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Convicted child rapist qualifies for Olympic team

<p>A convicted child rapist has qualified to represent The Netherlands at the upcoming 2024 Olympics. </p> <p>Steven van de Velde will head to Paris in July to represent the country in beach volleyball, much to the dismay of many. </p> <p>Van de Velde's selection has caused outrage given he pleaded guilty to three counts of rape in 2014 and was sentenced to four years in jail.</p> <p>He was convicted in 2016 and only served one year behind bars. </p> <p>The athlete, now 29, admitted to meeting the then 12-year-old on Facebook before travelling to England from Amsterdam to meet her when he raped her, after being aware of her age. </p> <p>At the 2016 sentencing, the judge labelled Van de Velde's Olympic aspirations a "shattered dream" due to the conviction.</p> <p>However, the Netherlands Olympic Committee (NOC) have given him another chance, despite the fact that the British Olympic Committee is allegedly uncomfortable with the Van de Velde selection.</p> <p>"Since 2018, Steven van de Velde has been participating in international beach volleyball tournaments again following an intensive, professionally supervised trajectory," the NOC said in a statement.</p> <p>Despite the unusual selection, the International Olympic Committee allows each nation to select its own athletes and does not veto any picks.</p> <p>Following his release from jail, Van de Velde said in an interview in 2018, "I made that choice in my life when I wasn't ready, I was a teenager still figuring things out."</p> <p>"I was sort of lost and now I have so much more life experience, aside from just being incarcerated. Any form of help would have been very very helpful, maybe that's what I would have told myself, seek help."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Xinhua News Agency/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p> <p> </p>

Legal

Nine-year-old Aussie ballet prodigy scores full New York scholarship

<p>A talented nine-year-old is heading to New York City, after scoring a full scholarship to a prestigious ballet school. </p> <p>Malcolm Doyle's dad Nick said he and his wife knew their son had a talent for dance from a young age, and could not be more proud of the international attention his dancing has garnered.</p> <p>"He's been doing really well here in Australia and since last year, there's been a bit of a focus from overseas," Nick told <em><a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/today/aussie-billy-elliot-nine-year-old-ballet-prodigy-scores-scholarship-to-prestigious-new-york-academy/4e3fdf08-3fb7-41a4-89df-eb6ee4b58095" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Today</a></em>.</p> <p>"He got brought in to do an audition for Chicago's A and A Ballet, who were doing a world broadcast for auditions and from there, we just started to get a bit of interest."</p> <p>"And then this year, we let him do the auditions for the Royal Ballet and he ended up in Hong Kong over Easter."</p> <p>From there, Nick said the American Ballet Theatre in New York got in contact and offered Malcolm a scholarship. </p> <p>Malcolm ultimately turned down the offer and signed with another NYC school, the Ellison Theatre, who offered the youngster a full ride. </p> <p>The family are currently saving up to buy flights over to the US to check out the school, with Nick saying they will do anything and everything to support their son's dream. </p> <p>"It's taking quite a bit of the funds out of my bank account, but the love he's got for dancing, you can't stop him and even if we wanted to, I mean we get home after he's had a full day of dance and he's still dancing around the house," Nick said.</p> <p>Malcolm's dad has a performing arts background and his mum is also a classically trained ballerina and teacher, so Nick said Malcolm was either going to inherit the genes or "end up having three left feet".</p> <p>"He went and saw a production by the Queensland Ballet on the weekend, which he had never seen before and he walked out with half the choreography memorised in his head and trying to reproduce it.," Nick said.</p> <p>After being dubbed "Australia's own Billy Elliot", the Today hosts asked Malcom what it is he loves so much about dancing.</p> <p>"It makes me feel really excited and it's so amazing for me, the feeling I get when I dance," Malcolm said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Today </em></p>

Music

Robert De Niro shares rare photo of baby daughter

<p>Robert De Niro has shared a rare photo of his adorable 10-month-old daughter Gia, while opening up on their unusual family dynamic for the first time. </p> <p>The 80-year-old acting legend welcomed baby Gia with his girlfriend Tiffany Chen in 2023, making the adorable infant De Niro's seventh child.</p> <p>The sweet photo delighted fans, with the picture showing the proud dad cradling his daughter and resting his cheek on her head, while the baby smiles for the camera.</p> <p>De Niro doted on his daughter in a new interview with <em><a href="https://people.com/all-about-robert-de-niro-and-tiffany-chen-daughter-8386466" target="_blank" rel="noopener">People</a></em> magazine, saying, “She’s such an adorable baby. So sweet.”</p> <p>The actor also laughed about the unusual dynamic within his family after welcoming his seventh child at age 79.</p> <p>“The kids all get a big kick out of her. The grandkids even. She’s their aunt — [and] they’re about to be teenagers!” he said.</p> <p>In addition to Gia, De Niro is also father to Drena, 56, Raphael, 47, twins Julian and Aaron, 28, Elliot, 25, and Helen, 12.</p> <p>He has four grandchildren, including Drena’s son, Leandro, who tragically died from an accidental overdose in 2023 at the age of 19. </p> <p>Speaking with <em>AARP</em> in January, De Niro became emotional talking about the newest addition to his family. </p> <p>“Everything that I’m consumed with or worried about just goes away when I look at her,” he raved. “It’s wondrous.”</p> <p>He also gave a glimpse into his home life with Chen, 45, and baby Gia while speaking to <em>The Guardian</em> last October.</p> <p>While addressing his age, he candidly explained that he has stepped back from doing “the heavy lifting.”</p> <p>“I’m there, I support my girlfriend. But she does the work,” he stated. “And we have help, which is so important.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Youtube / Courtesy Robert De Niro / Yahoo Canada</em></p>

Family & Pets

“Sky’s the limit”: Why Alex de Minaur is the one to watch at the Australian Open

<p>The tennis world is buzzing with excitement as Alex de Minaur, the 24-year-old Australian sensation, extends his remarkable winning streak in the lead-up to the Australian Open.</p> <p>In a recent charity match held in Melbourne, de Minaur displayed his lethal form by securing a notable victory over the reigning Wimbledon champion, Spain's Carlos Alcaraz.</p> <p>Despite the match's charitable nature, this win marks a significant milestone for de Minaur, who is now ranked No.10 in the world – the highest ranking he has ever achieved. As he gears up for the upcoming Australian Open, de Minaur's triumphs and confidence are setting the stage for an electrifying tournament.</p> <p>The charity match against Alcaraz proved to be more than just a philanthropic endeavour, as de Minaur secured his first-ever win over the reigning Wimbledon champ. Alcaraz, currently ranked No.2 in the world, faced a resilient de Minaur who claimed victory with a 6-4, 5-7, (10-3) scoreline. This triumph not only adds a feather to de Minaur's cap but also instills a newfound confidence as he prepares for the intense battles ahead in Melbourne.</p> <p>De Minaur's recent success in the charity match adds to his growing list of upsets, notably highlighted by his stellar performance in the United Cup tournament. The Australian tennis star showcased his prowess by defeating formidable opponents, including Team USA's Taylor Fritz, tennis legend Novak Djokovic, and world No.7 Alexander Zverev.</p> <p>Leading Australia into the semi-finals, de Minaur's exceptional form during the United Cup laid the foundation for his current confidence and high world ranking.</p> <p>Despite his commanding victory in front of a packed Rod Laver Arena, de Minaur remains humble and focused on the challenges ahead. In a post-match statement, he expressed his gratitude and outlined his motivational mantra, quoting, "'How big would you dream if you knew you couldn't fail?' ... I'm pushing myself every day and hopefully the sky's the limit."</p> <p>As the Australian Open approaches, de Minaur's exceptional form and recent triumphs are capturing the attention of tennis enthusiasts worldwide. With a newfound confidence and a career-high ranking, de Minaur is poised for an exciting and potentially groundbreaking performance in Melbourne.</p> <p>The stage is set for a riveting Aus Open, and fans eagerly anticipate witnessing how far de Minaur can push the limits in 2024.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

"Shame on you!" Robert De Niro's courtroom outburst

<p>Robert De Niro has lost his temper in court, as his former assistant accused him of being abusive. </p> <p>The Oscar-winning actor is being sued by Graham Chase Robinson, who worked as his assistant from 2008 until several months into 2019, for millions of dollars after claiming he was abusive when they worked together. </p> <p>Robinson, 41, seeks $US12 million (approximately AUD$18 million) in damages for emotional distress and harm to her reputation, that she claims has left her jobless and unable to recover from the trauma of working for De Niro.</p> <p>The jury is also considering evidence pertaining to a lawsuit De Niro filed against Robinson in which he claimed that she stole things from him, including five million points that could be used for airline flights.</p> <p>De Niro is countersuing his former employee, seeking the return of three years of Robinson's salary.</p> <p>Robinson's attorney Andrew Macurdy interrogated the actor over some of his questionable behaviour, including allegations that he spoke to Robinson while he was urinating, and claims that he called her a "b***h" to her face.</p> <p>De Niro admitted that while he "got angry" at his former assistant, he was "never abusive".</p> <p>Growing frustrated with the line of questioning, he exclaimed, "You got us all here for this?" </p> <p>Eventually, he angrily looked toward Robinson and shouted, "Shame on you, Chase Robinson!"</p> <p>De Niro was also asked by Macurdy if he he sued Robinson before she sued him because he wanted publicity.</p> <p>"It draws attention to me. It's the last thing I wanted to do," De Niro said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Legal

Miss World contestant passes away at just 26

<p>A former Miss World contestant has passed away at the age of 26, after a two-year battle with cervical cancer. </p> <p>Sherika de Armas, who was the representative for Uruguay in the 2015 international pageant, died last week after undergoing both chemotherapy and radiotherapy during her health fight. </p> <p>Her family announced the news of her death on Instagram, telling followers she “departed in peace, surrounded by the love of her family and friends”.</p> <p>“She will always be in our hearts,” they said.</p> <p>“Fly high, little sister. Always and forever,” de Armas’s brother Mayk wrote.</p> <p>Among the commenters was current Miss Uruguay Carla Romero who wrote, “Too evolved for this world. One of the most beautiful women I have ever met in my life.”</p> <p>De Armas represented Uruguay in the Miss World competition in 2015, and although she didn't make the top 30, she was called "one of the young promising talents of Uruguay" for her "beautiful face, towering height and charismatic personality". </p> <p>She was one of six 18-year-olds in the competition that year, which was held in China. </p> <p>“I always wanted to be a model, whether a beauty model, an advertising model or a catwalk model,” she told local outlet Univision at the time.</p> <p>“I like everything related to fashion and I think that within a beauty pageant, any girl’s dream is to have the opportunity to participate in Miss Universe."</p> <p>“I am very happy to be able to live this experience full of challenges.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Ballet flats are back. Here’s what the research says about how they affect your feet

<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kristin-graham-1427672">Kristin Graham</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a></em>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/helen-banwell-305575">Helen Banwell</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a></em>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/saravana-kumar-181105">Saravana Kumar</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a></em></p> <p>Ballet flat shoes – those thin-heeled lightweight slip-on shoes – are making a fashion <a href="https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/ballet-flats">comeback</a>. And it’s not hard to see why: they’re versatile, easy to wear, soft, flexible and often worn by celebrities.</p> <p>We have often been warned of the dangers of high-heeled shoes, so you might think ballet flats are problem-free.</p> <p>When you look at the research, however, a complicated picture emerges. There’s no definitive evidence to show ballet flats are generally harmful to foot health in the long-term. But ill-fitting ballet flats can be a problem.</p> <h2>Make sure it fits, especially in the toe box</h2> <p>An estimated <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30065787/">70%</a> of the population are wearing ill-fitting shoes. This mismatch between foot and shoe shape can increase foot pain, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17507530/">reduce stability</a>, and can mean more blisters, corns and calluses. And habitual wearing of tight shoes has been <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0958259207000533">associated</a> with bone changes in the toes and feet over time.</p> <p>Many flats feature a shallow and narrow toe box (the part of the shoe where the toes go). A too-small toe box often doesn’t align with the shape of a foot and ends up squishing the toes. It can also <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0958259206000770">increase</a> pressure on top of and under the foot, and <a href="https://jfootankleres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1757-1146-6-28">restrict</a> the movement of the forefoot during walking.</p> <p>But a too-big toe box is also a problem. Too much foot movement within the shoe can cause pressure and friction on the skin, which can also lead to calluses, corns, blisters, and wounds.</p> <p>A poorly fitting toe box can also cause micro trauma to toenails which, ultimately, can change <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Anuva-Bansal/publication/347522694_Traumatic_Nail_Disorders/links/60d6135592851ca94487df7e/Traumatic-Nail-Disorders.pdf">their look and thickness</a>.</p> <p>So if you’re wearing flats, make sure you choose a shoe with the right sized toe box.</p> <h2>What about the heel?</h2> <p>Health professionals often recommend a small heel over a completely flat shoe. Very flat shoes can <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27498844/">place</a> <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0268003307002082">more</a> strain on the soft tissues that support the foot arch – specifically, the plantar fascia.</p> <p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27498844/">Research</a> has shown moving from a completely flat shoe to a small, raised heel reduces the tension force on the plantar fascia during standing activities.</p> <p>On the other hand, other <a href="https://journals.lww.com/jpojournal/Fulltext/2009/01000/Effects_of_Shoe_Heel_Height_on_the_Roll_Over.7.aspx#:%7E:text=The%20roll%2Dover%20shapes%20seem,without%20a%20change%20in%20alignment.&text=Photographs%20of%20the%20prosthetic%20feet,shapes%20of%20these%20feet%20superimposed">research</a> has shown most people will adapt their ankle and knee motion to accommodate shoes of different heel heights.</p> <h2>What about support?</h2> <p>Ballet flats tend to have very flexible, thin soles and heel counters (the part, coloured red in this picture, that hugs the heel and the back part of the foot).</p> <p>These thin and flexible structures mean flats are often accused of lacking support. But debate rages among foot and shoe experts about how important support is in the first place.</p> <p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27729290/">Research</a> on barefoot-style shoes has shown walking in these types of shoes significantly reduces some loads on the knee compared to more stable supportive shoes.</p> <p>Minimalist shoes have also been found to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30102872/">increase strength</a> in certain foot muscles used when we push off during walking, running or jumping.</p> <p>However, other research found stable supportive shoes can <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33428439/">improve knee pain</a> when walking more than flat flexible shoes.</p> <p>The thin soles in flats mean there is little cushioning under the foot. While more cushioning can improve comfort, and reduce stress and strain on your foot sole <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0021929011001758?casa_token=gecXFCMi0LcAAAAA:TazyTd8TRaAl_bG0jprifYIUIlWRDwEH6bVeymBYTWups2iDGMuUjLs2gaNqsiNGHVJhHC3J9AdB">skin</a>, there is no evidence it reduces loads across the lower leg.</p> <p>In fact, walking in cushioned shoes has been shown to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20191571/">increase</a> the load on the knee compared to flat, flexible shoes.</p> <h2>So, what’s the verdict?</h2> <p>The verdict is mixed. Yes, there’s evidence poorly fitting shoes and a flat heel can be detrimental, with consequences seen in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0966636221000199">rearfoot</a> (around the ankle) and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0966636218300687">knee</a>.</p> <p>But there’s also no hard evidence ballet flats cause long-term foot health problems.</p> <p>What matters is choosing a well-fitted shoe to suit your foot shape and needs.</p> <p>If you’re shopping for ballet flats, try to:</p> <ul> <li> <p>choose a pair with a toe box that does not cramp your toes and has a sole at least as wide as your foot</p> </li> <li> <p>choose flats that offer at least some structure and support</p> </li> <li> <p>choose a pair with a small heel rather being than completely flat.<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/207806/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> </li> </ul> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kristin-graham-1427672">Kristin Graham</a>, Lecturer in Podiatry, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/helen-banwell-305575">Helen Banwell</a>, Lecturer in Podiatry, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/saravana-kumar-181105">Saravana Kumar</a>, Professor in Allied Health and Health Services Research, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</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/ballet-flats-are-back-heres-what-the-research-says-about-how-they-affect-your-feet-207806">original article</a>.</em></p>

Beauty & Style

Robert De Niro’s grandson's official cause of death confirmed

<p>Robert De Niro’s grandson Leandro De Niro Rodriguez’s cause of death has been confirmed. </p> <p>The 19-year-old died from a "toxic" combination of drugs, a New York City Medical Examiner told <em>Page Six</em> on Tuesday. </p> <p>Autopsy results revealed that the late teen had fentanyl, bromazolam, alprazolam, 7-aminoclonazepam, ketamine and cocaine in his system at the time of his death, which has been ruled as an "accident". </p> <p>Sophia Marks, 20, has been arrested in connection to Leandro's overdose.</p> <p>According to criminal reports obtained by <em>Page Six</em>, the texts between Leandro and Marks allege that she had warned him about the fentanyl-laced pills, as they discussed the purchase of counterfeit oxycodone and Xanax just days before his death.</p> <p>Police also believe that Marks allegedly sold pills to children as young as 15. </p> <p>This comes just one month after De Niro’s daughter Drena claimed that her son passed away after a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/de-niro-s-daughter-reveals-her-son-s-cause-of-death" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tragic drug accident</a>. </p> <p>“Someone sold him fentanyl laced pills that they knew were laced yet still sold them to him,” she wrote in response to a comment on one of her posts at that time. </p> <p>“For all these people still f***ing around selling and buying this s**t, my son is gone forever,” she added. </p> <p>Drena who is still processing her grief, continues to post memories of her son, with the most recent one a heartbreaking tribute marking the first month since his passing.</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/CvcZ2IGNgcj/?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/CvcZ2IGNgcj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Drena (@drenadeniro)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"Today marks one whole month without my baby 🥺💔," she began in the caption</p> <p>"I think of you and long for you, every minute of every day. Never forget how happy you made so many people just by being here and being beautiful kindhearted you ♥️ Your legacy is Love."</p> <p>Leandro was laid to rest on July 8.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

De Niro's daughter reveals her son's cause of death

<p dir="ltr">Robert De Niro’s daughter claims that her son Leandro<a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/deeply-distressed-tragedy-strikes-robert-de-niro-s-family" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> passed away</a> after a tragic drug accident where he allegedly took pills laced with fentanyl.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Someone sold him fentanyl laced pills that they knew were laced yet still sold them to him,” Drena wrote in response to a comment asking how Leandro passed away.</p> <p dir="ltr">“For all these people still f***ing around selling and buying this s**t, my son is gone forever,” she added.</p> <p dir="ltr">Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for pain relief and an anaesthetic, but it is also more potent than heroin and morphine as a painkiller.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Just two milligrams of fentanyl, the small amount that fits on the tip of a pencil, is considered a potentially deadly dose,” the Drug Enforcement Administration states.</p> <p dir="ltr">Drena announced her only child’s <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/deeply-distressed-tragedy-strikes-robert-de-niro-s-family" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passing</a> on Sunday and has since been sharing updates of her grief on Instagram.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My darling we celebrate you today and always,” she wrote in a recent Instagram post with a photo of a young Leandro.</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/CuXS_gzL5zk/?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/CuXS_gzL5zk/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Drena (@drenadeniro)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“Thank you to everyone for the help, prayers and loving energy that is pulling us through this devastating time. Julie thank you for this beautiful photo of Leo ♥️” she added.</p> <p dir="ltr">Robert also shared how “deeply distressed” he was over his beloved grandson’s passing and had asked for privacy to grieve their loss of Leandro.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

"Deeply distressed": Tragedy strikes Robert De Niro's family

<p>Robert De Niro's grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, has tragically passed away, as confirmed by his daughter, Drena De Niro.</p> <p>Drena De Niro, who is 51 years old and Robert De Niro's daughter from his previous marriage to Diahnne Abbott, shared the devastating news of her young son's passing on Instagram.</p> <p>In a heartfelt tribute, accompanied by a photo of her late son, she expressed her deep love for him, stating: "My beautiful sweet angel. I have loved you beyond words or description from the moment I felt you in my belly. You have been joy in my heart and all that was ever pure and real in my life."</p> <p>Overwhelmed by grief and yearning to be with her son, she continued, <span style="color: #343541; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"I wish I was with you right now. I wish I was with you. I don't know how to live without you but I'll try to go on and spread the love and light that you so made me feel in getting to be your mama.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #343541; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"You were so deeply loved and appreciated and I wish that love alone could have saved you 😞 I'm so sorry my baby, I'm so sorry @carlosmare 😢💔. Rest in Peace and Eternal Paradise my darling boy."</span></p> <p> </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/CuOES_xN6pO/?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/CuOES_xN6pO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Drena (@drenadeniro)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Upon learning the tragic news, Robert De Niro expressed deep distress over his teenage grandson's passing.</p> <p>In a statement provided to the <em>New York Post's Page Six</em> section on Monday, Robert De Niro expressed his sorrow, saying, "I'm deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo."</p> <p>The statement was delivered through a spokesperson. He further added, "We're greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo."</p> <p>At present, the cause of Leandro's death remains unknown, although reports suggest that drugs and drug paraphernalia were found near his body.</p> <p>Leandro was the son of Drena De Niro and graffiti artist Carlos "Mare139" Rodriguez. Carlos commented on Drena's social media post, expressing his heartfelt emotions:</p> <p>"Words aren't enough to express the joy he gave us or the loss we now endure with our families and friends. He is God's child now. On this full moon, his spirit illuminates what could not be seen in the dark. You can't spell LOVE without LEO."</p> <p>Several celebrities, including Lenny Kravitz, Andy Cohen, and Naomi Campbell, expressed their support and condolences in the comments section of Drena's post.</p> <p>Drena De Niro is the eldest of Robert De Niro's seven children. He adopted her in 1976 after marrying her mother, Diahnne Abbott. Robert also has a son named Raphael, 46, with Ms. Abbott, as well as twins named Aaron and Julian, 27, with Toukie Smith.</p> <p>Additionally, he has a son named Elliot, 25, and a daughter named Helen, 11, with Grace Hightower. In May, Robert announced that he and his partner, Tiffany Chen, welcomed their seventh child, a daughter named Gia.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Harrison Ford is back as an 80-year-old Indiana Jones – and a 40-something Indy. The highs (and lows) of returning to iconic roles

<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ben-mccann-398197">Ben McCann</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a></em></p> <p>Saddle up, don the fedora and crack that whip: Harrison Ford is back as the intrepid archaeologist in <em>Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny</em>. The film premiered at Cannes, where Ford was <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/harrison-ford-honorary-palme-dor-cannes-1235495463/">awarded</a> an Honorary Palme d’Or in recognition of his life’s work.</p> <p>Reviews for the fifth film in the franchise <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/indiana-jones-5-review-roundup-1235495961/">have been mixed</a>, and it is the first Indy film not to be directed by Steven Spielberg (this time, it’s James Mangold, best known for his motor-racing drama Ford v Ferrari).</p> <p>But this is “event” cinema that combines nostalgia, old-school special effects and John Williams’ <a href="https://theconversation.com/from-jaws-to-star-wars-to-harry-potter-john-williams-90-today-is-our-greatest-living-composer-176245">iconic score</a>.</p> <p>So, Ford is back, aged 80. What draws actors back after all this time?</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eQfMbSe7F2g?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <h2>Role returns</h2> <p>Ford first played Indy in 1981 and last played him in 2008. That is a full 15 years since the most recent film in the series, and 42 years since his first outing in <em>Raiders of the Lost Ark</em>.</p> <p>Ford has form in returning to celebrated characters. One of the great pleasures of watching <em>The Force Awakens</em> back in 2015 was seeing Ford play Han Solo again for the <a href="https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3j2j09">first time in over 30 years</a>.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xQSIdSRlAk?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>Actors return to roles for numerous reasons:</p> <ul> <li>financial (Ford was reportedly paid <a href="https://okmagazine.com/exclusives/harrison-ford-paid-indiana-jones-5-plagued-with-problems/">US$25 million</a> for <em>Dial of Destiny</em>)</li> <li>protection of their brand, image and star persona (Michael Keaton <a href="https://www.fortressofsolitude.co.za/the-flash-movies-biggest-hero-how-michael-keaton-saved-the-film/">returning to play Batman</a> after three decades and three other actors who have embodied the role)</li> <li>professional (Tom Cruise admitted over the 36 years between <em>Top Gun</em> films he wanted to make sure the sequel <a href="https://screenrant.com/top-gun-maverick-tom-cruise-return-how-explained/">could live up to the original</a>)</li> <li>personal (once-huge stars are working less and less, and only feel the need to return to a built-in fan base every few years – Bill Murray in the 2021 <em>Ghostbusters</em> sequel springs to mind).</li> </ul> <p>It’s not always a successful endeavour.</p> <p>Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone – two of the biggest action stars of the 1980s off the back of iconic roles as <em>The Terminator</em>, Rocky Balboa and John Rambo – have repeatedly returned to those roles, and critics have been <a href="https://screenrant.com/terminator-dark-fate-undermined-john-connor-storyline-franchise-bad/">particularly harsh</a>.</p> <p>It did not work for Sigourney Weaver in <em><a href="https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/alien-resurrection-1997">Alien: Resurrection</a></em> in 1997, 18 years after her first time as Ripley; nor for Keanu Reeves in <em><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/dec/21/the-matrix-resurrections-review-keanu-reeves">The Matrix Resurrections</a></em> in 2021, 23 years after the original.</p> <p>And still, I’m intrigued to see what Michael Mann could do with his long-rumoured sequel to <em>Heat</em>, his definitive 1995 crime film. Ever since Mann published his novel Heat 2 last year – a kind of origin story for <em>Heat’s</em> key protagonists – fans have been hoping a de-aged Al Pacino (now aged 83) <a href="https://deadline.com/2023/04/michael-mann-heat-2-warner-bros-adam-driver-young-neil-mccauley-1235316777/">might return</a> as LA cop Vincent Hanna.</p> <h2>Undoing time</h2> <p>“Digital de-ageing” first entered the Hollywood mainstream in 2019 with <em>The Irishman</em> and <em>Captain Marvel</em>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.indiewire.com/features/craft/de-aging-actors-history-benjamin-button-dial-of-destiny-harrison-ford-1234863938/">Via this process</a>, older actors (Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Samuel L. Jackson have all been subject to the technology) move back and forwards in time without younger actors having to play them.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OF-lElIlZM0?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>Films still tend to cast two actors to play older and younger versions of the same character, a choice that dates back at least to 1974’s <em>The Godfather Part II</em>, in which a young Robert de Niro plays Vito Corleone, portrayed by the much older Marlon Brando in the first film.</p> <p>In 1989, <em>Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade</em> features a delightful opening scene where River Phoenix plays the young version of Indiana Jones, before Ford takes over for the rest of the film.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AwH6-Yh7_SM?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>Actors used to just play characters of their own age when reprising earlier roles. Paul Newman finally won a Best Actor Oscar for his role as “Fast Eddie” Felson in <em>The Color of Money</em> (1986), a quarter of a century after first playing him in The Hustler.</p> <p>The sequel plays on Newman’s age, and his role as a mentor to an upcoming Tom Cruise, and bathes viewers in nostalgia and memories of <a href="https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/paul-newman-schooled-tom-cruise-the-color-of-money/">a younger Newman</a>.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k7gmrKAFshE?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>But actors no longer have to exclusively play their age.</p> <p>The first part of <em>Dial of Destiny</em> is an extended flashback, set in 1944, in which Ford has been digitally de-aged to appear in his 40s. This process used an AI system that scanned used and unused reels of footage of Ford from <a href="https://www.cbr.com/harrison-ford-de-aging-indiana-jones-dial-of-destiny/">the first three Indy films</a> to match his present-day performance.</p> <p>Here, it is as if we are getting two Fords for the price of one: the “younger”, fitter Indy and the older, more world-weary version. It makes for a powerfully emotional connection on screen.</p> <p>Yet there are some <a href="https://variety.com/2023/film/awards/indiana-jones-5-harrison-ford-de-aging-not-working-1235618698/">pitfalls to de-ageing</a>. Some viewers complain that the whole process is distracting and that the hyper-real visual look of de-aged scenes resembles a video game.</p> <p>Even so, de-ageing in Hollywood cinema is here to stay. Tom Hanks’s <a href="https://variety.com/2023/film/news/tom-hanks-robin-wright-digitally-deaged-robert-zemeckis-movie-1235507766/">next film</a> is using AI-based generative technology to digitally de-age him.</p> <p>Given its reduced cost, speed and reduced human input, AI-driven innovation might have <a href="https://filmstories.co.uk/news/new-ai-driven-de-ageing-tools-to-be-used-in-tom-hanks-project/">industry-changing ramifications</a>.</p> <h2>The star of Ford</h2> <p>Harrison Ford remains a bona fide “movie star” in an industry profoundly buffeted by COVID, the rise of streaming platforms, the demise of the monoculture, and the changing nature of who constitutes a star.</p> <p>In the midst of all this industry uncertainty, it seems there is no longer a statute of limitations on actors returning to much-loved characters.</p> <p>The next big ethical issue for the film industry as it further embraces AI is whether to <a href="https://collider.com/james-dean-digital-cgi-performance-in-new-movie/">resurrect deceased actors</a> and cast them in new movies.</p> <p>Still, I’m looking forward to seeing more actors de-aged as the technology improves and audiences acclimatise to watching older actors “playing” younger versions of themselves. We are only at the start of Hollywood’s next big adventure.<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/202357/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ben-mccann-398197">Ben McCann</a>, Associate Professor of French Studies, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</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/harrison-ford-is-back-as-an-80-year-old-indiana-jones-and-a-40-something-indy-the-highs-and-lows-of-returning-to-iconic-roles-202357">original article</a>.</em></p>

Movies

Ellen DeGeneres shares throwback snap to mark special milestone

<p dir="ltr">Ellen DeGeneres shared a sweet throwback snap of her August 2008 wedding with Portia de Rossi, to mark a very special milestone for LGBTQIA+ love.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 65-year-old comedian took to Instagram to honour the eight anniversary of the Supreme Court legalising same-sex marriages in the United States.</p> <p dir="ltr">"8 years ago today marks an important moment. It's when the Supreme Court said "yes" to letting everyone feel the same joy I got to feel in this moment," she wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ellen shared a black-and-white snap of her embracing Portia during their 2008 nuptials.</p> <p dir="ltr">It’s been almost 15 years since the pair got married, and they previously celebrated their love in February 2023, when they <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/ellen-degeneres-surprise-wedding-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener">renewed their vows</a> at their California home.</p> <p dir="ltr">Portia even wore the same wedding dress she wore in their 2008 wedding when surprised Ellen with a double celebration - her own birthday party and their vow renewal ceremony.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair have been head over heels for each other since they first met in the early 2000s, and they continue to choose each other.</p> <p dir="ltr">Many fans took to the comment section to share their love and gratitude towards the couple.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Love you and thanks for all your work for the LGBTQIA community. One love 😍” wrote one fan.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This was a defining moment for Ellen and Portia! Congratulations to you both!” commented another.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Love will always win!!🙌🏽✨” wrote a third.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Thank you for making a difference in the world!" commented a fourth.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

5 satisfying ways to de-clutter and get rid of everything you don’t want

<p>Instead of letting your old belongings gather dust in the spare room, why not make it a priority to remove those old things that you don’t use anymore. Follow our tips below where we show you five different ways to get rid of unwanted items (and maybe even make a little money in the process).</p> <p><strong>Sell, sell, sell</strong></p> <p>eBay is a great place to start for items such as stereos, CDs, vinyl, mobile phones, or clothing (even better if it is a well-known brand).</p> <p>When it comes to books, try checking out Amazon as they have a huge market for second hand items. It’s best to use this for quality books or rare items that have people looking for them. Old cookbooks or romance novels are best offered to the charity shop.</p> <p>You can easily move your quality pieces of furniture through antiques stores or local second hand shops. Most offer a pick-up service for larger items that they want to sell.</p> <p>If you have lots of odds and ends, a garage sale can be a good option. If you’re not sure that you have enough, consider asking a friend or neighbour if they want to host a sale with you.</p> <p><strong>Give a gift</strong></p> <p>If you’re holding onto things because they are worth something, but you don’t actually need or want them – why not give them away as a gift?</p> <p>Your old record collection or suitcase full of toy cars may be just gathering dust but would be well received by the right person.</p> <p>The only exception is an item such as artwork which has appreciated significantly in value while you owned it. In this case the recipient would owe capital gains tax if they sold it later.</p> <p><strong>Make a donation</strong></p> <p>Your local charity shop will always be happy to take donations of good quality clothing, blankets, shoes, toys and homewares. You can feel good knowing that you are helping needy people in your local area. Some charity stores can’t accept electronics or large pieces of furniture, so it’s best to check before you arrive with a loaded up trailer.</p> <p>You can also donate books and recent magazines to your local library or hospital.</p> <p><strong>Liquidate It</strong></p> <p>If you want to get rid of all of the furniture (for instance if you are selling a house of a deceased relative) you could consider using a liquidator. These businesses take care of the sale of each item and then take a percentage of the sales. Be sure to ask around for any recommendations before you choose one, as it’s always advisable to go with a liquidator with a good reputation.</p> <p><strong>Toss It</strong></p> <p>If it’s not really something that you can sell or donate, the last stop is to throw it out. Be sure to recycle anything that you can – and check with your local council as most offer a free clear up service at least once a year to save you a trip to the local tip.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

When someone living with dementia is distressed or violent, ‘de-escalation’ is vital

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/steve-macfarlane-4722">Steve Macfarlane</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a></em></p> <p>Today’s <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-18/cooma-aged-care-home-police-woman-in-hospital-taser/102361018">reporting</a> about the alleged tasering of a 95-year-old woman living at the Yallambee Lodge aged care home in New South Wales has brought the issue of behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia into <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-19/advocates-say-taser-clare-nowland-shows-aged-system-failure-/102365442">sharp focus</a>.</p> <p>Over half of those living in residential care <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dementia/dementia-in-aus/contents/aged-care-and-support-services-used-by-people-with-dementia/residential-aged-care">have a dementia diagnosis</a> and up to 95% of those living with dementia will <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551552/#:%7E:text=Behavioral%20and%20psychological%20symptoms%20of,%2C%20and%20caregiver%20well%2Dbeing.">experience such behaviours</a> at some point during their passage through the illness. Common behaviours that might be shown by those living with advanced dementia include agitation, anxiety, attempts to leave care, aggression, apathy, sleep disturbance, aimless pacing, psychosis and aggression.</p> <p>The full circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s events are unclear and they are subject to an <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-19/advocates-say-taser-clare-nowland-shows-aged-system-failure-/102365442">investigation</a> by police. That may take some time. What is clear, however, is that there is much room for improvement in the way behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia are managed in residential care. Situations that end with police involvement should be avoided.</p> <h2>Calling for help</h2> <p>In its final report in March 2021, the <a href="https://agedcare.royalcommission.gov.au/">Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety</a> <a href="https://agedcare.royalcommission.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-03/final-report-recommendations.pdf">recommended</a> “all workers engaged by providers who are involved in direct contact with people seeking or receiving services in the aged care system undertake regular training about dementia care and palliative care”.</p> <p>Currently, it is not infrequent for police to be called to respond to incidents in care homes. While programs have been implemented to better equip police to respond to the specific need of those <a href="https://www.nationaltribune.com.au/police-and-psos-better-equipped-to-support-people-living-with-dementia/">living with dementia</a> this work is still in its infancy.</p> <p>Aggression and agitation are two of the most common behavioural symptoms that lead to referral to specialist support services.</p> <p>Dementia Support Australia is a Commonwealth-funded service that has supported aged care homes and home-based carers in managing behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia since 2016. There were <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dementia/dementia-in-aus/contents/aged-care-and-support-services-used-by-people-with-dementia/dementia-support-australia">8,702 referrals</a> to the service between January and June 2022. The number of referrals has increased in recent years.</p> <p>As an organisation at the frontline of dementia support, we extend our deepest sympathies to the 95-year-old aged care resident, her family, Yallambee Lodge staff and everyone else touched by this devastating incident.</p> <p>One of the advantages of having a national service such as this is that it has enabled the development of a national database that documents not only the nature and severity of the behaviours prompting the referral, but those factors that are most commonly identified as triggers for these behaviours.</p> <h2>3 leading causes</h2> <p>Aggression and agitation are not diagnoses in themselves, but symptoms. Symptoms have causes, and these must be identified in order to adequately address behaviour.</p> <p>The leading contributing factors we have identified in relation to behaviours are:</p> <p><strong>1. Unidentified or under-treated pain</strong></p> <p>This is relevant in over 50% of the cases we see. Earlier research on pain management in the setting of advanced dementia has shown those with a dementia diagnosis who are admitted to hospital with hip fractures tend to be prescribed only a fraction of the analgesia given to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10799790/">those without dementia</a>.</p> <p><strong>2. Carer approach</strong></p> <p>Care staff receive only minimal levels of training in dementia care as part of their basic qualification and are often unfamiliar with communication strategies tailored towards those with cognitive impairment.</p> <p>Currently, the minimum qualification for a personal care worker involves no compulsory units in <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/about-us/news-and-stories/news/are-aged-care-workers-required-have-dementia-training">dementia competency</a>. While we do not know the full circumstances from the events this week, the Royal Commission has made recommendations to improve care for those living with dementia. Carer approach is an issue in about a third of the cases we see.</p> <p><strong>3. Over- and under-stimulation</strong></p> <p>In about one quarter of Dementia Support Australia cases boredom and loneliness and/or an environment that does not take into account the specific needs of those living with dementia are an issue.</p> <p>Other common causes of changed behaviour include mood and anxiety disorders, communication difficulties, <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-delirium-194631">delirium</a>, sleep problems and poor carer knowledge of the specific likes/dislikes of the individuals they are caring for.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WE65yrnsrPk?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption><span class="caption">People with dementia may react to uncertainty in unexpected ways.</span></figcaption></figure> <h2>Prevention and calming things down</h2> <p>The best way to manage most behavioural changes is to prevent the circumstances that lead to their development in the first place. Prevention is always better than cure.</p> <p>Once behaviours are occurring, there is no single correct way to <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/national/support-and-services/carers/behaviour-changes/aggressive-behaviours">de-escalate</a> them. The appropriate de-escalation strategies will always be specific to what has caused the altered behaviour in the first place.</p> <p>Unfortunately, when behaviours have escalated to the point where police attendance is required, the responding officers are unlikely to be equipped with the necessary information about the person and their circumstances. That means they won’t be equipped to respond with effective and specific de-escalation strategies.</p> <p>One case in the United States from 2020 involved the arrest of a 73-year-old woman living with dementia, who had left a local store without paying for items <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2021/04/27/us/loveland-police-officers-video-use-of-force/index.html">worth a small amount</a>. A <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2021/04/16/us/loveland-lawsuit-use-of-force-arrest/index.html">lawsuit</a> filed following the arrest alleged it resulted in a fractured arm and a dislocated shoulder, and raised national concerns about the way first responders interact with those experiencing cognitive disabilities.</p> <p>Australia needs to learn from yesterday’s events and respond.</p> <p><em>If you are caring for someone with dementia there is help available. <a href="https://www.dementia.com.au/">Dementia Support Australia</a> is a free service, fully funded by the Australian government. Referrals can be made 24-hours a day by calling 1800 699 799.<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/205988/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/steve-macfarlane-4722">Steve Macfarlane</a>, Head of Clinical Services, dementia Support Australia, & Associate Professor of Psychiatry, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a></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/when-someone-living-with-dementia-is-distressed-or-violent-de-escalation-is-vital-205988">original article</a>.</em></p>

Mind

“That is my face”: Harrison Ford takes pro-de-ageing stance

<p>Harrison Ford has come to the defence of the de-ageing technology used in the upcoming fifth instalment in the <em>Indiana Jones</em> series: <em>Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny</em>.</p> <p>The film drew criticism from reviewers over its application of the technology, with many wondering why the studio hadn’t opted to instead support younger actors and cast them in the role, while others simply questioned the “believability” of the tech. </p> <p>But Ford, who has been the face of Indiana Jones since the professor’s first film in 1981, is having none of that. During a press conference at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, the actor moved to silence critics, telling them “I know that that is my face. </p> <p>“It’s not a kind of Photoshop magic - that’s what I looked like 35 years ago. Because Lucasfilm has every frame of film that we’ve made together over all of these years.</p> <p>“This process, this scientific mining of this library, this was put to good [use] … It’s just a trick unless it’s supported by a story, and it sticks out like a sore thumb if it’s not honest, it’s not real… I mean, emotionally real. </p> <p>“And so I think it was used very skillfully.”</p> <p>And for those concerned that the 80-year-old’s take might carry across into his stance on the process of ageing itself, he was quick to note that when it comes to growing older, he is “very happy with it, but I don't look back and say, 'I wish I was that guy again,' because I don't.</p> <p>"I'm real happy with age. I love being older. It was great to be young, but s***fire I could be dead, and I'm still working."</p> <p>Despite this, Ford has confirmed that this film will be the last time fans can expect to see him in the iconic role, and he’ll be hanging up Jones’ hat for good. </p> <p>And when asked why, Ford’s answer was simple, with the actor confessing “I need to sit down and rest a little bit. I love to work, and I love this character, and I love what it brought into my life, and that's all I can say.”</p> <p>Fans of the star and the franchise have come out in support of his decision, most recently during a standing ovation at the same festival he’d spoken at - applause that had moved Ford to tears. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Harrison Ford with tears in his eyes during the standing ovation for ‘INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY’. <a href="https://t.co/mJtRv4wLKk">pic.twitter.com/mJtRv4wLKk</a></p> <p>— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) <a href="https://twitter.com/DiscussingFilm/status/1659294979485757486?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>However, as one user pointed out, that didn’t necessarily mean smooth sailing for fans, with the fifth film likely to get them talking - de-ageing technology aside. </p> <p>“Oh my god. no bc if HE is crying it means the movie is really gonna be something special,” one wrote. “i'm gonna be sick”.</p> <p>“Thanks for the last adventure,” another said. “Surreal that this moment in cinema is here. The last time we will ever get an Indiana Jones film with Harrison Ford.”</p> <p>And as someone else put it, “seeing him get emotional for getting praise for a role that he loves so dearly has me emotional too.”</p> <p>“And there is proof Harrison Ford loves what he does,” one other declared. “A proper movie star who just wants to act. That's genuine pride.”</p> <p><em>Images: Lucas Film Ltd </em></p>

Movies

Robert De Niro welcomes seventh child at 79

<p dir="ltr">Hollywood star Robert De Niro has revealed that he is now the proud father of seven. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Academy-award winning actor was on a promotional run for his new film, <em>About My Father</em>, and chatting to <em>ET Canada </em>when he made the unexpected announcement. </p> <p dir="ltr">Reporter Brittnee Blair laid the groundwork when she mentioned that she knew De Niro had six kids. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Seven, actually,” he corrected her. “I just had a baby.”</p> <p dir="ltr">De Niro shares his eldest children - 51-year-old Drena and 46-year-old Raphael - with his first wife, Diahnne Abbott. He then welcomed twins Julian and Aaron - who are 27 - with then-girlfriend Toukie Smith, before having 24-year-old Elliot and 11-year-old Helen Grace with ex-wife Grace Hightower.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>ET Canada</em> confirmed the news of De Niro’s seventh addition with the actor’s representatives, although they weren’t able to dig up any more information on who the new baby’s mother might be. </p> <p dir="ltr">Many have speculated, however, that he shares his latest addition with his girlfriend, Tiffany Chen. She drew attention as recently as March 2023, sparking rumours when she was spotted leaving a restaurant in California, with what some suspected to be a visible baby bump. </p> <p dir="ltr">De Niro and Chen first crossed paths on the set of the 2015 film <em>The Intern</em>, and have reportedly been together since 2021.</p> <p dir="ltr">And while seventh time may be the charm, De Niro is the first to note that even with so much practice under his belt, he still doesn’t consider himself to be a “cool dad”. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m okay,” he said to Blair. “You know, my kids disagree with me at times, and they’re respectful. My daughter, she’s 11, she gives me grief sometimes and I argue with her. I adore her, but, you know. </p> <p dir="ltr">“And my youngest now, that’ll be more to come. But, that’s what it is.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He also took the time to tell her he believes very much in “being loving” with his children, though he knew the time and place for being “stern about stuff”. </p> <p dir="ltr">As he put it, “there’s no way around it with kids. I don’t like to have to lay down the law and stuff like that. But, [sometimes] you just have no choice.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And any parent, I think, would say the same thing. You always want to do the right thing by the children and give them the benefit of the doubt but sometimes you can’t.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty </em></p>

Family & Pets

Perfect perfume or eau de cat’s bum? Why scents smell different and 4 fragrance tips

<p>Mother’s Day is coming up in Australia and that means a surge in perfume sales. Of course, scents are purchased year-round and not just for mothers. Fragrance sales in Australia will amount to <a href="https://www.statista.com/outlook/cmo/beauty-personal-care/fragrances/australia%5D">over A$1 billion</a> this year.</p> <p>The word “perfume” is derived from the Latin per fumus, meaning “through smoke”. The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mendeleyevs-Dream-Elements-Paul-Strathern/dp/0312262043">very first account</a> of using perfumes dates back to 1200 BC when a <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books/about/Women_of_Science.html?id=S7DaAAAAMAAJ&redir_esc=y">woman called Tapputi</a> mixed flowers, oils and various plants with water or solvents, then extracted their fragrance. The basis of this technique for making perfume is still used today.</p> <p>But how do we smell? What makes perfume appealing? And why does it smell differently on different people?</p> <h2>The science of smell</h2> <p>A sense of smell is vital to all species on Earth. One <a href="https://www.science.org/content/article/elephants-may-have-best-noses-earth">study</a> identified African elephants as having the “best noses” in the animal kingdom, not to mention the longest ones. It can help animals sniff out danger, food and mates.</p> <p>For humans, too, being able to smell is not just for the enjoyment of pleasant odours. It can also protect us from toxic chemicals with noxious smells, such as <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ershdb/emergencyresponsecard_29750038.html#:%7E:text=Hydrogen%20cyanide%20(AC)%20gas%20has,as%20a%20solution%20in%20water.">hydrogen cyanide</a>.</p> <p>When something has an odour, it means it is chemically volatile – vaporising from a liquid to a gas. When we smell a scent, gas molecules enter our nose and stimulate specialised nerve cells called <a href="https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-how-do-we-smell-104772">olfactory sensory neurons</a>. When these neurons are triggered, they send a signal to the brain to identify the chemicals.</p> <p>Humans have around 10 million of those neurons and around <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1905909/">400 scent receptors</a>. The human nose can distinguish at least <a href="https://www.science.org/content/article/human-nose-can-detect-trillion-smells#:%7E:text=These%20are%20only%20three%20of,never%20been%20explicitly%20tested%20before.">1 trillion different odours</a>, from freshly brewed coffee to wet dog to mouldy cheese.</p> <p>The more volatile a compound is the lower its boiling point and, from a chemical perspective, the weaker the forces holding the molecules together. When this is the case, more molecules enter the gaseous state and the smell is more intense.</p> <h2>What makes things smell good though?</h2> <p>Different classes of chemical compounds can have more pleasant or offensive scents.</p> <p>Fish and decaying animal cells, for example, release chemicals called <a href="https://chem.libretexts.org/Courses/BridgeValley_Community_and_Technical_College/Fundamentals_of_Chemistry/11%3A_Organic_Chemistry/11.15%3A_Amines#:%7E:text=Amines%20generally%20have%20rather%20pungent,odor%20associated%20with%20dead%20fish.">amines</a>, which don’t smell appealing.</p> <p>Fruits, on the other hand, are composed of chemicals in a class of organic compounds called aldehydes, esters and ketones, which have sweeter and <a href="https://chem.libretexts.org/Courses/Sacramento_City_College/SCC%3A_CHEM_330_-_Adventures_in_Chemistry_(Alviar-Agnew)/09%3A_Organic_Chemistry/9.08%3A_Carboxylic_Acids_and_Esters#:%7E:text=Esters%20occur%20widely%20in%20nature,fragrances%20of%20fruits%20and%20flowers.">more pleasant odours</a>.</p> <p>Chemists have been able to identify the <a href="https://jameskennedymonash.wordpress.com/2014/01/04/table-of-organic-compounds-and-their-smells-revised-edition/">specific chemical smells</a> released by substances we encounter in everyday life.</p> <h2>Smells different</h2> <p>So it makes sense that pleasant-smelling aldehydes, ketones and esters are used to create perfumes. However, some perfumes also contain unusual ingredients that don’t smell nice on their own.</p> <p>For example, Chanel No. 5 perfume – the iconic 100-year-old favourite – contains civet as one of its base chemical notes. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1973/04/15/archives/a-boycott-of-chanel-no-5-urged-by-humane-groups.html">Civet</a> is used by perfumers for its <a href="https://theconversation.com/civet-musk-a-precious-perfume-ingredient-is-under-threat-steps-to-support-ethiopian-producers-and-protect-the-animals-193469">long-lasting, musky scent</a>. It is traditionally extracted from the anal glands of <a href="https://slate.com/technology/2012/07/chanel-no-5-a-brain-parasite-may-be-the-secret-to-the-famous-perfume.html">civet cats</a> but Chanel has used a synthetic form of civet <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/99a13235-cdb9-431b-b8f1-e52ce4a10486">since 1998</a>.</p> <h2>Tips for choosing and using perfumes</h2> <p>Our ability to smell a perfume will depend on two factors: how well our olfactory sensory neurons are performing (a virus or infection could affect function, for example) and the volatility of the chemicals in the perfume.</p> <p>1. Try before you buy</p> <p>You can’t really do much about your sensory neurons, but you can increase the intensity of perfumes, such as by warming up the perfume on your skin or applying to pulse points. This will help to give molecules more energy and increase the number of molecules entering the gaseous state.</p> <p>Specific perfumes will not smell the same on different people’s skin because the chemicals in them can be affected by the skin’s type and condition (dry or oily, acidic or base) and even their diet. Some foods we eat, such as garlic, are released from our bodies through our skin. Those chemicals can mask perfume chemicals.</p> <p>So, it is better to buy someone their tried and true favourite scent rather than risking a new one. And those department store sample sprays can be useful to try before you buy.</p> <p>2. Moisturise before use</p> <p>When you spray perfume on very dry skin, some of the perfume’s chemicals – the large organic ones that are similar to skin’s natural oils – are absorbed by the skin and then into the sebaceous glands. When some notes in a perfume are absorbed this way, it can take on a different smell. That’s also why it’s better to moisturise skin before spraying perfume, so perfume chemicals stay on the skin for longer.</p> <p>3. Experiment with spraying techniques</p> <p>To avoid changes in the scent of your favourite perfume and increase the time the perfume stays on you, you could spray your hair instead. Your hair is porous so perfume molecules might remain there longer. However, most perfumes contain alcohol, which dries out hair. Spraying perfume directly onto a hairbrush first, then brushing your hair, might prevent some of this drying effect.</p> <p><a href="https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-apply-perfume">Spraying then walking</a> through a mist of perfume so the chemicals settle on your hair, skin and clothes might work – but you risk losing a lot of precious perfume with that technique.</p> <p>4. Keep it cool</p> <p>Temperature will <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5674095_Effect_of_Temperature_on_the_Floral_Scent_Emission_and_Endogenous_Volatile_Profile_of_Petunia_axillaris">affect volatility</a>. To keep perfumes lasting longer in the bottle, keep them in the fridge or cool dark place and tightly sealed to prevent your expensive, heat-sensitive scent evaporating into thin air.</p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/perfect-perfume-or-eau-de-cats-bum-why-scents-smell-different-and-4-fragrance-tips-203905" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Beauty & Style

“A miracle that I’m here”: Sea World helicopter crash survivor speaks out

<p>Disaster survivor Winnie De Silva has spoken to <em>Sunrise</em>’s Monique Wright about the devastating Sea World helicopter ride that she and her son, Leon, were passengers of.</p> <p>Winnie met Monique with a smile from her wheelchair, a necessity in the wake of her injuries - two broken legs, a crushed collarbone, blood clots, a severely wounded liver, and burns.</p> <p>Winnie and Leon were two of three survivors from their helicopter, with the other four people onboard losing their lives <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/investigation-launched-after-helicopter-crash-sees-four-dead" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in the accident</a>. </p> <p>“It was just a miracle that I’m here,” Winnie told Monique.</p> <p>The trip was a holiday for the mother and her nine-year-old son, and the flight a special treat for them both. </p> <p>“Up in the air I took two selfie photos for me and Leon,” Winnie said of the minutes before tragedy struck, “the water scenery was very beautiful, and Leon said to me ‘Mum, take photos’.”</p> <p>“We heard a bang,” she continued, going on to share her experience of the fatal crash, detailing the moment of collision. “When I saw the pilot’s side of the window, it’s broken. I could only see outside. </p> <p>“I would see clouds. I would see water underneath … and then I thought, ‘this is not going to be a helicopter ride anymore’.</p> <p>“The shaking was horrible. It was shaking both sides, and shaking continuously. It was just the end of life. And I had hope in the pilot, to me he’s my hero. I salute Ash, may he rest in peace.” </p> <p>Ash, the helicopter’s pilot, managed to get the aircraft above a sandbar, a move Winnie credits with saving herself and her son, Leon. Ash, unfortunately, lost his life that day. </p> <p>“I saw him struggle with trying to stabilise that helicopter,” Winnie recalled, “I didn’t see anyone else. I was looking at him.”</p> <p>“I held Leon’s hand, and I asked him to close his eyes,” she added, “and I closed my eyes as well, and I said to God ‘let your will be done’. When I closed my eyes, it was peace that came to myself. I can’t remember anything else.” </p> <p>Leon remains in hospital, where he is slowly improving. However, having been left with <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/young-helicopter-crash-survivor-wakes-from-coma" target="_blank" rel="noopener">damage to his brain</a> from the crash, he requires 24 hour care. Leon has been receiving treatment at Queensland Children’s Hospital, while Winnie has been at The Gold Coast University Hospital, and the two have only been able to see each other once in six weeks. </p> <p>Despite the tragedy, and the long and difficult road to recovery ahead of them, Winnie was open about her hope for the future, and expressed her gratitude for the miracle of their survival, telling Monique, “I am here, alive, and happy.</p> <p>“I am so thankful. I am doing okay right now, despite walking. But psychologically, mentally, I feel like there’s hope.” </p> <p><em>Images: Seven</em></p>

Caring

Ellen DeGeneres’ surprise wedding news

<p>Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have fallen in love all over again while renewing their vows to each other at home in California. </p> <p>Ellen, best known for her self-titled talk show, was left speechless when her wife pulled off the surprise of the year - a vow renewal ceremony at her own birthday party. </p> <p>The couple were married in 2008 at their Beverly Hills home, with a small number of guests in attendance. It was a similar affair this time around, albeit with a few more familiar faces - the likes of Kris Jenner, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle were there to celebrate.</p> <p>While a full length video was posted to Ellen’s YouTube account, highlights of the day were shared to her Instagram account. </p> <p>“Portia surprised me at her birthday party by renewing our vows,” she captioned the post, “thank you @KrisJenner for officiating and @BrandiCarlile for performing, and Portia for being the greatest gift to me, even on your birthday.”</p> <p>The clips featured Portia in a wedding dress (the same one she wore to their 2008 wedding), walking through their friends and family to reach Ellen with a bouquet of white roses. </p> <p>Portia led Ellen to the front of the room, where they were joined by their friend and reality TV star Kris Jenner. </p> <p>“Welcome to Portia’s birthday party,” Kris opened, “and to the newest home of one of my favourite couples, two of my BFs, and the record holders for the most homes ever purchased in one city, ever.”</p> <p>“These two are couple goals, who continue to amaze me with how cute they are together. A match made in heaven. Two peas in a pod,” she went on, “their love and commitment to one another is amazing, and it makes me so happy that they have each other to love and cherish and grow old with."</p> <p>Kris also took to Ellen’s comment section to share her love for them, writing there that it was the “best day ever!!! What an honour to be there for two of my BFF’s who I adore and who love each other so much!”</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/reel/CoKnrPQjtFd/?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/reel/CoKnrPQjtFd/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Ellen DeGeneres (@ellendegeneres)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Love was certainly the theme of the day, and carried through every word of Portia’s prepared vows for Ellen. </p> <p>"Surprise," she began, to laughter from their delighted guests. "You don't have to say anything at all, but when I was thinking about what would make my birthday really special, apart from being with family and friends, it was reminding you that you're the most important thing in the world to me in front of family and friends. </p> <p>“I was thinking about my life, my accomplishments, as you do with a big birthday, and it all just kept leading back to you, and I just thought, 'What greater accomplishment could I ever, ever, ever have in my life than being loved by someone who is so magnificent, by someone as incredible as you?’</p> <p>“Also I feel like we're on a new journey - this is a new chapter. After 24 houses in 18 years, this is our first home. This is it, and we're settling down, finally, and we're planting roots, and we're taking better care of ourselves and each other than ever before. And I'm just so excited about the future, where we just get to do whatever the hell we want for the rest of our lives.</p> <p>“On our wedding day in 2008, I quoted Walt Whitman. And I said that it is a great thing to be loved, but it is profound to be understood. And back then, after knowing each other for four years I thought we understood each other, but now 14 years later, I can truly say we understand each other, we accept each other. And how lucky am I to be with somebody who accepts me for exactly who I am, who loves me for exactly who I am?</p> <p>“It's you. It always has been. You cheer me up when I'm down. You make me feel seen. You make me feel safe, cherished, loved. I love you. I will always, always, love you. I'm so honoured to be your wife." </p> <p>The wives then shared a kiss to the cheers and celebration of their guests. </p> <p>“I just adore you," an emotional Ellen finally managed, despite her wife’s assurance that she didn’t have to say anything. "I love you and I would not be on this earth without you. You save me every day. Thank you for saving me every day. I'm the lucky one."</p> <p><em>Image: YouTube</em></p>

Relationships

Young helicopter crash survivor wakes from coma

<p>There has been a glimmer of hope in the aftermath of the devastating Gold Coast helicopter tragedy. </p> <p>Nine-year-old Leon de Silva, who boarded the joyride with his mother Winnie, has woken up from a medically induced coma. </p> <p>He woke up on Thursday evening, moving from a critical condition to stable condition at Queensland Children's Hospital.</p> <p>Leon's stepfather Neil confirmed he is now in a stable condition, and remaining under observation. </p> <p>“We’re just focusing on their recovery now,” he told <em>The Herald Sun</em>. </p> <p>Leon was placed into an induced coma about 70 kilometres north at Brisbane Children's Hospital after suffering a cracked skull and severe trauma to the brain.</p> <p>His mother Winnie remains at the Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable condition after breaking both her legs, damaging her left knee, breaking her right shoulder and collarbone.</p> <p>Earlier on Thursday, Leon's stepfather Neil told <em>Sunrise</em> his wife is still "fighting" but her main priority was her son.</p> <p>"The main issue is the extensive injuries that he has. He’s lying in bed at the moment. He is still laying with his eyes closed and not able to talk or communicate at this stage," Mr de Silva said.</p> <p>He revealed his sister Julie has been by his stepson's bedside since the accident, and connected Ms de Silva with her son through FaceTime on Wednesday.</p> <p>"As she was saying, ‘mum’s here and mum’s going to look after you and everything’s going to be alright’, he actually managed to give her a thumbs up," Mr de Silva added.</p> <p>"It wasn’t a full thumbs up, he could only lift it halfway but that was fantastic news."</p> <p><em>Image credits: GoFundMe</em></p>

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