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"Get my voice back": Kathy Griffin's intense pre-op drama

<p>Kathy Griffin has shared footage of her pre-operation appointment before she undergoes vocal cord surgery in an effort to save her voice.</p> <p>The American comedian took to TikTok to show fans the process of her surgeon sticking a camera scope up her nose and through to her vocal cord to get a clearer view of the damage.</p> <p>"First step is the numbing spray. Then the scope goes up the nose, down into the vocal cords!" she explained with captions.</p> <p>"As you can see, the left chord is paralyzed.”</p> <p>After she was instructed to make noises to test the cords, Griffin is seen following the doctor’s orders and watching her vocal cord movement on the screen.</p> <p>Griffin reflected post-operation in the same clip, with the 62-year-old lying in a recovery bed following the surgery.</p> <div><iframe title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7242029180651687214&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40kathygriffin%2Fvideo%2F7242029180651687214&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp19-sign.tiktokcdn-us.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-useast5-p-0068-tx%2F202ea4a9813e435c92a1c6996f018c11_1686166329%3Fx-expires%3D1686236400%26x-signature%3D%252Bk5fTTtG0O6jMWR7Pnky9ekvIlw%253D&key=5b465a7e134d4f09b4e6901220de11f0&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p>"I just had my latest surgery on my left vocal cord, because I want to be in good shape for my big Vegas show," she said.</p> <p>"This is just part of my recovery post-lung cancer surgery," she added. "I'm cancer-free, so anyway a little scratchy today, but I'll be in good shape.”</p> <p>"I so appreciate you guys following along on my journey to get my voice back after lung cancer,” Griffin captioned the video, also sharing it to her Instagram.</p> <p>Griffin had part of her lung removed in 2021 after being diagnosed with lung cancer and was in remission four months later.</p> <p>Her latest hospital visit comes after she revealed her diagnosis of “complex PTSD” in early 2023.</p> <p>Griffin shared her diagnosis in a TikTok in April, asking her followers for recommendations on how to cope with anxiety and depression.</p> <p>"Let's talk about PTSD. Never talked about it publicly," she said. "You can laugh or whatever, but I've been diagnosed with complex PTSD, and it's called an extreme case."</p> <p><em>Image credit: TikTok</em></p>

Caring

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“Rip off”: Charity shop blasted over extortionate sale

<p dir="ltr">A local charity shop has come under fire for selling a pair of designer shoes for a hefty sum. </p> <p dir="ltr">The op-shop at Palm Beach on the Gold Coast is selling a pair of gold embellished Christian LouBoutin loafers for $500 after being discounted from $1,483. </p> <p dir="ltr">The eye-watering price tag was posted to Facebook and caused outrage among locals, as the shoes were propped up on a red velvet pillow. </p> <p dir="ltr">A woman by the name of Jo Sherwood posted the image to the Palm Beach community Facebook page, writing, “You know when Palmy has gone really upmarket (sic) … designer shoes at Vinnies.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite her claims, a spokesperson for the St Vincent de Paul Society has clarified the designer loafers were not from a Vinnies but another independent op shop in the area.</p> <p dir="ltr">Many were quick to slam the hefty price tag, calling the sale a “rip-off”. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s bloody disgusting the prices they charge on anything. I saw a Kmart dress in there last week, they were selling it for more than Kmart sold it for,” another wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">Others were quick to call out many op shops who seem to have forgotten who they are there for. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Think they need to remember they are selling donated goods, not operating a boutique store,” someone replied.</p> <p dir="ltr">Another said that “all op shops have forgotten that they are meant to be there for the poor people, not just the hipsters.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Roger Federer stuns with unlikely photo op

<p>Roger Federer has taken the world by storm with more than just his tennis prowess after posting a new picture to Instagram. </p> <p>The retired 20-time Grand Slam champion is in France for Paris Fashion Week with his wife, Mirka. Mirka had been turning heads with her outfit, with many believing the creature on her vest to be a nod to her husband, the GOAT, but it was Roger who seized the attention of fans with his surprising post. </p> <p>The image features Roger posing with all four members of K-pop sensation Blackpink - Jisoo, Jennie, Rose, and Lisa. </p> <p>The group, formed in 2016 and dubbed the world’s greatest girl group, boast their own following of 52.4m followers on Instagram.</p> <p>It appears that Roger’s four children are included in that impressive count, with Roger captioning the picture, “My kids said this was a definite IG post.”</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/Cn9Dii3oSEF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn9Dii3oSEF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Roger Federer (@rogerfederer)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The meeting between international superstars immediately caught the attention of fans and friends, skyrocketing to over one million likes in one day. </p> <p>Fans of Blackpink are known affectionately as “Blinks”, and dozens took to Roger’s comment sections to express their surprise while questioning his position in the fan network.</p> <p>American teen tennis star and current World Number 7 Cori Dionne “Coco” Gauff asked, “blink????” </p> <p>“Your kids definitely understood their assignment,” declared one fan, referencing Roger’s caption.</p> <p>“Iconic!” The agreement came from none other than CEO of TAG Heuer, Frédéric Arnault. </p> <p>“You win everything,” commented London’s Instagram account, “now you’ve won at instagram!”</p> <p>Roger also posted the picture to his Twitter account, where the comments reflected those seen on Instagram, with the additional, “not sure if I’m jealous of Roger or Blackpink LOL.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">not sure if im jealous of Roger or Blackpink LOL</p> <p>— Iggy Wan (@officialiggywan) <a href="https://twitter.com/officialiggywan/status/1619451939045122050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>Amid the excitement, many voiced their surprise at the unexpected meeting of stars. Others praised Roger’s kids for keeping the 41 year old on top of trends, with one writing, “Roger’s kids really keeping him updated with pop culture. Love to see it” to over 250 likes. </p> <p>Since both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have overtaken Federer’s Grand Slam victory tally, a debate has broken out as to whether or not he is the tennis GOAT. This doesn’t seem to be troubling Federer, who seems to be making the most of and enjoying his time away from the game. </p> <p>Although Federer did not attend the Australian Open, Djokovic took an opportunity to honour the retired champion, and expressed his support for Roger and his family, “he is enjoying life, for sure. It’s nice to see that. Obviously, for tennis, he has been one of the most important players ever to play the game. So, you know, big regards to him and his family.”</p> <p><em>Image: Twitter</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

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"I am unmoored": Ashley Judd's sweet tribute to her late mother

<p dir="ltr">Ashley Judd has honoured her late mother in a heartwarming op-ed just a week after her death. </p> <p dir="ltr">Naomi Judd, one half of the duo The Judds, died at the age of 76 on April 30 following a battle with depression and mental illness.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My mama was an extraordinary parent under duress: She showed my sister and me the power of having a voice and using it, and there has been no greater lesson,” Ashley wrote in <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/voices/2022/05/06/ashley-judd-naomi-judd-mothers-day/96635010..." target="_blank" rel="noopener">USA Today</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It wasn’t supposed to be this way. I was supposed to visit her on Sunday, to give her a box of old-fashioned candy, our family tradition.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We were supposed to have sweet delight in each others’ easy presence. Instead, I am unmoored. But my heart is not empty. It is replete with gratitude for what she left behind. Her nurture and tenderness, her music and memory.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ashley and Wynonna teared up as they made an <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/we-lost-our-beautiful-mother-ashley-judd-s-heartbreaking-speech" target="_blank" rel="noopener">emotional acceptance speech</a> at the Country Music Hall of Fame induction on the Monday following their mother’s passing.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I didn’t prepare anything tonight because I knew mum would probably talk the most,” Wynonna said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m gonna make this fast, because my heart’s broken, and I feel so blessed. It’s a very strange dynamic, to be this broken and this blessed.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The sisters also quoted Psalm 23, a common hymn for funeral services.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My mama loved you so much and I’m sorry that she couldn’t hang on until today,” Ashley began.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Your esteem for her and your regard for her really penetrated her heart, and it was your affection for her that did keep her going in the last years, and please come see Pop,” she continued in reference to her stepfather and Naomi’s husband Larry Strickland.</p> <p dir="ltr">“While this is so much about the Judds as a duo, I want to take a moment to recognise my sister, a GOAT.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Wynonna then jumped in: “Though my heart is broken, I will continue to sing.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Naomi and daughter Wynonna, began singing together as a professional act in the early 1980s.</p> <p dir="ltr">They produced major hits loved by fans all over the world including "Mama He's Crazy" and "Love Can Build a Bridge”.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Relationships

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Mel Gibson called out by West Wing star in scathing op-ed

<p><em>West Wing</em> actor Joshua Malina has called out Mel Gibson and his employment in show business amid the controversial scandals surrounding the actor. </p> <p>Malina, who plays Will Bailey on the political drama, has questioned why Gibson is still employed in Hollywood despite his long history of alleged anti-Semitism, homophobia and bigotry. </p> <p>In a recent op-ed for The Atlantic titled <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2021/12/mel-gibson-anti-semitism/620873/" target="_blank">Cancel Mel Gibson</a>, Malina wondered why Hollywood's 'cancel culture' seemingly doesn't apply to Gibson. </p> <p><span>"Gibson is a well-known Jew-hater (anti-Semite is too mild). His prejudices are well documented," Malina wrote. </span></p> <p><span>"So my question is, what does a guy have to do these days to get put on Hollywood's no-fly list? I'm a character actor. I tend to take the jobs that come my way. But — and this hurts to write — you couldn't pay me enough to work with Mel Gibson." </span></p> <p><span>Mel Gibson has reportedly been cast in the upcoming John Wick prequel spin-off series titled <em>The Continental</em>, and is also rumoured to be in talks to direct <em>Lethal Weapon 5</em>. </span></p> <p><span>Malina continued, wondering when someone's ignorance and hatred outweighs their impressive resume. </span></p> <p><span>"Now, I love the <em>Lethal Weapon</em> movies (at least the first few). And Danny Glover's a gem," Malina continued. </span></p> <p><span>"But Gibson? Yes, he's a talented man. Many horrible people produce wonderful art. Put me down as an ardent fan of Roald Dahl, Pablo Picasso, and Edith Wharton; can't get enough of what they're selling." </span></p> <p><span>"But these three had the good taste to die. That makes it a lot easier to enjoy their output. Gibson lives. And Tinseltown need not employ him further."</span></p> <p><span>Joshua Malina goes on to say that the point of 'cancel culture' is to hold people accountable for their actions, but those in Hollywood often get a free pass because of their celebrity status. </span></p> <p><span>"If Gibson is welcomed back to direct the latest instalment of this beloved franchise, it may be time to stop publishing think pieces about the power of 'cancel culture,'" Malina wrote. </span></p> <p><span>"Because if he can continue to find big bucks and approbation in Hollywood, cancel culture simply does not exist."</span></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

TV

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How to save money by buying second-hand

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Melbourne woman Tamara DiMattina has become a self-proclaimed expert at finding bargains at second-hand stores. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tamara, who is the founder of the lifestyle program </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">The New Joneses</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">, perfected the art while working at a high-end auction house in London. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The savvy shopper discovered the wonder of op-shopping when her profession required her to look the part, which seemed out of reach due to her low salary. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tamara now considers her love of op-shopping as a lifestyle choice which has allowed her to pay off her mortgage quicker, while buying better for less. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“If people can get over thinking: ‘It’s second-hand, it’s not as good,’ then they can get fantastic deals, and afford that fantastic quality,” she said to </span><a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/money/costs/the-new-joneses-tamara-dimattina-shows-how-buying-second-hand-saves-money/news-story/65e6801865810dbc8839a049a2add6e0"><span style="font-weight: 400;">news.com.au.</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“That’s how I live my life. I buy everything second-hand and I’m always buying beautiful quality things.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It means I’m saving money on pretty much every purchase I make, and that money then goes against my mortgage.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tamara has scored a range of bargains from shopping second-hand, including </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">$60 fully-functional speakers that retail for $150, and paying $800 for a Thermomix, which cost considerably less than its $2000-plus RRP.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She believes that it’s important for people to re-frame how they view op-shopping, and realise it is not only the more sustainable choice, but it enables shoppers to buy higher end products that may have been previously out of reach. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I think it’s really important to understand that this is a fantastic opportunity to get great stuff at a much reduced rate.” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“(Buying second-hand) doesn’t mean it’s no longer good, it just means that person doesn’t need that anymore,” she says. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“For example, I’ve never bought a new iPhone, I always buy a second-hand iPhone. It might mean I’m a few generations behind the latest model, but I don’t need the latest and I save a huge amount of money.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some of the things Tamara can easily find during her op-shopping ventures are high quality kitchenware and appliances, as well as furniture that just needs a clean and good home. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tamara has also utilised Facebook marketplace to find pre-loved treasures, and has also found items for free which comes with a true sense of accomplishment. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I don’t waste money buying excessively,” she says. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I get this extreme pride and joy in going, ‘Wow look at this and it only cost me this much’ but not in a way that says I think cheaper is better.”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image credit: Shutterstock / Florence Guild Youtube</span></em></p>

Money & Banking

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6 secrets to successful op-shopping

<p>Charity op-shops are a veritable treasure troves of wardrobe stars and living room eye-catchers just waiting to be given a second chance, but it can sometimes be daunting to think about braving the jumble to find the gems. But we’ve got tips that will help you make the most of your local op-shops.</p> <p><strong>1. Make friends</strong></p> <p>Second hand stores don’t typically run slick advertising campaigns about sales, or issue catalogues to let you know what’s new in stock. So if you’re going to be a regular, it’s a good idea to make nice with the staff so they can make sure you know about any deals or new arrivals as soon as you walk through the door.</p> <p><strong>2. Ask questions</strong></p> <p>If you don’t find it easy to make friendly chitchat with salespeople, then feel free to come right out and ask the important questions like when new stock arrives.</p> <p><strong>3. Return often</strong></p> <p>You won’t strike gold every time you visit an op-shop – it’s part of the deal. But if you return regularly, and at different times, you could just find something spectacular – whether it be a gorgeous dress or coat, or a striking vase for your coffee table.</p> <p><strong>4. Look things up</strong></p> <p>If you find something you love the look of, but you’re not sure of the quality, then try looking up the designer or manufacturer using your phone. You just might discover that this piece is something best left on the shelf. Then again, you could find out that you have an under-priced treasure on your hands.</p> <p><strong>5. Spend time</strong></p> <p>If you’ve only spent five minutes in a charity shop before declaring that it has nothing of value, then you’re not doing the thing right. You may need to dig through a surface layer of average finds to get to the diamonds in the rough. Rummage through the racks and look closely at those shelves.</p> <p><strong>6. Look for potential</strong></p> <p>If you’re looking for a certain colour, and are having trouble tracking it down, then switch gears and go for a shape or silhouette that works for you – you can always have a go dying the garment or spray painting an ornament once you get it home.</p> <p>What’s your best op-shop find? Share it with us in the comments below!</p>

Beauty & Style

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8 tips to get the most out of op-shops

<p>Op-shops are a fantastic, easy way to refresh your wardrobe without forking out hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars. Plus, you’re also giving back to the community and charitable organisations. But let’s face it, being confronted by seemingly endless racks of clothing, boxes of shoes, bags and accessories and shelves of household items can be pretty daunting. So, to help you get the most out of your local Vinnies or Salvation Army, we’ve rounded up some of the best tips around.</p> <p><strong>1. Bring a bag</strong> – Many op-shops don’t provide shopping baskets or trolleys, so it’s best to bring a big tote bag to carry around all your items – just make sure you notify the staff so they don’t get the wrong idea!</p> <p><strong>2. Ignore the size tag</strong> – Unless it’s a newer item or brand (think 90s onwards), take the size with a grain of salt. Modern sizes can be drastically different to those in the 80s and earlier, so use your judgement to identify if it could fit.</p> <p><strong>3. Set a budget</strong> – Op-shops provide a lot more bang for your buck, so you could feasibly buy a few outfits for less than $75. That being said, because items can be so affordable, it’s easy to go overboard. With that in mind, create a budget you think you can realistically stick to a stop as soon as you’ve reached it – or even before.</p> <p><strong>4. Donate</strong> – If you’re going to be filling your wardrobe with a few new items, why not take the opportunity to cull pieces you rarely wear or no longer need and donate them to the store in person.</p> <p><strong>5. Inspect</strong> – You might think an item looks great at first sight, but it’s important to examine it from all angles, turn it inside out and check for any imperfections, loose threads or tears.</p> <p><strong>6. Avoid certain items</strong> – Clothes are generally good to go, but a few op-shop “finds” should be avoided. Helmets, mattresses, makeup, children’s safety equipment, stuffed animals, appliances, underwear and running shoes are all big no-nos.</p> <p><strong>7. Think creatively</strong> – A piece of clothing or household item might not be perfect, but with a few small tweaks, it could be. When shopping around, think about changes that could be made to the item to make it suit your needs. It might be time to get the sewing kit out!</p> <p><strong>8. Explore</strong> – Don’t be afraid to travel further afield than your local. Stores in more affluent areas generally have higher quality products that aren’t usually much more expensive.</p> <p>Tell us in the comments below, what’s been your best op-shop find?</p>

Beauty & Style