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Heartbreaking final message as world's oldest woman passes away

<p>Maria Branyas Morera, the world's oldest woman, has died aged 117. </p> <p>The centurion, who has lived through two world wars and a global pandemic, passed away “peacefully and without pain”, according to her family members who announced her tragic passing on X, formerly Twitter. </p> <p>“Maria Branyas has left us.</p> <p>“She died as she wished: in her sleep, peacefully and without pain.</p> <p>“We will always remember her for her advice and her kindness.”</p> <p>In a heartbreaking final message shared to X on Tuesday, Morera shared that she felt "weak" and that the "time is near". </p> <p>“The time is near. Don’t cry, I don’t like tears. And above all, don’t suffer for me," she wrote. </p> <p>“Wherever I go, I will be happy.”</p> <p>Morera became the world's oldest living person after French nun Lucile Randon passed away aged 118 in January last year. </p> <p>Before her death, Morera agreed to undergo scientific testing by researchers who collected samples of her saliva, blood and urine, in hopes to gain insight into the secrets to a long life. </p> <p>They will compare them with those of her 80-year-old daughter and hope that by studying her genes they may develop drugs which could combat diseases associated with ageing. </p> <p>Morera is survived by her two daughters, 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. </p> <p><em>Images: news.com.au/ Guinness Book of Records</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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First photos of new royal baby emerge

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

Family & Pets

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Husband arrested over murder of beloved Nonna

<p>Frank Dimasi, 91 has been charged over the murder of his wife, Maria, 85, who was found dead inside the couple's home over the weekend.</p> <p>Maria was found with multiple stab wounds inside the couple's home in Findon, Adelaide, at around 11:20pm on Saturday. </p> <p>Frank was arrested at the scene and charged over the murder of his wife of over 50 years on Monday.</p> <p>He is currently under police guard at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, having suffered from self-inflicted and non-life threatening wounds, according to SA police. He is also reported to suffer from a "neurological disability". </p> <p>Maria was a beloved member of the Italian community in Adelaide. </p> <p>She was regarded as the "neighbourhood matriarch” and was well-known because of her love for cooking, including making meals for the vulnerable.</p> <p>She was heavily involved with the family's taxpayer-funded meal service, Nonna’s Cucina, that even Health Minister Mark Butler recognised her hard work and described her as "extremely generous".</p> <p>“Maria lit up the kitchen at Nonna’s Cucina,” he said. “She was always extremely generous and made sure no one ever left her company hungry.</p> <p>“Maria gave so much to her community and will be greatly missed by her loved ones and everyone who had the pleasure to meet her.”</p> <p>South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas also paid tribute to the beloved great-grandmother and described the murder as "tragic". </p> <p>“On a personal level, Maria Dimasi was a very significant contributor to our state, particularly in the western suburbs’ Italian community,” said the premier. </p> <p>“Nonna’s Cucina, which will be very well-known to a lot of South Australians, did amazing work delivering meals to people that are vulnerable, particularly the elderly.</p> <p>"This is a good person who has lost their life in tragic circumstances.”</p> <p>The premier is currently facing increasing pressure to authorise a Royal Commission into domestic violence in the state, after five women have allegedly been killed at the hands of a partner since November 16, according to <em>The Advertiser</em>.</p> <p>The publication also reported that this is "the worst DV toll in Australia's history".</p> <p>In their first public statement issued through the police late Monday, the couple's family paid tribute to Maria, who they described as “loving mother to her four children, her 10 grandchildren and a great grandmother to 13”. </p> <p>“Maria had a caring nature and shared love and happiness to those around her,” they said in the statement obtained by <em>The Advertiser</em>. </p> <p>“Maria was the centre of our family, bringing us together to care for and support each other. Family was everything to Maria, and she was everything to her family.</p> <p>“Maria has warmed the hearts of many and we would like to extend our gratitude for the support the community has provided as we come to terms with our loss.”</p> <p>They added: “The support truly shows that Maria was loved by many and has made a positive impact to the community.</p> <p>“We will always remember Maria for her warmth, caring nature, compassion and her beautiful smile.”</p> <p>They also thanked Nonna’s Cucina for allowing her to spread joy with the community and said that they will come together as a family in the coming days to celebrate Maria's life. </p> <p>“We thank Nonna’s Cucina for supporting Maria to share her joy with the community.</p> <p>“The past few days have been difficult for our family as we process the grief of losing our beautiful mother and Nonna.”</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook/ Nine News. </em></p>

Legal

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Eldest daughter of Georg and Maria Von Trapp dies

<p dir="ltr">Rosmarie Trapp, the last surviving daughter of Georg and Maria Von Trapp, whose family inspired <em>The Sound of Music</em>, has died aged 93.</p> <p dir="ltr">The eldest daughter of Georg and Maria, Rosmarie died on May 20 at a nursing home in Morrisville, Vermont.</p> <p dir="ltr">The family released a statement saying Rosmarie was “in the presence of loved ones all day long”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She traveled and performed with the Trapp Family Singers for many years, and worked at the Trapp Family Lodge in its infancy when the family first began hosting guests in their home,” the statement read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Her kindness, generosity, and colorful spirit were legendary, and she had a positive impact on countless lives. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Please respect our family’s privacy as we take time to process this loss, and prepare to celebrate the life of an amazing woman. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We believe the best way to recognize Rosmarie is to demonstrate the same selfless kindness and generosity that she exemplified daily.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Respectfully, Johannes, Lynne, Kristina, and Sam von Trapp.”</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/Cdiqd_vOch5/?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/Cdiqd_vOch5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Trapp Family Lodge (@trappfamilylodge)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Rosmarie was born on February 8th 1929, just outside Salzburg in Austria. </p> <p dir="ltr">She was the first daughter of Captain Georg von Trapp and Maria von Trapp, with her family inspiring the play and film. </p> <p dir="ltr">The family escaped from Nazi-occupied Austria in 1938 and performed singing tours throughout Europe and America before eventually settling in Vermont in the early 1940s.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple’s children have previously indicated that <em>The Sound of Music</em> wasn’t entirely based on fact.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, them fleeing Nazi-occupied Austria was real which saw the family sing and perform around the US. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 1965 American musical drama remains a favourite starring the beloved Julie Andrews and the late Christopher Plummer. </p> <p dir="ltr">Click <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/movies/fun-facts-about-the-sound-of-music" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> to read about five fun facts about the movie. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty/Instagram</em></p>

Movies

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Maria Sharapova shares exciting life update

<p>Maria Sharapova is having a baby. The tennis legend shared her exciting news in an Instagram post on her 35th birthday. She has received quite the flood of well-wishes from friends and fans.</p> <p>“Precious beginnings!!!” she captioned her social media post. “Eating birthday cake for two has always been my specialty.”</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/CcjQPQ9sn2R/?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/CcjQPQ9sn2R/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Maria Sharapova (@mariasharapova)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Sharapova shocked tennis by retiring at 32 after having reached No. 1 in the world rankings. She has won five grand slam titles and amassed a personal fortune estimated at $300 million, after walking away from tennis in early 2020. Part of the reason for her early retirement was the fact she was unable to overcome injury issues that plagued the latter stages of her career.</p> <p>In December 2020 Sharapova got engaged to British art dealer Alexander Gilkes .</p> <p>Maria has also recently joined the ranks of Russian athletes hitting back at her home country’s invasion of Ukraine, pledging to donate to the Save The Children’s Crisis Relief Fund.</p> <p>“I am donating to Save the Children’s crisis relief fund, an organisation working tirelessly to provide food, water, and aid kits to support those in need.</p>

Family & Pets

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Olympian who beat bone cancer sells medal to save toddler

<p>Olympic medallist Maria Andrejczyk has decided to auction off her silver medal for a very worthwhile cause. </p> <p>The Polish athlete, who won the silver medal for her outstanding performance in javelin, is auctioning off the medal to help fun a toddler's life-saving heart surgery.</p> <p>After beating bone cancer herself, the Olympian wants to help the young boy and his family pay for the operation, which comes with a hefty cost of $246,000.</p> <p>The 25-year-old athlete took to her Facebook page to call for her fans to help her. </p> <p>She said, “Miloszek has a serious heart defect. He needs an operation."</p> <p>“He already has a head start from Kubus — a boy who didn’t make it in time but whose amazing parents decided to pass on the funds they collected."</p> <p>“And in this way, I also want to help. It’s for him that I am auctioning my Olympic silver medal.”</p> <p>Maria missed out on an Olympic medal at Rio in 2016, before having to sit out the following year for a shoulder injury, which later led to her cancer diagnosis in 2018. </p> <p>After making it to the podium in Japan, she explained why she will be using her medal to help those in need. </p> <p>On a Polish television show, she said, “The true value of a medal always remains in the heart. A medal is only an object, but it can be of great value to others."</p> <p>“This silver can save lives, instead of collecting dust in a closet. That is why I decided to auction it to help sick children.”</p> <p>Maria's personal best of 71.4 metres is the third longest ever thrown by a woman in javelin, but her kind action will go much further. </p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

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Princess Maria of Austria dead at just 31

<p>Princess Maria Galitzine has died suddenly from heart failure and leaves behind her husband and two-year-old son.</p> <p>The 31-year-old, who’s a descendant of Emperor Karl of Austria, was living with her husband in Houston, Texas when she passed away.</p> <p>She had a fatal cardiac aneurysm on May 4th, just six days before her 32nd birthday.</p> <p>The news of her passing was confirmed in the<span> </span><em>Houston Chronicle</em>.</p> <p>“Our Maria passed away in the Houston morning of Monday, May 4, 2020, from a sudden cardiac aneurysm,” the obituary read.</p> <p>“She was born in 1988 to Prince and Princess Piotr Galitzine in the city of Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.” Maria was the daughter of Prince Piotr Galitzine, a Russian aristocrat and Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria, who’s the daughter of the Archduke Rudolf of Austria.</p> <p>Her father was the youngest son of Emperor Karl I of Austria and Empress Zita of Bourbon-Parma, and the couple were the last Emperor and Empress of Austria. They were exiled after World War I.</p> <p>Maria lived in Russia with her family, where she went to the German School of Moscow until she graduated.</p> <p>She went to live and work in Brussels, Chicago and Houston after she attended the College of Art and Design in Belgium.</p> <p>She spoke to<span> </span><em>The Houston Chronicle<span> </span></em>in February 2018, explaining that her parents never publicised their royal status.</p> <p>“My life is completely normal unless we are invited to royal weddings. My mail sometimes says ‘Princess Tatiana’.</p>

News

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First royal to die from COVID-19

<p>Princess Maria Teresa of Spain has died at the age pf 86 after testing positive for COVID-19.</p> <p>The princess which belonged to the Bourbon-Parma Royal Family of Spain is the first royal to sadly succumb to their illness.</p> <p>Her distraught younger brother, Prince Sixtus Henry of Bourbon-Parma was the one to announce she passed away on Sunday.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.33058277462607px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7835367/princess-maria-teresa-of-spain.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/4a3929d0de7e41faa3d75eae2f7b371c" /></p> <p>The siblings are family members of the House of Bourbon-Parma – a cadet branch descending from the French Capetian dynasty off the Spanish royal family.</p> <p>A cadet branch is created when a young member of a Royal family is granted lands and titles of their own but is not the current heir.</p> <p> Princess Maria Teresa was born in Paris, France on July 28, 1933, to her parents Prince Xavier and Madeleine de Bourbon. She had six brothers and sisters.</p> <p>The late princess’ family once ruled as King of Etruria and as Duke of Parma and Piacenza, Guastalla, and Lucca until 1859.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.33058277462607px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7835365/princess-maria-teresa-of-spain-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/dffb7cac1b6b44c88b853f72dc84cfa1" /></p> <p>The sad news comes at the same time it was revealed Prince Charles, the future King of England tested positive to a “mild” form of COVID-19 at 71.</p> <p>Princess Maria did not have children of her own but is survived by a plethora of nieces and nephews, Prince Carlos of Bourbon-Parma, Duke of Parma and Piacenza, Princess Margarita and Prince Jaime.</p> <p>Spain is currently recording high numbers of coronavirus deaths and the army is now being handed emergency power to transfer dead bodies as undertakers are currently unable to cope.</p> <p>Spain is now firmly in second place as the worst-hit nation ahead of China with 3,295 in total as the number of deaths from COVID-19 reaches 5,690.</p>

Travel Trouble

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Mixed emotions in Folau household as Maria and Israel face their weekends

<p>The Folau couple have endured very different weekends as they have usually reserved Sunday nights for sport.</p> <p>Israel Folau was forced to watch on as his former Wallabies teammates secured a record-setting win over New Zealand at a whopping 47-26. This means that they are in the running to win the Bledisloe Cup.</p> <p>The Wallabies have secured bragging rights for the first time since 2002 and was a surprising outcome for Aussie fans and rugby players alike as they were forced to watch the same outcome for the last 17 years.</p> <p>One can only imagine how Israel felt as his former teammates have put on a memorable performance at the sport he used to play.</p> <p>Many rugby fans were curious as to how the Wallabies would fill the backline hole that was left by Israel’s absence, but if the rugby team can continue to perform as they did on Saturday night, he might not be as missed as much as everyone thought.</p> <p>As Israel continues to fight for his $10 million payout saying that he did nothing wrong and that he shouldn’t be punished for his post on Instagram saying that gay people are destined for hell if they don’t repent for their sins, it appears that the national team has moved on without him.</p> <p>Things were looking up for his wife, Maria, as she led the Adelaide Thunderbirds to a 71-59 win over the Queensland Firebirds on Sunday.</p> <p>Maria was efficient on the court, finishing with 35 goals from 38 attempts in front of a packed stadium in Queensland.</p> <p>“I was a fangirl of her when I was growing up and still am,” Thunderbirds centre Hannah Petty said of the New Zealand international to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby/israel-folau-and-wife-maria-endure-mixed-fortunes-over-the-weekend/news-story/996810094793fe53267232ee8468ec75" target="_blank">news.com.au</a></em>.</p> <p>“She's full of confidence and helps everyone around her.</p> <p>“Maria's the calmest customer I've come across. Every time you look at her when you're feeling a bit rattled, she says take a deep breath.</p> <p>“She makes everyone play better.”</p>

News

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“It’s been hard for her”: Israel Folau breaks silence as he praises wife Maria

<p>Disgraced ex-rugby star Israel Folau has praised his wife Maria during his first television interview since his $4 million Rugby Australia contract was terminated.</p> <p>Folau also revealed that RA had offered a substantial amount of money for him to remove the post, but the athlete refused as sharing the bible was part of his duty as a Christian.</p> <p>Rugby Australia has denied the “completely untrue” claims.</p> <p>Folau sat with conservative commentators Alan Jones and Peta Credlin on Thursday evening to have a discussion about freedom of speech in Australia, and his sacking over his homophobic views.</p> <p>Despite standing by his original Instagram post which claimed, “homosexuals go to hell”, Folau said the entire incident has been tough on his family.</p> <p>“It’s been a very tough time for myself, Maria and our families … but we’re holding up really strong from the support,” he said on<span> </span><em>Sky News</em>.</p> <p>“It’s [faith] the most important thing to me. My identity is found in what’s written in that book.</p> <p>“The Bible and what I believe comes out of that is very important to me.”</p> <p>He also credited his wife Maria for staying “strong” throughout the entire ordeal.</p> <p>“Look it’s been extremely hard for her, she’s been dragged into this situation unexpectedly,” he said.</p> <p>“It’s been very frustrating for her but I’m very lucky she’s a strong woman, she’s [the] same as me, convicted by her faith.</p> <p>“She’s continued to march on and stay strong.”</p> <p>Mr Jones then asked Folau what his motivation is to keep fighting to which he responded saying his faith was his number one priority.</p> <p>“[I’m] driven by my faith – being number one – and my wife … my family and my friends,” he said.</p> <p>Discussing the specific verse that started the war in the first place, the 30-year-old said, “It’s nothing personal” – but a message he must convey due to his duty as a Christian.</p> <p>“I’m trying to share in love and that’s the way I look at it in terms of sharing the Bible,” he said.</p>

Money & Banking

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Heartbreaking decision – is Israel Folau’s wife risking it all?

<p>It has been almost two years since Maria Tutaia married her rugby star husband, Israel Folau, in November 2017.</p> <p>The journey has proven not to be easy; Maria has stood by her embattled husband even if it means risking her own career as well.</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/BpqkIaggDFk/" 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/BpqkIaggDFk/" target="_blank">A post shared by MARIA FOLAU (@mariatutaia)</a> on Nov 1, 2018 at 9:47pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>As Folau prepares for a major legal fight to save his own career, after he was sacked from Rugby Australia last month for publicly voicing his anti-gay beliefs, his 32-year-old wife has used her own social media platforms to back him.</p> <p>But there are concerns the professional New Zealander netballer could be at risk of jeopardising her own career by showing her public support.</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7828053/maria-folau.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/231c40aa0cc74824b5dc05a249816232" /></p> <p>Last week, she publicly donated her own money to his legal battle, Folau telling his own donors when setting up his GoFundMe page that he and Maria had “already spent over $100,000".</p> <p>However, the Adelaide Thunderbirds – the team Maria plays for – has released their own statement on her public endorsement of her husband.</p> <p>“While Netball SA in no way endorses the reposting, we do not believe Maria has contravened our social media policy,” the organisation said.</p> <p>The club also went on to say Maria was a good ambassador for the sport, by taking part in youth and community projects to inspire other young players to pursue a career professionally.</p> <p>However, other professional players do not see eye to eye with the Adelaide Netball Club.</p> <p>Aussie Netball legend Liz Ellis took to Twitter calling for Maria to be sacked.</p> <p>“Anyone who is seen to support or endorse homophobia is not welcome,” she wrote.</p> <p>“As much as I love watching @MariaFolau play netball I do not want my sport endorsing the views of her husband.”</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/BjJqpBwgWI-/" 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/BjJqpBwgWI-/" target="_blank">A post shared by MARIA FOLAU (@mariatutaia)</a> on May 24, 2018 at 12:00am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Maria is currently training for next month’s World Cup in Auckland where she will play for the national New Zealand team in the UK. </p> <p>She will be sure to face a number of uncomfortable questions regarding her personal beliefs.</p> <p>Netball New Zealand said in a statement the professional sportswoman had not broken any social media policy.</p>

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Take a walking holiday on glorious Maria Island

<p>Once in a while Mother Nature really outdoes herself in creating places of extraordinary beauty and grandeur. When these places also offer the opportunity for the traveller to immerse themselves completely in the heart and soul of that beauty, it becomes a transcendent experience. Such a place exists just off the east coast of Tasmania on world heritage listed Maria Island. </p> <p><strong>A carefully structured walking tour</strong><span><br /></span></p> <p><span>This idyllic gem is best appreciated on the professionally run </span><a rel="noopener" href="http://www.mariaislandwalk.com.au/" target="_blank">Maria Island Walk</a><span>, which operates between October and May and takes groups of 10 on a well-planned and paced four day and three night discovery journey. The walk covers between 4 and 17 kilometres per day and is relatively gentle, so while you don’t need to be a hiking addict, it will help to be of reasonable fitness to fully enjoy the experience.</span></p> <p>The tour begins with a boat transfer from the mainland, which arrives on the pristine white sands of Shoal bay on the south western end of the island. It’s a stunning introduction to a journey that will gradually unfold the natural wonders and vivid colonial history that is so richly present.</p> <p>After exploring the island’s southern end on day one, the route then hugs the western coast of the island on day two, giving you breathtaking vistas of crystal blue waters, beaches of remote beauty and dramatic cliffs that thrust up into the verdant, rolling landscape. On the third day you carve a path into the ancient forested heart of the island’s northern end, where the more able bodied can take an optional detour to scale the slopes of Mount Maria for a view that has to be seen to be believed.</p> <p><strong>Comfort and indulgence all the way</strong></p> <p>Against the backdrop of this unique environment, the creature comforts are all well catered for. Accommodation includes two nights at luxury permanent campsites and one night in the historically elegant Bernacchi House. The expert guides who are so passionate about the island’s heritage are also skilled at preparing gourmet meals that showcase the best of Tasmania’s famous food and wine culture.</p> <p>The haunting allure of Maria Island is ready to reward the willing walker with the experience of a lifetime.</p> <p><em>Written by Tom Raeside. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/travel/take-a-walking-holiday-on-glorious-maria-island.aspx">Wyza.com.au</a>.</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Maria Sharapova wins over fans with incredible act of sportsmanship

<p>Maria Sharapova has won over tennis fans with her acts of compassion in her latest match in the Shenzhen Open.</p> <p>Her opponent, 17-year-old teenager Wang Xinyu, had to retire in the second set of the match due to cramps.</p> <p>With Sharapova leading in the second set 5-2 after recovering from a shaky start, with Xinyu leading their first set with 7-6 (4), the game was brought to a halt when Wang was forced to quit.</p> <p>Wang, after winning two Grand Slam titles last year, was a wildcard entry into the Shenzhen event. The teenager was devastated at her injuries as she made her way off the court in tears.</p> <p>Sharapova saw her opponents tears and came over to offer some words of encouragement.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">Sharapova: “You take care of yourself ok? If you play like this you’re going to be No.1. I promise.” <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShenzhenOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShenzhenOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/cugobhg5qe">pic.twitter.com/cugobhg5qe</a></p> — WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA_insider/status/1080362278543708161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>“It’s not the way either of us wants to finish the match, win or lose,” Sharapova explained afterwards.</p> <p>”I thought (Wang) was absolutely the dominant player in this match, and had all the opportunities to win it, even though I felt like I was finding my stride and getting a little bit closer to the line and being more aggressive.</p> <p>“She has all the tools to play well, and I think she showcased that, and it’s obviously a very unfortunate way to end the match,” Sharapova said.</p> <p>With Sharapova advancing to the quarter finals, all of her matches might not end this way as she faces top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus.</p> <p>Sabalenka dominated her opponent, Ekaterina Alexandrova, in straights sets with a 6-3 6-3 win.</p>

Caring

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Serena Williams reignites feud with Maria Sharapova

<p>Serena Williams has hit back over false claims Maria Sharapova made about her in her book titled <em>Unstoppable: My Life So Far</em>, which was released last year.</p> <p>Williams said she was disappointed with the claims made about her, which she described as “hearsay”. </p> <p>Sharapova – who Williams has beaten 18 times in a row and is about to face her fierce rival ahead of their French Open clash – wrote in her recent memoir that Serena “hated” her for hearing her cry after the 2004 Wimbledon final.</p> <p>“I think the book was 100 per cent hearsay, at least all the stuff I read and the quotes that I read, which was a little disappointing,” Williams stated, after her third-round win at the French Open against Julia Georges.</p> <p>“I have cried in the locker room many times after a loss, and that’s what I have seen a lot of people do. I think it’s normal.”</p> <p>The tennis champ added, “It’s a Wimbledon final, you know. So, it’s just, like, I think it would be more shocking if I wasn’t in tears.”</p> <p>Williams said she was stunned how much she was mentioned in the Russian tennis player’s book, but also upset that she was portrayed as disliking Sharapova.</p> <p>“The book was a lot about me,” Williams said. “I was surprised about that, to be honest. You know, I was, like, ‘Oh, OK.’ I didn’t expect to be reading a book about me, that wasn’t necessarily true.”</p> <p>Playing at the French Open, her first tournament since becoming a mum to Alexis Olympia last September, Williams continued, “I don’t have any negative feelings towards her, which again, was a little disappointing to see in that hearsay book. Especially having a daughter, I feel like negativity is taught. One of the things I always say, I feel like women, especially, should bring each other up.”</p> <p>She added, “If anything, I feel like we should encourage each other, and the success of one female should be the inspiration to another, and I have said that 1000 times.”</p> <p>Sharapova, who returned to competitive tennis in April 2017 after a 15-month suspension for doping, also wrote in her book: “Serena and I should be friends; we have the same passion. But we are not. I think, to some extent, we have driven each other. Maybe that’s what it takes … Who knows? Someday, when all this is in our past, maybe we’ll become friends.”</p> <p> </p>

Books

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“The most wonderful thing that’s happened to me since Maria passed”

<p>Greece-born Costa was married for 50 years. When his wife, Maria passed away, he had an adjustment to make, relearning to take care of himself without his partner. Watch this video to find out why it was the best thing he could have done.</p> <div style="display: block; position: relative; max-width: 100%;"> <div style="padding-top: 56.25%;"><iframe src="http://players.brightcove.net/4174796129001/default_default/index.html?videoId=4737854492001" allowfullscreen="" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0px; bottom: 0px; right: 0px; left: 0px;"></iframe></div> </div> <p>If you are recently widowed and find yourself in a similar situation to Costa, consider these tips:</p> <ul> <li>Seek the support of others: having friends and family around during such a time will help you to deal with the grief that you’re experiencing.</li> <li>Recognise that you’re not alone: unfortunately, death is a reality we all face. Seek out a support group or talk to a friend who has gone through the same experience to achieve some perspective on your new situation.</li> <li>Remember to take care of yourself: even if it’s difficult, try to remember to eat and take care of yourself during your time of grief to regain some normalcy.</li> <li>Consider therapy: If you’re having trouble coming to terms with life without your partner, consider talking to a therapist for help.</li> <li>Consider getting physical help: whether in the form of an aged care provider, a cook, or a cleaner, it could make the difference between readjusting positively or not. </li> </ul> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/02/how-to-beat-post-retirement-depression/"><strong>How to beat the retirement blues</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/02/how-to-make-retirement-happy-and-healthy/"><strong>4 tips to ensure a happy and health retirement</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/02/four-ways-to-stay-active/"><strong>From walking groups to tai chi, top 4 ways to stay active</strong></a></em></span></p>

Retirement Life

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Prince Harry finds love at last

<p><em><span class="irc_ho">Image credit: www.dailymail.co.uk</span></em></p> <p>He’s had a string of high-profile breakups over the years, however, Prince Harry is jumping straight back on the horse so to speak. No, it’s not with The Duchess of Cambridge’s little sister Pip, but 19-year-old Princess Maria Olympia of Greece.</p> <p>An insider reports that the two are smitten and are planning to visit Switzerland together over Easter. The 31-year-old prince met Tatler magazine’s "Most eligible girl in the world" through his cousin, Princess Beatrice. While the princess is well-known in London’s society circles for her high-end style and notable connections, it is reportedly her fun side that has really won Harry's heart.</p> <p>All a bit of gossip right now so watch this space. We wonder what Prince William and Kate would think about the 12-year age gap?</p> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Related links:</strong></span></em></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/12/kate-middleton-wears-dianas-tiara/">Kate Middleton wear's Diana's favourite tiara for the first time</a></em></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/12/kate-middletons-top-fashion-looks/">The best Kate Middleton style looks</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/12/summer-skincare-tips/">5 expert tips for summer skincare</a></em></strong></span></p>

News

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The REAL Maria from Sound of Music was a difficult woman plagued by insecurities

<p>For 50 years, The Sound of Music has touched the hearts of people. Telling the story of a nun who falls in love with a widower and his seven children, it has endured as one of the most beloved musicals in the world.</p><p>But the real life Maria Kutschera is a far cry from the smiling Julie Andrews waltzing through the Swiss Alps. Her son Johannes, 75, has revealed in a new book that his mother was in fact a complex and difficult Austrian woman plagued by insecurities.</p><p>“She was incredibly strong with a formidable will, literally an indomitable will,” he said. “And sometimes running into that will was not so pleasant.”</p><p>Rosmarie, one of Maria and Georg's (pictured) children, said she found her mother difficult.</p><p>The 87-year-old said: “We never went running in a field and singing songs like that. We had a hard life. It was a struggle.”</p><p>When Maria sold the rights of her life story to Hollywood for £3,000 even director Robert Wise rebuffed her attempts to act as adviser.</p><p>“She was bossy, I didn't like that about her,” he said.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Related links:&nbsp;</strong></p><p><a href="http://oversixty.com.au/news/news/2015/02/paul-mccartney-number-one-single-australia/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Paul McCartney is the oldest person to score a number one single in Australia</strong></em></span></a></p><p><a href="http://oversixty.com.au/news/news/2015/01/twiggy-the-new-face-of-l%E2%80%99oreal/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>65-year-old Twiggy is the new face of L’Oreal</strong></em></span></a></p><p><a href="http://oversixty.com.au/news/news/2015/02/to-kill-a-mockingbird-sequel/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Harper Lee to release second novel 50 years after To Kill a Mockingbird</strong></em></span></a></p>

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