be fined now? Am I going to go to jail for five years?” </p> <p>“Oh, Richardson did the salute. I mean, really. I mean this is absurd. This is insane. It’s crazy. It’s so crazy you can’t believe it’s even happening.”</p> <p>In October 2023, laws came into effect making it an offence to perform a Nazi salute in public or in public view.</p> <p>A person who commits an <a href="https://www.vic.gov.au/fact-sheet-nazi-symbol-prohibition" target="_blank" rel="noopener">offence</a> could face fines of $23,000, 12 months in prison, or both. </p> <p>Victoria Police has confirmed it is investigating the incident, saying in a statement, “Police are investigating vision which shows a person performing a Nazi salute, believed to be in Victoria."</p> <p>“The circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be established and an investigation is ongoing.”</p> <p>While Richardson's actions were applauded by neo-Nazi organisation National Socialist Network (NSN), both Richardson and the organiser of the NWA said they are not neo-Nazis. </p> <p>"There has been a lot of misinformation spoken about the event, Damien, the National Workers Alliance and myself," Matt Trihey told the <em>ABC</em>.</p> <p>"Neither Damien or I have ever been members of Nazi organisations and we have no connection with the NSN. I am a free speech advocate and have no control over who purchases online tickets to my events."</p> <p><em>Image credits: ABC</em></p>

Legal

Full House star's devastating cancer diagnosis

<p>Dave Coulier has revealed his devastating cancer diagnosis </p> <p>The <em>Full House</em> star told the <em>US Toda</em>y show about his "roller coaster" health struggle on Wednesday. </p> <p>After finding out that he was diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, he said it felt like "I got punched in the stomach because it never happens to you," according to <em>Page Six</em>. </p> <p>Coulier, whose first symptom was a lump in his groin, noted that he was “on pins and needles for a few days” while waiting to hear whether the disease had spread “to any major organs or [his] blood or bones or anything.”</p> <p>While waiting for his results, the 65-year-old actor told his wife, Melissa Coulier that he accepted his fate. </p> <p> “I’m OK with whatever the news [is] going to be no matter how devastating. … I’ve had an incredible life. I’ve had the most amazing people in my life. This has been an extraordinary journey, and I’m OK if this is the end of the journey”.</p> <p>Fortunately the cancer has not moved outside of his lymphatic system, and since then the actor has started chemotherapy, which he said was “intense” and “scared the daylights” out of him.</p> <p>“There [are] days where I feel unbelievable,” he said. “Then there’s other days where … I’m just going to lay down and let this be what it’s going to be”.</p> <p>Coulier is expected to finish treatment in February 2025 after undergoing six rounds of chemo every three weeks. </p> <p>While the diagnosis was initially shocking, the actor has assured his fans that the curability rate is promising. </p> <p><em>Image: Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

Distraught bride explains why no one showed for her wedding

<p>The heartbroken bride who went viral after no one showed up to her wedding has updated her followers on the events leading up to the big day. </p> <p>Kalina Marie, a bride from the US, went <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/what-did-we-do-bride-shares-heartbroken-reaction-to-empty-wedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">viral</a> after she took to TikTok to share the gut-wrenching video of the moment her and her new husband Shane stepped inside the lavishly decorated hall with their son, as they tried to come to terms with the fact that only a handful of people showed to celebrate with them. </p> <p>“FIVE PEOPLE SHOWED UP!!!!!!! Like, are you kidding me!?!? As you see in the video, we enter the venue. And no one is there," she wrote in the caption of the video before adding, “It just makes me think, like, why? What did we do? Am I that bad of a person?"</p> <p>Her video raked up millions of views with many people sharing words of encouragement, and thousands of people asking for an update on the situation.</p> <p>Hundreds of comments asked Kalina if she had heard from any of the invitees who didn't show up, wondering if they had provided her with a reason. </p> <p>In response to the comments, Kalina made another video to share some context with her followers.</p> <p>She first explained that and her husband, who have been together for nine years, got engaged in 2019 and weren’t able to have their wedding when they had intended to, due to the pandemic.</p> <p>In January this year, they announced they were finally tying the knot in October and for the past 10 months, Ms Marie said she has been “blabbing about it” all over Facebook.</p> <p>“I created a Facebook event and invited everyone I could and also sent out over 25 invitations to our elders and those not on social media to make sure they were included as well,” she said in a video.</p> <p>Ms Marie said she received notice from 40 who said they would be coming to the big day, so she planned for that number by setting up the venue accordingly and ensuring her mum had catered enough food.</p> <p>She also made sure to check in with everyone the week of to confirm their attendance, and said “at least 20 people” had gotten back to her saying they were coming, leaving her asking why those people chose not to show up at the last minute. </p> <p>“If I could answer that, I would tell you. And no, I haven’t really received a lot of messages explaining why people weren’t there or giving me excuses,” she said.</p> <p>However, the newlywed said she was actually grateful for this because it meant she could get a clear understanding of who actually cared about her and her husband.</p> <p>“We’ve been having to deal with the grief of deleting a lot of people out of our lives,” she admitted. </p> <p>“For the most part, we’ve done a lot of re-evaluating our lives and just spending a lot of time appreciating what we have and what we had.”</p> <p>To anyone who has had something similar happen to them, Ms Marie says: “I am truly very sorry as I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.”</p> <p>The comments section of the video was again flooded with words of support and encouragement for the newlyweds, as one person wrote, “My heart aches for you,” while another called it “cruel” and “unbelievable.”</p> <p>Others emphasised that it was a powerful learning moment: “You really find out who your friends are when you have a wedding. Sorry, you went through this,” insisted one commenter.</p> <p>“The people who didn’t turn up you don’t need in your life,” another reassured.</p> <p><em>Image credits: TikTok</em></p>

Relationships

AFL star's surprise wedding

<p>AFL star Jacob Weitering has tied the knot with his partner Isabel Khan in a surprise wedding on Friday. </p> <p>The pair went public with the news two days after the biggest celebration of their lives at Quat Quatta in Melbourne. </p> <p>Isabel posted several photos and videos on Instagram, with the caption "The best day of my life." </p> <p>Weitering's team-mate Sam Docherty and his partner Natalie played a big role in the day, with Natalie posting several videos on her Instagram story of the newlyweds after the ceremony. </p> <p>In a separate post, Docherty wrote: "Celebrating the Weiterings.</p> <p>"Congratulations on pulling off the surprise of the year honoured to share in your special day." </p> <p>Isabel replied "Couldn't have done it without you."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCNQ9oSzvGP/?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/DCNQ9oSzvGP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Isabel Weitering (@isabelweitering)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The surprise wedding took place five months after the couple got engaged. </p> <p>The bride looked stunning as she walked down the aisle in a flowy gown with a sweetheart neckline detail. </p> <p>The couple were also filmed delivering their vows, sharing a kiss and posing for pictures and they walked back down the aisle together for the first time as husband and wife. </p> <p>In another clip the pair posed with their two puppies, with Isabel unable to contain her joy. </p> <p>Fellow AFL players were in attendance, including Zac Fisher and his wife Bella, who also tied the knot earlier this year. </p> <p>The milestone comes after the footy star signed a six-year contract extension with the Blues last month. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

“One year on without you": Tahnee Sims' tribute to Johnny Ruffo

<p>It's been one year since Johnny Ruffo lost his gruelling battle with cancer at just 35-years-old, and now, long-term girlfriend Tahnee Sims has shared a heartfelt tribute on the anniversary of his death. </p> <p>“One year on without you... It feels like just yesterday & a lifetime ago all at once,” Sims wrote on Instagram over the weekend. </p> <p>“There are so many things I wish I could say to you, so many moments I have wanted to share with you, so many times I’ve reached for my phone to call you, but the main thing I would want you to know, Is that I am okay 🙏🏽</p> <p>“Grief is incredibly heavy but it’s the price we pay for love & I’m so grateful for all of the years we got to share together & the lifetime of love & adventure we packed in.</p> <p>“Forever wouldn’t have been long enough with you… Miss you J.”</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/DCK5QRhz22l/?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/DCK5QRhz22l/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tahnee Sims (@tahneesims)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Hundreds of people flooded her comment section with messages of support. </p> <p>“Oh gosh 😢😢😢 I’m sure this has made the nation cry. Such a beautiful young man, and what a blessing that he had you by his side. Sending you Love and Healing💜💜💜,” one wrote. </p> <p>“Sending truckloads of love dear Tahnee as we remember darling Johnny and smile knowing he is still in our hearts. 💙💙💙💙💙,” another added. </p> <p>“Your love story was one of my all time favourites. Whoever said time heals lied. You’re so strong and admirable and one day you will be together again I’m a huge believer in that. All my thoughts and love being sent your way ❤️,” a third commented. </p> <p>Sims and Ruffo first met at a dance studio in 2015 and had an unbreakable bond. </p> <p>Ruffi was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017. He was in remission two years later, but unfortunately in 2020 his cancer returned, and Sims stayed by his side through it all. </p> <p>Two months after his death Sims’ confessed it was hard to live life without her “person”.</p> <p>“It’s hard to fathom your life & look forward without your person that has been beside you for so many years - even though we knew we were on borrowed time, we still always held out hope.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

Former Home and Away star's joyful baby news

<p>Former <em>Home and Away</em> stars Rebecca Breeds and Luke Mitchell are expecting their first child together. </p> <p>The Australian actress and her co-star turned husband confirmed the happy news on Instagram. </p> <p>The 37-year-old actress made her little baby bump debut at the Adelaide Film Festival and shared a picture of herself on the red carpet looking stunning in a form-fitting pink dress. </p> <p>“VERY excited to share baby Mitchell and @kangarooislandmovie coming sooooooooon! Thanks @adlfilmfest for having us and everyone who came to support us🙏🤍,” she wrote on Instagram on Tuesday.</p> <p>The mum-to-be rested one of her hands on top of the baby bump as she proudly smiled for the cameras. </p> <p>The actress was at the festival for the premiere of her new film <em>Kangaroo Island</em> on the event's closing night. </p> <p>Her husband commented on the post with a series of heart-eyed emojis. </p> <p>Breeds' co-stars and fellow actors were quick to congratulate the couple in the comments. </p> <p>“Congratulations Bec and Luke! Very exciting news,”<em> Home and Away </em>star Lynne McGranger said.</p> <p>“Ahhhhh amazing you guys! This is the best news!” former <em>Home and Away </em>actress Jessica McNamee added. </p> <p>“Congrats!!!!!” <em>A Perfect Pairing </em>actor Adam Demos said.</p> <p>The couple first met on the set of <em>Home and Away</em> in 2009 and quickly became a fan-favourite off-screen relationship.</p> <p>Breeds played Ruby Buckton on the soap between 2008 and 2012, while Mitchell played Romeo Smith between 2009 and 2013.</p> <p>The couple tied the knot in January 2013 and went to live and work in the US for years before returning to Australia. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram/ Seven</em></p>

Relationships

How one elderly couple made their big move to Italy

<p>US couple Tony Smarrelli, 74, and his wife, Francine, 75, were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in Venice, Italy when they decided to move to Italy for good. </p> <p>The Smarrelli's, who are retired elementary teachers from New York and both of Italian descent relocated to the picturesque coastal town of Scalea in southern Italy. </p> <p>“We were in St Mark’s Square (in Venice) when a quartet started playing (classic Italian song) Malafemmina,” Tony recalled the day they decided to make the big move. </p> <p>“It brought tears to my eyes, because my father would put on his Italian records every Sunday for dinner and would sing that song to my mother.”</p> <p>Looking to reconnect with their Italian roots, they purchased a 139 metre property with three bedrooms, a dining room and a walk-in-closet for for €150,000 ($A247,754) in November 2023.</p> <p>“We flew to Italy for the second time in 2023 and put an offer in for that home. We then secured our visas in the US in three hours, sold our home (in the US), packed up our belongings and flew back to Italy in December 2023,” Tony said.</p> <p>While their home in the peaceful coastal time was already livable when they bought it, the couple chose to renovate it, spending an extra €80,000 (about $A132,086) to retile the property, add a new plumbing and electric system, as well as two new bathrooms, an entire kitchen, doors, windows and screens.</p> <p>The property was renovated within four-months, and they said that a similar home in the US would have been nearly impossible for them to afford. </p> <p>“It would be easily $US1 ($A1.5) million to $2 million to live on a coast of South California or (a place with) any coastal views on the Eastern Seaboard,” Tony said. </p> <p>Tony's father and grandfather initially immigrated to the US in 1983 to make a better life for themselves, now 86 years later, Tony has returned to his homeland. </p> <p>“Some of my best friends said it takes a lot of guts to pick up and move to another country at 74 years of age.</p> <p>“I tell them it took guts for my father and grandfather to come to another country on a boat for eight weeks with no home, no work, very little money, no resources to make a better life for themselves,” Tony said.</p> <p>“In our modern world, it’s just a lifestyle change and for us, it was a good choice.”</p> <p>The couple said since their big move, they've cut back nearly y $3000 ($A4574) per month on expenses, which amounts to $36,000 ($A54,894) a year. </p> <p>The couple now spends about $1200 ($A1825) a month between the two of them.</p> <p>Back in the US, the couple's mortgage alone was $US1500 per month ($A2281)</p> <p>“Monthly expenses in the US before leaving were between $US4800 to $US5000 a month. In all we are about $US3000 less monthly living here in Italy,” Tony said. </p> <p>Tony plans to apply for an Italian citizenship, and while his father was naturalised as an American citizen before he was born, he plans to rectify this by appealing to a local court. </p> <p><em>Images: CNN</em></p> <p> </p>

International Travel

KIIS FM star's stunning countryside wedding

<p>Woody Whitelaw is officially married! </p> <p>The co-host of KIIS FM's <em>Will & Woody </em>exchanged vows with his long-time love Mimi Gibbs in a stunning ceremony in Victoria over the weekend. </p> <p>"The Whitelaw’s 🤍" captioned a series of highlights from their wedding posted to Instagram.</p> <p>The pair tied the knot at the at the picturesque Euroa Butter Factory in front of friends and family including their two-year-old daughter Remi, who walked down the aisle and greeted her dad with a big hug. </p> <p>Whitelaw's co-host Will McMahon fulfilled his groomsmen duties at the wedding, which took less than four months to plan. </p> <p>The bride looked stunning in a white floor-length gown that featured a side split, while the radio star kept it classic with a black tuxedo and bow tie. </p> <p>Gibbs then opted for a shorter off-shoulder mini dress for the reception. </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/DB5ZxHSysrZ/?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/DB5ZxHSysrZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by MIMI • GIBBS (@mimgibbs)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Last week, KIIS FM made a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DB0TnmDv-qQ/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">video tribute</a> to the couple in honour of their wedding, and Whitelaw could be seen getting emotional as the big day approached. </p> <p>“I feel like the luckiest person in the world getting to marry Mim because she is truly the most amazing person I’ve ever come into contact with,” he said in the video shared to Instagram. </p> <p>“She’s always putting others before herself. She’s just so much fun. At all times, she just makes any situation very silly and very childish. I just can’t believe I will be calling her my wife, and I get to spend the rest of my life with her.”</p> <p>Gibbs also appeared in the clip with a sweet message to her husband. </p> <p>“I love him so much and I just am so excited to spend the rest of my life with him and loving him for an eternity,” she said.</p> <p>The wedding comes two years after the radio host proposed to Gibbs in their backyard, surprising her with a diamond ring as she lounged on a sunbed. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram/ </em><em>Mimo Weddings</em></p>

Relationships

Readers response: Have you ever seen or met a member of the royal family during one of their visits?

<p>When the royal family make one of their special, dedicated visits to Australia, some royal fans are lucky enough to catch a glimpse, or even have an interaction with them. </p> <p>We asked our readers if they have ever seen or met a member of the royal family, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Mike Rogerson</strong> - I saw the Queen and Prince Phillip on the Princes Highway at Blakehurst, NSW. They were on their way to Wollongong, NSW. We were a group of Blakehurst primary school children on the side of the road in 1954. I was eight at the time.</p> <p><strong>Lorraine Strand</strong> - First saw the Queen when the country school kids travelled by train to Adelaide. Then again in Darwin, when she was visiting houses built after Cyclone Tracy. On a more recent visit by the royals, my husband and I attended the same St Paul’s Anglican Church Service in Canberra as the Queen and Prince Phillip.</p> <p><strong>Annette Maree</strong> - I saw the Queen when she was driven past my house in the 1960’s. She was stunning. I clearly remember her wave, her smile, and her “peaches and cream” complexion. It was one of those flashbulb moments that stays in your mind forever.</p> <p><strong>Glenda Grange</strong> - Yes in 1983 I saw Diana and Charles. They attended a royal command performance in Melbourne. I received a formal gilt edge invitation and was one person away from them. I was invited as a bush fire victim of Ash Wednesday.</p> <p><strong>Elaine Smith</strong> - I haven’t but my mum and grandpa did, in 1954 when she came to our small country town of Red Cliffs, VIC. My grandpa and mum were on a special platform with aged residents of country towns, even got to shake hands with her. I was in the crowd with my girl guide group.</p> <p><strong>Gary Johnson</strong> - 1970 when I was in first year high school we went to Perth airport to see Prince Phillip arrive. I had a school blazer on and Prince Phillip came over and asked what school I was from. If it wasn't for my mum forcing me to wear it, I wouldn't have that great memory.</p> <p><strong>Janice Yvonne Colman</strong> - Not in Australia, but in the UK when they passed by our village on way to a county close by. My brother & I got the royal waves as we stood on the side of the road! We were quite thrilled as we were only 14 & 12 at the time.</p> <p><strong>Jean Bryant</strong> - I saw Princess Margaret back in the 50's when she visited a British Air Force base in Germany.</p> <p><strong>Ian Hewitt</strong> - Yes! At NSW Government house in 1992. It was an honour to us to personally meet their majesties.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Domestic Travel

Readers response: What’s one thing you wish you had known before retiring?

<p>When it comes time to retire, there are always things we wish we knew first before entering our golden years. </p> <p>We asked our readers what they wish they knew before retiring, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Margaret Walsh</strong> - As long as you are fit and active, it's great. Just don't get crook or disabled, it sucks.</p> <p><strong>Judi Bradshaw</strong> - I retired 9 times and kept going back to work as I didn't find myself ready to stop work, but finally retired at 73. Took awhile to adjust but now 75 and full time travellers, just loving life.</p> <p><strong>Marcus von Moger</strong> - How good it was going to be.</p> <p><strong>Chris Bailey</strong> - How boring it is, I’d go back to work in a heartbeat if I could.</p> <p><strong>Ellen Fowler</strong> - That the government would keep changing the rules. </p> <p><strong>Michael L Carrigg</strong> - Just how long it takes dealing with government departments that clearly are understaffed, especially in the front line service areas.</p> <p><strong>Jim Burgess</strong> - Finding reasonably priced accommodation.</p> <p><strong>Nicol Kyriakidou</strong> - That it would be so great! Having the whole day to yourself. Taking it easy, meeting friends, going shopping. Doing everything at your leisure.</p> <p><strong>Gaye Johnson</strong> - You never get a day off!!!</p> <p><strong>David Brown</strong> - How good it is. I should have retired 20 years earlier.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Retirement Life

Seven star names and shames worst celeb interviews

<p>A former Channel Seven showbiz reporter has named and shamed the worst celebrities he's interviewed. </p> <p>Nelson Aspen, 61, who as an entertainment correspondent for Sunrise for two decades opened up on his worst celebrity encounters fellow showbiz reporter Kjersti Flaa on her <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ7xEdVa25s" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>YouTube show</em></a>. </p> <p>Flaa who is known for revealing her own "nightmare" celebrity encounter with Blake Lively, prompted Aspen to share his own experience with the <em>Gossip Girl </em>actress. </p> <p>Aspen said that his first interview with Lively in 2016 was “fun and playful” and he was "gobsmacked" by her beauty. But he had a very different experience just two years later when he interviewed her and Anna Kendrick for <em>A Simple Favor</em>. </p> <p>“I’m figuring, ‘Oh this is going to be fun.’ I’d interviewed Anna before and she’s fine, but Blake? She’s going to be be a hoot, I can’t wait,” Aspen recalled. </p> <p>“They were paired together, and I think that may have had something to do with it. She [Lively] could’ve been having a bad day, maybe they didn’t get along, maybe it was competition, maybe it was two egos trapped in the same room, maybe Blake is just better one-on-one … I don’t know, but she answered every question with a question, combatively.</p> <p>“It was not pleasant, and Anna sort of did the same. It’s like she was like, ‘OK this is girl power, we’re going to be team up on the journalist.’</p> <p>“And in your interview with Blake, I recognised it, this is a trait, obviously a recurring one,” he told Flaa.</p> <p>“Thanks to you, everybody’s warned.”</p> <p>He then revealed that one of his most uncomfortable chats was with Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro, and prior to his interview, a publicist warned him that De Niro "won't look you in the eyes". </p> <p>That was exactly what happened when he interviewed the actor. </p> <p>“The camera that was on me was off to a weird angle so that Robert never had to look me in the face,” Aspen recalled. </p> <p>“He looked off camera, but when we cut it together it looked as if he was looking at me.</p> <p>“They went to so much trouble to avoid him having to look at the journalist.”</p> <p>Another A-lister he interviewed was Marvel star Paul Rudd, considered to be one of the nicest guys in Hollywood, but Aspen said it wasn't always the case. </p> <p>“He’s usually very sweet, but it was his birthday, and that’s when everybody was talking about ‘ageless Paul Rudd’,” Aspen said.</p> <p>“They [publicists] said, ‘Don’t ask him about his youthful appearance, and don’t say Happy Birthday.’ I was like, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’</p> <p>“Yes it was coming from the publicist, but he must have said, ‘I don’t want to talk about my birthday’.”</p> <p>"I can’t remember exactly how it went down, but whatever it was they were very sensitive about it, and it was very uncomfortable and awkward, and nobody says that about Paul Rudd.</p> <p>“But it happens, they’re people too.”</p> <p>However, his interviews weren't all bad, with Hugh Jackman known as one of the kindest stars in Hollywood. </p> <p>“I’ve interviewed him a thousand times. He’s the best,” Aspen said.</p> <p>Meryl Streep and Julie Andrews were also among Aspen’s favourites.</p> <p><em>Image: Youtube</em></p>

Dawson's Creek star reveals cancer diagnosis

<p>American actor James Van Der Beek has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, assuring his fans he is "feeling good" since coming to terms with the news. </p> <p>The <em>Dawson’s Creek</em> star, who played the titular character Dawson Leery, announced the news to <a href="https://people.com/james-van-der-beek-diagnosed-with-colorectal-cancer-exclusive-8738844" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>People</em></a> magazine, saying he had been dealing with the diagnosis "privately". </p> <p>“I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” the 47-year-old told the publication. </p> <p>“There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”</p> <p>No further details regarding his diagnosis or treatment were shared.</p> <p>Van Der Beek has six children with his wife Kimberly, with his most recent Instagram post sharing photos of the family dressed up and going trick or treating. </p> <p>While the post did not mention is diagnosis, many flocked to the comments to share their well wishes. </p> <p>One fan wrote, "Just saw the people article. Best wishes for good health James. Takes a lot of courage strength to share something that personal."</p> <p>Another person added, "Positive thoughts, prayers and love to and your whole family at this time! ❤️huge fan of yours all around!"</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Caring

Beloved Friends, Tootsie and Mr Mom star passes away

<p>Teri Garr, the beloved actress known for her iconic roles in classic films such as <em>Young Frankenstein </em>and <em>Tootsie </em>and her appearances on <em>Friends</em>, has passed away at the age of 79.</p> <p>Her death, confirmed by her publicist Heidi Schaeffer, occurred on Tuesday in Los Angeles, surrounded by family and friends. Garr's passing follows a long battle with multiple sclerosis, a condition she publicly disclosed in 2002 to raise awareness about the disease and its impact on daily life.</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Born Terry Ann Garr in Lakewood, Ohio, in 1944, Teri grew up in a theatrical family; her father was a vaudeville performer and her mother a Rockette. This background set the stage for Garr's early career, which began as a background dancer in Elvis Presley films during the 1960s. Her breakout role came in 1974 when she starred as Inga, the charming lab assistant to Gene Wilder's character in Mel Brooks' </span><em style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Young Frankenstein</em><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">. The film became a cornerstone of American comedy, showcasing Garr's unique blend of humour and warmth.</span></p> <p>Garr further solidified her place in cinematic history with her performance in <em>Tootsie</em> in 1982, where she portrayed the vulnerable actress friend of Dustin Hoffman’s character. This role earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Critics praised her ability to balance comedy with emotional depth, with film critic Pauline Kael calling her "the funniest neurotic dizzy dame on the screen" at that time.</p> <p>Despite her success, Garr faced significant challenges due to her health. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis during the filming of <em>Tootsie</em>, a struggle she detailed in her memoir, <em>Speedbumps: Flooring It Through Hollywood</em>. In it, she described MS as a "sneaky disease," one that complicated her life and career but did not define it. “My body had a trick or two up its sleeve," she wrote. "A stumble here, a tingling finger there. I was trained as a dancer and knew better than to indulge the random aches and pains that visited now and then. Being a successful Hollywood actress may be challenging, but little did I know that the very body that had always been my calling card would betray me.”</p> <p>Garr became an advocate for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, using her platform to inspire others facing similar challenges.</p> <p>Throughout her career, Garr appeared in over 140 film and TV projects. She was known for her roles in <em>Mr. Mom</em>, <em>Close Encounters of the Third Kind</em>, and various television shows including <em>Friends</em>, where she played Phoebe's birth mother. Her playful spirit and comedic timing made her a favourite among audiences and fellow actors alike.</p> <p>In recent years, Garr had limited her appearances due to health issues but remained an influential figure in Hollywood. Tributes have poured in from fans and colleagues alike, celebrating her legacy as a pioneer for women in comedy and an inspiration for those battling chronic illnesses. </p> <p>Teri Garr leaves behind a rich legacy filled with laughter and heart. She is survived by her daughter Molly O'Neil and grandson Tyryn. Her contributions to film and television will be remembered fondly by generations to come.</p> <p><em>Images: CNN \ Fox Studios</em></p>

Caring

Our Partners

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

AFL star ties the knot in stunning wedding

Readers response: What was the worst hotel experience you had?

Bindi Irwin's glam hotel receives huge award

Hotel booking sites actually make it hard to get cheap deals, but there’s a way around it

Original Bee Gees star passes away aged 78

Four ways to tell the designer fashion items worth investing in from the ones that aren’t

The latest COVID booster will soon be available. Should I get one? Am I eligible?

Neighbours star under investigation after alleged Nazi salute

Full House star's devastating cancer diagnosis

Distraught bride explains why no one showed for her wedding

AFL star's surprise wedding

“One year on without you": Tahnee Sims' tribute to Johnny Ruffo

Former Home and Away star's joyful baby news

How one elderly couple made their big move to Italy

KIIS FM star's stunning countryside wedding

Readers response: Have you ever seen or met a member of the royal family during one of their visits?

Readers response: What’s one thing you wish you had known before retiring?

Seven star names and shames worst celeb interviews

Dawson's Creek star reveals cancer diagnosis

Beloved Friends, Tootsie and Mr Mom star passes away

Our Partners