Cause of death revealed for "Yacht Rock" legend Jimmy Buffett

<p>Iconic American singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, renowned for his timeless 1977 hit "Margaritaville," has passed away at the age of 76.</p> <p>In a heartfelt statement posted on his official website, Buffett's family shared the news of his peaceful passing on the night of September 1st, surrounded by his loved ones, music and faithful canine companions.</p> <p>The statement poignantly expressed, "He lived his life like a song until the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many."</p> <p>Recent reports have disclosed that the Yacht Rock icon lost his battle with skin cancer. The announcement of his demise came via his website, while sources close to the artist confirmed the cause of death to TMZ.</p> <p>Tragically, what initially began as a diagnosis of skin cancer ultimately developed into lymphoma. A source divulged, "He lived his life in the sun, literally and figuratively."</p> <p>Buffett entered hospice care the previous Monday, and in his final weeks, he was fortunate to receive a visit from none other than Paul McCartney. Despite his illness, he continued to tour for many years, but concerns about his health arose when he had to postpone concerts in May following a hospitalisation.</p> <p>Jimmy Buffett, epitomising the laid-back "beach bum" culture, held a special place in the hearts of his fans. His journey to stardom began rather humbly, as he was relatively unknown until he penned the iconic hit "Margaritaville" in 1977, which became an anthem for those seeking a carefree, low-key life. This song played a pivotal role in the yacht rock movement, becoming a symbol of a particular state of mind.</p> <p>Buffett once shared, "There was no such place as Margaritaville. It was a made-up place in my mind, basically made up about my experiences in Key West and having to leave Key West and go on the road to work and then come back and spend time by the beach."</p> <p>Expanding the Margaritaville brand worldwide, Buffett ventured into restaurants, authored books, and even ventured into the world of cruise lines. His diverse investments ultimately made him one of the wealthiest musicians globally, with an estimated net worth of $1 billion.</p> <p>Buffett embarked on his music career as a country artist in 1970 with the release of "Down To Earth." Initially, he earned his living as a busker, and while the album didn't make a significant impact, a fateful busking tour with fellow country artist Jerry Jeff Walker in Key West birthed his easygoing "beach bum" persona. Buffett skilfully fused elements of country, rock, calypso, and pop to craft his signature tropical sound.</p> <p>Buffett's artistic output was prolific, with 29 studio albums released up until 2020. However, it was his diverse business ventures that proved to be most lucrative. In 1993, he launched his own record label, followed by his beer company in 2006, the Margaritaville Casino in 2013, the Margaritaville online game in 2012, and the Margaritaville retirement village in 2021. In 2018, Buffett even introduced the Coral Reefer marijuana brand.</p> <p>A legendary musician and astute businessman, Buffett serves as an enduring testament that a career in music can follow a multitude of paths. His signature tune, "Margaritaville," was rightfully inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2016, immortalising its cultural and historical significance as the quintessential sound of Key West, Florida and countless unforgettable karaoke nights.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Tips to train your pet at any age

<p><strong><em>Dr Katrina Warren is a veterinarian and one Australia’s most loved and trusted pet experts. She is the PAW by Blackmores ambassador.</em></strong></p> <p>Dogs are often an integral part of our family, a loving and loyal companion throughout the years. We educate ourselves with a plethora of media when bringing home and raising other members of our family with love and care, why not pay the same attention to our furry family members as advised by one Australia’s most loved and trusted pet experts, Dr Katrina Warren.</p> <p><strong>Bringing baby home: Puppy</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">A guide to vaccinations</span></p> <p>Just like human babies, puppies need vaccinations to protect them from the many infectious diseases out there. They need a series of vaccinations to protect them against Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis and Canine Cough. Your puppy will need to receive these injections by a veterinarian and should have received their first vaccination prior to coming to you – ask the breeder for the vaccination certificate. Vaccination costs for your pup may seem steep, but consider the veterinary bills for treating your dog if it develops one of these illnesses – it could easily run into the thousands.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Dental care</span></p> <p>To keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy, it is important to include some hard food in their diet. You can offer raw chicken necks and wings from 12-14 weeks of age. Brushing is also a great idea - it may seem like a novelty, but dogs have just as many dental problems as humans, which can cause pain (not to mention terrible breath!) in the long run. Train your puppy from a very young age to let you brush its teeth, to make it a normal part of their routine. Be sure to use specific dog toothpaste, as human toothpaste can be irritating to a dog’s digestive tract.</p> <p><strong>Teenage angst: Adolescence</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Chewing</span></p> <p>Dogs are curious by nature and will chew almost anything they can get their mouths on, especially while they’re puppies and are teething. This is great if it’s a dog toy or a tasty bone, but not so great if it’s your new pair of expensive running shoes or the leg of a couch. Although chewing usually subsides within a year, it can become a bad habit if it’s not managed early on.</p> <p>If you have a young dog, puppy-proof your place by moving easily chewable items such as plants or electrical cables so they’re not easily accessible. Try not to leave your puppy unsupervised in areas like your garden or living room - there’s no point in getting angry at the puppy for an action that is natural for them, which happened because they weren’t being supervised.</p> <p><strong>Young at heart: Mature Dog</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Barking</span></p> <p>Firstly, find out what your dog is barking at. As dogs usually bark the most right after their owners leave home for the day, give your dog something to do every time you leave the house, like a chew toy stuffed with food. </p> <p>Dogs left outside are exposed to many more disturbances than indoor dogs and their barks are more easily heard by the neighbourhood.  Ideally leave your dog inside preferably in a room away from the street with a radio or TV playing to mask the sound of outside noise. Reward your dog often for quiet behaviour – if he starts barking, use a word like ‘quiet’ and reward only once your dog stops barking.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Jumping on people</span></p> <p>When he was little, everyone was probably entranced by the cute little puppy who jumped up at them, laughing and wagging his teeny tail. Now he's a bigger dog, no-one wants his dirty paw marks all over their clothes. But his behaviour is not his fault, because your loving attention has trained him to think that jumping up is a fun and rewarding thing to do.</p> <p>Now you have to do the opposite from what you did when he was little. Instead of making eye contact and touching him when he jumps up, do the opposite. Turn around and stand still completely ignoring him. Wait until he has all four feet on the ground and then give him a little treat. Keep on doing this, and it will take many, many times, and he will eventually learn that he only gets a treat and your attention when he is sitting. As before, there is no point in shouting and pushing, because to a dog this is still attention and will only confuse him about what you want him to do.</p> <p><em>This is an excerpt from PAW by Blackmores eBook: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://pawbyblackmores.uberflip.com/i/714306-20-things-no-one-tells-you-about-raising-a-healthy-dog" target="_blank" rel="noopener">20 things no one tells you about raising a healthy dog</a></strong></span> - a go-to-guide for pet owners to help through the different ages and stages of raising a healthy dog.</em></p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Family & Pets

Warren Buffett sits out a deal to acquire Tiffany & Co

<p><span>Warren Buffett turned down a chance to acquire Tiffany &amp; Co.</span></p> <p><span>Following a takeover bid from luxury goods conglomerate LVMH, the US jewellery giant invited Buffett to make a counteroffer, the <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/9da47898-237a-11ea-b8a1-584213ee7b2b"><em>Financial Times</em></a> reported.</span></p> <p><span>However, the Berkshire Hathaway owner rejected Tiffany’s overture, allowing LVMH to strike a US$16.2 billion deal for the company in November.</span></p> <p><span>The rejection marks the conglomerate company’s fourth year without any major acquisitions as its cash pile reached a record US$128 billion. </span></p> <p><span>“Buffett has the luxury to move slowly on purchases because of Berkshire’s cash hoard,” Berkshire investor Bill Smead told the newspaper. “Shareholders will benefit tremendously when he puts that money to work.” </span></p> <p><span>Most recently, Buffett bid US$5 billion on technology distributor Tech Data in November but later withdrew after private equity firm Apollo Global Management raised its offer in the auction.</span></p>

Retirement Income

The stars over 50 who stole the red carpet at the Oscars

Movies

How George and Amal Clooney first met

<p>George and Amal’s love story is something of a modern fairytale – two people, from seemingly opposite walks of life, falling head-over-heels in love. So just how did a Hollywood heartthrob find himself in the same room as one of the world’s most distinguished international human rights lawyers? Well, according to George’s father Nick, it’s quite the story.</p> <p>He revealed to <a href="http://people.com/movies/the-romantic-untold-story-of-the-day-george-and-amal-clooney-first-met/" target="_blank"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">People</span></em></strong></a> that the couple first met back in 2013 at a dinner party also attended by George’s parents, and the whole family – especially George – was instantly smitten with the barrister.</p> <p>“[George’s mother] Nina and I were actually the ones who answered the door when Amal came in,” Nick recalled. “She introduced herself to us and we talked. She was obviously very charming, gorgeous and so clearly accomplished, but by the time we had supper that night, it was clear there was a kindness to her and an inclusiveness.”</p> <p>Nick could see instantly that his notorious bachelor of a son was already falling hard for Amal. “By the end of supper, I started looking over at Nina and saying, ‘Look ouuuut, this could be trouble for this young man!” he said. “I really think by the time that first [meeting] was over, his and her fates were sealed, both of them. She was so remarkable and he was so remarkable around her.”</p> <p>Less than a year later, they were engaged, and on September 27, 2014, the pair tied the knot in a romantic ceremony at Ca’ Farsetti palace on the banks of Venice’s Grand Canal. Just last week, the lovebirds welcomed twins Ella and Alexander into the world, whom <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2017/06/george-clooneys-father-gushes-over-grandchildren/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nick describes</span></strong></a> as “gorgeous”.</p>

Relationships

George Clooney’s father gushes over new grandchildren

<p>Yesterday, George and Amal Clooney <a href="/news/news/2017/06/george-and-amal-clooney-welcome-their-twins/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">welcomed two gorgeous new bubs</span></strong></a> into the world, twins Ella and Alexander, and the newborns’ grandparents couldn’t be more thrilled. Nick Clooney and Nina Warren first laid eyes on the two-hour-old babies over Skype, since the star couple had arranged the birth to take place in London. Nevertheless, they’re clearly proud as punch.</p> <p>“They’re gorgeous,” Nick told <a href="http://www.fox19.com/story/35605437/george-clooneys-father-says-amal-and-sons-twins-alexander-and-ella-look-like-dad" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">FOX19</span></strong></a>. He revealed that while both babies have dark hair, one in particular appears to have taken after their heartthrob dad.</p> <p>“Nina swears they have George’s nose,” Nick said. “Not both of them – one of them. The little boy looked like he had [George’s] nose, his little profile.”</p> <p>And as for the names? The new grandparents “love” them. “Both sound terrific.”</p> <p>Nick confirmed that the new parents-of-two are doing “wonderfully well,” albeit exhausted, naturally. “George, well, his eyes were glazed so I’m not sure that he was sober,” he joked.</p> <p>Amal’s parents have also spoken out about their excitement for the new arrivals. Baria Alamuddin, who was present with her daughter for the birth, said the family is “over the moon”. “It was a beautiful delivery,” she told AFP. “The babies are beautiful and are doing well.”</p> <p>Ramzi Alamuddin, Amal’s father, also issued a statement from his home in Beirut. “They are in great heath,” he said. “All is perfect.”</p> <p>We don’t know about you, but we can’t wait to see the first snaps of the beautiful, newly-expanded family together!</p> <p><em>Image source: WireImage.</em></p>

Family & Pets