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Kevin Costner’s wife files for divorce

<p dir="ltr">Kevin Costner’s wife, Christine Baumgartner, has filed for divorce after 18 years of marriage, citing “irreconcilable differences”, according to <em>TMZ</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The designer filed for divorce on Monday, however an inside source has revealed that Costner reportedly did not want to split from his wife.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It was not anything that he wanted or sought, and if he could change the situation, he would," the insider told <em>People Magazine</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">After the divorce was filed, <em>The Bodyguard</em> actor’s rep shared a statement announcing the split.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It is with great sadness that circumstances beyond his control have transpired which have resulted in Mr. Costner having to participate in a dissolution of marriage action," the statement read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We ask that his, Christine’s and their children’s privacy be respected as they navigate this difficult time.”</p> <p dir="ltr">According to<em> Page Six</em>, Baumgartner asked for joint custody of their three kids: Cayden, 15, Hayes, 14, and Grace, 12, in her filing.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>The Dances with Wolves </em>actor filed his response on Tuesday, also asking for joint custody of their three children.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple began dating in 1999 and dated on and off in the early 2000’s before finally tying the knot in September 2004.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p> <p dir="ltr"> </p>

Relationships

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Fleetwood Mac star’s cause of death revealed

<p>New details have emerged regarding the cause of death of Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie.</p> <p>McVie passed away at the age of 79 in November 2022, surrounded by her loved ones, after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. </p> <p><a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/there-are-no-words-fleetwood-mac-star-dies-aged-79" target="_blank" rel="noopener">As her family said at the time</a>, “it is with a heavy heart we are informing you of Christine’s death.</p> <p>“She passed away peacefully at hospital this morning, Wednesday, November 30, 2022, following a short illness. She was in the company of her family.”</p> <p>And now, <em>The Blast</em> have revealed that the singer’s death certificate confirms that the cause of her death was an ischaemic stroke, with her cancer listed as the secondary cause.</p> <p>McVie’s cancer was a “metastatic malignancy of unknown primary origin”, meaning that the disease had spread throughout her body but the primary source or tumour could not be detected.</p> <p>According to the Stroke Foundation, an ischaemic stroke “is the most common type of stroke”, caused by “the blood supply being blocked” and restricted from reaching the brain.</p> <p>The death certificate - unveiled in court with documents filed to settle McVie’s estate - also noted that McVie suffered from “atrial fibrillation” (otherwise known as AFib), and is explained by the Heart Foundation as being “is a type of arrhythmia in which your heart beats irregularly and often fast.”</p> <p>The star had been open about her health journey in the months prior to her passing, even telling <em>Rolling Stone</em> that “I’m in quite bad health. I’ve got a chronic back problem that debilitates me. I stand up to play the piano, so I don’t know if I could actually physically do it. What’s that saying? ‘The mind is willing, but the flesh is weak’.”</p> <p>However, McVie’s friend and bandmate Stevie Nicks wrote - in the wake of McVie’s death - that she “didn’t even know she was ill”, sharing a handwritten statement on social media that read “a few hours ago I was told that my best friend in the whole world since the first day of 1975, had passed away. </p> <p>“I didn't even know she was ill… until late Saturday night.</p> <p>“I wanted to be in London; I wanted to get to London - but we were told to wait. So, since Saturday, one song has been swirling around in my head, over and over and over. I thought I might possibly get to sing it to her and so, I’m singing it to her now. I always knew I would need these words one day … it’s all I can do now.”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Caring

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Christine Taylor on reigniting her romance

<p dir="ltr">After splitting from their 17-year marriage, Christine Taylor has shared how she and Ben Stiller reignited their flame.</p> <p dir="ltr">Taylor appeared on <em>The Drew Barrymore Show</em>, on Tuesday, and the actor discussed her relationship timeline with Stiller, revealing they were engaged after only six months of dating, and married within a year after that. </p> <p dir="ltr">She went on to explain how their relationship unfolded, “Family was always a priority but I think Ben and I both sort of started to grow in different directions,” Taylor said, adding that the decision to separate was not one the couple “took lightly.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“That time apart for each of us to sort of get to know who we are ... I think we have these growth spurts even as adults,” Taylor continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">Stiller and Taylor got married in 2000 and share two children, Ella, 20, and Quinlin, 17, with the couple first announcing their separation in 2017.</p> <p dir="ltr">Taylor shared that the pair, who had been living separately after their divorce, decided to move in together to their family with their children after the COVID-19 pandemic.</p> <p dir="ltr">She revealed that living together was a “special” time for the couple and that they were able to reconnect without distractions.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3cf97636-7fff-f307-621d-9151ea4be8d7"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Getty </em></p>

Relationships

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“I love you! My King”: Christine Brown praises new boyfriend

<p dir="ltr">Christine Brown has taken to the internet to express just how much she loves her new boyfriend, David Woolley. </p> <p dir="ltr">Woolley shared on Instagram a snap of a mirror where the Sister Wives star, 50, had written, “I love you! My King.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"I love how thoughtful Christine is and all the little things she does for me ❤️#christinebrown #soulmate #myqueen #mylove," he captioned the image.</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/CpvTG5pOqpx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CpvTG5pOqpx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by David Woolley (@david__woolley)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">That same day Brown shared a sweet photo of the couple holding each other in a booth. </p> <p dir="ltr">Alongside the picture, Brown praised Woolley, captioning the post, "I can't express how amazing it's been to have David in my life," she wrote. "He's an incredible man and he treats me like his Queen.”</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/CptKn9hvIsd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CptKn9hvIsd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Christine Brown (@christine_brownsw)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr"> Brown went public with Woolley on Valentine’s Day 2023 and has shared several photos of the pair.</p> <p dir="ltr">I finally found the love of my life, David," she shared on Instagram. "The first time he held me close, it felt like my soul took its first breath."</p> <p dir="ltr">Brown, "He's wonderful and kind, incredible with my children and an adorable grandpa. I never dreamed I could find a love like this.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Brown’s relationship with Woolley is her first since her divorce from her husband of 25 years, Kody Brown. Christine said it had been “awkward” dating again more than a year after the split. </p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-b0444289-7fff-5055-3ec7-8ff94c90bef0"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Brown has certainly gotten past the awkwardness as she proudly praises her boyfriend online. It’s safe to say the pair are seriously smitten.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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Fleetwood Mac's devastating news

<p>Mick Fleetwood has shared a sad update on the future of Fleetwood Mac.</p> <p>The founding member of the iconic group announced he thinks the band is "done" following the death of Christine McVie in late 2022. </p> <p>McVie was the songwriter, vocalist and keyboardist responsible for some of Fleetwood Mac’s most enduring hits, including <em>Little Lies</em>, <em>Everywhere</em> and <em>Don’t Stop</em>. </p> <p>She died at age 79 on November 30th 2022 after a battle with a short illness. </p> <p>Speaking on the Grammys red carpet this week, Fleetwood – who performed a musical tribute to his late bandmate alongside Sheryl Crow and Bonnie Raitt during the ceremony – said McVie’s death had drawn “the line in the sand” for Fleetwood Mac. </p> <p>“I think right now, I truly think the line in the sand has been drawn with the loss of Chris,” he said.</p> <p>“I’d say we’re done, but then we’ve all said that before. It’s sort of unthinkable right now.”</p> <p>Christine McVie joined the band in 1970, three years after they were founded, before leaving the group in 1998. </p> <p>She rejoined the band in 2014 for what would be the final world tour of Fleetwood Mac’s most iconic line-up: Christine McVie, Fleetwood, Stevie Nick, Lindsey Buckingham and John McVie.</p> <p>Christine's death was <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/there-are-no-words-fleetwood-mac-star-dies-aged-79" target="_blank" rel="noopener">confirmed</a> by her family in an emotional statement, as they said she was surrounded by loved ones in her final moments. </p> <p dir="ltr">"On behalf of Christine McVie's family, it is with a heavy heart we are informing you of Christine's death. She passed away peacefully at hospital this morning, Wednesday, November 30th 2022, following a short illness," the family said in a statement, according to Variety.</p> <p> </p> <p dir="ltr">"She was in the company of her family. We kindly ask that you respect the family's privacy at this extremely painful time, and we would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible human being, and revered musician who was loved universally. RIP Christine McVie."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Music

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"There are no words": Fleetwood Mac star dies aged 79

<p dir="ltr">Fleetwood Mac singer-songwriter Christine McVie has passed away aged 79 following a short bout of illness, according to the family.</p> <p dir="ltr">McVie died in hospital and surrounded by family.</p> <p dir="ltr">"On behalf of Christine McVie's family, it is with a heavy heart we are informing you of Christine's death. She passed away peacefully at hospital this morning, Wednesday, November 30th 2022, following a short illness," the family said in a statement, per <em>Variety</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">"She was in the company of her family. We kindly ask that you respect the family's privacy at this extremely painful time, and we would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible human being, and revered musician who was loved universally. RIP Christine McVie."</p> <p dir="ltr">In the wake of the news, Fleetwood Mac shared a heartfelt tribute and paid their respects to McVie on social media.</p> <p dir="ltr">"There are no words to describe our sadness at the passing of Christine McVie. She was truly one-of-a-kind, special and talented beyond measure,” the <a href="https://twitter.com/fleetwoodmac/status/1598036525903941632" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tweet</a> read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She was the best musician anyone could have in their band and the best friend anyone could have in their life.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We were so lucky to have a life with her. Individually and together, we cherished Christine deeply and are thankful for the amazing memories we have. She will be so very missed."</p> <p dir="ltr">McVie joined Fleetwood Mac as a permanent member in 1971, four years after the British-American rock band was founded in London.</p> <p dir="ltr">The singer was behind some of the band’s best hits, including <em>Little Lies</em>, <em>Everywhere</em>, <em>Don’t Stop</em>, <em>Say You Love Me</em> and <em>Songbird</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The band, consisting of Mick Fleetwood, Christine and John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, went on to sell more than 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the most successful bands of all time.</p> <p dir="ltr">Nicks also took to Instagram with a tribute to her bandmate, sharing a handwritten message.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-f7504e75-7fff-327e-e93a-29c23448ed57"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“A few hours ago I was told that my best friend in the whole world since the first day of 1975 had passed away,” her message began.</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/ClmZfBjvhlx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ClmZfBjvhlx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Stevie Nicks (@stevienicks)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“I didn’t even know she was ill… until late Saturday night. I wanted to be in London; I wanted to get to London - but we were told to wait. So, since Saturday, one song has been swirling around in my head, over and over and over.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I thought I might possibly get to sing it to her, and so, I’m singing it to her now. I always knew I would need <span style="text-decoration: underline;">these words</span> one day,” she continued, followed by lyrics of <em>It’s All I Can Do</em> by The Cars.</p> <p dir="ltr">McVie’s passing comes two years after Peter Green, the band’s co-founder and guitarist, died aged 73.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-093bb7db-7fff-5ff2-4967-3b3793bbab44"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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Woman lives on cruise ship six months each year

<p dir="ltr">An incredibly lucky woman who basically lives half a year on a cruise ship for free has given insight into a week in her life. </p> <p dir="ltr">Christine Kesteloo, a former cruise and travel director for 12 years, said some of the biggest decisions she’s faced with are whether she should lay in the sun, do a wine tasting or teatime. </p> <p dir="ltr">Her husband, Piet, who is a staff chief engineer, has been sailing on and off for 30 years but she was the only one affected when the pandemic hit.</p> <p dir="ltr">Christine then joined her husband as a “wife on board” also known as WOB which is a “privilege often reserved for high-ranking officers”. </p> <p dir="ltr">She revealed that at one point Piet was her “husband on board” when she was working 12-hour days.</p> <p dir="ltr">When they’re not cruising, the pair call Vlissingen, Netherlands, their home. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>A week in Christine’s life:</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Internet</p> <p dir="ltr">To share her experiences with fans on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@dutchworld_americangirl?referer_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insider.com%2F&amp;referer_video_id=7074268953295588651&amp;refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>, Christine pays $20 a week for unlimited internet. </p> <p dir="ltr">Tipping room service</p> <p dir="ltr">Christine already keeps her room clean, but when the room steward comes in, he changes the bed sheets and pillow covers.</p> <p dir="ltr">A $10 tip is given each week or up to $20 if he’s hopping off to enjoy lunch on land. </p> <p dir="ltr">Free laundry </p> <p dir="ltr">The room steward will pop into the room about 7.30 every morning to check if there is a washing bag ready to be taken. </p> <p dir="ltr">The items are written on a piece of paper before they’re returned at the end of the day. </p> <p dir="ltr">Free meals but pay for speciality restaurants and room service</p> <p dir="ltr">Christine revealed that anything you could dream of is available on board and that she is “well fed”. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, she and her husband go a step further and will pay for food when dining at a specialty restaurant which costs up to $20 and $50 a person. They also tip between $5 and $10.</p> <p dir="ltr">Room service is free to order but Christine and her husband tip between $2 and $5 each time.</p> <p dir="ltr">Overall, Christine and her husband are spending about $87 a week for living on board a cruise ship for free. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: TikTok and Instagram</em></p>

Cruising

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Why millions of Aussies have not gotten boosters

<p>A new study has revealed that adults across Australia are proving very hesitant to receive their Covid-19 boosters.</p> <p>The analysis shows the hesitancy is not from vaccine misinformation or resistance, but from being completely disengaged from consuming further information about Covid-19.</p> <p>The survey conducted by the Australian National University shows less than half of all double vaccinated Australians aged 18 and over have had their booster.<br />It also found young Australians aged 18-24, Indigenous Australians, people with low education, and those who live in disadvantaged areas, are less likely to have received the third shot.</p> <p>In January, the ANU survey of more than 3400 adults found about four-in-10 Australians or 41.5% had received a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.</p> <p>Study co-author Nicholas Biddle says 65.4% of people surveyed confirmed they would definitely get a booster compared to 71.9% in a survey previously conducted in October.</p> <p>'The findings suggest that booster uptake is not due to active resistance ... but rather because people either do not have that much information about the need for a third dose or because they have made a judgement that it is not necessary for them,' he said.</p> <p>'The experience of the first two doses, particularly side effects, may also have made some reluctant to seek out a third dose.'</p> <p>Although Australia had high success nationally with the initial rollout, where 94.4% of people over 16 years have had two doses, the ANU analysis shows there is no guarantee that success will be repeated in the booster rollout.</p> <p>'There is a very large proportion of adult Australians who are eligible for a booster but have not yet done so, with many of these individuals likely to have waning immunity from their first two doses,' Professor Biddle said.</p> <p>This information coincides with the restrictions lifting, where wearing a mask and checking in will become a thing of the past. Nationally, more than 25,000 COVID-19 infections were recorded on Thursday. </p> <p><em>Image: Getty </em></p>

Caring

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Game-changing cancer treatment enters second clinical trial

<p>Game-changing low-cost and non-toxic treatment could offer people battling cancer a new alternative to chemotherapy.</p> <p>Researchers at The Australian National University have discovered a way to use dead bacteria to help kickstart the body’s immune system and shrink the cancer.</p> <p>Aude Fahrer, lead research at ANU said ongoing clinical trials of the Complete Freund Adjuvant treatment had shown promising results and could significantly improve outcomes for patients battling the disease.</p> <p>“We do think it could be a game charger. If this works well, it will be a new treatment option with far fewer side effects, which will be available for cancer patients,” Associate professor Fahrer said.</p> <p>Complete Freund Adjuvant is made up just three ingredients: mineral oil, surfactant, and dead bacteria.</p> <p>Associate Professor Fahrer’s team tested the treatment on eight cancer patients at Canberra Hospital.</p> <p>“They were all late stages, but in one case in particular we were able to significantly improve the patients’ quality of life,” she said.</p> <p>The new treatment was able to reduce the amount of liquid around the patient’s lungs and shrunk their tumour.</p> <p>Associate Professor Fahrer said the new approach was less time-consuming and physically taxing than other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.</p> <p>“The best things about this new treatment is that it requires few dosages, is simple to administer, and has how side effects,” she said.</p> <p>Extreme hair loss, nausea, fatigue, and physical pain are just some of the impacts of chemotherapy.</p> <p>And while some cancer immunotherapy treatments can cost up to $40,000, the ANU researcher’s new treatment is very affordable – clocking in at just $20 per dose.</p> <p>The bacterial-based immunotherapy is a simple, but unusual approach to treating tumours.</p> <p>“It involves injecting a slow-release solution of dead mycobacteria directly into the cancer,” Associate Professor Fahrer said.</p> <p>“The idea is this will bring immune cells into the cancer to attack the bacteria, even though they’re dead, and as a side effect cause the immune cells to attack the cancer as well.</p> <p>“Once the immune cells multiple they can travel around the body, so it would not only attack the cancer at the injection site, but any metastases – where the cancer has spread to another part of the body.”</p> <p>While trials have only been conducted on late-stage human cancer patients so far, Associate Professor Fahrer said the new treatment was able to eliminate some earlier stage tumours in animal studies.</p> <p>If the new treatment continues to show success in clinical trials, researchers say the treatment has the potential to help treat all forms of solid tumour cancer.</p> <p>Ms Fahrer’s research was largely funded by the Lea Chapuis Memorial Fund, a cancer patient who’s dying wish was to improve treatment options for sick Australians.</p> <p>“Lea asked people to contribute to the research in lieu of flowers when she passed way,” Associate Professor Fahrer said.</p> <p>A second clinical trial of the new treatment at the Canberra Hospital has already been approved.</p>

Body

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Christine Holgate to receive huge pay out

<p>Former CEO of Australia Post Christine Holgate will be paid a hefty $1million termination payment from the federal government after being forced to step down from the business last year.</p> <p>The decision comes after extensive mediation between the two parties before a former Federal Court judge over several weeks.</p> <p>Australia Post has also agreed to pay Ms Holgate an additional $100,000 to cover any legal costs throughout the proceedings.</p> <p>Ms Holgate left Australia Post following nation-wide controversy over gifting four of her top executives Cartier watches as bonuses in 2018.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 318.0633520449078px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842829/aus-post.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9198cc86be164bfca2a00270dff9a7ae" /></p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty Images</em></p> <p>A representative form Australia Post commented on the settlement, stating it "acknowledges that it has lost an effective CEO following the events on the morning of 22nd October 2020."</p> <p>Australia Post added that it "wishes Ms Holgate the best in her future endeavours", as she was appointed head of Global Express, a rival courier company in the profitable parcel segment.</p> <p>Ms Holgate continues to express her appreciation for the staff, partners and licensees of Australia Post, despite now leading a rival operation.</p> <p>The statement says, "Ms Holgate wishes the employees, partners and licensees of Australia Post her best wishes as they strive every day to provide a vital and affordable service to all Australians no matter where they reside."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine News/Shutterstock</em></p>

Money & Banking

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5 minutes with author Christine Sykes

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">5 minutes with author</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Over60</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> asks book writers about their literary habits and preferences. Next in the series is Christine Sykes, a novelist and memoir writer based on Sydney’s south coast. After working as a Public Servant for 30 years and volunteering at Dress for Success Sydney for four, Sykes is now enjoying life’s simple pleasures and is regularly involved in tap dancing, acting, painting, and playing the flute. Her debut novel, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Changing Room</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> was inspired by the experiences of the women behind the charity Dress for Success. Her latest title, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Gough and Me</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, is out now.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Over60</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> talked with Sykes about writing routines, Jenny Hocking, and tough reads.</span></p> <p><strong>Over60:What book do you think more people should read?</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aside from my two books! There are so many wonderful Australian writers to choose from.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The book I think people should read to get an understanding of the way history can be manipulated is </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Palace Letters</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> by Jenny Hocking. It is a gripping account of the ground-breaking work undertaken to reveal the truth behind the sacking of the Whitlam government and the extraordinary steps to hide that truth.</span></p> <p><strong>How did you make the transition from the Public Service to writing?</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While I was in the public service in Canberra, I undertook short creative writing courses at ANU. This resulted in me writing many short stories and rediscovering my love of children’s stories.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When I retired, I decided to treat it as a writing sabbatical and try writing longer works. The Year of Novel Writing course at Writing NSW, gave me a structure to my time and a great foundation for writing my first published book, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Changing Room</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">. I continued to explore writing through other courses and writing groups which led to the publication of my memoir, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Gough and Me</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><strong> What was the last book that made you laugh?</strong></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> by Joanna Nell was hilarious, and a book I wish I’d written.</span> </p> <p><strong>What does your writing routine look like?</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most of my writing is done in the morning, which is my most creative time. I usually begin writing in longhand in exercise books, and move to typing on the computer when the story has taken shape. The afternoons are good for walking and letting the story settle in the back of my brain where new connections are made. Some people call this composting and it’s an important part of my creative process.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When I edit, I tend to work into the afternoon and often find different places to read the manuscript, which gives me an alternative perspective.</span></p> <p><strong>What is your best writing tip?</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Invest in your writing, through whatever means are available to you, such as doing a course, having a professional mentor or editor, being part of a writing group or having a writing friend. This really helped me when I didn’t feel like writing or was questioning my ability to write. I also give myself permission to write badly – it’s better to have something on the page which I can then edit and mould, than swirling thoughts in my head.</span> </p> <p><strong>Which author, deceased or living, would you most like to have dinner with?</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My first choice would be Anais Nin – a prolific writer of journals, novels and essays. I adored her descriptions of the soirees she held in Paris with interesting people from the arts, politics and life. I hope she’d bring some with her and would love for her to include Gough and Margaret Whitlam.</span></p> <p>What do you do when you can’t seem to finish reading a book?</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Usually I push through, hoping the author will grip me again, and sometimes I skip sections which are less interesting. There have only been a few books which I have abandoned.</span></p>

Books

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Iconic Aussie singer unmasked

<p><span>The <em>Masked Singer Australia’s</em> Goldfish has been revealed to be Christine Anu after a spectacular performance.</span><br /><br /><span>Anu had the guessing panel on their feet during her rendition of Bon Jobi’s It’s My Life, however it sadly would not be enough to get her to the next round of the show.</span><br /><br /><span>Before Christine Anu revealed her identity, Urzila Carlson had Goldfish pegged as <em>Young Talent Time</em> performer Tina Arena.</span><br /><br /><span>Dave Hughes has his own suspicion it was taekwondo Olympian Lauren Burns, but Jackie O was leaning towards Play School presenter Justine Clarke.</span><br /><br /><span>Dannii Minogue had an inkling the talented fish could be actress Ruby Rose.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837399/woolies-masked-singer-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f9e13d48c48149f18a9645dc839e9dac" /><br /><br /><span>After Anu removed her mask, panellist Dannii Minogue exclaimed: “The weirdest thing is, we guessed your name so many times last year!”</span><br /><br /><span>Guessing panellist Jackie O added: “We’d given up on guessing you!”</span><br /><br /><span>Christine Anu might be hanging up her costume, however there is much more to come in The Masked Singer Australia sea.</span><br /><br /><span>In the first performance of the night, the alluring and mysterious Dragonfly had everyone grooving to pop banger Dance Monkey by Tones &amp; I.</span><br /><br /><span>Frillneck set Urzila Carlson’s heart alight with a captivating take at <em>Breaking Me</em> by <em>Topic</em> &amp;<em> A7S.</em></span><br /><br /><span>Queen seemed to give the performance of the night, delivering a hypnotic take on Ciara’s <em>Paint It Black.</em></span><br /><br /><span>To finish the night out was Puppet, who still gives Dannii Minogue the ‘heebie-jeebies’, but nonetheless owned the stage with their version of Queen’s <em>Somebody To Love.</em></span></p>

Music

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Meghan Markle lookalike! Can you believe they’re not the same person?

<p>Christine Primrose Mathis has made a name for herself on social media for her incredibly unique trait – being a spitting image of American royal Meghan Markle.</p> <p>The 32-year-old, who works as an air hostess, claims she first started being compared to the Duchess of Sussex when Meghan was working as an actress in the hit show<span> </span>Suits.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8_pENipWxf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8_pENipWxf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Christine Primrose Mathis (@christineprimrose)</a> on Feb 25, 2020 at 7:10am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>However, Ms Mathis says she didn’t take much notice of the comparison until Meghan’s face was plastered on every blog, social media site and newspaper.</p> <p>The look-alike’s dark hair and tan complexion mixed with the wash of freckles the Duchess of Sussex has become known for, dazed many people as Ms Mathis roamed the streets of her hometown.</p> <p>So much so, she decided to join a look alike agency in 2019.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7836297/meghan-markle-christine-6.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/83256144f01b49578392f71c8a417531" /></p> <p>“Five years ago I was working in first-class as a flight attendant and passengers would say 'hey, you look like that girl from Suits' every so often,” Ms Mathis explained.</p> <p>“I could see the resemblance, but I just brushed it off but when Meghan and Harry got engaged, that's when I started hearing it a lot more often.</p> <p>“At first, I was confused but I definitely took it as a compliment because I thought she was so beautiful.”</p> <p>The lookalike went on to add: “Last year, I signed up with a lookalike agency because after they got married, it became a lot more frequent.</p> <p>“Hopefully, I can get some corporate work and TV work. I've been acting since I was very young and I'm working on getting an audition with my agent. That would be the absolute dream.</p> <p>“Social media can be cruel, I've had people comment that I'm trying to be her or that my hair and make-up is the same. I feel like I've always done my hair like that. I try to ignore the people who are being mean.”</p> <p>The royal twin admitted she even went on to post a video of her to the social media app TikTok where she dressed like Meghan Markle and claimed “people couldn’t believe the resemblance.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAGvgKmJ8Az/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAGvgKmJ8Az/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Christine Primrose Mathis (@christineprimrose)</a> on May 12, 2020 at 4:00pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“I have had a lot more opportunities from looking like her; she's so famous.</p> <p>“I think most of my following comes from people thinking I am Meghan Markle but at the same time I hope they also like my personality.</p> <p>“A lot of people look up to her and because they can't get in direct contact with her, I guess I'm the next best thing.”</p>

Beauty & Style

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Julie Bishop's big new job! First woman to hold the position

<p>Former foreign minister Julie Bishop has been announced as the first female chancellor of the Australian National University, months after leaving federal politics.</p> <p>The former deputy Liberal leader is set to take on yet another role after exiting the public office three months ago.</p> <p>“It is a great honour to take up the role of chancellor of ANU,” Bishop said.</p> <p>“ANU's strong links globally, and in our region, make it one of Australia's most important institutions, and I look forward to working with it as we continue to support and further our national interest.”</p> <p>She will replace another former foreign minister, Gareth Evans, who has been the chancellor of the university since 2010.</p> <p>The 62-year-old will commence her role at ANU in January.</p> <p>The university’s pro chancellor Naomi Flutter said she hoped Bishop would be a strong voice for the ANU. </p> <p>“In Julie, I know we will have a compelling and effective advocate for our university, including with the Australian government,” said Flutter.</p> <p>Bishop retired from her 21-year parliamentary career at the May election. Since then, the former MP for Curtin has taken on a number of roles, including <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/im-not-interested-pauline-hanson-tells-georgie-gardner-what-she-really-thinks-about-julie-bishop/" target="_blank">a controversial appointment to the board of international consultancy firm Palladium</a>, a beneficiary of the government’s privatisation of foreign aid spending.</p> <p>An investigation by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet last week found that Bishop <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-22/christopher-pyne-julie-bishop-new-jobs-do-not-breach-standards/11330262" target="_blank">has not breached the ministerial standards</a> by taking up the position.</p>

Money & Banking

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Did Tony Abbott attend sister Christine's same-sex wedding?

<p><span>Tony Abbott’s sister, Christine Forster, has opened up about her decision to invite her brother to her wedding despite their opposing views on same-sex marriage.</span></p> <p><span>Christine, who recently married Virginia Edwards, said the decision to invite her brother was a no-brainer as he is family. However, she did joke that the former PM had banked on an invitation to the celebration without actually being asked.</span></p> <p><span>Speaking in parliament after same-sex marriage was legalised in Australia, Tony Abbott said he was looking forward to attending the marriage of his sister Christine to Virginia.</span></p> <p><span>On Monday, Christine told ABC’s <em>Australian Story</em>, “I thought that was a bit presumptuous – you haven't got your invite yet buddy.”</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FABCAustralianStory%2Fvideos%2F10157266753367818%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=476" width="476" height="476" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br /></span></p> <p><span>In the end, the family put aside their differences to celebrate the wedding.</span></p> <p><span>"Tony and I we were, I hope, able to demonstrate that even though you have diametrically opposed views and sometimes one or the other of you might say something that really pisses off the other one, ultimately you keep it respectful, still love each other, you're still family, and it's not any reason to have a cataclysmic bust up," Christine said.</span></p> <p><span>"I'm really optimistic, about the fact, that everybody now, is starting to understand where we all sit in this new shared future."</span></p> <p><span>In the interview, Christine and Virginia explained that their families first struggled to accept their relationship.</span></p> <p><span>The couple, who have been together for 10 years, were both married when they met while dropping their sons off at daycare in 2008.</span></p> <p><span>"We had six children and two families that were going to be catastrophically blown off the planet by Christine and I doing what we needed to do, and that was to be together," Virginia told the program.</span></p>

News

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Cruising slowly up the Hooghly in pictures

<p><em><strong>Christine Osborne, 75, is a freelance travel writer and photojournalist. In 2013, she self-published <a href="http://www.travelswithmyhat.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Travels with My Hat</span></a>: a lifetime on the road, an account of working as a single woman in some of the world’s most off-beat destinations including Yemen, Iraq and Pakistan.</strong></em></p> <p>Cruise holidays are all the rage Down Under. One million Australians – a majority of them retirees – enjoyed a cruise last year. In 2017, 200 cruise liners are scheduled to visit Sydney.</p> <p>During the Golden Age of cruising (1947-60) the <em>Queen Mary</em> was literally queen of the seas, but competition for custom among shipping companies sees cruise ships getting bigger and ever more innovative.</p> <p>The current Big Daddy – <em>Harmony of the Seas</em> owned by Royal Caribbean – has capacity for more than 6000 passengers and gimmicks such as an ice-rink, climbing walls and a robotic bartender to mix your sundowners.  </p> <p>This number of passengers fills me with horror, my ideal cruise being a small ship plying a quiet inland waterway, mooring here and there to visit historic sites and observe rural life.</p> <p>Scouring the internet, I found cruises up the Irrawaddy, down the Mekong and along the River Kwai, but a seven-day cruise on the Hooghly River from Kolkata caught my eye.</p> <p>Operated by Assam Bengal Navigation, the <em>Rajmahal</em> carries only 40 passengers in 18 twin and</p> <p>4 single cabins. Built in Kolkata, the 50m long vessel was everything I was looking for.</p> <p>The bar served Schweppes for my G&amp;T, meals were a mix of English and (lightly spiced) Assam cuisine and my cabin overlooking the river, had a comfortable bed and ensuite. Laundry was cheap and a small spa centre offered various treatments.</p> <p>Each evening in the salon we learned of sightseeing arrangements for the following day. Visits to sites such as Barrackpore, centre of British administration in Bengal and Chandernagore, a French possession until 1950 and the Khushbagh, a serene Mughal-style garden.</p> <p>A highlight of stops along the Hooghly was Plassey, a rural village where in 1757 Clive’s victory over the Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah changed the course of Indian history.   </p> <p>But everywhere we stopped held interest. Especially Kalna and Baranagar known for small terracotta temples carved as intricately as hand embroidered lace. Visits to weaving and brassworking centres were also on our itinerary when we were welcomed back to the Rajmahal with cool towels and fresh fruit juices.</p> <p>The cruise whichdoes not operate during mid-summer in Bengal (July-August) is unsuitable for wheelchair users, but with no single supplement charge, it is ideal for solo travellers. $8 a day is suggested as a tip for the attentive crew members.</p> <p>You can make a booking through, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.activetravel.com.au/" target="_blank">www.activetravel.com.au</a></strong></span>.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="500" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36109/1_500x245.jpg" alt="1 (180)"/></p> <p align="center">50 METRES LONG, THE  RV RAJMAHAL OPERATED BY ASSAM BENGAL NAVIGATION, BEGAN SERVICE ON THE HOOGHLY IN 2014.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="500" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36108/2_500x375.jpg" alt="2 (174)"/></p> <p align="center">HERE WE ARE LEAVING KOLKATA WITH THE ICONIC HOWRAH BRIDGE SPANNING THE HOOGHLY. 100,000 VEHICLES AND 150,000 PEDESTRIANS CROSS IT DAILY</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="500" height="365" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36110/3_500x365.jpg" alt="3 (146)"/></p> <p align="center">THE HOOGHLY IS SHALLOW NEAR THE RIVER BANK, SO WE TOWED A TENDER, HERE MOORED IN THE OLD BRITISH CANTONMENT OF BARRACKPORE.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="500" height="334" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36111/4_500x334.jpg" alt="4 (125)"/></p> <p align="center">OVER COCKTAILS EACH EVENING, WE HEARD OUR SIGHTSEEING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FOLLOWING DAY</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="500" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36112/added-image_500x375.jpg" alt="ADDED IMAGE"/></p> <p align="center">SEAT FOR SENIOR CITIZENS IN THE OLD BRITISH CANTONMENT OF BARRACKPORE, FIRST STOP ON THE HOOGHLY CRUISE.</p> <p align="center"><img width="499" height="360" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36114/5_499x360.jpg" alt="5 (116)"/> </p> <p align="center">A SCENE IN CHANDERNAGORE, A FORMER FRENCH POSSESSION WITH TRADITIONAL COLONIAL STYLE ARCHITECTURE AND AN 18TH CENTURY CATHOLIC CHURCH.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="500" height="354" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36115/6_500x354.jpg" alt="6 (108)"/></p> <p align="center">IN KALNA WE VISIT A UNIQUE SHIVA TEMPLE MADE UP OF 108 SHRINES. THE OUTER CIRCLE WHERE WE ARE SITTING HAS 74 AND THE INNER ONE A FURTHER 34.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="500" height="405" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36116/7_500x405.jpg" alt="7 (97)"/></p> <p align="center">VILLAGERS IN MATIARI HAVEN’T HEARD OF COAL OR WIND POWER. COW DUNG IS COLLECTED, DRIED THEN USED FOR COOKING AND WARMTH</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="500" height="500" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36117/8_500x500.jpg" alt="8 (90)"/></p> <p align="center">A  RURAL WOMAN ROLLING BIDIS, THE CHEAP CIGARETTE SMOKED BY THE POOR MADE FROM TOBACCO FLAKES WRAPPED IN LEAVES FROM THE INDIAN EBONY</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="500" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36118/9_500x375.jpg" alt="9 (75)"/></p> <p align="center">MINIATURE TERRACOTTA TEMPLE IN BARANAGAR CARVED WITH GODS FROM HINDU MYTHOLOGY AND SCENES OF LIFE IN THE MID-EIGHTEENTH CENTURY.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="500" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36119/10_500x375.jpg" alt="10 (60)"/></p> <p align="center">EITHER SIDE OFTHE HOOGHLY ISCULTIVATED WITH DATE PALMS, TURMERIC AND MUSTARD. HERE FISHERMAN LAY NETS NEAR FARAKKA WHERE I DISEMBARKED AND CAUGHT A TRAIN BACK TO KOLKATA: 560 KILOMETRES.</p> <p>Find more from Christine at her blog <a href="http://travelswithmyhat.com/travel/cruising-slowly-hooghly/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Travel with My Hat. </span></strong></a></p> <p><em>Image credit: Christine Osbourne </em></p>

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