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Adorable reason behind Chris Hemsworth’s red carpet cheat notes

<p>Chris Hemsworth has been married to Spanish actress Elsa Pataky for almost 13 years, and while she speaks fluent English, Hemsworth is yet to master her native tongue.</p> <p>On June 8, he was at the premiere of his Netflix film Extraction 2 and was caught with some Spanish words scrawled on the palm of his hand.</p> <p>The 39-year-old was then photographed with what appeared to be a cheat sheet, which he personally found hilarious.</p> <p>“After years of coming to Spain and being asked ‘has my Spanish improved’ I can safely say it’s in the palm of my hand,” he wrote on Instagram alongside the photo.</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/CtOqVmTJ1sx/?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/CtOqVmTJ1sx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Chris Hemsworth (@chrishemsworth)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The actor revealed what was written on his hand during a guest appearance on local TV program El Hormiguero (Spanish for The Anthill).</p> <p>In the interview, Hemsworth also shared that his three children with Pataky - daughter India, 10, and twin sons Tristan and Sasha, 9 - find it funny that he doesn’t speak nor understand the language.</p> <p>“I try, but I can’t. My children laugh at me when I try to have a conversation with them in Spanish,” he admitted.</p> <p>“Sh*t, f**k, what happened? … I know that, that’s what my wife yells at me. The more she gets angry, the more she speaks Spanish.”</p> <p>Speaking to <em>Today</em> in 2017, Pataky said she had pretty much given up on teaching Hemsworth her native language, focusing on teaching their children instead.</p> <p>“He promised me, he said, ‘I’ll be speaking Spanish in two months.’ There we go, we have been together for six years,” Pataky – who speaks five languages: English, Spanish, Italian, French and Romanian - told <em>Today</em>.</p> <p>“That’s important, that’s what my mum did to me, talked in Romanian. I start to speak in English, I’m like, ‘I don’t express myself great.’ I got used to making an effort to speak to [the kids] in Spanish.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

Movies

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Chris Hemsworth to slow down in Hollywood:

<p>Chris Hemsworth has revealed he’s taking a break from acting following the news that he is at very high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life.</p> <p>While he may be slowing down, <em>Page Six </em>reported that the Aussie actor’s upcoming schedule is not quite so idle.</p> <p>Hemsworth has four projects in the works, including the return of his iconic <em>Thor</em> character in the highly anticipated <em>Avengers</em> sequel, and an untitled Hulk Hogan biopic. Although after those four projects, a source said, “he doesn’t plan to take on many roles because of [learning about his high risk for] Alzheimer’s.”</p> <p>Speaking to <em>Vanity Fair</em>, Hemsworth, 39, said he’s “not talking about retiring by any means,”</p> <p>The 39-year-old discovered he’s at high risk for Alzheimer’s while filming the National Geographic and Disney+ docuseries, <em>Limitless</em>.</p> <p>He told <em>Vanity Fair</em> about “the intensity [of] navigating” the test results and highlighted while it’s not a diagnosis, it’s a scary sign that the disease is more likely to develop in him than most other people.</p> <p>“Most of us, we like to avoid speaking about death,” he said. “Then to all of a sudden be told some big indicators are actually pointing to this as the route which is going to happen, the reality of it sinks in. Your own mortality.”</p> <p>He revealed learning that he’s “eight to 10 times more likely” to develop Alzheimer’s, “triggered something in me to want to take some time off.”</p> <p>“I’ve been completing the things I was already contracted to do,” he said, adding that he plans to “go home and … to have a good chunk of time off and just simplify. Be with the kids, be with my wife.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

Mind

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Chris Hemsworth’s Alzheimer’s gene doesn’t guarantee he’ll develop dementia

<p>Chris Hemsworth, famous for his role as the god Thor in Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, has announced he will be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/nov/21/chris-hemsworth-to-take-time-off-from-acting-after-discovering-alzheimers-risk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">taking a break</a> from acting after being told he has two copies of the <a href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/study-reveals-how-apoe4-gene-may-increase-risk-dementia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">APOE4 gene</a>, increasing his risk of Alzheimer’s.</p> <p>Having one copy of the <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.8346443" target="_blank" rel="noopener">APOE4 gene</a> increases your risk for Alzheimer’s 2-3 times. Two copies increases your risk 10-15 times.</p> <p>But the key here is “risk”. Having one or more copies of the gene doesn’t guarantee Chris or anyone else in a similar situation will go on to develop Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia.</p> <p><strong>Sharing the news</strong></p> <p>Hemsworth’s willingness to share his concerns about developing Alzheimer’s with millions should be applauded. It’s a reminder to all of us to keep an eye on our health and reduce our risk of future illness.</p> <p>Alzheimer’s, and dementia more broadly, is <a href="https://www.dementiastatistics.org/statistics/global-prevalence/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">set to challenge</a> health-care systems worldwide.</p> <p>In Australia alone there are <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/statistics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">up to</a> 500,000 people with dementia, supported by almost 1.6 million carers. By 2036, about <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/sites/default/files/NATIONAL/documents/The-economic-cost-of-dementia-in-Australia-2016-to-2056.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">450 people</a> are predicted to be diagnosed daily. So understanding how APOE4 alters the risk for the major cause of dementia may be pivotal in preventing cases.</p> <p>But not all people with the APOE4 gene go on to develop Alzheimer’s. This means that there may be a combination of environmental factors interplaying with the gene that lead some people to develop Alzheimer’s, while others do not.</p> <p><strong>What’s APOE4 got to do with Alzheimer’s?</strong></p> <p>Most Australians have APOE3 or APOE2 genes. In Caucasians it’s only <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5531868/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">about 15%</a>, like Hemsworth, who have inherited an APOE4 gene.</p> <p>The APOE gene types are best known for their role in modulating the metabolism of lipids (fats), such as cholesterol and triglycerides.</p> <p>They code for synthesis of different versions of the protein APOE, with subtle differences in structure. The APOE proteins become an integral part of lipoproteins in the blood. These are the fat-carrying particles your GP measures to consider your risk of heart disease.</p> <p>APOE proteins have a similar function in the brain, to modulate lipid levels. But in the context of Alzheimer’s, researchers study it for its effect on the integrity of brain cells.</p> <p>Accumulating evidence <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0197458022000550" target="_blank" rel="noopener">suggests</a> APOE4, is associated with brain inflammation and cellular damage.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">APOE4 is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. A study in <a href="https://twitter.com/Nature?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Nature</a> establishes a functional link between APOE4, cholesterol, myelination and memory, offering therapeutic opportunities for Alzheimer’s disease. <a href="https://t.co/bNsmDVPfFW">https://t.co/bNsmDVPfFW</a> <a href="https://t.co/58odE1JASl">pic.twitter.com/58odE1JASl</a></p> <p>— Nature Portfolio (@NaturePortfolio) <a href="https://twitter.com/NaturePortfolio/status/1594762841487249410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p><strong>Can we prevent Alzheimer’s?</strong></p> <p><strong>1. Look after your capillaries</strong></p> <p>Damaged and leaky blood vessels (capillaries) in the brain lead to inflammation, the death of brain cells and cognitive impairment. In fact, in Alzheimer’s, damaged capillaries are the earliest sign of the type of brain damage that causes disease.</p> <p>The protein encoded by the APOE4 gene may be less able to support healthy capillaries in the brain. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0163782709000563" target="_blank" rel="noopener">We suggested</a> APOE4 increases the abundance of specific complexes of lipoproteins and proteins in blood that silently damage brain capillaries, causing them to leak.</p> <p>We also see more brain capillary leakage in mice fed Western-style diets richer in saturated fats.</p> <p>The relationship between how the APOE proteins mediate lipid metabolism and capillary health in humans is poorly understood.</p> <p>But we have 60 years of research knowledge to say with confidence that eating foods good for the heart should also be good for the brain. This is particularly relevant for people with the APOE4 gene.</p> <p>So if you have the APOE4 gene and want to minimise your risk of Alzheimer’s, a healthy diet is a good place to start.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><em><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/497142/original/file-20221124-24-rlqyk5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/497142/original/file-20221124-24-rlqyk5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/497142/original/file-20221124-24-rlqyk5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=316&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/497142/original/file-20221124-24-rlqyk5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=316&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/497142/original/file-20221124-24-rlqyk5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=316&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/497142/original/file-20221124-24-rlqyk5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=397&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/497142/original/file-20221124-24-rlqyk5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=397&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/497142/original/file-20221124-24-rlqyk5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=397&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="Capillaries" /></a></em><figcaption><em><span class="caption">Looking after your capillaries with a healthy diet is a good place to start.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-illustration/system-many-small-capillaries-branch-out-1745173364" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shutterstock</a></span></em></figcaption></figure> <p><strong>2. Give your brain a break</strong></p> <p>Reducing unnecessary stimuli to “give your brain a rest” may have big impact over decades of your life. The latter may be a more important consideration if you have the APOE4 gene.</p> <p>That’s because the APOE gene is also linked to how the brain uses energy, which may lead to more <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnmol.2018.00216/full" target="_blank" rel="noopener">oxidative stress and damage</a>.</p> <p>While we’ve yet to collect robust data in humans, take a digital detox now and again, plan some down time, and avoid unnecessary stress if you can.</p> <p><strong>Should we test for the APOE4 gene?</strong></p> <p>Some people might be tempted to get tested for the APOE4 gene, especially if there’s a family history of Alzheimer’s.</p> <p>But unless genetic testing is going to change your treatment (for instance, by taking certain medications to slow progression of brain damage), or your behaviour to minimise your risk Alzheimer’s, then testing is not justified.</p> <p>We can’t change the genes our parents gifted us, but we can change our environment.</p> <p>Poor diet, every drop of alcohol you drink, obesity and diabetes, high blood pressure and sedentary behaviour <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/risk-reduction" target="_blank" rel="noopener">all contribute, over time</a>, to poorer vascular health and increase your risk of dementia.</p> <p>We’re still learning about how these risk factors for Alzheimer’s interact with the APOE4 gene. But there is no reason we shouldn’t all take greater responsibility for minimising our risk of dementia now, whether we have the APOE4 gene or not.<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/195094/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em>Writen by John Mamo. Republished with permission from <a href="https://theconversation.com/chris-hemsworths-alzheimers-gene-doesnt-guarantee-hell-develop-dementia-heres-what-we-can-all-do-to-reduce-our-risk-195094" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Mind

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Chris Hemsworth reveals life-changing health shock

<p>Chris Hemsworth has revealed how he discovered he has a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease. </p> <p>The actor revealed that while he was filming his new docuseries, titled <em>Limitless with Chris Hemsworth</em>, he discovered he has two copies of the gene APOE4, meaning he is "eight to 10 times more likely" to battle the progressive disease characterised by mental deterioration.</p> <p>"Most of us, we like to avoid speaking about death," Hemsworth told <a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/11/chris-hemsworth-exclusive-interview-alzheimers-limitless" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vanity Fair</a>. "Then to all of a sudden be told some big indicators are actually pointing to this as the route which is going to happen, the reality of it sinks in. Your own mortality."</p> <p>Hemsworth is part of the rare two to three per cent of the population that has a copy of the APOE4 gene from both parents.</p> <p>The father-of-three noted how after his grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, he often "slips in and out of Dutch", English, in a "mash-up and then maybe some other new words as well".</p> <p>It was "confronting initially" to get news of his genetic predisposition, Hemsworth said, but he told the outlet he has turned it into a "self-deprecating sort of joke."</p> <p>"I feel like my memory's getting worse," the Aussie star revealed. "It's a placebo effect – or it's taking place! … It's my excuse now."</p> <p>Since receiving the news, Hemsworth says he has made certain lifestyle choices and is now more selective about the projects he takes on and prioritises spending "outdoorsy and adventurous" time with his family – wife Elsa Pataky, 46, daughter India, 10, and sons Sasha and Tristan, eight.</p> <p>The actor star also said he is taking preventative measures against Alzheimer's, though evidence suggests it's not completely preventable, but certain lifestyle choices can provide a greater quality of life with the disease.</p> <p>"I feel thankful that I have in my arsenal the sort of tools to best prepare myself and prevent things happening in that way," Hemsworth said. "The benefit of preventative steps is that it affects the rest of your life."</p> <p>"When you have predisposition to … anything – it's all about sleep management, stress management, nutrition, movement fitness," he continued. "It's all kind of the same tools that need to be applied in a consistent way."</p> <p>Hemsworth said he shared his story in the hopes of encouraging others to "to take better care of themselves."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

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Internet spooked after young boy "proves" he is the reincarnation of a dead woman

<p>A five-year-old boy has insisted to his mum that he has lived a past life as a woman named Pam, which has left viewers spooked with his "scary" story. </p> <p>Five-year-old Luke Ruehlman has claimed that he used to be a woman since he was just two years old. </p> <p>While his mother, Erika, brushed off his stories as an over-active imagination, his comments became increasingly peculiar as he grew older. </p> <p>“He’d say, ‘When I was a girl, I had black hair’ or he’d say, ‘I used to have earrings like that when I was a girl’,” Erika told US television network <a href="https://fox2now.com/news/do-you-believe-in-past-lives-toddlers-testimony-has-family-questioning-if-he-was-a-chicago-woman/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">Fox 2</a>.</p> <p>She also said Luke spoke about a woman called Pam from a young age, although the family didn’t know anyone by that name.</p> <p>It was one fleeting comment that left Erika gobsmacked. </p> <p>“I was like, ‘Who is Pam?’,” Erika said.</p> <p>“That’s when he turned to me and said, ‘Well I was’.</p> <p>“I said, ‘What do you mean you were?’</p> <p>“He was like, ‘Well I used to be, but I died and I went up to heaven and I saw God and eventually God pushed me back down.</p> <p>“When I woke up I was a baby and you named me Luke’.”</p> <p>Adding to the spine-tingling comments, Luke insisted to his mum that he had died in a fire in Chicago - a city he had never been to.</p> <p>Erika did some research and discovered that an African-American woman by the name of Pamela Robinson had indeed died after jumping from a window to escape a massive fire in the Illinois city in 1993.</p> <p>Luke's parents decided to put him to the test, showing him a series of photos of different women. </p> <p>They were shocked and a little bit spooked when he picked out the correct photo of Pam. </p> <p>“He goes, ‘Well I don’t recognise anybody. But, I remember when this one was taken’,” his mum said of the moment he pointed at the right image.</p> <p>Luke’s claim has left the internet spooked, with some calling the story “crazy s***”.</p> <p>“That’s scary,” one viewer wrote on TikTok.</p> <p><em>Image credits: YouTube</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Princess Charlotte’s show-stopping faces

<p dir="ltr">Princess Charlotte stole the show at the Commonwealth Games with her adorable animated facial expressions.</p> <p dir="ltr">The seven-year-old attended the games with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to watch the swimming at Sandwell Aquatics Centre in Birmingham on Tuesday. </p> <p dir="ltr">During the races, the Duchess was explaining things about the race, while Prince William watched on. </p> <p dir="ltr">As England’s Luke Turley prepared for the 1500m freestyle the Princess and her parents watched on in glee.</p> <p dir="ltr">Turley smashed a gruelling 30 lengths of the pool in 15:35.65 which qualified him for the final on Wednesday.</p> <p dir="ltr">Princess Charlotte smiled when the race came to the end before rolling her eyes about something her dad said. </p> <p dir="ltr">Several images captured the Princess’ cute facial expressions as she watched the races.</p> <p dir="ltr">Check them out below. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Family & Pets

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For the love of Thor! Why it’s so hard for Marvel to get its female superheroes right

<p>When it was first revealed that Natalie Portman was to become the “female Thor” in Marvel’s latest superhero instalment, Thor: Love and Thunder, fans were quick to <a href="https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/if-she-be-worthy/259582" target="_blank" rel="noopener">condemn the decision</a> on social media.</p> <p>Portman was lambasted as not “<a href="https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Swole" target="_blank" rel="noopener">swole</a>” enough, too petite, and generally not what people imagined the character to be. Ten months of <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/movies/new-movies/natalie-portmans-trainer-reveals-how-the-star-got-so-ripped-for-thor/news-story/f068c4080ebb18716dcd25855905611b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">intensive workouts and a high-protein diet</a> later, and Portman is being <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/women/natalie-portman-thor-arms-madonna-b2117769.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">applauded</a> for arms that “could actually throw giant hammers at baddies’ heads”.</p> <p>Yet that early reaction to Portman’s casting attests to how the representation of female superheroes can be difficult for movie-makers when the established audience is often perceived to be young, white, cisgender and male.</p> <p>It seemingly doesn’t matter that the number of women consuming superhero content has <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09540253.2019.1633460?journalCode=cgee20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">increased</a>. Offering feminist depictions of characters that could challenge the defining masculinity of the genre remains a problem.</p> <div data-id="17"> </div> <p>What does this mean for Portman and the female superheroes who have come before (and will follow) her? The answer seems to be that the makers of superhero movies inevitably <a href="https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781793624598/The-Superhero-Multiverse-Readapting-Comic-Book-Icons-in-Twenty-First-Century-Film-and-Popular-Media" target="_blank" rel="noopener">subvert some gender stereotypes</a> while maintaining others.</p> <p>In short, they offer token female representation so as not to ostracise audiences. So while she might now be more muscular, Portman is still subordinated to Chris Hemsworth’s Thor by highlighting that she is first and foremost his love interest.</p> <h2>Too few female superheroes</h2> <p>Granted, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) franchise has at least attempted to cast female leads and to advocate for women’s issues. For example, Black Widow’s standalone film was in part <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/scarlett-johansson-black-widow-feminist-me-too-times-up-empire-a9704806.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">intended to contribute</a> to the dialogue around the #Timesup and #MeToo movements.</p> <p>And the latest Thor offering explores the value of female friendships, with co-star <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2022/06/22/thor-love-and-thunder-natalie-portman-building-mighty-physique/7687523001/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tessa Thompson attesting</a> to her character Valkyrie being “happy to have found a new sister”.</p> <p>There’s no doubt female viewers can identify with these powerful women and their stories and as a result form positive attitudes to the superhero genre in general. But that means more superhero films need to be made with the female viewer in mind.</p> <p>Such offerings are few and far between, however. Let’s not forget it took Marvel ten years to give Black Widow her own film after her original introduction to the franchise (in 2010’s Iron Man 2).</p> <p>In many ways, Marvel’s films continue to depict women as auxiliaries – damsels in distress, love interests, or subordinate in some way to their male counterparts. In fact, actress <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-57524423" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scarlett Johansson criticised</a> the earlier “hyper-sexualisation” of her Black Widow character.</p> <p>Similarly, Scarlet Witch, one of the most powerful of the Avengers characters, is often defined by the male relationships in her life. In the recent Dr Strange: The Multiverse of Madness, she typifies many <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-witch-treatment-what-dr-stranges-wanda-tells-us-about-representations-of-female-anger-184509" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unfavourable female tropes</a>, including the “hysterical woman” and “monstrous mother”.</p> <h2>The hyper-sexualised stereotype</h2> <p>Treating even powerful female characters as <a href="https://www.panicdiscourse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/5-19-Holding-Out-for-a-Heroine.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">subordinate or dependent</a> might reassure male fans that superheroines aren’t a threat to the masculine undertones of the genre, but it does a disservice to the female audience.</p> <p>Asked to assess superhero graphic novels and films, most women in <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1045159514546214" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one study</a> said they disliked and avoided the DC Comics character of Catwoman because she was presented as manipulative and emotional.</p> <p>Other <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/car.1094" target="_blank" rel="noopener">research has found</a> that exposure to messages of powerlessness can lead girls to feel demoralised and dissatisfied with their own identities, and the overly sexualised depiction of female superheroes can result in <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11199-015-0455-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lower body esteem</a> in women.</p> <p>On the other hand, some also rebel against the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21504857.2014.916327" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stereotypes</a>. <a href="https://thehawkeyeinitiative.tumblr.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Hawkeye Initiative</a>, for example, parodies the male gaze within the comic book genre by depicting men in the same absurd costumes and poses normally reserved for female characters.</p> <h2>Male backlash and box office risk</h2> <p>The real issue, though, is whether women should even have to challenge such depictions. If more films and comics were made by women for women, perhaps there would be fewer tokenistic portrayals to begin with.</p> <p>Marvel has rejected criticism of its female characters, with its <a href="https://www.thewrap.com/marvels-kevin-feige-calls-black-widow-backlash-a-little-strange-boasts-his-movies-are-full-of-smart-intelligent-powerful-women/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">president saying</a> the studio has always “gone for the powerful woman versus the damsel in distress” and pointing to the recent release of female-led superhero films and TV programs such as She-Hulk and Ms Marvel.</p> <p>Trouble is, it’s hard to keep everyone happy. Marvel has felt the backlash from die-hard male fans to a supposed feminist agenda underpinning the studio’s direction. 2019’s Captain Marvel, for example, was touted as <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-ca-mn-captain-marvel-directors-20190228-story.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bringing feminism</a> to the Marvel universe, but <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/13/movies/captain-marvel-brie-larson-rotten-tomatoes.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">poor reviews and audience ratings</a> were attributed in part to perceived political correctness and a narrative based on female agency.</p> <p>Researchers such as <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21504857.2016.1219958?casa_token=DXr8QHcO8nUAAAAA%3AHBBbBqJoe6-VxG-a1kak5O-52rNPUXySYFwJRKjh9ALcXyO9KpYTQLcRL0j-7Q6AVIdGp6Kq7pVibA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephanie Orme</a> have contended that the dominance of men in the superhero genre leaves many female fans feeling alienated and unable to change the gender stereotypes, precisely because they’re not seen as the target audience.</p> <p>It seems that without more and better film and comic female superheroes telling women’s stories, these male-centric genres will continue to alienate female audiences – and to fall short of their creative and commercial potential.</p> <p><em><strong>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/for-the-love-of-thor-why-its-so-hard-for-marvel-to-get-its-female-superheroes-right-186639" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</strong></em></p> <p><em>Image: YouTube</em></p>

Movies

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"She's my favourite superhero": Thor shares sweet snaps of daughter

<p dir="ltr">Chris Hemsworth has shared two heartwarming images of his daughter India Rose on the set of <em>Thor</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The actor shared the adorable before-and-after on his Instagram calling his daughter “my favourite superhero”. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Here’s two pics of me and my daughter. One was the first time she was on set 11 years ago, the other is the most recent on <em>Thor: Love and Thunder</em>. She’s my favourite superhero,” the caption read. </p> <p dir="ltr">The first image shows the Aussie actor in his Thor outfit looking down at baby India who is looking up at him. </p> <p dir="ltr">The next image shows an 11-year-old India sitting in her father’s lap together on set while a director's clapperboard is seen in the foreground.</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/Cf42f-fvfTg/?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/Cf42f-fvfTg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Chris Hemsworth (@chrishemsworth)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">India appears in <em>Thor: Love and Thunder</em> as the daughter of Christian Bale's Gorr at the beginning of the film</p> <p dir="ltr">Chris previously said that it was great having his kids on set but he wouldn’t want them to pursue a career in acting anytime soon.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It's really cool. They really wanted to be in it," he told celebrity interviewer Kevin McCarthy.. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Taika [Waititi] had his children in there. Christian Bale had his. Natalie [Portman] had her kids as well.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I don't want them to now go and be child stars and actors. It was just a special experience we all had, and I loved it. They had a great time.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Elsa Pataky opens up about relationship with Chris Hemsworth

<p dir="ltr">Chris Hemsworth’s wife Elsa Pataky has opened up about their relationship, just months out from their 12 year anniversary. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 44-year-old actress opened up about how the pair work on their marriage, while confessing that it’s “not all that easy”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“No relationship is always a bed of roses, and all marriages are built bit by bit, out of good moments, wonderful moments, and also more difficult ones,” she told <a href="https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/celebrity-style/20220525141234/chris-hemsworth-wife-elsa-pataky-wows-revealing-dress-diamonds/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hello!</a></p> <p dir="ltr">The Aussie couple married just after months being introduced by a mutual friend and share three kids - India, ten, and twins Tristan and Sasha, eight.</p> <p dir="ltr">Elsa credits her children for helping her be more patient, particularly when she is overwhelmed by being a mother of three young children. </p> <p dir="ltr">Chris previously spoke about his relationship with the former Fast &amp; Furious actress, saying challenges were normal. </p> <p dir="ltr">"There are challenges and you have to work hard — a good marriage doesn't just happen," he said. </p> <p dir="ltr">"I've been so fortunate to have had the career I've had so far, but my biggest achievement is, without doubt, my family.</p> <p dir="ltr">"My family and closest friends are some of the kindest and compassionate people I know, but my absolute greatest achievement is, of course, my children."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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Russell Crowe and Liam Hemsworth face controversy on NSW’s South Coast

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kiama and Berry, on NSW’s South Coast, have seen an influx of A-list movie stars in the area including Russell Crowe and Liam Hemsworth, as the celebrities shoot scenes for an upcoming movie.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But, the stars have received a frosty reception from Kiama MP Gareth Ward, who vented his frustrations about the celebs being allowed to travel freely in the region despite widespread public health orders and nearby Shellharbour being in lockdown.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This makes a total mockery of the public health orders,” he wrote on Twitter.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“People can’t see family and friends, funerals are limited to 10, no cases in Shellharbour but still locked down, but apparently A-listers producing movies is essential.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The actors and crew filming </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Poker Face</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, which Crowe is directing and starring in, are believed to be following COVID-safe protocols.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though some have raised concerns about the filming, others are finding it a welcome distraction.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cathy Law, the editor of Kiama’s community newspaper, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Bugle</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, said she had been hearing rumours of Crowe and the crew’s arrival in town for a while.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We heard a couple of rumours yesterday,” Ms Law said, which Russell confirmed on Twitter.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I just think it’s fantastic for Kiama tourism now and into the future.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Shooting in Kiama.<br />What a beautiful place. <a href="https://t.co/rVYET2Tx52">pic.twitter.com/rVYET2Tx52</a></p> — Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) <a href="https://twitter.com/russellcrowe/status/1424701482494881793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Destination Kiama chair Mat Brown agreed, saying the filming had created a lot of excitement and came as a welcome distraction during the pandemic.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s not the first time we’ve had blockbusters filmed here,” Councillor Brown said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“There’s a lot of interest around the place from visitors and locals.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Once they are released, they are really important for tourism.”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Poker Face</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is a psychological thriller that centres around a billionaire (Crowe) who gathers his friends to his Miami mansion for a high stakes game of poker.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Scenes will also be filmed at Sydney’s Fox Studios and the movie is set to be released in America in 2022.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Liam Hemsworth / Instagram, Russell Crowe / Instagram</span></em></p>

Movies

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Fan favourite takes out Dancing With The Stars again

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Luke Jacobz has claimed his second Dancing With The Stars mirror ball trophy after winning the show’s all-star celebrity season.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Going up against former soap star Bec Hewitt, Jacobz and professional dance partner Jorja Freeman won the grand final.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/COEW5cHhMaV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COEW5cHhMaV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Luke Jacobz (@lukejacobz)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Earlier in the episode Kyly Clarke, Lincoln Lewis, Ada Nicodemou, and Manu Feildel were kicked off.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“To win is honestly the greatest achievement of my life,” Jacobz told AAA.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I have never wanted something so much in my life.” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The now 40-year-old dedicated his win and the $20,000 cash prize to the Charlie Teo Foundation, a charity that funds brain cancer research.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">He came... and he conquered the Ballroom once again! A big congratulations to Luke Jacobz and his incredible partner Jorja. 🙌✨ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DancingAU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DancingAU</a> <a href="https://t.co/UYc0sK6qp3">pic.twitter.com/UYc0sK6qp3</a></p> — #DancingAU (@DancingAU) <a href="https://twitter.com/DancingAU/status/1386269226093084672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Home and Away actor, whose real name is Luke Jacob Ashwood, won his first trophy in 2008 with his partner Luda Kroiter.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This year’s season saw celebrity contestants return to the competition, including Tom Williams, Fifi Box, Jamie Durie, and wildcard contestants Schapelle Corby, Renee Bargh, Matty J, Jessicca Gomes, and Erin McNaught.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After the announcement of his win, Jacobz said, “Thank you for asking me to come back, when I did this show in 2008, I was always like if they do another one and ask people back, I want to have a go at it, because I really enjoyed it last time.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’m so grateful to be partnered with Jorja, she works so incredibly hard, her passion and love for dancing is so inspiring.”</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CN7ZiGGBCEU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CN7ZiGGBCEU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Luke Jacobz (@lukejacobz)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With his win, Jacobz is hoping more opportunities will come up to follow his passion for performing.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I really hope that winning can open doors for me to perform on a live stage,” he said. “To tour with other dancers or to be part of a production would be a dream come true. Next is unwritten … but I am hungry for more so, if the opportunity arises, I will be there to take it but I am a duo so Jorja is coming with me.”</span></p>

Music

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Russell Crowe shares new photo of harbour cruise with Chris Hemsworth

<p>The South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL game on Friday night became an unexpected celebrity magnet when Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky were accompanied by their A-list mates at the match.</p> <p>The Thor star watched the game from a private box along with Isla Fisher, Taika Waititi, Jeff Goldblum, Natalie Portman and other friends.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CM5eGiLJHSy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CM5eGiLJHSy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Chris Hemsworth (@chrishemsworth)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>It seems that they were hosted by longtime Rabbitohs fan Russell Crowe.</p> <p>Crowe and Hemsworth spent tile together prior to the kickoff too, with the actor and his wife enjoying quality time with the Oscar winner on a luxury yacht on Sydney Harbour.</p> <p>"Thanks for the hospitality<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/russellecrowe/" target="_blank">#russellecrowe</a>," Hemsworth wrote alongside some photos, one of which Crowe also shared on his Instagram and Twitter.</p> <p>Hemsworth is in Sydney to film the upcoming<span> </span><em>Thor</em><span> </span>movie, directed by Taika Waititi and also starring Natalie Portman. Meanwhile, Isla Fisher and her husband Sacha Baron Cohen have relocated to Sydney with their kids.</p>

Beauty & Style

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"You've just made this even harder": Chris Hemsworth's body double reveals struggle

<p>Chris Hemsworth's body double has revealed he's eating seven meals a day to try and keep up with the Hollywood heart throb's size.</p> <p>Bobbly Holland Hanton has revealed the Thor actor is making his life harder as his size keeps growing by the day.</p> <p>“Everyone is like ‘Wow look at the size and him’ and I’m like yeah that’s brilliant, I’m that guy’s double’, so I text him, I’m like, ‘Thanks very much dude, you've just made this even harder’,” he told Nova’s Fitzy and Wippa.</p> <p>“I train with him a lot, we train all the time, we’re on the same diet regime and training.</p> <p>“He’s the biggest though he’s ever been so I have to be the biggest I’ve ever been which is a challenge but I’m up for it.”</p> <p>Hemsworth eats seven meals a day and they need to be the right meals at the right time, which means his stunt double has to do the same.</p> <p>“Every two hours we are eating, it’s become a chore, I don’t enjoy eating at all, every two hours it’s like get calories in, training twice a day, it’s full on,” he told the show.</p> <p>“We’re training so much, we are packing on so much size, it’s difficult on the body.</p> <p>“I find carrying around the extra weight is difficult and hard to maintain on the ligaments.”</p> <p>The pair first worked together on<span> </span><em>Thor: The Dark World</em><span> </span>in 2013 and have gone on to feature in several movies together.</p> <p>Becoming close friends, Holland Hanton has previously said Hemsworth is like family.</p>

Body

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"But how?!" Chris Hemsworth shares stunning photo of ageless mum

<p>Chris and Liam Hemsworth celebrated their mum Leonie’s 60th birthday with a relaxed family get-together over the weekend. </p> <p>And proving that they are perhaps the most genetically blessed family in Australia, Chris took to Instagram to share a few photos of his mum, surprising fans after they learnt she was 60.</p> <p>In the snaps, Leonie looked younger than ever as she wore a flower crown and stood alongside her movie star son.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CHmjO87pU-0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CHmjO87pU-0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Chris Hemsworth (@chrishemsworth)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Chris called Leonie “the greatest mum on earth” in the accompanying caption – and she scored a lot more compliments in the comments underneath, as dozens of fans expressed disbelief at her age, many saying she looked more like his sister.</p> <p>"But how??" wrote one person.</p> <p>“Are you kidding me?? … she is 60! No way … she seems to be your younger sis … omg,” commented another.</p> <p>“Wait what?! She’s 60?? She looks so damn young!!” said a shocked fan.</p> <p><span>This isn’t the first time the English teacher’s appearance has caused a stir among fans, as her appearance at a football game in 2018 had fans stunned at the good looks of the two senior Hemsworths.</span></p> <p>Earlier this year, Chris opened up about what prompted he and wife Elsa Pataky’s big move from LA to blissful Byron Bay six years ago.</p> <p>“You’re a little bit too much in the eye of the storm when you’re living in Hollywood,” he told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.gq.com.au/?utm_source=SEM&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIktKypq2c6QIVijgrCh1CtAOSEAAYASAAEgIVefD_BwE" target="_blank">GQ</a> of the move.</p> <p>“Living in Australia, it’s also easier to detach myself from work – and you get a bit more leeway to let a few emails and phone calls slide on by.”</p> <p>He’d earlier admitted to feeling “suffocated” by his career while still living in Los Angeles.</p> <p>“When you’re suffocated by the work, every conversation that you’re having and every billboard you’re seeing is to do with a movie or whatever around the industry. You lose perspective,”<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=DTWEB_WRE170_a&amp;dest=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.dailytelegraph.com.au%252Fentertainment%252Fmovies%252Fchris-hemsworth-is-australias-new-action-hero%252Fnews-story%252F3b56e85aea96ef1e5e8f738acedcd411&amp;memtype=anonymous&amp;mode=premium" target="_blank"> he said</a>.</p>

Family & Pets

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Chris Hemsworth's son steal hearts as he disrupts meditation video

<p>Chris Hemsworth twin son has stolen the spotlight instead of his famous dad.</p> <p>The Thor actor put up a video of him performing an underwater affirmation through his fitness app Centr.</p> <p>"Affirmations That Positively, Absolutely, Probably (Most Likely) Won't Make Your 2020 Worse," Hemsworth said as he sat at the bottom of a pool with goggles on.</p> <p>"Is it just me or is getting harder and harder to find a place where you can just get away from it all, where you can just be? Well, let's find that place together. Close your eyes. Don't breathe in because you're underwater. Imagine you're some place far, far away from wherever you've been stuck lately."</p> <p>"There are no distractions here. Nothing to break your calm. No one demanding your attention," he can be heard saying as he moves his son away from the camera.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CG1DGzLpUNb/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CG1DGzLpUNb/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">When the distractions just won’t stop coming no matter where you go, gently brush them aside. Gently, of course. They have feelings too. @centrfit</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/chrishemsworth/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Chris Hemsworth</a> (@chrishemsworth) on Oct 26, 2020 at 6:41pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Hemsworth's son quickly swims into the frame, much to the annoyance of Hemsworth as he's trying to find peace and tranquillity.</p> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>"Simply push your worries away until it's just you, and your thoughts and this moment of absolute tranquillity. If there's any distractions, just give them a gentle old shove," he can be heard saying as he nudges his son out of the shot.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838507/hemsworth-body.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/29a08871d2804bdda5d8a3c746531358" /></p> <p>"It's just you... and me... and God, this kid. Let's try this another time." he finishes the video.</p> <p>Fans love the video, as it's quickly racked up 1,113,437 views by fans despite being posted two days ago.</p> <p>Chris Hemsworth and his wife Elsa Pataky share twins Sasha and Tristan, 6, and eight-year-old daughter India. He shared with <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/new_magazine/?hl=en" target="_blank" class="editor-rtflink"><em>New!</em> magazine</a> about how he is enjoying the downtime the coronavirus pandemic has given him.</p> <p>"It has been great to be a part of Marvel over the last decade and I've loved the travel and work, but it has meant a lot of time away from home," he said. "To not be dedicated to by a schedule and to be able to have proper quality family time has been amazing."</p> </div>

Family & Pets

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Inside Chris Hemsworth’s lavish holiday to Lord Howe Island

<p>When it comes to a celebrity visit, you can’t beat Aussie celeb royalty Chris Hemsworth.</p> <p>The Thor actor took a trip to Lord Howe Island with his wife Elsa Pataky and their three children.</p> <p>Joining them was director Taika Waititi as they explored the beautiful island for a week.</p> <p>Hemsworth also brought his brothers Liam and Luke along with him with the entire family being the first to stay in the island’s newly completed luxury accommodation, dubbed the Island Lodge.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGOGPmbJCxm/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGOGPmbJCxm/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">2020 has been incredibly hard for communities who depend on tourism. Obviously not everyone is able to travel at the moment but once it’s safe to do so let’s support our fellow Aussies by taking a holiday at home in @Australia @visitlordhoweisland is one of the most sustainable destinations in the world with only a few hundred visitors allowed at any one time. This paradise is home to one of the most unique ecosystems in the world, but like many small communities, it relies on tourism. Thanks to @islandhouse.lhi for the hospitality 🤙🙏 @avminaircharter #holidayherethisyear #lordhoweisland</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/chrishemsworth/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Chris Hemsworth</a> (@chrishemsworth) on Oct 11, 2020 at 3:37pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Hemsworth shared photos of the trip to the off-grid destination in support of the local tourism industry, saying “2020 has been incredibly hard for communities who depend on tourism”.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGQ8rHhphz8/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGQ8rHhphz8/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">“Can we go snorkelling dad?! “Sure can kids” Unfortunately we weren’t near a beach this day but being the dad I am we got geared up and went for a stroll #makingdreamscometrue</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/chrishemsworth/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Chris Hemsworth</a> (@chrishemsworth) on Oct 12, 2020 at 6:14pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“Obviously not everyone is able to travel at the moment but once it’s safe to do so let’s support our fellow Aussies by taking a holiday at home,” he wrote on Instagram.</p> <p>But while it seemed to be all fun and games, Hemsworth’s stay was in part under his as the tourism ambassador with Tourism Australia.</p> <p>His stay coincides with the launch of Tourism Australia’s new $7 million ‘Holiday at Home’ campaign, which hopes to claw back at the billions lost in tourism because of COVID-19.</p> <p>Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison said it was “great to see Chris and his family out and about experiencing parts of Australia with our wonderful tourism operators”.</p>

Domestic Travel

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Chris Hemsworth lands new role in prequel to Aussie cult classic

<p>Chris Hemsworth has said he is “pretty damn fired up” after confirming he will star in a Mad Max prequel alongside Anya Taylor-Joy.</p> <p>The Aussie actor said it will be an “honour” to appear in George Miller’s eagerly awaited follow-up to acclaimed 2015 blockbuster Mad Max: Fury Road.</p> <p>The movie, called Furiosa, will see Taylor-Joy in the lead role and will also feature 34-year-old American actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.</p> <p>It will explore the story of a character played by Charlize Theron in Fury Road, which garnered praise for its portrayal of the strong female lead.</p> <p>The Thor actor took to Instagram to say: "Pretty damn fired up to be a part of a franchise that meant the world to me as a kid growing up in Australia.</p> <p>"Mad Max was the pinnacle and a huge reason why I got into the business of telling stories.</p> <p>"The fact that I'll have the honour of not only being directed by its original visionary in George Miller but also take part in Furiosa's origin story is incredibly exciting."</p> <p>The Hollywood star said he has “huge respect” for Miller, Theron and her Fury Road co-star Tom Hardy, and added: "I'll do my best to continue the tradition of cinematic badassery."</p> <p>Australian filmmaker said he originally thought of recasting 45-year-old Theron as Furiosa and with the use of de-aging technology, she could discover the character’s origins.</p> <p>But he then decided to cast 24-year-old Taylor-Joy, an American-born Argentine-British actress.</p> <p>Fury Road was a huge critical and commercial success and scored 10 Oscar nominations, including for best picture and best director. It won six, including for costume design and production design.</p>

Movies

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Hemsworth brothers list stunning Malibu retreat for $4.9 million

<p><span>Australian brothers Chris, Liam and Luke Hemsworth are looking to let go of their Malibu home that they shared for $4.9 million.</span><br /><br /><span>Together the trio have lifted the price $1.45 million more than they paid for the place using a trust four years ago, real estate records show.</span><br /><br /><span>While there were not many changes made to the 4,612-square-foot floor plan, with its polished concrete floors, warm woody accents and shiny marble finishes - they did touch up the landscape and exterior of the house.</span><br /><br /><span>The home hosts four marvellous bedrooms, four bathrooms, a sunny chef’s kitchen and a wine cellar.</span><br /><br /><span>It also features a spacious media room that is decked out with purple walls and carpet floors.</span><br /><br /><span>The back patio includes a sauna and beyond that is serene tiered gardens that overlook a grassy lawn and unbelievable mountain dunes.</span><br /><br /><span>Altogether, the Malibu retreat is 1.3 acres and is above Point Dume.</span><br /><br /><span>Chris Hemsworth, 37, is best known for his role as Thor in the Marvel cinematic universe.</span><br /><br /><span>Liam Hemsworth, 30, gained fame for his role as Gale Hawthorne in “The Hunger Games” trilogy.</span><br /><br /><span>Luke Hemsworth, 39, plays the part of Ashley Stubbs on HBO’s critically acclaimed sci-fi western show “Westworld.”</span></p>

Real Estate

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Chris Hemsworth's wife forced to flee car due to floodwaters

<p>Chris Hemworth's wife Elsa Pataky was stuck in floodwaters as she tried to drive to her house in Byron Bay.</p> <p>She documented the journey on Instagram, saying that she was "a bit too optimistic" and was "so sure I could cross".</p> <p>The footage shows her car surrounded by floodwater.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837094/body-1-elsa.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/31b1c581acfb49078afb2db0967c58cb" /></p> <p>Pataky continued to show her followers the journey, saying "Oh god, what am I doing?" and announced that her only option was "through the window".</p> <p>After climbing out of her car, she waded out of the water and received help from her friends who towed the car out of the floodwaters.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837093/body-2-elsa.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/7acd504605da4286ad90b70811c7af00" /></p> <p>“What would I do without you guys,” Pataky said to her rescuers.</p>

Travel Trouble

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Million dollar men: Elton John and Chris Hemsworth's huge bushfire pledges

<p>Celebrities are putting their money where their mouth is when it comes to donating to bushfire relief that’s ravaging Australia.</p> <p>Elton John received a standing ovation at his concert as he pledged to donate $1 million for Australia’s bushfire relief efforts.</p> <p>“There are people out there who have lost their lives trying to save homes. There are people who have lost their lives and their homes,” he said<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://twitter.com/BrittA2211/status/1214516183023542272" target="_blank">to the crowd</a>.</p> <p>“And lastly there’s the plight of the animals. A loss of their habitat that frankly is on a biblical scale, and heart-breaking. Therefore, tonight I will be pledging one million dollars to support the bushfire relief fund.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">Elton John just donated one million dollars to the bushfire relief <a href="https://t.co/Ld2i0t9n98">pic.twitter.com/Ld2i0t9n98</a></p> — Britt (@BrittA2211) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrittA2211/status/1214516183023542272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">7 January 2020</a></blockquote> <p>He matched Marvel star Chris Hemsworth donation of $1 million, as Hemsworth encouraged his 38.9 million followers on Instagram to dig deep and help in any way that they can.</p> <p>“We’re still in the thick of it here with plenty of challenging times ahead and still to come. So, what we need is your support and your donations,” the father of three said in a video.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7AG8XHp-wQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7AG8XHp-wQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Chris Hemsworth (@chrishemsworth)</a> on Jan 6, 2020 at 6:34pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Kylie Minogue made headlines for donating $500,000 to the bushfire relief and said that the devastation in Australia is “heartbreaking”.</p> <p>“As a family, we’ve donated $500,000 towards the immediate firefighting efforts and the ongoing support which will be required,” she wrote in an Instagram post.</p> <p>“Big or small, from near or far, any support will help those affected by the devastating bushfires.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6-EYf-gnCy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6-EYf-gnCy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Last year I had the incredible opportunity of visiting some of the many beautiful places in my homeland for the first time. Returning home to such devastation throughout much of the country is heartbreaking. As a family, we’ve donated $500,000 towards the immediate firefighting efforts and the ongoing support which will be required. Big or small, from near or far, any support will help those affected by the devastating bushfires. With love, The Minogue Family. @redcrossau @nswrfs @cfavic @sa_countryfireservice @wireswildliferescue #Australia</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/kylieminogue/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Kylie Minogue</a> (@kylieminogue) on Jan 5, 2020 at 11:28pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban were one of the first celebrities to donate to bushfire relief, as they donated $500,000 after spending Christmas in Sydney with their daughters.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B66mowFpyI9/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B66mowFpyI9/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Our family’s support, thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the fires all over Australia. We are donating $500,000 to the Rural Fire Services who are all doing and giving so much right now.</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/nicolekidman/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Nicole Kidman</a> (@nicolekidman) on Jan 4, 2020 at 3:10pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Aussie favourite Pink also donated $500,000 “directly to the local fire services that are battling so hard on the frontlines.”</p> <p>The singer wrote she is “totally devastated watching what is happening in Australia right now with the horrific bushfires. My heart goes out to our friends and family in Oz”.</p> <p>However, the campaign that has caught the most attention is run by comedian Celeste Barber, as her campaign has currently raised $45 million for the Trustee for the NSW Rural Fire Service and Brigades Donation Fund.</p> <p>The fund is managed by a group of trustees, according to<span> </span><em>SBS</em>, who have significant experience with the NSW RFS.</p> <p>"The purpose of the trust is to make available to brigades the ability to accept tax-deductible donations, both in person and online, with as little administrative burden as possible," its <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/95062/NSW-RFS-and-Brigade-Donations-Fund-DGR-Trustees-Annual-Report-2017-2018-....PDF" target="_blank">most recent annual report says</a>.</p> <p>"It was established and is operated solely for the purpose of supporting the volunteer-based fire and emergency service activities of the brigades."</p> <p>The NSW RFS said that they are focusing on the ongoing bush fire emergency before even thinking about spending the money. They said in a statement to SBS:</p> <p>"The NSW RFS is focused on the ongoing bush fire emergency that continues to affect communities across NSW. We are continuing work to slow the spread of fires, establish containment lines, conduct building impact assessments and return residents to their communities as soon as possible," a spokesperson said.</p> <p>"It's important that our members, who know what's best for their brigades and communities, have a say in the use of donated funds."</p> <p>"Once the bush fire emergency eases, the NSW RFS will work with senior volunteers and brigades to ensure donated funds are used for the greatest benefit of our members and their communities."</p> <p><em>OverSixty, its parent company and its owners are donating a total of $200,000 to the Vinnie’s Bushfire Appeal. We have also pledged an additional $100,000 of product to help all those affected by the bushfire crisis. We would love you to support too! Head to the <a href="https://donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-nsw/vinnies-nsw-bushfire-appeal-nsw">Vinnie's website</a> to donate!</em></p>

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