Search

Devastating new details emerge on Heath Ledger's death

<p>New details have emerged about the hours after Heath Ledger's death, as a Hollywood director has shared how he found out about Ledger's passing. </p> <p>Heath Ledger was found dead in his New York loft on January 22nd 2008, with his death being ruled as an accidental overdose and attributed to a mixture of prescription drugs, including OxyContin, Vicodin, Valium, Xanax, Unisom and Restoril.</p> <p>Now, 16 years on from the high profile death, Hollywood director Stephen Gaghan has shared how he found out about Heath's death. </p> <p>At the time of his passing, Ledger and Gaghan were working together on an adaptation of Malcolm Gladwell’s novel <em>Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking</em>.</p> <p>Appearing on Malcolm Gladwell's <em>Revisionist History</em> podcast, in which the novelist discusses abandoned projects, Gaghan recalled getting a phone call from Ledger's father when his body was found. </p> <p>“They were there with the body and our script was in bed with him, and your book was on the bedside table,” he said on the podcast.</p> <p>“I think my number was on the script, like written. These guys, as you can imagine, they are in shock and they dialled that number and I don’t know why.”</p> <p>“I’m in an airport with my wife [Minnie Mortimer] just going from one place to another, and I literally just collapse, never happened to me before or since,” the director added. “My feet went out from under me. I just literally sat down because I was like, ‘What?’"</p> <p>"The emotion, what they were going through, I should not have been a party to in any way really, and yet as a human or as somebody who just cares, I just was there and I was listening and my wife was looking at me."</p> <p>"I remember her face and I was just like, I was speechless. I just listened and listened and listened. It was just really, really sad. And it’s still sad. For me, I just had to put a pin in it.”</p> <p>When discussing the adaptation of <em>Blink</em>, Gaghan shared how Leo DiCaprio was originally in on the film idea, and how the part of the lead seemed to be written especially for Ledger. </p> <p>“I’d gotten to be very, very close with him instantly,” Gaghan recalled. “I just had a real connection with him that was kind of unusual and really special to me. I got really excited and I started seeing him as the main character."</p> <p>"Once I started seeing that I couldn’t unsee it, and obviously it was very delicate in a way. Leo’s totally cool. I mean, obviously, he has a thousand choices, but in my mind it was a big deal.”</p> <p>Gaghan soon abandoned the revived project after Ledger’s untimely death.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

Caring

The US just returned to the Moon after more than 50 years. How big a deal is it, really?

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/david-flannery-3906">David Flannery</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a></em></p> <p>In the few short years since the COVID pandemic changed our world, China, Japan and India have all successfully landed on the Moon.</p> <p>Many more robotic missions have flown past the Moon, entered lunar orbit, or crashed into it in the past five years. This includes <a href="https://www.planetary.org/space-missions/kplo">spacecraft developed by South Korea</a>, <a href="https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2023/04/27/Dubai-s-ruler-announces-new-moon-mission-after-UAE-s-Rashid-Rover-lunar-crash-">the United Arab Emirates</a>, and an <a href="https://www.spaceil.com/">Israeli not-for-profit organisation</a>.</p> <p>Late last week, the American company <a href="https://www.intuitivemachines.com/">Intuitive Machines</a>, in collaboration with NASA, celebrated “America’s return to the Moon” with a successful landing of its Odysseus spacecraft.</p> <p>Recent <a href="https://theconversation.com/change-5-china-launches-sample-return-mission-to-the-moon-is-it-winning-the-new-space-race-150665">Chinese-built sample return missions</a> are far more complex than this project. And didn’t NASA ferry a dozen humans to the Moon back when microwaves were cutting-edge technology? So what is different about this mission developed by a US company?</p> <h2>Back to the Moon</h2> <p>The recent Odysseus landing stands out for two reasons. For starters, this is the first time a US-built spacecraft has landed – not crashed – on the Moon for over 50 years.</p> <p>Secondly, and far more significantly, this is the first time a private company has pulled off a successful delivery of cargo to the Moon’s surface.</p> <p>NASA has lately focused on destinations beyond the Earth–Moon system, including Mars. But with its <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/commercial-lunar-payload-services/">Commercial Lunar Payload Services</a> (CLPS) program, it has also funded US private industry to develop Moon landing concepts, hoping to reduce the delivery costs of lunar payloads and allow NASA engineers to focus on other challenges.</p> <p>Working with NASA, Intuitive Machines selected a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malapert_(crater)">landing site</a> about 300 kilometres from the lunar south pole. Among other challenges, landing here requires entering a polar orbit around the Moon, which consumes additional fuel.</p> <p>At this latitude, the land is heavily cratered and dotted with long shadows. This makes it challenging for autonomous landing systems to find a safe spot for a touchdown.</p> <p>NASA spent about US$118 million (A$180 million) to land six scientific <a href="https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Engineering_Technology/About_Payload_Systems">payloads</a> on Odysseus. This is relatively cheap. Using low-cost lunar landers, NASA will have an efficient way to test new space hardware that may then be flown on other Moon missions or farther afield.</p> <h2>Ten minutes of silence</h2> <p>One of the technology tests on the Odysseus lander, NASA’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/stmd/impact-story-navigation-doppler-lidar/">Navigation Doppler Lidar experiment</a> or NDL, appears to have proved crucial to the lander’s success.</p> <p>As the lander neared the surface, the company realised its navigation systems had a problem. NASA’s NDL experiment is serendipitously designed to test precision landing techniques for future missions. It seems that at the last second, engineers bodged together a solution that involved feeding necessary data from NDL to the lander.</p> <p>Ten minutes of silence followed before a <a href="https://twitter.com/Int_Machines/status/1760838333851148442">weak signal was detected</a> from Odysseus. Applause thundered through the mission control room. NASA’s administrator released a video congratulating everyone for returning America to the Moon.</p> <p>It has since become clear the lander is not oriented perfectly upright. The solar panels are generating sufficient power and the team is slowly receiving the first images from the surface.</p> <p>However, it’s likely Odysseus <a href="https://www.universetoday.com/165864/odysseus-moon-lander-is-tipped-over-but-still-sending-data/">partially toppled over</a> upon landing. Fortunately, at the time of writing, it seems most of the science payload may yet be deployed as it’s on the side of the lander facing upwards. The unlucky payload element facing downwards <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/23/world/odysseus-lunar-landing-sideways-scn/index.html">is a privately contributed artwork</a> connected <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/22/style/jeff-koons-moon-phases-odysseus-landing/index.html">to NFTs</a>.</p> <p>The lander is now likely to survive for at least a week before the Sun sets on the landing site and a dark, frigid lunar night turns it into another museum piece of human technology frozen in the lunar <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/regolith">regolith</a>.</p> <h2>Win some, lose some</h2> <p>NASA’s commercial approach to stimulating low-cost payload services all but guarantees some failures. But eventually NASA hopes that several commercial launch and landing providers will emerge from the program, along with a few learning experiences.</p> <p>The know-how accumulated at organisations operating hardware in space is at least as important as the development of the hardware itself.</p> <p>The market for commercial lunar payloads remains unclear. Possibly, once the novelty wears off and brands are no longer able to generate buzz by, for example, <a href="https://www.columbia.com/omni-heat-infinity/moon-mission/">sending a piece of outdoor clothing to the Moon</a>, this source of funding may dwindle.</p> <p>However, just as today, civil space agencies and taxpayers will continue to fund space exploration to address shared science goals.</p> <p> </p> <p>Ideally, commercial providers will offer NASA an efficient method for testing key technologies needed for its schedule of upcoming scientific robotic missions, as well as <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis/">human spaceflight in the Artemis program</a>. Australia would also have the opportunity to test hardware at a reduced price.</p> <p>It’s worth noting that US budgetary issues, <a href="https://spacenews.com/nasa-warns-of-very-problematic-space-technology-budget-cuts/">funding cuts</a> and <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/jpl-workforce-update">subsequent lay-offs</a> do threaten these ambitions.</p> <p>Meanwhile, in Australia, we may have nothing to launch anyway. We continue to spend less <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_departments/Parliamentary_Library/Budget/reviews/2023-24/ScienceResearch">than the OECD average on scientific research</a>, and only a few Australian universities – who traditionally lead such efforts – <a href="https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/moon-to-mars-initiative-demonstrator-mission-grants/grant-recipients">have received funding</a> provided by the Australian Space Agency.</p> <p>If we do support planetary science and space exploration in the future, Australians will need to decide if we want to allocate our limited resources, competing with NASA and US private industry, to supply launch, landing and robotic services to the global space industry.</p> <p>Alternatively, we could leverage these lower-cost payload providers to develop our own scientific space program, and locally developed space technologies associated with benefits to the knowledge economy, education and national security.<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/224276/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/david-flannery-3906"><em>David Flannery</em></a><em>, Planetary Scientist, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Intuitive Machines</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-us-just-returned-to-the-moon-after-more-than-50-years-how-big-a-deal-is-it-really-224276">original article</a>.</em></p>

International Travel

First photos of new royal baby emerge

<p>Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg is every bit the proud grandmother as she took to Instagram to share photos of the newest royal family member, Prince Balthasar Felix Karl. </p> <p>Prince Balthasar is the third child of Prince Felix and his wife Princess Claire, and the Grand Duchess' seventh grandchild. </p> <p>"What a great joy the arrival of Balthasar, our seventh grandchild, born on January 7 in Luxembourg," she captioned the series of photos. </p> <p>The Grand Duchess, 67, was pictured with a huge smile on her face as husband Grand Duke Henri, 68 cradled Prince Balthasar. </p> <p>In another photo, Prince Felix and Princess Claire are pictured with their older children Princess Amalia, 9, and Prince Liam, 7, with Prince Balthasar fast asleep in his mother's arms. </p> <p>The third photo shows Grand Duchess Maria and Princess Amalia posing on the hospital bed as the Grand Duchess cradles her grandson. </p> <p>The Grand Duchess ended the series of photos with two pictures of her grandkids holding their new baby brother.</p> <p>The birth of Prince Balthasar was announced on Monday in a statement which read: "The newborn Prince will be named Balthasar Felix Karl. He weighs 3.220 kg (7lbs 1 oz) and measures 50 cm.</p> <p>"Prince Balthasar and Princess Claire are in perfect health."</p> <p>The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess share five children – Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, Prince Felix, Prince Louis, Princess Alexandra and Prince Sebastien.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

"Bad news": Jimmy Barnes rushed into emergency open heart surgery

<p>Jimmy Barnes has shared a major health update with his fans, just hours before heading into an emergency surgery. </p> <p>The iconic musician took to Instagram to share that he is set to undergo open heart surgery, after a dangerous infection was unable to be controlled. </p> <p>The 67-year-old, who has only recently recovered from pneumonia, announced the news from his hospital bed on Wednesday. </p> <p>"Unfortunately I got some bad news yesterday….despite everyone's best efforts the bacterial infection I've been battling over the last fortnight has apparently now spread to my heart," Barnes wrote.</p> <p>"It's infected an otherwise healthy valve that was replaced some years ago due to a congenital defect, so l'll be getting open heart surgery over the next few hours to clear out this infection and put in a clean valve."</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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0xKOuBhSpS/?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/C0xKOuBhSpS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jimmy Barnes (@jimmybarnesofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>After announcing the news himself on social media, Barnes' son David Campbell spoke about his father's condition on <em><a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/today/jimmy-barnes-undergoes-open-heart-surgery-after-bacterial-infection-spreads/f4c56d1e-cd25-4a2d-8b24-11b592a4aae8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Today Extra</a></em>, saying his dad was more frustrated at letting his fans down than anything else.</p> <p>Just before being struck down with the infection, Barnes was due to headline the Rock the Boat 2023 cruise festival.</p> <p>"I am here to allay everyone's fears, he is in wonderful hands," Campbell said.</p> <p>"He loves to work and he is frustrated for the fans who have been booking tickets and coming to his shows, he is passionate about getting crews back up and running in Australia and performing with his band, but is grateful for the nurses and doctors and if he hadn't got bacterial pneumonia, he wouldn't have had this picked up."</p> <p>Campbell said the family were confident in the medical staff looking after his dad and said "it was a blessing" that the infection was picked up when it was. </p> <p>"He is in great hands and he will make a great recovery, so reach out to him on social media because all the love in the world will be good for him," he said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

"More bad days than good": Sad new pics of Bruce Willis emerge

<p>Bruce Willis' family are "soaking up every moment" with the Hollywood legend, as his health is continuing to deteriorate. </p> <p>The 68-year-old's family have shared new heartbreaking photos of the actor, which show a steep decline in his appearance and capabilities since the onset of his health issues. </p> <p>Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia at the beginning of 2023, nearly one year after announcing his retirement from acting due to aphasia, which causes difficulties with speech.</p> <p>Since his diagnosis, his family have continued to share updates on the actor's condition.</p> <p>Now, a source close to the family has revealed that the star’s health has worsened in recent weeks, and now there are “more bad days” than good. </p> <p>“Bruce has good days and bad days, but in the last two months, there are many more bad days than good,” a source told <span id="U831940059013HOG"><em><a href="https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/how-bruce-willis-family-is-supporting-him-as-he-battles-dementia/">US Weekly</a></em>.</span></p> <p>“This experience has brought the whole family even closer together. No one knows how much time Bruce has left, so they’re soaking up every moment they get with him.”</p> <p>Another source added that the four-time Golden Globe winner “has around-the-clock care, but at least one family member is always with him.” </p> <p>The beloved Hollywood action star has been spending his days alongside his wife, Emma Heming, ex-wife Demi Moore, and their collective five children, who all care for him throughout his difficult health journey.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Instagram</em></p>

Caring

"32 years of safe landings": Pilot's surprise speech reduces passengers to tears

<p>A pilot has brought his passengers to tears with an emotional speech on his final flight after 32 years in the skies. </p> <p>Jeff Fell, an American Airlines pilot, took off from Chicago on his retirement flight as he stood in front of his passengers and delivered a heartfelt message. </p> <p>At first, his message seemed routine, informing travellers of the weather and and flight time, before acknowledging it was strange for him to deliver the address from outside the cockpit. </p> <p>“I normally don’t stand up in front of everybody like this, I usually just stay in the cockpit and talk on the PA. If I get a little emotional please forgive me for that,” he said in the speech, which was captured on video by a passenger. </p> <p>With passengers still unaware of what was to come, he pointed out a group of “very important people” to him sitting at the back of the plane.</p> <p>“They’re the majority of my family who have come along with me on my retirement flight,” Mr Fell said.</p> <p>The plane was filled with applause as the pilot's voice wavered with emotion.</p> <p>“They’re on-board with me on my retirement flight after 32 years with American,” he said.</p> <p>He continued, fighting back tears, “Thank you all for coming along with me tonight and celebrating this very memorable time in my life. I love all of you."</p> <p>With another round of applause from his passengers, Mr Fell added:, “I didn’t want to get emotional but goodness gracious.”</p> <p>“Finally, for my wonderful wife Julie who has been at my side for the majority of my 32 years at American. She has been the rock, the solid rock in the foundation in our lives and our marriage. Her faith in the Lord, wisdom, strength and love has guided our marriage and family throughout these years. I love you and look forward to the next chapter in our lives. And welcome aboard everybody.”</p> <p>The video was uploaded to TikTok and has since gone viral, raking up millions of views, and you can watch the full video <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@realjharrison/video/7299484162648509738" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. </p> <p>Thousands of social media users left comments of support, with many confessing the clip had brought them to tears.</p> <p>“As soon as he said retirement flight my tears came,” one person wrote, while another added, "32 years of safe landings also. God bless him and all pilots.”</p> <p>“To think of the amount of families, people, and cultures he has single-handedly connected throughout the world. Thank you!” penned a third person.</p> <p>“32 years of bringing people closer together. I’m crying!” agreed another.</p> <p><em>Image credits: TikTok</em></p>

International Travel

Madonna rushed to intensive care

<p dir="ltr">Madonna was rushed to a hospital in New York and admitted into the ICU on Saturday after being found unresponsive. She has since been treated for a serious bacterial infection.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <em>Material Girl </em>was intubated for at least one night but is now reportedly out of the ICU, alert and recovering, according to Page Six.</p> <p dir="ltr">The singer had her daughter, Lourdes Leon, by her side during the entire ordeal.</p> <p dir="ltr">Madonna’s longtime manager, Guy Oseary, has released a statement on Instagram regarding the incident.</p> <p dir="ltr">“On Saturday June 24, Madonna developed a serious bacterial infection which led to a several day stay in the ICU,” he started the post.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Her health is improving, however she is still under medical care. A full recovery is expected,” he added.</p> <p dir="ltr">Oseary also announced that all of the singer’s current commitments including her upcoming world tour have been “paused” due to the medical emergency, however further details will be provided with new dates for the tour “as soon as we have them”.</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/CuC6w1TPH_l/?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/CuC6w1TPH_l/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Guy Oseary (@guyoseary)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The “Celebration” tour highlighting her greatest hits and the 40th anniversary of her breakout single, <em>Holiday</em> was set to kick off on July 15 in Vancouver and wrapped up in Amsterdam on December 1.</p> <p dir="ltr">Fans and celebrities alike have sent their love and report for the recovering star in the comment section of Oseary’s post.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Hope she feels better very soon!” commented <em>New Girl</em> actor Zoey Deschanel.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Sending her so much love from us. ❤️❤️❤️” wrote Aussie actress Isla Fisher.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Omg sending her love and healing light! 🙏” commented Ariana Grande’s brother Frankie.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Please send her my love and support. I’ll be sending prayers for her healing ❤️❤️🙏🙏,” wrote one fan.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Health is everything. Take as much time as needed,” commented another.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Caring

"A night in hospital and a trip to the burns unit later”: Concerned mum's warning against popular fruit

<p><em><strong>Warning: This article contains images that some readers may find distressing.</strong></em></p> <p>An Aussie mum has taken to the internet and shared photos of her son’s severe burns that came as a result of him playing with a popular fruit. “A night in hospital and a trip to the burns unit later.” She began in her Facebook post.</p> <p>Her son Otis was playing happily outside with a lime in the sunshine, but the next day horror ensued.</p> <p>“It wasn’t until the next day that we noticed a rash appeared.” The mother said.</p> <p>The parents had assumed the rash must’ve been an allergic reaction to the lime juice, however, the rash quickly developed into a “horrific burn,” she added.</p> <p>The parents took Otis to the hospital where they were informed their son was suffering from a condition called phytophotodermatitis.</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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cku5QH2thxE/?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/Cku5QH2thxE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tiny Hearts (@tinyheartseducation)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Phytophotodermatitis, more commonly known as margarita burn, is a little-known condition which causes burns to the skin when a chemical called furocoumarin reacts to sunlight.</p> <p>The chemical is found in limes, citrus fruit and some plants.</p> <p>“The small lime he had been innocently playing with - had now burnt his skin horrifically!“ The mum said. “If our story can help raise awareness into phytophotodermatitis at least something good has come out of our horrific experience!”</p> <p>The woman has urged parents to be on the lookout for this little-known skin condition.</p> <p>To minimise the risks of phytophotodermatitis, <a href="https://www.healthline.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Healthline</a> suggests washing hands and other exposed parts of the skin immediately after being outdoors, wearing gloves when gardening, putting on sunscreen before going outdoors and wearing long-sleeved tops and pants in wooded areas.</p> <p>Photo credit: Getty</p>

Body

Quincy Jones rushed to hospital

<p>Legendary music producer Quincy Jones has been taken to hospital after suffering a medical emergency.</p> <p>The 28-time Grammy winner, 90, experienced a “bad reaction to some food he ate”, a representative of his told <em>TMZ</em>.</p> <p>"Out of an abundance of caution he called 911 for help,” the spokesperson said.</p> <p><em>Page Six</em> reported that paramedics were called to Jones’ Los Angeles home on June 17, where they transported him to the emergency room.</p> <p>Jones got the all-clear from doctors and was soon released from his short stay in hospital.</p> <p>Jones is most famously known as the producer of Michael Jackson’s all-time best-selling record, <em>Thriller</em>. The 90-year-old has also worked on records with various industry icons like Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, and Rufus & Chaka Khan.</p> <p>Jones also produced the hit television sitcom, <em>The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air</em>, which saw actor Will Smith rise to fame.</p> <p>This isn’t the first health scare endured by the composer.</p> <p>In 1974, Jones suffered a life-threatening brain aneurysm which required rigorous operations, leaving him with six steel pins in his head.</p> <p>"I actually had two brain aneurysms,” Jones revealed in his 2018 documentary titled, <em>Quincy</em>.</p> <p>"So I guess I would classify as having some experience with trauma to the brain. Also, my mother suffered from mental illness," he added.</p> <p>Jones was also rushed to hospital in 2015 citing chest pains and shortness of breath whilst in his Bel-Air home.</p> <p>At the time, a spokesperson of Jones told <em>Page Six</em>, "Quincy is fine. He had some shortness of breath and in an abundance of caution, he went in for observation. He is fine though."</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

Caring

How to survive in 8 terrifying travel emergencies

<p>It’s every traveller’s worst nightmare to be caught in an emergency while on holiday overseas, and while it’s a rare occurrence, it’s still something everyone needs to be cautious of. So, we’ve got eight life-saving tips from the experts themselves, and trust us, you’ll want to commit them to memory.</p> <p><strong>1. Falling from a cruise ship</strong></p> <p>It’s estimated that just 20 people fall from cruise ships annually, but it’s still important to be prepared. “Everyone who falls unexpectedly into cold water wants to follow the same instinct, to swim hard and to fight the cold water,” explains ocean safety organisation RNLI. “But when people fight it, chances are, they lose. If you find yourself unexpectedly in the water, do as little as possible, and float.”</p> <p><strong>2. Avalanches</strong></p> <p>Snow lovers around the world dread the “A” word, but it is possible to survive one. If caught in the path of one, the Association of British Travel Agents advise skiing sideways to try and remain on the surface of the slide. Then, ditch the poles and “swim” in the direction of the slide and try to grab hold of a tree. Always carry a locator beacon with you to aid the efforts of search and rescue.</p> <p><strong>3. Quicksand</strong></p> <p>Quicksand is made up of waterlogged sand or clay which may appear solid but liquefies upon impact. Stay calm and avoid making any quick movements, as you could create air pockets which will only pull you deeper into the ground. Shed any extra weight (e.g. backpacks, hats), then lean backwards and spread out – more surface area means you’ll be lighter. From there, move sideways until you reach terra firma.</p> <p><strong>4. Rip currents</strong></p> <p>These are found on most surf beaches and can pull swimmers out to sea at a speed of up to 8km per hour. The RNLI advise against fighting the rip, instead treading water and conserving energy until the current grows weak enough for you to swim back to shore. Another option is following the current, which will take you in a semi-circle. Wait until you reach a weaker point, then swim back to shore.</p> <p><strong>5. Safari attacks</strong></p> <p>Stuck in the presence of a lion? Avoid the temptation to turn and run. Instead, make direct eye contact and back away very slowly. If it’s a leopard, do the opposite – avoid any eye contact and hope they lose interest. With elephants, simply stand your ground and try to look brave. Buffalos are almost impossible to outrun, so your best bet is to climb a tree.</p> <p><strong>6. Lost on a hike</strong></p> <p>Adventure blogger <a href="http://hikingdude.com/default.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Hiking Dude</span></strong></a> recommends sticking by the acronym <strong>STOP</strong> when lost. <strong>Stop </strong>exactly where you are, <strong>think </strong>(try to retrace your steps, but do not move unless you’re sure you know where you’re going), <strong>observe </strong>how much daylight (and supplies) you have left and pay attention to any weather changes, then <strong>plan </strong>a route back to a safe place. Unless you’re absolutely confident, it’s best to stay put.</p> <p><strong>7. Snake bite</strong></p> <p>If you encounter a snake, back away very slowly and choose a different route. If it seems to be following you, stamp on the ground – the vibrations should drive it away. If bitten, ensure the affected area is moved lower than your heart (this will slow the spread of venom) and get to the closest hospital. If possible, try to remember (or even photograph) the snake – this will help doctors identify the required anti-venom.</p> <p><strong>8. Plane crash</strong></p> <p>If you’re unfortunate enough to be caught in a plane emergency, there are two immediate hurdles – surviving the impact of the crash, then surviving what follows – fire, smoke and drowning. Get the oxygen mask on immediately (20 seconds is enough to make you lose consciousness) and abandon your belongings. According to a simulation conducted using a Boeing 727, it’s actually safer to book a cheap seat at the back, as the front of the plane will bear the most impact.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

Travel Tips

“A lesson learned”: Uni student lands herself in an overdue book nightmare

<p dir="ltr">A university graduate student received the shock of her academic career when an email arrived in her inbox to inform her she owed her school’s library a whopping $11,900 in overdue book fines. </p> <p dir="ltr">Hannah took to TikTok to share her story, posting a snippet of the horror email, and the news that her library account had amassed a debt of “$11,9000 owed for 119 lost books”. The books had been declared lost, though Hannah was quick to note that she was “still using” each of them, and had every intention of returning them once she was finished with her studies. </p> <p dir="ltr">To drive home the fact that the books were not missing, and instead safely in her scholarly possession, Hannah panned around the various piles of tomes stacked around her home, with a caption reading “the books aren’t lost, I’m just hoarding them until I finish my dissertation.” </p> <p dir="ltr">The email itself explained the books were marked as lost in the library’s system if they exceeded 30 days overdue, and that there was a flat rate of $100 per book in such instances. And according to the library, it was up to each patron to renew their books, and that Hannah “received overdue notices on the following dates prompting you to renew your library books before they are declared lost.”</p> <p dir="ltr">As she explained to <em>The Daily Dot</em>, she had checked out her collection three years prior while she’d been preparing for exams, and confirmed that she had received four reminders to either renew or return the books, but she’d put it off each time. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Then I got the automatic email,” she added, “saying all of the books were marked as lost and my account was charged $100 per book.” </p> <p dir="ltr">Hannah’s woe drew a mixed response from her audience, with some surprised that her library had even let her withdraw that many books in the first place, others unable to wrap their heads around the fact she could have let her situation get so bad, and many quick to defend the librarian, who they declared had only been doing her job. </p> <p dir="ltr">“My library only lets me check out 5 books at a time,” one wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That’s why keeping library books past their due date is considered stealing,” another said, to which Hannah responded to promise her lesson had been learned. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Only 30 days over due??? Damn give a lil more time,” said one, with Hannah informing them that she’d had the books for years by that point. </p> <p dir="ltr">It wasn’t all bad for the budding scholar though, with Hannah explaining in another comment that “it was hunky dory”, as the library had waived her fees as soon as she’d responded to them, and that she’d been allowed to keep all 119 for an additional year. </p> <p dir="ltr">And, as she told another follower, “I’ve never replied to an email faster.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

Books

COVID is officially no longer a global health emergency – here’s what that means (and what we’ve learned along the way)

<p>World Health Organisation (WHO) experts <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/05/health/covid-who-emergency-end.html">have officially declared</a> that COVID <a href="https://www.who.int/news/item/05-05-2023-statement-on-the-fifteenth-meeting-of-the-international-health-regulations-(2005)-emergency-committee-regarding-the-coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-pandemic">no longer constitutes</a> a public health emergency of international concern (Pheic). This coincides with the WHO’s new <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-WHE-SPP-2023.1">strategy</a> to transition from an emergency response to longer-term sustained COVID disease management. </p> <p>This may not change too much practically. COVID will still have pandemic status, and countries will continue to have their own authority as to whether to treat COVID as an emergency within their territories (some countries, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/04/11/1169191865/biden-ends-covid-national-emergency">including the US</a>, have already declared an end to the national emergency).</p> <p>For the global public health community, however, this is an event of monumental importance, drawing to a close the emergency response period which commenced on <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/covid-19-public-health-emergency-of-international-concern-(pheic)-global-research-and-innovation-forum">January 30 2020</a>. </p> <p>At the same time, for a large portion of the general public, it may well pass by relatively unnoticed. For many people, it’s been a long time since they viewed COVID as an emergency. In the UK for example, COVID no longer features in the regular Office for National Statistics <a href="https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/bulletins/publicopinionsandsocialtrendsgreatbritain/19aprilto1may2023">public opinion survey</a> that asks people what they think the key issues facing the country are. Even a year ago, <a href="https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/bulletins/publicopinionsandsocialtrendsgreatbritain/30marchto24april2022">only two in five Britons</a> were very or somewhat worried about COVID, according to the survey.</p> <p>Along with other behavioural scientists, I have been following <a href="https://www.swansea.ac.uk/research/research-highlights/health-innovation/public-during-pandemic/">public experiences of the pandemic</a> for the past three years. The results have yet to be peer reviewed but by summer 2022, many participants in <a href="https://psyarxiv.com/d6jcv">our research</a> described the pandemic as being like “a distant memory” or like it “never happened”.</p> <p>As we move into this next phase, it’s time to consider what we’ve learned about human behaviour during the pandemic, and what happens next.</p> <h2>Old habits die hard</h2> <p>In the early days of the pandemic, many behavioural scientists, myself included, wondered whether some of our pandemic habits <a href="https://theconversation.com/two-years-into-the-pandemic-which-of-our-newly-formed-habits-are-here-to-stay-178204">were here to stay</a>. Would <a href="https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2021-04-02/masks-to-stay-soldiering-on-through-the-common-cold-will-stop-and-the-nature-of-work-has-changed-forever-expert-says">face masks</a> become a regular wardrobe staple? Would people stop “soldiering on” and going into work when unwell?</p> <p>It turned out that for most people, the pandemic hasn’t permanently changed our behaviour and habits or created a “<a href="https://psyarxiv.com/d6jcv">new normal</a>”. Looking again at the UK, face mask use has consistently declined, with <a href="https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/datasets/publicopinionsandsocialtrendsgreatbritaincoronaviruscovid19andotherillnesses">figures from last month</a> suggesting that fewer than one in six adults had worn a face mask recently. Regular use is likely much less common. </p> <p>Social distancing has long since disappeared, except for a relatively small proportion of the public, in particular those most vulnerable to COVID.</p> <p>The COVID pandemic has taught us how adaptive behaviour can be, in particular how much people were willing to change their behaviour to keep themselves and others safe. Most people <a href="https://academic.oup.com/abm/article/56/8/781/6618645?login=false">followed the rules</a> during <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0258781">the height of the pandemic</a>, no matter how difficult. COVID has reminded us <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/759BE02FFE73E5C05EA429A3E1547D78/S2056467821000050a.pdf/resilience_in_the_age_of_covid19.pdf">how resilient we humans can be</a>.</p> <p>These pandemic adaptions, and the fact that our pre-pandemic behaviour bounced back so quickly, shows how important social cues and social norms are to behaviour. Putting on a mask or keeping our distance from others were habits – <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S002210311100254X">actions triggered automatically</a> in response to contextual cues, such as seeing signs with pictures of people socially distancing.</p> <p>Social norms – what we think others are doing – were key to <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0277360">vaccine uptake</a> and to our uptake of <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-020-0884-z">preventative measures in general</a>. As these contextual cues disappeared and the social norms started to change, and as vaccine coverage increased and the risk to the majority decreased, our behaviour changed.</p> <p>The pandemic has also demonstrated how important social connections and social, especially physical, contact can be. This is something <a href="https://theconversation.com/handshakes-and-hugs-are-good-for-you-its-vital-they-make-a-comeback-after-the-pandemic-158174">we have already argued</a> COVID couldn’t keep at bay forever. According to social safety theory, which sees stress and wellbeing as a product of biological, psychological and social factors, COVID <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352250X2200001X">posed a threat</a> to the “social fabric that makes humans resilient and keeps us alive and well”. </p> <p>It’s unsurprising that life satisfaction and happiness were <a href="https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/10/7/e039334">lowest during lockdowns</a>, and <a href="https://www.covidsocialstudy.org/_files/ugd/064c8b_c525505ffa6b432f96dc41d6b6a985ea.pdf">recovered as people started to mix socially again</a>.</p> <h2>The emergency isn’t over for everyone</h2> <p>As we mark the end of the emergency phase it’s important to remember the <a href="https://covid19.who.int/">nearly seven million lives lost</a> due to COVID since 2020.</p> <p>And of course, we must consider that for some, especially those who are clinically vulnerable, the emergency is not yet over, and may never be.</p> <p>Although it’s no longer a Pheic, <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-WHE-SPP-2023.1">as the WHO reminds us</a>, COVID is still responsible for millions of infections and thousands of deaths each week around the world. Also, thanks to long COVID, hundreds of millions of people are in need of longer-term care.</p> <p>In the future, we need to move from relying on the resilience of individuals to building resilience in our institutions. We can all take measures to continue to protect ourselves and those around us from COVID and other respiratory viruses (such as by <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)00021-1/fulltext">hand washing</a> and keeping up to date with vaccinations). But responsibility for preventing public health emergencies shouldn’t rest <a href="https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2020/03/17/uks-coronavirus-policy-places-too-much-responsibility-in-the-hands-of-the-public/">solely in the hands of the public</a></p> <p>Actions that governments, employers and health authorities can take now could <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2022/may/11/preventable-by-devi-sridhar-review-a-resolutely-global-view-of-covid">protect against</a> future <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34872923/">public health emergencies</a>. Systematically <a href="https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/jrc-news/misinformation-covid-19-what-did-we-learn-2023-02-21_en">tackling misinformation</a>, <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240021280">improving ventilation</a> in <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/376/bmj.o327">schools</a>, workplaces and other public indoor spaces, and making longer-term improvements to paid sick leave are all good ways to start building more <a href="https://unsdg.un.org/resources/executive-summary-un-common-guidance-helping-build-resilient-societies">resilient societies</a> in preparation for the next pandemic. Hopefully this is something we will never see in our lifetimes.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/covid-is-officially-no-longer-a-global-health-emergency-heres-what-that-means-and-what-weve-learned-along-the-way-205080" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>

Caring

“I didn’t want to come out!”: Spanish mountaineer emerges after 500 days underground

<p>When Spanish mountaineer Beatriz Flamini descended into her cave - and home for the next 500 days - the world was an entirely different place. </p> <p>COVID-19 restrictions were still enforced, Queen Elizabeth II was still alive and on the throne, war hadn’t been declared in Ukraine, and Flamini herself was only 48. </p> <p>She entered the cave on November 20 2021, and while she was forced to surface for eight days while repairs were made to a router - one used for transmitting audio and video - she spent that brief period isolated in a tent. </p> <p>And then, a year and a half later, a 50-year-old Flamini emerged from 230 feet underground outside of Granada, Spain. And while most would be eager for some sunshine and some company after such a stint, Flamini had an entirely different take, informing everyone that she had actually been sound asleep when her team came to collect her. </p> <p>“I thought something had happened,” she said. “I said, ‘already? Surely not.’ I hadn’t finished my book.”</p> <p>And when it came to whether or not she’d struggled while down there, Flamini was quite to declare “never. In fact, I didn’t want to come out!”</p> <p>To keep herself occupied during the marathon stay, Flamini tried her hand at a whole host of popular pastimes, from knitting to exercising, painting, knitting, and reading. The effort paid off, the days flying by as the determined mountaineer successfully lost track of time.</p> <p>“On day 65, I stopped counting and lost perception of time,” she explained. “I didn’t talk to myself out loud, but I had internal conversations and got on very well with myself.</p> <p>“You have to remain conscious of your feelings. If you’re afraid, that’s something natural, but never let panic in, or you get paralysed.”</p> <p>Flamini was given a panic button in case of emergency, but she never felt the need to use it. And while her support team were on hand to give her clean clothing, provide essential food, and remove any waste that had accumulated, they were not to talk to her.</p> <p>“If it’s no communication it’s no communication, regardless of the circumstances,” Flamini said of that particular decision. “The people who know me knew and respected that.”</p> <p>As for what comes next, Flamini will now be studied by a team of experts - psychologists, researchers, and the like - to determine what impact the isolation of her extended time below might have had on her. </p> <p><em>Images: Getty, Sky News</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Couple’s hiking trip thrown into jeopardy days before take off

<p>When US-based couple Neil Lapetina and Denise Cordero spent $20,000 to explore the world - and one of its most unique locations - they had dreams of a once-in-a-lifetime hike through Lord Howe Island’s stunning scenery. </p> <p>But days before their departure, their excitement turned to horror when the pair learned that a large number of eco-destinations had been suddenly closed off - up to 75 per cent of them. </p> <p>The reason? The Lord Howe Island Board [LHIB] were working to contain an airborne fungus with potentially devastating consequences for the World Heritage-listed destination, and the 241 species of Indigenous plants to which it is home - 47 per cent of which can only be found there. </p> <p>Additionally, those can primarily be found along the island’s numerous hiking trails in the Permanent Park Preserve [PPP], prompting the mass closures for three-quarters of its total area. </p> <p>However, this meant that Neil and Denise - as well as any other traveller with tickets to visit - were in some trouble, as compensation wasn’t being offered to them. </p> <p>“We were told that they knew about this on February 3,” Neil said, “by their own admission, and if they knew about it [then]), then there’s a chance we might have not have paid our non-refundable balance due.</p> <p>“First and foremost, myrtle rust has hit the island hard — our first concern is with the island. We’re confused: if it’s as bad as they say it is, then don’t have people come out.”</p> <p>Myrtle rust has the potential to destroy entire Australian ecosystems, and spreads at rapid pace as its spores can be carried by wind, animals, insects, and humans alike, so it’s no small wonder the LHIB took immediate action to combat the threat. </p> <p>Fellow traveller Ian Freestone - who has visited the island numerous times before - had plans to celebrate his birthday there with 30 guests. After forking out a staggering $60,000 for the trip, they were informed that the trails would not be available to them, with closures to the PPP. </p> <p>Ian told <em>7News</em> the whole thing was like “going to Luna Park but not [being] allowed on all the rides.”</p> <p>And for those who had been left on the island after the LHIB’s “effective immediately, the PPP is temporarily closed” announcement, the situation was not much better, with some claiming they - and their holiday funds - had been “left in limbo”. </p> <p>And while the island’s initial closure had been sudden - and crucial - it was only 10 days before the LHIB announced that the PPP would be partially reopening. </p> <p>“After extensive monitoring, no new sites of myrtle rust infestation have been located on the island. Importantly, as of yesterday (March 23), there were no active spores at known sites,” they said. </p> <p>But for some, this wasn’t enough, with many noting that they just would have appreciated “a bit of notice”, especially after spending so much to visit in the first place. </p> <p>Neil - and assumedly Denise - were of a similar opinion. Although they value the island’s flora, they pleaded for some compassion from the LHIB in the wake of their snap decision, and its consequences for themselves and the other impacted travellers. </p> <p>“We’re putting $20,000, between the two couples, into this. I’ve worked hard all my life for this, for money - this doesn’t grow on trees,” he said.</p> <p>“We’re nature lovers ... we get it. But communication has been lacking. To hear about this first through word-of-mouth, that’s not the way to do it.</p> <p>“Please, show your visitors some respect.”</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Hilarious footage emerges of Sam Neill's James Bond screen test

<p dir="ltr"><em>Jurassic Park</em> star Sam Neill appeared on the <em>Today</em> show to discuss his career and new memoir 'Did I Ever Tell You This?' but the hosts had other plans.</p> <p dir="ltr">Karl Stefanovic, Sarah Abo and Brooke Boney managed to dig up an old screen test that left the 75-year-old red-faced.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Oh, my God, no - That is so cruel to play that, so cruel," a flustered Neil said, as footage from his <em>James Bond</em> audition started rolling.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the video, a young Neill armed with a gun and donning an unbuttoned shirt bursts into a bedroom-to the surprise of a naked woman- and says the famous line "My friends called me Bond, James Bond".</p> <p dir="ltr">Neill said he was thankful that he didn’t get the part and that someone else was chosen to do the role.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I felt so awkward all day that we made that thing and it just went on and on and on," he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I am so relieved they offered it to someone else, they are welcome to it - you don't want to be the Bond that no-one likes, you know - that is a fate worse than death."</p> <p dir="ltr">Although he didn’t get the role of agent 007, the actor has starred in three of the J<em>urassic Park films, Event Horizon, The Dish and Peter Rabbit</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">He also told the <em>Today </em>show hosts that he never intended on becoming a professional actor and his success was completely unexpected.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I never really imagined I would have a career in film, let alone a career as an actor," he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"At the rather advanced age of 30 I suddenly realised I could make a living at what I loved best and I never looked back until I wrote (the memoir) and it has been good to look back - it has been really good for me."</p> <p><em>Image: Today Show, Channel 9</em></p>

Movies

24-year-old flight attendant dies as plane lands

<p>A flight attendant who died suddenly when her plane landed shared how much she “loved her job” in a final Instagram post.</p> <p>Greta Dyrmishi, 24, was a cabin crew member for Air Albania and was travelling from Tirana, the Albanian capital, to Essex in the UK when she suddenly fainted on the tarmac.</p> <p>Paramedics arrived on the scene, giving CPR after reports of a woman being seriously ill, but unfortunately, they were unable to save her.</p> <p>A post-mortem found that the Ms Dyrmishi had died from “sudden adult death syndrome”.</p> <p>The 24-year-old, who was very active on Instagram and regularly posted about her travels, shared an aerial view of city lights at night, paired with the words, “That’s why I love my job.”</p> <p>She shared a clip from a plane window, roughly nine weeks before she passed away, showcasing the ocean, buildings and countryside.</p> <p>Ms Dyrmishi also shared footage on Instagram where she was seen enjoying a night out with co-workers.</p> <p>Essex Coroner’s Court was informed the young woman was given basic first aid on the tarmac when she fainted.</p> <p>“Ten minutes later there was no pulse and CPR commenced. Paramedics treated her and confirmed she had passed away,” Michelle Brown, area coroner for Essex, said.</p> <p>“A post-mortem found her cause of death to be sudden adult death syndrome.”</p> <p>According to the British Heart Foundation, Sudden Adult Death syndrome, also referred to as Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS), is “when someone dies suddenly and unexpectedly from a cardiac arrest, but the cause of the cardiac arrest can’t be detected.</p> <p>The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute in Australia revealed SADS is one of the biggest causes of death for Australians under 50 and is five times more likely to affect men.</p> <p>“The primary cause of SCD in adults 35 and over is coronary heart disease. In younger people under 35, it is congenital heart conditions and heart rhythm disorders,” it says on its <a href="https://baker.edu.au/health-hub/sudden-cardiac-death#:~:text=Sudden%20cardiac%20death%20%E2%80%94%20also%20sudden,over%20is%20coronary%20heart%20disease." target="_blank" rel="noopener">site</a>.</p> <p>Ms Brown stated at the time of the incident that Ms Dyrmishi was at the front by the doors on the plane at Stansted Airport.</p> <p>“This is suitable for a documentary inquest in due course,” she said.</p> <p>At the time of her death, Air Albania issued a statement that said, “On December 21, after disembarking the passengers from our flight to London, one of our cabin crew Greta Dyrmishi had a heart attack.</p> <p>“Even after all medical assistance was provided immediately, we still lost her.</p> <p>“She was taken to the hospital in London, and procedures are being followed.</p> <p>“From the first moments, Air Albania contacted her family, and we continue to be close to them in these difficult moments.</p> <p>“In respect to Greta and her family, we decided to share the news with the public at the appropriate time.</p> <p>“We will always remember Greta as a passionate professional, an excellent co-worker, and a great friend to all of us. May God mercy her and give peace to the family. Air Albania will continue to be with her family.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Disturbing new details emerge in death of head teacher, husband and daughter

<p><em><strong>Warning: This article contains distressing content that some readers may find confronting. </strong></em></p> <p>A headmistress at a private school in the UK made a distress call to a family member just hours before she was found dead, a report has claimed. </p> <p>School principal Emma Pattison, the head teacher of private school Epsom College in Surrey, England, was <a href="https://oversixty.co.nz/news/news/headmistress-husband-and-daughter-found-dead-on-school-grounds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">found dead</a> alongside her 39-year-old husband, George, and seven-year-old daughter Lettie on the school grounds earlier this week. </p> <p>As an investigation into their deaths has commenced, the BBC has reported that Emma made a frantic phone call to a relative with concerns about her partner. </p> <p>By the time the worried relative arrived at the house, which is surrounded by other properties occupied by college staff and is close to the prestigious school’s rifle range, all three were dead.</p> <p>Police have yet to disclose the official cause of their deaths, but are confident no one else was involved in the "isolated" incident. </p> <p>Detectives confirmed a firearm registered to George, of which he had a license for, was found at the scene and they are treating the tragedy as a double murder and suicide.</p> <p>Detectives suspect George killed his wife Emma, 45, and little Lettie before taking his own life.</p> <p>Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, senior investigating officer on the case, said, “This is an incredibly traumatic incident and we are working around the clock to investigate and understand the exact circumstances which led to this point."</p> <p>“We understand the public concern and upset, and we will clarify what we can, when we can, while respecting the right to a level of privacy for the families of those who have lost their lives."</p> <p>The community is reeling from the tragedy, as devastated neighbours who knew the "lovely" family shared how "heartbroken" they are. </p> <p>One person said, “It is just shocking and unimaginable.”</p> <p>Chloe Rathbone, a nursery worker who looked after Lettie, told The Times, “I am utterly so heartbroken over this awful news."</p> <p>“They were such a lovely family and Lettie was perfect in every way, everything you could have wished for in a little girl.”</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';"><strong><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Don't go it alone. Please reach out for help.</em></strong></p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';"><strong><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au</em></strong></p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';"><strong><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au</em></strong></p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';"><strong><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au</em></strong></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / </em><em style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">epsomcollege.org.uk</em></p>

News

Sharon Osbourne rushed to hospital

<p>Sharon Osbourne has been rushed to hospital for a "medical emergency". </p> <p>While filming a paranormal TV series in California, the 70-year-old allegedly fell ill for an "unknown" condition. </p> <p>Santa Paula Police Chief Don Aguilar confirmed on Saturday that an ambulance crew from Ventura County Fire Department were called to a tavern at around 6.30pm, before they transported Osbourne to Santa Paula Hospital.</p> <p>A spokeswoman for the Ventura County Health Care Agency told <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/celebrities/20787630/sharon-osbourne-rushed-to-hospital/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the US Sun,</a> “We can confirm that she was transported to and treated at a local County hospital and is no longer at our hospital.”</p> <p>Osbourne has also recently been caring and tending to her husband, Ozzy, 74, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease.</p> <p>According to Variety, Sharon was on location at the Glen Tavern Inn in Santa Paula, California, where she was reportedly feeling fine before while shooting an unnamed paranormal-themed television series.</p> <p>The hotel – which was built in 1911 – is known for its alleged hauntings inside its rooms.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

News

Rare new image of Archie emerges

<p dir="ltr">Three-year-old Archie has been seen in a photo with his mum Meghan Markle, making a rare appearance in the public eye after the photo was shared on social media.</p> <p dir="ltr">Archie and Meghan were joined by Doria Ragland, Meghan’s mum, on a video call with Full Circle Strategies CEO Jotaka Eaddy and political strategist Donna Brazile.</p> <p dir="ltr">The toddler was seen on camera sitting on Meghan’s lap, while his grandmother stood behind them.</p> <p dir="ltr">The image was shared by Duchess Harris, a professor in American studies and political science, and quickly spread online.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-270906b6-7fff-a6b8-28aa-02496c034416"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">While it is unclear what the meeting was about, the photo marks one of Archie’s few appearances since his birth in May 2019.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/12/archie-meghan-zoom.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Meghan Markle, Archie, and Doria Ragland appeared on a video call with Jotaka Eaddy and Donna Brazile, marking one of the few times Archie has been seen on camera. Image: Twitter</em></p> <p dir="ltr">The meeting and photo also come as Prince William and Kate Middleton prepare to head to the United States on Thursday, with an itinerary including attending the second Earthshot Prize Awards in Boston, Massachusetts.</p> <p dir="ltr">Coincidentally, Harry and Meghan will also be on the East Coast within days of the Prince and Princess of Wales, as they are due to attend a ceremony in New York to accept the Ripple of Hope award for their stance against “structural racism” in the royal family.</p> <p dir="ltr">The recognition of the Sussexes also comes amid more racial controversy for the royals.</p> <p dir="ltr">On Thursday, Queen Elizabeth’s lady-in-waiting Lady Susan Hussey <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/prince-william-s-godmother-resigns-amid-racism-row" target="_blank" rel="noopener">resigned from her royal position</a> for making “deeply regrettable comments” about Ngozi Fulani, the CEO of Sistah Space, an organisation aimed at supporting women of African and Caribbean heritage that are affected by abuse.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Twitter</em></p>

Family & Pets

7 ways your iPhone could save your life

<p>Your iPhone can do many amazing things, including save your life. Here are seven ways how it could help you in an emergency.</p> <p><strong>1. Use voice-activated Siri</strong></p> <p>A news story earlier this year reported on a man who was trapped under a lorry with his phone in his back pocket. He managed to save himself by using Hey Siri to call emergency services.</p> <p>To use voice-activated Siri to your phone, go to Settings > General > Siri >Allow Hey Siri</p> <p><strong>2. Add a medical ID</strong></p> <p>Adding a medical ID means anyone can access the emergency details and medical history on your phone (but only the medical ID).</p> <p><strong>3. Donwload a medical app</strong></p> <p>There are various apps around from St John Ambulance Australia to the Blood Pressure Companion that can help save your life in an unexpected situation.</p> <p><strong>4. Use a location service app</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.life360.com/family-locator/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span>T</span><span>hese apps</span></a> track your location and let your chosen users known exactly where you are all the time. It can be an invasion of privacy so can be turned on and off.</p> <p><strong>5. Add an ICE (in case of emergency) to your contact list</strong></p> <p>It’s always useful to have indicate an ICE contact on your phone.</p> <p><strong>6. Use the Apple health app</strong></p> <p>The new health app on iPhones lets you add blood pressure, body measurements, and other vital information. It’s not only easier for you to keep track of your vitals but means it’s easier for others to know your medical requirements if they ever need too.</p> <p>To activate, go Health > Health Data > Vitals > Add Data Point</p> <p><strong>7. Turn on the flashlight</strong></p> <p>The flashlight is handy to have in lots of situations. Swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone screen and tap on the flashlight icon. </p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Technology

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Property

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Devastating new details emerge on Heath Ledger's death