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Don't get caught out: 6 holiday scams ripping off travellers

If you’re planning to take a trip across the world soon, then be warned, as there is an influx of new holiday scams affecting tourists as they travel to their dream break. Holiday-makers have money to spend and relaxation on their minds, which is why they are seen as easy targets for con artists. UK-based consumer group <a href="https://www.which.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Which?</a> has listed the six most common frauds travellers need to be aware of, along with tips on how to avoid getting scammed, <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a> reported. So, if you’re planning a trip abroad, here are the things you need to watch out for: 1. Accommodation booking scams While the introduction of the internet has been a blessing in terms of ease, it’s also made it easier for scammers to lure you into their traps. With the growth of online holiday bookings, fraudsters often need nothing more than a few fake pictures to lure their victims. A common scam is one that includes picturesque photographs of holiday rentals that don’t seem to exist, advertised at affordable price points. The deals were often advertised on mainstream websites but asked those who were interested in booking to contact them via email, rather than use the site’s own booking system. Bookers were then sent a link to a convincing payment page, which suggested the payment hadn’t cleared. They then ask for a bank transfer instead. How to protect yourself: Do your research. Google the property to see if it shows up on other reputable websites to check its authenticity. You could use Google Maps and Street View to see if the accommodation actually exists. Also, never pay by bank transfer. 2. Dodgy flight deals Con artists have created fake airline websites that advertise budget deals on long haul flights that leave their victims high and dry. The UK government’s fraud agency has reported a recent surge of scams targeting those who are travelling to Asia, Africa and the Middle East. In many instances, tickets were purchased with stolen credit cards and then sold to unsuspecting victims, complete with a reference number. But tickets were then cancelled after the credit card was reported as stolen, leaving the victims out of pocket and nothing to show for it. How to protect yourself: Book tickets through trusted agencies. 3. Wi-Fi hacks It’s become human instinct to try and find Wi-Fi wherever you go, and the same applies when travellers land at airports. While it’s important to stay connected in order to get in touch with friends and family, there is a risk involved. Fraudsters have set up their own free networks in airports and use them to gain free information about anyone that logs on. Many passengers have been tricked into entering their credit card details before logging on. How to protect yourself: Ask airport staff about the real Wi-Fi connection to make sure it’s the real deal and be on the lookout for connections that don’t ask for passwords straight away. Also, if you are asked for confidential information then provide fake details where possible. 4. “Free” holidays This decade-long scam has been one that con artists have perfected throughout the years. Back in the day, people would be pressured into buying timeshares after accepting a complimentary break. Now, the con is conducted through scratch cards and other fake competitions. In one example of the scam, around 500 British travellers in Spain’s Costa del Sol have been scammed of around $27.5 million in the last year alone. How to protect yourself: Refuse all offers of free holidays because if it’s too good to be true, then it probably is. Do you know of any other travel scams? Let us know in the comments below. 5. Document fraud Over the years, the internet has seen a growth in websites selling fake travel visas and other important documents needed to visit foreign countries. A few cases were found to not be conducting illegal activity but were responsible for reselling documents at a huge premium compared to official channels. Some common examples included websites selling the European Health Insurance Card and US visa (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, or ESTA) documents. While the sites looked extremely convincing, they had nothing to do with the governments of the countries they claimed to represent. According to Which?, out of the top 20 search results for “ESTA visa” over half were unofficial. How to protect yourself: Follow links to official government websites through the Department of Foreign Affairs website. 6. Fake tickets It’s no secret that music concerts and major sporting events are on top of the list of potential scams, but travellers are now falling victim to fake packages to international events and are only finding out the true worth of their ticket once they arrive in the country. The FIFA World Cup in Russia was one example where countless websites offered travel packages including tickets when the only tickets that were considered valid and authentic were the ones purchased directly from FIFA themselves. Scammers love to lure desperate fans with fake tickets, as they know the demand is high and it’s easy to trap people who are willing to go the extra mile for a ticket to their chosen event. How to protect yourself: Make sure the tickets you are purchasing are from legitimate websites and web pages that start with “https” and have the padlock symbol in the URL bar. And if you’re on the hunt for second-hand tickets, then do a quick check if whether or not resale is allowed, as some tickets are only valid for the original buyer. “Criminals are finding ever more sophisticated ways to dupe holiday-makers, both in the booking process and when they’re on the holiday itself,” Which? Travel editor Rory Boland said. “If something seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Don’t hand your money over until you can be sure it’s the real deal.” Images: Getty

Travel Trouble

“Rip off”: Charity shop blasted over extortionate sale

A local charity shop has come under fire for selling a pair of designer shoes for a hefty sum. 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. 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. 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.” 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. Many were quick to slam the hefty price tag, calling the sale a “rip-off”. “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. Others were quick to call out many op shops who seem to have forgotten who they are there for. “Think they need to remember they are selling donated goods, not operating a boutique store,” someone replied. Another said that “all op shops have forgotten that they are meant to be there for the poor people, not just the hipsters.” Image credits: Facebook

Beauty & Style

"RIP Pop": Michael Clarke reveals further heartbreak

Former Aussie cricket captain Michael Clarke is mourning the loss of his “best mate”. Clarke revealed the extent of his heartache on social media after his grandfather Ray Fox passed away. In a touching post uploaded to Instagram, Clarke can be seen with one hand on the coffin as he walked away from the podium after delivering a eulogy at his grandfather’s funeral. “Never gets any easier,” Clarke wrote. “In losing my Grandfather, I lost a best mate. I feel blessed to be surrounded by so much love on an extremely tough day. “RIP Pop.” <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/CqSAtDtJ9OZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CqSAtDtJ9OZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Michael Clarke AO (@michaelclarkeofficial)</a> </div> </blockquote> Friends and family were quick to pass on their condolences and support during this tumultuous time for Clarke. “Sorry to hear that news, mate,” Channel 7’s Larry Emdur commented. “Wishing you and the family all the best.” Businesswoman Erina Peters wrote, “I’m so sorry Michael! He truly loved you so much. “I have so many funny memories with him over the years and he was never short of a cheeky comeback.” Clarke previously said his grandfather was his inspiration behind playing cricket and the hardest part of retiring from the sport was telling Ray. “Definitely telling my grandfather was perhaps the hardest part and he was very emotional,” he said in 2015. “Pop’s made it clear to me over the past 10 years that watching me play cricket is a big part of what keeps him going.” Image credit: Instagram

Caring

Top 7 common travel rip-offs

<div id="yiv7422957477yui_3_16_0_1_1449006757770_9618" class="yiv7422957477"> Sometimes, when you’re travelling overseas it’s easy to feel like one big walking dollar sign. Avoid getting ripped-off with this guide to the seven most common tourist traps when travelling abroad. 1. Sim cards It’s convenient to have a working phone when travelling overseas but the data and call costs can quickly add up. Rather than using your current phone plan, contact your provider and ask to have your plan suspended while you’re away. When you arrive at your destination, buy a local sim card and opt to manually top up your funds. It will allow you to make cheap local calls without the international roaming fees. Don’t forget to use wi-fi networks as well- many restaurants and hotels offer free wi-fi so you don’t have to pay for data. 2. Airport transfers Big international airports often have a number of transport services that connect terminals to the city centre. The cost of these transfers can vary wildly. For example, the London Heathrow Express costs four times that of a standard train ticket to reach the city. Before you leave home, do a quick search about your options and where possible, book in advance to reap savings. 3. Inaccurate currency conversion rates Some overseas card terminals will let you choose whether you’d like to be charged in local or Australian currency. While the latter might seem like the most obvious choice, it’s often linked to an added layer of fees. Similarly, some countries such as Turkey and Cambodia often accept foreign cash. It’s rarely worthwhile paying for goods with foreign dollars, as market stall holders and local vendors set the exchange rate, which is usually far off the market rate. 4. Hire car GPS Hiring a car can be one of the best ways to escape the tourist path and see a country like a local. Be aware of added extras though, such as a GPS. Rather than pay the $10-or-so dollar-a-day fee, download an offline map app. alternatively, if you’ve got a GPS at home and know that you’ll need one on your trip, pack it! You can buy international maps on your GPS and it means you’ll own it for life, not just the duration of your car hire. 5. Mandatory tips While some high-end cruises have a no-tip policy, most companies add an extra daily fee to your final bill, without even asking. Fees can range from $12-$18 per day, which adds up! Be sure to check what your travel provider’s tip policy is before making a booking. 6. Shopping tours Taking a locally-guided tour is a wonderful way to see a city through the eyes of a local, but be wary of tour recommendations. The classic “my uncle runs a one-of-a-kind rug store” might seem innocent enough, but remember that many tour operators receive commission to take you to vendors, who’ll charge a higher price once they know you’re a tourist. Rather, jump online to sites like TripAdvisor to read up on real consumer reviews and take special note of the names of tour operators who receive glowing reviews. When you book the tour, ask for them to be sure you’re getting the same expert-led tour. 7. Rent full, return empty It’s become mandatory at many car rental outlets for drivers to receive the car with a full tank of petrol and return it empty. While it might sound like a great deal, the reality is that car companies usually win out, as drivers over-fill the tank to avoid that nervous return drive when the red light is flashing. If you’re planning to hire a car, make sure you use the rent full, return empty policy to your advantage. Image credits: Getty Images </div>

Travel Tips

Reporter stops live broadcast to save drowning child

A Channel 7 reporter has been hailed a hero after rescuing a child during his live broadcast. Paul Burt was in Surfers Paradise in Queensland when a 10-year-old boy behind him got caught in a rip. Burt immediately stopped his reporting and jumped into the water to help the child who was with his family of inexperienced swimmers from Pakistan. “There was a 10-year-old boy ... that got dragged out into this fierce gutter, and of course into this rip,” Burt told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/gold-coast/gold-coast-reporter-stops-live-cross-to-save-drowning-boy-in-rough-surf-c-6693814" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a> after rescuing the boy. “Being of a light weight he managed to stay afloat and come in adjacent to the southern side of the gutter. “About four or five of us jumped in and basically pulled him back to the beach.” He explained that the boy had taken in a “fair bit of water in” and was treated by paramedics on scene. Burt took the opportunity to warn swimmers not to risk their lives because they may not get that lucky. Watch the incredible footage <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/gold-coast/gold-coast-reporter-stops-live-cross-to-save-drowning-boy-in-rough-surf-c-6693814" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image: 7News

Caring

"RIP my beloved Lionheart": Liz Hurley's tribute to Shane Warne

Shane Warne’s former fiancée Liz Hurley penned an emotional tribute following the news of his shocking death. The legendary cricketer, 52, died of a suspected heart attack on March 4 in a luxury villa on the Thailand holiday island of Koh Samui. Taking to Instagram, Liz shared cherished photos of the pair at the time of their engagement along with a heartfelt message. “I feel like the sun has gone behind a cloud forever,” she wrote. “RIP my beloved Lionheart.” Her son Damien also took to social media to pay tribute to Warnie who was a “father figure” to him. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around this… SW was a father figure to me for most of my formative years and was truly one the best men I’ve ever known. My heart is broken. Thinking of and sending love to all SW’s family,” he wrote along a series of family photos. Shane and Liz first met at Goodwood Racecourse in 2010 as their relationship blossomed into a whirlwind romance. The couple were engaged a year later when Shane proposed to the English actress on James Packer’s boat off the coast of Spain in 2011. Despite being “madly in love” the pair did not make it down the aisle and split up in 2013. Hurley was just one of hundreds of high-profile figures to share their love and respect for Warner who will receive a State Funeral in Victoria. “Victoria has lost an icon. Australia has lost a legend. And the entire cricket world is mourning the loss of the King,” Victorian Premier Dan Andrews wrote. “Shane Warne didn't just inspire a cricketing generation - he defined it…To us, he was the greatest - but to his family, he was so much more. Our hearts are breaking for Shane's family and friends - and they are in the thoughts of all Victorians.” Prime Minister Scott Morrison also issued a statement upon hearing the shocking news. "We have lost one of Australia's greatest cricketers. We are bewildered by this sad and sudden loss.” Opposition leader Anthony Albanese also issued a statement reading: “He was an artist, he was a magician with a ball in his hand, he was an Australian character larger than life in the way he conducted himself, he was a larrikin character there's no doubt about that - it is shocking news he has passed. “To all of his children, to his many, many friends who will be mourning him today, I pass on my sincere condolences.” Fellow cricketers, who played the field with Warnie also sent out messages of disbelief. “Hard to put this into words. I first met him when I was 15 at the Academy. He gave me my nickname,” former cricketer now coach Ricky Ponting wrote. “We were teammates for more than a decade, riding all the highs and lows together. "Through it all he was someone you could always count on, someone who loved his family someone who would be there for you when you needed him and always put his mates first. “The greatest bowler I ever played with or against. “RIP King. My thoughts are with Keith, Bridgette, Jason, Brooke, Jackson and Summer.” “Shocked, stunned & miserable…,” former captain of the Indian national team <a href="https://indianexpress.com/about/sachin-tendulkar/">Sachin Tendulkar</a> wrote on Twitter. “Will miss you Warnie. There was never a dull moment with you around, on or off the field. Will always treasure our on field duels & off field banter. You always had a special place for India & Indians had a special place for you. “Gone too young!” Retired cricketer Glenn McGrath was “devastated” when he heard the crushing news about his “great mate”. “Just absolutely devastated today,” he began. “Warnie was larger than life. I thought nothing could ever happen to him. He lived more in his life than most people would live in 20. “He was the ultimate competitor. He thought the game was never lost, that he could turn it around & bring us to victory, which he did so many times. “I think he lived his life the same way. There seemed to be never a dull moment. He was a great mate & a loving father. He loved his kids so much & my thoughts are with Brooke, Jackson & Summer. “My thoughts are also with Keith, Bridgette & Jason. Rest In Peace my good mate, there’ll never again be anyone like you.” Rolling Stone frontman Mick Jagger took to Twitter and wrote: "I'm so saddened by the sudden death of Shane Warne. He brought such joy to the game and was the greatest spin bowler ever," he wrote. Image: Instagram

Caring

Miss USA winner found dead at just 30

Cheslie Kryst, a former Miss USA winner and a correspondent at Extra, has died by suicide in New York at the age of 30 years old.Her death was confirmed to Variety by Extra, who provided a statement from Kryst’s family that said, “In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie."Her great light was one that inspired others around the world with her beauty and strength. She cared, she loved, she laughed and she shined. Cheslie embodied love and served others, whether through her work as an attorney fighting for social justice, as Miss USA and as a host on Extra.“But most importantly, as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague — we know her impact will live on. As we reflect on our loss, the family asks for privacy at this time." <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF;border: 0;border-radius: 3px;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/CXbppG3uVuD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"><div style="padding: 16px"><div style="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="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="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="flex-direction: row;margin-bottom: 14px;align-items: center"><div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;height: 12.5px;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"> </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"> </div></div><div style="margin-left: auto"><div style="width: 0px;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right: 8px solid transparent"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;flex-grow: 0;height: 12px;width: 16px"> </div><div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left: 8px solid transparent"> </div></div></div><div style="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><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/CXbppG3uVuD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Cheslie Kryst, JD, MBA (@chesliekryst)</a></div></blockquote> Extra also released a statement that read, "Our hearts are broken. Cheslie was not just a vital part of our show, she was a beloved part of our Extra family and touched the entire staff. Our deepest condolences to all her family and friends."Kryst was born in 1991 in Michigan, and followed in her mother’s footsteps by entering pageants. Before taking the pageant world by storm, she attended the University of South Carolina, graduating with a degree in marketing and human resource management, before attending the Wake Forest University School of Law, where she received her MBA and Juris Doctor in 2017.While training in and practicing law, Kryst entered the Miss North Carolina USA competition three times before winning and representing the state at the national competition in 2019. After being crowned Miss USA that year, she went on to represent the US at Miss Universe, where she finished in the top 10.She started working as a correspondent for Extra in October 2019, and received two Daytime Emmy Award nominations for outstanding entertainment news program for her work.Image: Paras Griffin/Getty Images

News

Charlise Mutten’s mother speaks to police

Charlise’s Mutten’s mother Kallista has spoken to the police, according to The Daily Telegraph. According to their report, she gave a statement to police on Friday last week, in which she revealed that she initially believed her fiance Justin Laurens Stein’s explanation for why Charlise was not with him on January 13. A police source told the Telegraph, “He gave a story about where the kid was and she believed him, then later on she got concerned and reports her missing.” Ms Mutten called police at 8.20 am on January 14, sparking a search for Charlise before her body was found in a barrel on the banks of the Colo River five days later, 65km from where she was first reported missing. According to Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson, police will allege in court that Mr Stein held phone conversations with Ms Mutten in the lead-up to Charlise’s body being discovered. He said, “[There were] a number of telephone conversations with the girl’s mother, to purchase a number of sandbags, 20kg sandbags from a hardware store, to fuel a boat and then try and float that boat on the water at one of the docks in inner Sydney.” Police will also allege Mr Stein drove to Sydney with Charlise’s body in the back of his boat, believing he had tried to launch it from an inner-Sydney dock. Police allege Charlise was killed by a bullet wound. Detectives say there is “no evidence” Ms Mutten was involved in her daughter’s disappearance. Charlise had been in her grandmother’s custody in Queensland, but was visiting her mother and soon-to-be-stepfather in NSW during the school holidays. Mr Stein is next due to appear in court on March 18.

News

Meat Loaf’s daughter remembers her dad

Amanda Aday, daughter of musician Meat Loaf, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 74, has spoken to the media for the first time since her father’s death, telling People he was a “complex man with a lot of passion who wore his heart on his sleeve”. Aday, 41, said that she and her sister Pearl "lived a very dichotomous life" as daughters of the Bat Out of Hell singer, touring arenas, travelling on tour buses, "and having all of these amazing experiences" as they travelled with their dad around the globe. When the tours were over and they returned home, however, "it was home and he was just dad," she says. "He wasn't Meat Loaf anymore." Aday describes Meat Loaf, whose real name was Michael Lee Aday, as a very involved parent, directing their school plays and coaching their softball teams. She said, "If we didn't get good grades, we were grounded, and all of that stuff. So, it was very much, when we weren't out on tour living this crazy life, it was very important to him that we were grounded in our home." <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/CZA1AWMMeJC/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <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/CZA1AWMMeJC/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Amanda Aday (@amandaaday)</a> </div> </blockquote> He encouraged his kids to think for themselves and avoid following trends. Aday said, "Growing up, when we were little, he always said he never wanted to be hip. Pearl and I would want a new pair of shoes or something, whatever was in trend, fashion-wise or whatever, and he'd always say, 'Don't be trendy. Don't be hip. Be cool, because cool is always.' And that was him." Aday revealed that Christmas was his favourite time of year, sharing that, "He would stay up all night making train sets around the Christmas tree." She also shared an anecdote from her sixth Christmas, when Meat Loaf bought her every Playmobil toy imaginable. "He stayed up literally all night and erected an entire Playmobil city and circus underneath the Christmas tree, because that's what he did. He was dad,” she told People. She also revealed that both she and her sister rushed to Nashville to be by their father’s side after receiving a call informing them that his health "was declining very rapidly, more rapidly than expected." "As soon as we could, we just went to his bedside at the hospital and just sat with him and held his hand," she said, adding that she was “very thankful” they had a chance to see him before he died. Image: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc

Caring

French film star dead at just 37

Perhaps best known to English-speaking audiences for playing Hannibal Lecter in Hannibal Rising, Ulliel was set to star as Midnight Man in Marvel’s upcoming Moon Knight series alongside Oscar Isaac and Ethan Hawke. At home in France, he starred in numerous highly-acclaimed films, including Saint Laurent as Yves Saint Laurent, It’s Only The End of The World, for which he won a César for Best Actor, and A Very Long Engagement. French Prime Minister Jean Castex tweeted on Wednesday, "Gaspard Ulliel grew up with cinema and cinema grew up with him. They loved each other madly. It's with a heavy heart that we will rewatch his most beautiful performances and catch his unique gaze. We have lost a French actor." <div class="embed"><iframe class="embedly-embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2Fx7Krla_UxRg%3Ffeature%3Doembed&display_name=YouTube&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dx7Krla_UxRg&image=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fx7Krla_UxRg%2Fhqdefault.jpg&key=5b465a7e134d4f09b4e6901220de11f0&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=youtube" width="450" height="253" scrolling="no" title="YouTube embed" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div> Ulliel died on Wednesday in a hospital in Grenoble, a city in southeastern France, following a skiing accident on Tuesday. He was skiing in the Savoie region when he collided with another skier and suffered serious brain trauma. Local authorities have opened an investigation into the accident. Hannibal Rising director Peter Webber <a rel="noopener" href="https://twitter.com/PeterWebber/status/1483836257637736452" target="_blank">tweeted</a> about Ulliel, writing, “Shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Gaspard Ulliel at such a young age in a skiing accident. I have such fond memories of working with him all those years ago on Hannibal Rising. Rest in peace, dear friend.” It’s Only The End of The World director Xavier Dolan also posted about the actor, writing on Instagram, “It’s unbelievable, absurd, and so painful to even think of writing these words. Your discreet laugher, your caring gaze. Your scar. Your talent. Your listening skill. Your whispers, your kindness. All these personality traits that emanated from a shining softness. Your whole being transformed my life, a being that loved deeply and that I will always love. I can’t say anything more. I feel drained, shaken by your (death).” <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/CY6xzYyrk45/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <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/CY6xzYyrk45/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Xavier Dolan (@xavierdolan)</a> </div> </blockquote> French Culture Minister Rosalyne Bachelot described Ulliel as “an exceptional actor” in a tweet, adding, "Today the world of cinema lost a huge talent. send my condolences to his family and my loving thoughts to all those who grieve for him today." Thierry Fremaux, director of the Cannes Film Festival, said of Ulliel, "Gaspard belonged to this new generation of actors who were making tomorrow's French cinema. He knew how to select his roles and shaped his career which filled every promise. "Each appearance on the red carpet, from La Princesse de Montpensier to It's Only The End of the World illustrated his presence, both discreet and full of kindness. He was equally brilliant and talented. He gave a lot and we'll always remember him." Ulliel is survived by his 6-year-old son Orso and girlfriend Gaelle Petri. Image: Foc Kan/FilmMagic

Movies

Manhunt after tragic death from random stabbing attack

A 24-year-old was killed in what police describe as a random stabbing attack while working at a high-end furniture store last Thursday. Brianna Kupfer, a UCLA student, was working at Croft House in Los Angeles when she was stabbed by who police believe to be a homeless man. The suspect stabbed her before fleeing through the back door and down an alley. A customer found Brianna 20 minutes later, and she was pronounced dead on the scene soon after. Police said of the incident, “Detectives have determined the suspect was not known to the victim and [it] was a random walk into the store. The suspect attacked the victim with a knife and fled the scene through the back door.” Dr Jennifer Botelho, who owns a chiropractic practice next door, told CBS LA the attack was “horrifying”, saying, “It’s horrible. She’s such a young girl. … We feel so horrible for Brianna’s family, and hope we can catch this guy.” She added that the suspect visited her business shortly before the attack. “He came in and asked a couple of questions: ‘Do you do orthopaedics here?’ What kind of care we provide, and then he left. So he was just here for a few minutes,” Dr Botelho said. Ms Kupfer’s father told CBS she was “loved by all”. She had been studying architectural design at UCLA and was working at Croft House as a consultant. Police are still searching for the suspect. Image: Facebook

News

Neighbours actor dead at just 34 years of age

Former Neighbours actor Miranda Fryer has passed away at the age of 34. The former child actor, who played Sky Mangel as a child, died in her sleep on January 6. In a statement made to TV Tonight, Ms Fryer’s family said, “True soulmates, Miranda and Arthur were making plans to start their family, when one day last week she went to sleep and never woke up. We do not know why.” Arthur refers to her husband, Arthur Pothitis. “She had had some health issues with her heart, maybe her beautiful persona was just too good for this world of ours. We, who all loved her so much, shall treasure the memories she has left us with and mourn our loss forever. “A beautiful child, stunning teenager, beautiful inside, and out … a woman, with so much love and happiness given and received. So many friends, so much still to offer this world, gone.” Ms Fryer was the first child actor contracted to appear on the show and first played Sky Mangel, the daughter of Joe Mangel, played by Mark Little, and Kerry Bishop, played by Linda Hartley-Clark, in 1989. Her mother Traci Hunter told the Herald Sun that she was initially only supposed to be on the show for six weeks, but the storyline was extended and she was contracted for three years. Ms Hunter said, “She had so much fun on the show but when she was going to start school I really felt that it was not a good idea for her to continue as she deserved to have a childhood.” Ms Fryer was just 18 months old when she joined the Neighbours cast. The character was later reintroduced as a teenager in 2003, played by Stephanie McIntosh. Ms Fryer had recently finished her nursing degree and was due to start a postgraduate position at Monash Hospital’s neuroscience department. Ms Hunter said she was the “most wonderful daughter”, adding, “She had so much love and passion for life. She was a truly kind loving person, almost too good to be true – obviously she was too good to be true as she has been taken from us so early.” Image: Channel Ten

News

Unvaccinated couple die of COVID within seconds of each other

An unvaccinated American couple died of complications from COVID-19 “within seconds” of each other. William and Carol Stewart, of New Hampshire, died in hospital on December 30 while holding hands. They had not been vaccinated against the virus. Mrs Stewart, who was 69, had been on life support for two weeks, while Mr Stewart, 73, had suffered from lung and renal failures. The couple’s daughter, Melissa Noke, said that her parents were the “true definition of soulmates” and had known each other since they were children, telling local TV station WMUR, “They’ve known each other since they were four, been together 45 years, married 44 years.” On the day they died, hospital staff wheeled the couple into the same room so they could be together. Nike said, “Placed both beds side-by-side, placing my mother’s hand into my father’s hand. “As soon as they touched hands, my father took his last breath, and then my mother 10 seconds later.” Ms Noke said that she hoped sharing her parents’ story would encourage others to get vaccinated. At the time of writing, only 62.3% of the US population was fully vaccinated, with that figure increasing to 67.4% for New Hampshire. The couple’s nephew Tim Stewart has started a GoFundMe to help cover medical and living expenses. On the fundraising page, he explained, “Carol and Bill do not have life insurance and I am hoping to help my family by alleviating them with some the financial stress and so they can focus healing through this difficult time.” Updating the page with news of their passing, Stewart wrote, “It is with the heaviest of hearts to share that last night at 9:12 pm Bill and Carol peacefully passed away hand in hand with their loved ones bedside. They fought a long and hard battle with covid, both intubated and on life support. I truly believe that the power of prayers and all the kind words that have been shared over the past few weeks is what kept them fighting.” Image: Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home

Caring

Tributes pour in for Mike Nesmith, who has passed away at 78

Michael Nesmith, best known for his work as part of beloved 60s pop group The Monkees, has passed away at the age of 78 from heart failure. Tributes have poured in for the songwriter, guitarist, producer, and actor, from fellow musicians and fans alike. Fellow Monkee, and now the last surviving member of the group, Micky Dolenz, posted a touching tribute to his friend on Twitter, writing, “I’m heartbroken. I’ve lost a dear friend and partner. I’m so grateful that we could spend the last couple of months together doing what we loved best – singing, laughing, and doing shtick. I’ll miss it all so much. Especially the shtick.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I’m heartbroken. I’ve lost a dear friend and partner. I’m so grateful that we could spend the last couple of months together doing what we loved best – singing, laughing, and doing shtick. I’ll miss it all so much. Especially the shtick. Rest in peace, Nez. All my love, Micky <a href="https://t.co/xe8i5jmNgL">pic.twitter.com/xe8i5jmNgL</a> — Micky Dolenz (@TheMickyDolenz1) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMickyDolenz1/status/1469379165908516870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2021</a></blockquote> Nesmith had undergone <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/monkees-michael-nesmith-recovering-from-quadruple-bypass-heart-surgery-703665/" target="_blank">quadruple bypass heart surgery in 2018</a>, and remained hospitalised for a month following the surgery. As a result, he was forced to cancel several tour dates with Dolenz, but the pair were able to perform together on several tour dates this year instead. The pair had wrapped up their farewell tour with a performance at Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre on November 14, and fans who were there were quick to express their gratitude for being able to see Nesmith perform one last time. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I will forever be thankful to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MichaelNesmith?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MichaelNesmith</a> & ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/TheMickyDolenz1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheMickyDolenz1</a>⁩ for giving ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/TheMonkees?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheMonkees</a>⁩ such a beautiful and loving farewell until just days ago. There was nothing prefab about the love they shared with all of us daydream believers <a href="https://t.co/mpcsOP24hB">pic.twitter.com/mpcsOP24hB</a> — David Wild (@Wildaboutmusic) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wildaboutmusic/status/1469365923509243907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2021</a></blockquote> Micky spoke to Rolling Stone soon after the news broke, saying, “I found out a couple days ago that he was going into hospice. I knew what that meant. I had my moment then and I let go. I let go a couple days ago. It’s just good to know that he passed peacefully.” Micky said of their farewell tour, “I’m so glad that we did that tour. He was so looking forward to that, and such a trooper through the whole thing. A tour is tough if you’re in the best of health. He just really loved it. He really loved doing it.” For the Monkees, Nesmith wrote songs such as ‘Sunny Girlfriend’, ‘Mary, Mary’, and ‘Listen to the Band’, but perhaps one of his most successful songwriting efforts was ‘Different Drum’, which The Stone Poneys took to the top 20 of the Billboard charts in 1967. Many fellow musicians paid tribute to Nesmith, including Ringo Starr, who wrote, “God bless Mike Nesmith peace and love to all his family. 😎✌️🌟❤️🎵🎶🌈☮️” alongside a photo of the two in their heyday. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> God bless Mike Nesmith peace and love to all his family. 😎✌️🌟❤️🎵🎶🌈☮️ <a href="https://t.co/GYnokygcHG">pic.twitter.com/GYnokygcHG</a> — #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) <a href="https://twitter.com/ringostarrmusic/status/1469562394032558085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2021</a></blockquote> Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys also paid tribute, tweeting, “I’m sorry to hear about Mike Nesmith. The Monkees had some great songs, those were fun days. Love & Mercy to Mike’s family and friends, Brian”. Stevie van Zandt, guitarist for Bruce Springsteen and Silvio Dante on The Sopranos, <a rel="noopener" href="https://twitter.com/StevieVanZandt/status/1469403835709992961" target="_blank">tweeted</a>, “RIP Mike Nesmith. He lives forever in the Underground Garage.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I’m sorry to hear about Mike Nesmith. The Monkees had some great songs, those were fun days. Love & Mercy to Mike’s family and friends, Brian <a href="https://t.co/bqJHBpb7il">pic.twitter.com/bqJHBpb7il</a> — Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrianWilsonLive/status/1469396129204875270?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2021</a></blockquote> Songwriter and lead singer of Death Cab For Cutie, Ben Gibbard, who wrote the song 'Me & Magdalena' that served as the third single off The Monkee's first album in 20 years, Good Times!, performed covers of his favourite Nesmith songs for his fans, including 'Joanne', 'Different Drum', and 'Me & Magdalena'. <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/tv/CXUxglDJ4JQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <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/tv/CXUxglDJ4JQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Death Cab for Cutie (@deathcabforcutie)</a> </div> </blockquote> Andrew Sandoval, who has managed Nesmith and The Monkees for the past decade, told <a rel="noopener" href="https://variety.com/2021/music/news/michael-nesmith-last-days-monkees-manager-final-tour-1235131225/" target="_blank">Variety</a>, that after The Monkees had been “lambasted for decades”, “he died knowing that they were beloved, and he finally embraced what they meant to so many other people. I think he finally got it.” Following the dissolution of The Monkees in 1970, Nesmith made waves with The First National Band, prompting <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/michael-nesmith-appreciation/2021/12/11/8c6af646-5a97-11ec-9a18-a506cf3aa31d_story.html" target="_blank">The Washington Post</a> to write that Nesmith “invented country rock, or maybe something even better.” Nesmith also performed as a solo artist, and worked as an executive producer in Hollywood, most notably for the 1984 cult classic Repo Man. Image: Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer

Caring

Tributes pour in for David Dalaithngu

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains images of a person who is deceased. Tributes are pouring in for “once-in-a-generation” Yolŋu actor David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu, who has passed away at the age of 68 following a battle with lung cancer. Dalaithngu starred in dozens of films during his career, including Storm Boy, Rabbit Proof Fence, The Tracker, Ten Canoes, and Walkabout, which he was cast in when he was just 16 years old. Dalaithngu was born in 1953 in Arnhem Land, and in addition to his extraordinary acting abilities, he was an avid dancer, singer, and painter. He was made a member of the Order of Australia in 1987, in recognition for his services to the arts, and received a NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. Dalaithngu was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017, and according to South Australian Premier Steven Marshall, who announced the actor’s passing on Monday night, was not expected to make it to see his final film, My Name Is Gulpilil, on the big screen. "Yet it was no surprise to anyone that he was front and centre on opening night, where he would receive his final standing ovation," the Premier said. "He was a man who loved his land and his culture, and he was a man who took it to the world. My thoughts are with his family, and his dear friend and carer Mary Hood." Fellow actors have paid tribute to Dalaithngu, including Hugh Jackman, who worked with him on Baz Luhrmann’s Australia, and Sam Neill. Jackman wrote on Instagram, “One of the great privileges of my life was to work with David on the movie Australia. His contribution to film is immeasurable. From his cheeky laugh, to that mischievous glint in his eye and effortless ease in front of the camera … His humanity is irreplaceable.” <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/CW3SJ-4l2DQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <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/CW3SJ-4l2DQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman)</a> </div> </blockquote> Sam Neill wrote on Twitter on Tuesday morning, “Mr Charisma. Goodbye. This immensely gifted artist. I admired you from afar.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Mr Charisma. Goodbye. This immensely gifted artist . I admired you from afar . <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gulpilil?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gulpilil</a> <a href="https://t.co/nYThIIvxMm">https://t.co/nYThIIvxMm</a> — Sam Neill (@TwoPaddocks) <a href="https://twitter.com/TwoPaddocks/status/1465450992946741251?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote> Olympic icon Cathy Freeman also took to Twitter to pay tribute, writing, “Thank you for the inspiration”. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Thank you for the inspiration, David Gulpilil. Rest In Peace. <a href="https://t.co/JfIMKFun43">pic.twitter.com/JfIMKFun43</a> — Cathy Freeman (@CathyFreeman) <a href="https://twitter.com/CathyFreeman/status/1465403171723825153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote> The Premier's office said the Dalaithngu family had advised his name and image may continue to be used following his passing, in line with his wishes. Image: Don Arnold/WireImage

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Dean Stockwell, star of Quantum Leap and Blue Velvet, dies at 85

Actor Dean Stockwell has passed away at the age of 85. According to a family spokesperson, Stockwell died of natural causes at home over the weekend, leaving behind a legacy that includes an early career as a child actor before quitting the industry at the age of 16, only to be drawn back into it in his 20s, where he would go on to star in films such as Quantum Leap, Blue Velvet, Dune, and Married to the Mob. His family said in a statement, "Dean spent a lifetime yo-yoing back and forth between fame and anonymity," his family said in a statement. Because of that, when he had a job, he was grateful. He never took the business for granted. He was a rebel, wildly talented and always a breath of fresh air." Stockwell, born to actor parents, grew up in North Hollywood, and started his career as a child actor during Hollywood’s Golden Age, making his Broadway debut in 1943 before being signed to a contract with MGM that saw him starring alongside Gregory Peck in The Valley of Decision and Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra in Anchors Aweigh, both when he was just nine years old. In 1947, at the age of 11, he starred alongside Peck once more in Elia Kazan’s Gentlemen’s Agreement, playing Peck’s son. The 1950s saw him move back and forth between film and the emerging medium of television, before taking a break in 1951 and not acting again until 1956. The late 50s, 60s, and 70s saw Stockwell primarily appearing in countless television shows such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Dr Kildare, Bonanza, and Wagon Train, although there were a few memorable forays into film, including a role in Psych Out alongside Jack Nicholson and Bruce Dern. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 🎶 In Dreams 🎶 The late Dean Stockwell in David Lynch’s BLUE VELVET (1986) 💙🎙 <a href="https://t.co/H3wZmmyvMC">pic.twitter.com/H3wZmmyvMC</a> — Criterion Collection (@Criterion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Criterion/status/1458130558584774656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2021</a></blockquote> The 80s saw him star in some of his most memorable roles, such as Walt Henderson in Paris, Texas, and Ben in David Lynch’s 1986 film Blue Velvet, after previously working with Lynch in his 1984 adaptation of Dune. For his role as Tony “the Tiger” Russo in the 1988 film Married to the Mob, Stockwell was nominated for an Oscar. Another memorable role of Stockwell’s was that of Admiral ‘Al’ Calavicci in the sci-fi series Quantum Leap, which ran for five seasons between 1989 and 1993 and for which he was nominated for four Emmy Awards. Co-star Scott Bakula, who played Dr. Sam Beckett, said of Stockwell, “He became a dear friend and a mentor and we grew very close over the next five, very intense years… In spite of having a career that came and went several times during his seventy plus years in the business, he was always grateful and delighted to have the chance to keep working.” Image: Jim Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images

Caring

The biggest rip offs in retirement and how to avoid them

Superannuation has revolutionised the way people retire, as many ordinary, working Australians are finding themselves entering retirement with more than a million dollars in retirement savings. While this should set them up for a long and happy life, living with financial security, sadly it means many will become the victims of various rip-off schemes. Rip off schemes that can be easily avoided with a little bit of knowledge. Online Scams The most obvious are on-line scams. ASIC estimates Australians lose some $30 million to online scams every year and sadly, once your money is lost, there is very little that can be done to get it back. Online scams come in many forms, from bogus emails just appearing on your computer requesting you to send money to clear a tax debt or outstanding judgement, to the infamous on-line love affair scams. The best advice is just don’t. Don’t send money to an online bank account and never give your bank account details or identification documents like your driver’s license to anyone online without knowing exactly who you are dealing with. Simplistic Investments The next biggest scam to avoid is investments that are simply too good to be true. The most common are companies promoting investments they describe as being like term deposits or secured against property, but which offer a much higher return. Typically, if you dive into these investments you will learn your funds are being used to provide ‘mezzanine’ finance to property developers and instead of being secure, usually, they are totally at risk should the development not prove profitable. Watch out for family Unfortunately, another keyway retirees end up losing money is at the hands of their family or loved ones. Too often on entering retirement, people will discuss with their loved ones just how much money they have in superannuation. In doing so, it is easy for family members to think you can or should spare just a little of it and give it to them. The best way to avoid all of this is to never discuss your finances in detail with family members or loved ones. Unless you are very confident about your financial situation, you should keep every cent of retirement savings to provide for you in retirement. Self-managed super Self-managed super funds can be a great vehicle for creating wealth but typically, they lose their reason for being in retirement and just become a time consuming and costly way of keeping your superannuation savings. This money can be saved by simply closing the SMSF and moving your savings into a quality retail fund. Typically, you will have the same level of control over your savings as you do with an SMSF but at a fraction of the cost. Be wary of retirement homes Finally, many people choose to move into retirement homes for the easier lifestyle they offer and for the support and comfort of having a strong community around them. However, this can often end in tears. Make sure you find a good solicitor to review any paperwork and ensure your financial rights and obligations are fully explained to you before you sign on the dotted line so you know exactly what you can expect in the future. Image credit: Shutterstock This article first appeared in <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/money/the-biggest-rip-offs-in-retirement-and-how-to-avoid-them" target="_blank">Reader's Digest</a>.

Retirement Income

“Dangerous nuisance animal”: Man accused of ripping kookaburra's head off named and shamed

The lawyer for a Perth man who is alleged to have ripped the head off beloved Kevin the Kookaburra has called the bird a “dangerous nuisance animal” that should have been dealt with by the Parkerville Tavern much earlier. The Parkerville Tavern is where the man is alleged to have grabbed the local favourite known as Kevin, ripped his head off and thrown the bird under the table. Ross Williamson said that his client Daniel Welfare had left the country after a barrage of death threats and attacks over last week’s killing via social media. However, Williamson would not confirm whether or not his client was guilty of being responsible for the death of Kevin. He has also issued restraining orders to two women who he has accused of issuing an “online vigilante campaign” against his client. However, the women said that they will not stop until Welfare is brought to justice. Tania Scheulin, witness to the incident, has been outspoken about this. “I will never stop until the person that did this has some repercussions for it, charged by police or gets a fine.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> There's a new development in the case of a kookaburra that had its head ripped off at a Hills pub. <a href="https://twitter.com/kamingock?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KaminGock</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9News?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9News</a> <a href="https://t.co/TQe8N6qICt">pic.twitter.com/TQe8N6qICt</a> — Nine News Perth (@9NewsPerth) <a href="https://twitter.com/9NewsPerth/status/1189124300785123329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2019</a></blockquote> However, Williamson has said that he has previous information relating to Kevin’s behaviour at the Tavern and that kookaburras are an invasive species in WA. "The kookaburra is an invasive species in WA," he said to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/perth-kevin-the-kookaburra-beheaded-man-leaves-australia-death-threats-crime-news-wa-australia/e3c92ab2-5af5-4df1-bca7-c5b5f9089de2" target="_blank">9News</a>. "Until recently you could shoot them with impunity and people used to do that and get a community service award for doing that sort of thing. "This particular bird I have reports about. It has attacked children. It's injured the faces of children... this bird is - or was - a dangerous nuisance animal and the Parkerville Tavern should have done something to deal with it." He has also criticised the state government’s role in the case. "I noticed the Police Commissioner, with the Police Minister at his side, called a press conference saying they are going to prosecute my client over the demise of a pest - a harmful, nuisance bird," he said. "I hear nothing about the police investigating and prosecuting people for making threats to harm, kill and rape my clients. "I call on the police to do that - to investigate this criminal vigilante."

News

TV star shows off ripped body at 51

Fans of UK television star Davina McCall are praising the 51-year-old for her impressive body. McCall shared a snap of herself in a stunning bikini, writing: “Shameless bikini selfie. End of.” “Goals goals goals goals”, “wow”, “Absolute mega babe bomb”, and “looking incredible” were some of the endless comments of support thrown at the TV star. McCall is best known for her stint on Big Brother as presenter between 2000 and 2010. The 51-year-old currently resides in Wadhurst, Sussex, England. Scroll through the gallery above to see Davina McCall’s banging body at 51.

Retirement Life

Never get ripped off by a taxi again: Google Maps’ clever new alert

Google Maps is testing a new feature in India that allows you to be warned if a taxi driver is taking you off your intended course to increase your taxi fare. These new “off-route alerts” will send a notification to your phone every time you get side-tracked from the intended course by 500 metres. The feature has been developed by XDA-Developers and was designed to help ensure drivers do not stray too far from the route. You simply choose the “stay safer” button that’s located at the bottom of the screen on Google Maps where you would enter your destination for directions. After you’ve selected the button, Google Maps offers the ability to “share live progress with friends” as well as offering the “off-route alerts”. According to <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/technology/google-maps-feature-will-alert-you-if-a-taxi-is-taking-you-offroute-to-increase-the-fare/b2993178-88c3-494f-b8ab-f99b6665c231">9News</a>, the feature isn’t yet available in Australia or New Zealand as it is only being tested in India at the moment. Google Maps is also aiming to introduce speed limit indicators as well as speed camera locations to its navigation technology. The maps app will warn you when you approach a fixed speed camera location as well as allow you to submit the location of mobile speed cameras to alert other drivers.

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