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Cricket icon dies just days after receiving King's Birthday award

<p>The cricket world is in mourning following the death of David “Syd” Lawrence, the pioneering fast bowler who became the first British-born Black cricketer to play for the national side. Lawrence, 61, passed away after a brave battle with motor neurone disease, a diagnosis he received just last year.</p> <p>The former Gloucestershire star, remembered as much for his generosity and spirit as for his fearsome pace, was recently awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. It was recognition that filled him with pride in his final months. “It is not something I ever thought would sit after my name,” he said just last week. “I am absolutely delighted that it will do so for however long I am here and will be a part of my legacy when I am gone.”</p> <p>Lawrence’s family confirmed his passing in a statement filled with love and sorrow. “’Syd’ was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed,” they said.</p> <p>Tributes have poured in from across the cricketing world. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) described Lawrence as a “trailblazer” and a man who made an “indelible mark” on the sport. ECB chair Richard Thompson reflected on his extraordinary legacy: “David ‘Syd’ Lawrence was a true trailblazer of English cricket and a man of immense courage, character, and compassion. His impact on the game extended far beyond the boundary ropes... Even in the face of his illness, David showed extraordinary strength and dignity, continuing to uplift others with his resilience and spirit. He leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who love cricket. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire cricketing community at this time.”</p> <p>Lawrence’s international career, which promised so much, was cruelly cut short by a devastating knee injury during England’s 1992 tour of New Zealand. He played five Tests but left an unforgettable impression, not least for his fiery pace and unrelenting passion.</p> <p>His beloved Gloucestershire Cricket Club, where he played 280 matches over 16 years and later served as president, expressed their devastation. “Gloucestershire Cricket is devastated to learn of the passing of former player and Club President, David ‘Syd’ Lawrence MBE, aged 61. Everyone at Gloucestershire Cricket would like to send their best wishes to David’s family during this terribly sad time.”</p> <p>Before England’s clash with India at Headingley, the cricketing world paused to remember Lawrence, with stars including Ben Stokes joining in a minute’s applause – a small gesture to honour a giant of the game whose courage, charisma and kindness touched so many.</p> <p>Lawrence’s loss leaves a hole in the heart of English cricket – a reminder of a player who not only broke barriers but inspired generations.</p> <p><em>Images: England and Wales Cricket Board / X (formerly Twitter)</em></p>

Caring

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Sir Becks at last? David Beckham reportedly set for long-awaited honour

<p>After years of waiting patiently – and sometimes not-so-patiently – David Beckham may finally get to swap his football boots for a ceremonial sword, with reports suggesting the former England captain is about to be knighted by King Charles III.</p> <p>"Sir" David Beckham could be a reality as soon as next week, with the British icon, 50, tipped to feature in the King’s Birthday Honours list. If confirmed, it’s a moment decades in the making – and not just in his dreams.</p> <p>The honour would also see his equally iconic wife rebranded as Lady Victoria Beckham. One assumes she already had the wardrobe for the role.</p> <p>Beckham, who received an OBE in 2003 for services to football, has long been linked with a knighthood. The rumour mill really got going in 2022, when Becks queued for an astonishing 13 hours to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth II. Admirable dedication – or, as some joked at the time, a very British form of long-game lobbying.</p> <p>Despite his chivalrous queueing efforts, he was passed over yet again in this year’s New Year Honours. That round saw knighthoods go to the likes of Stephen Fry, Gareth Southgate and Sadiq Khan - leaving Beckham still on the bench.</p> <p>But royal insiders now say his time may have finally come. Former royal butler Paul Burrell, always good for a regal soundbite, told <em>The Express</em> that Beckham was being “kept dangling for a while”, but added confidently: “Of course, it’s going to happen. The question is, when.”</p> <p>Well, Sir Paul (not that one) – it seems when is now. The knighthood is expected to recognise Beckham’s outstanding football career – as in, you know, captaining England and winning basically everything with Manchester United – as well as his impressive charitable work. From UNICEF to grassroots football, Beckham has been putting in the off-field hours too.</p> <p>Should the news be confirmed, expect front pages, formalwear and perhaps a cheeky photo of Becks adjusting his new sash just so. As for Lady Posh? One can only hope for a suitably regal Spice Girls reunion. </p> <p>Until the official honours list drops, Beckham fans will have to wait just a little longer – but it seems the king of English football may finally become Sir David, at long, long last.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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"Star power": Dancing with the Stars salaries leaked

<p>Break out the sequins and brace for the paso doble – <em>Dancing With The Stars</em> is back for its 22nd season on Sunday June 15, and while the celebrity cast is polishing their foxtrots and fake tans, the real drama has already begun… in their bank accounts.</p> <p>Twelve familiar Aussie faces will take to the floor in a blur of feathers, fringe and footwork, all in the name of charity (and, let’s be honest, a shot at the gloriously glittery Mirror Ball Trophy). But thanks to a <a href="https://www.nowtolove.com.au/entertainment/reality-tv/dancing-with-the-stars-australia-2025-salaries/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cheeky little leak by <em>Woman's Day</em></a>, we now know what else they’re dancing for: a surprisingly tiered pay system that splits the cast into three star-powered salary brackets.</p> <p>According to an “insider” who clearly missed the memo about NDAs, <em>Woman’s Day</em> has revealed that the 2025 cast is being paid based on a heady mix of legacy status, Logie nominations and possibly how many times Sonia Kruger has said their name on TV.</p> <p>Sitting pretty at the top of the pyramid (and we imagine, in the nicest rehearsal rooms) are national treasures Rebecca Gibney, Osher Günsberg and Shaun Micallef, each reportedly waltzing away with a cool $100,000. Between them, they’ve got decades of TV experience, Gold Logie nods and more charm than a Bunnings sausage sizzle.</p> <p>In the mid-range tier – the cha-cha-<em>ching</em>, if you will – are Olympic gold medallist Susie O’Neill, AFL great Trent Cotchin and 7NEWS stalwart Michael Usher, each allegedly earning $47,000. Not quite six figures, but still a pretty decent reward for risking public humiliation in Lycra.</p> <p>And finally, rounding out the glitterati is the budget-conscious brigade, earning a still-respectable $27,000: radio personality Brittany Hockley, influencer Mia Fevola, boxer Harry Garside, comic Felicity Ward, <em>Home and Away</em> heartthrob Kyle Shilling and 7NEWS’ Karina Carvalho. If enthusiasm and willingness to wear rhinestones were currencies, they'd all be millionaires.</p> <p>This tiered approach marks a departure from the great equal-pay kumbaya of 2023, when every one of the 14 celebrity contestants – including Matt Preston and Paulini – reportedly took home “just under $50,000”. Democracy in action... or perhaps just a simpler year for Channel 7’s payroll department.</p> <p><em>Dancing With The Stars</em> premieres Sunday, June 15, with sparkly stalwart Sonia Kruger and fresh-faced co-host Dr Chris Brown returning to oversee the glittery chaos. Expect tears, twirls and at least one dramatic tumble — hopefully not from the top earners.</p> <p><em>Image: Channel 7</em></p>

TV

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Kochie reportedly eyeing off top job in AFL

<p>Port Adelaide chairman David Koch is reportedly positioning himself to succeed Richard Goyder as the next AFL chairman, in a potential shake-up that could ripple through both the league and the Power’s leadership structure.</p> <p>According to veteran journalist Damian Barrett, Koch, who has chaired Port Adelaide since 2012, is “eyeing off” what is widely regarded as the most powerful position in Australian rules football.</p> <p>“David Koch, along with Ken Hinkley, has transformed this footy club from what it once was, but he is eyeing off a potential spot on the AFL Commission as well,” Barrett said on <a href="https://wwos.nine.com.au/videos/afl/david-koch-could-depart-port-for-juicy-afl-role/cmavnwl5200240hns3gw35cke" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nine’s Footy Classified</a>. “Not just a spot on the commission, but potentially to be the chair of it.”</p> <p>The current AFL chairman, Richard Goyder – also the former Qantas chairman – has led the AFL since 2017, succeeding Carlton great Mike Fitzpatrick. While many within the league had expected Goyder to step down when his current term ends in early 2026, The Age reported in late 2024 that he is seeking another term, which would extend his tenure until 2028.</p> <p>This ambition reportedly blindsided several AFL clubs, who were under the impression a leadership transition was imminent. Goyder has served on the AFL Commission since 2011, and prominent football figures are now calling for a change.</p> <p>“After serving the game admirably as a commissioner since 2011 and chairman since 2017, it's simply time for Richard Goyder to pull up stumps, this year,” Brownlow Medallist Gerard Healy told SEN. “At worst, orchestrate a 12-month handover to the incoming chairman, who can get to work immediately.”</p> <p>Barrett suggested that Koch’s potential move to the AFL Commission – and possibly into the chairman’s seat – adds to the uncertainty surrounding Port Adelaide, especially as the club prepares for life after long-serving coach Ken Hinkley.</p> <p>“I raise that as part of the backdrop of instability and uncertainty at Port Adelaide as it wades through this Ken Hinkley to Josh Carr transition,” Barrett said. “You’ve got the chair of the club also unknown.”</p> <p>Koch, a former TV presenter best known for co-hosting <em>Sunrise</em>, has played a key role in Port Adelaide’s revival over the past decade. However, his possible pursuit of a league-wide role could usher in a new era of change for both club and code.</p> <p>Whether Goyder chooses to extend his reign or step aside for new leadership, the months ahead promise to be significant for the AFL's executive future – and Port Adelaide’s.</p> <p><em>Images: 9 Network</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Sir David Attenborough marks 99th birthday with special appeal

<p>As he nears his 99th birthday, Sir David Attenborough – the beloved voice of the natural world for generations – has delivered perhaps his most emotional and urgent message yet: time is running out, not just for him, but for the planet.</p> <p>In a new documentary titled <em>Ocean: With David Attenborough</em>, set to release in cinemas on May 8 – the very day he turns 99 – the legendary broadcaster confronts the fragility of Earth’s ecosystems with stirring honesty. It is a deeply personal reflection on a lifetime of observing the planet’s wonders and wounds.</p> <p>“Now, as I approach the end of my life,” he says, “we know the opposite is true,” referring to the misguided idea that the sea was once a wilderness to be conquered. “The key to saving the planet is not on land, but at sea.”</p> <p>These words don’t come from a man resigned to despair, but from one who has spent nearly a century in awe of the world’s resilience. And yet, Attenborough doesn’t shy away from the pain of witnessing environmental decline. “The planet is in such poor health,” he admits, “that I would find it hard not to lose hope – were it not for the ocean.”</p> <p>It is here, in the depths of Earth’s oceans, that Attenborough finds not only scientific promise but emotional solace. “If we save the sea, we save our world,” he declares with conviction. “After a lifetime of filming our planet, I’m sure nothing is more important.”</p> <p>The documentary, as sweeping as it is intimate, takes viewers across oceans in the Americas, Europe, Africa and Oceania, exploring coral reefs, mangroves, coastal communities, marine sanctuaries and more. It highlights bold efforts by scientists and communities working to reverse the damage caused by humanity’s relentless exploitation – efforts that offer not only solutions but hope.</p> <p>With characteristic reverence and poetic clarity, Attenborough traces the sea’s central role in sustaining life on Earth. The film does more than educate – it pleads for connection, for urgency, for action.</p> <p>From <em>Zoo Quest</em> in the 1950s to <em>Life on Earth</em>, <em>The Blue Planet</em>, <em>Planet Earth</em> and <em>Dynasties</em>, Sir David’s work has been a chronicle of the natural world’s magnificence and its mounting distress. But never before has his message felt so personal – or so final. It's a legacy project: not just a film, but a farewell letter from a man who has given his life to showing us the beauty of this planet.</p>

Caring

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Robert Irwin announces new Hollywood career move

<p>The ballroom just got a little more... reptilian.</p> <p>Robert Irwin, the 21-year-old Aussie wildlife warrior and part-time crocodile whisperer, has officially signed on for the upcoming season of <em>Dancing With The Stars US</em>. And how did he announce it? By strutting shirtless onto a stage in Los Angeles with a snake around his neck like it was just another Tuesday.</p> <p>The announcement came during Hulu’s <em>Get Real</em> event, where Robert delivered an enthusiastic (and slightly slippery) surprise to the crowd. Cheers erupted, though it’s unclear if they were for Robert, the snake, or the possibility of a <em>paso doble</em> performed in khaki.</p> <p>Robert, who grew up watching his sister Bindi Irwin twirl and samba her way to victory on Season 21 of the show, shared his excitement, saying: “I had these little dreams, going, ‘One day’ and now that dream is a reality and I am over the moon.”</p> <p>Which, we can assume, is also how the snake felt about its brief moment of fame.</p> <p>Taking to Instagram, Robert confirmed the dream was, in fact, no hallucination caused by excessive exposure to eucalyptus.</p> <p>"It's official, I'm heading to Hollywood for Dancing With The Stars Season 34," he wrote. "This has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid watching my sister's incredible journey on the show. I cannot believe it is about to become a reality. So grateful."</p> <p>Naturally, fans flooded the comments with well-wishes, excitement and at least one person probably asking, “Is the snake going to dance too?”</p> <p>Even the official DWTS account chimed in with a warm “Welcome to the DWTS fam”. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIxrOK-h6H8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIxrOK-h6H8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Robert Irwin (@robertirwinphotography)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>But the pressure is real. Bindi Irwin won her season at just 17 years old, leaving Robert with some big dancing shoes to fill – and possibly a pair of backup snakes. Her most iconic moment? A moving contemporary tribute to their late father, Steve Irwin, that had the judges, the audience and half the internet sobbing into their glitter.</p> <p>Bindi said at the time: "What shaped me the most would probably be when my dad passed away. It's been nine years and I've never really dwelled on that point. I think I'm ready to tell that story."</p> <p>So, the bar is high. Emotionally and choreographically.</p> <p>While Robert’s signature style has been more khaki-and-cobra than sequins-and-salsa, we eagerly await his transformation into a glittery, rhinestone-studded dance machine. Will he bring more snakes? Will he attempt a tango with a tarantula? Will he rip his shirt off mid-routine like it’s Magic Mike: Down Under?</p> <p>Stay tuned. Season 34 is shaping up to be wild – literally.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

TV

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A century after its discovery, scientists capture first confirmed footage of a colossal squid in the deep

<div class="theconversation-article-body">The colossal squid was first described in 1925 based on specimens from the stomach of a commercially hunted sperm whale. A century later, an international voyage captured the first confirmed video of this species in its natural habitat – a 30-centimetre juvenile, at a depth of 600 metres near the South Sandwich Islands.</p> <p>Colossal squid can grow up to seven metres and weigh as much as 500 kilograms, making them the heaviest invertebrate on the planet. But little is known about their life cycle.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lzPoG9H8Hlo?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption><span class="caption">The first sighting of a juvenile colossal squid in its natural environment. Credit: Schmidt Ocean Institute.</span></figcaption></figure> <p>The footage of a young colossal squid in the water column was a serendipitous sighting, as many deep-sea squid observations are.</p> <p>It was seen during the live “divestream” feed of a remotely operated vehicle during the <a href="https://2022annualreport.schmidtocean.org/">Schmidt Ocean Institute</a> and <a href="https://oceancensus.org/">Ocean Census</a> partner expedition searching for new deep-sea species and habitats in the far south Atlantic, mostly focusing on the seafloor.</p> <p>Those tuned into the stream had the remarkable experience of seeing a live colossal squid in its deep-sea home, although its identity was not confirmed until the high-definition footage could be reviewed later.</p> <p>Predators such as whales and seabirds are still one of our best sources of information about the colossal squid (<em>Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni</em>) because they are much better at finding it than we are.</p> <p>This partially explains why we have only just filmed this species in its natural habitat. Not only do these animals live in an enormous, dark and three-dimensional environment, they are also probably actively avoiding us.</p> <p>Most of our deep-sea exploration equipment is large, noisy and uses bright lights if we are trying to film animals. But the colossal squid can detect and avoid diving sperm whales, which probably produce a strong light signal as they swim down and disturb bioluminescent animals.</p> <p>The squid best able to avoid such predators have been passing on their genes for millions of years. This leaves us with a current population of visually acute, likely light-avoiding animals, well capable of detecting a light signal from many metres away.</p> <h2>Delicate beauty of deep-sea animals</h2> <p>The colossal squid is part of the “glass” squid family (Cranchiidae). Three known glass squid species are found in the Antarctic ocean, but it can be difficult to distinguish them on camera.</p> <p>Researchers from the organisation Kolossal, aiming to film the colossal squid, observed a similarly sized glass squid during their fourth Antarctic mission in 2023. But since the characteristic features needed to identify a colossal squid – hooks on the ends of the two long tentacles and in the middle of each of the eight shorter arms – weren’t clearly visible, its exact identity remains unconfirmed.</p> <p>In the Schmidt Ocean Institute footage, the mid-arm hooks are visible. And for this young individual, the resemblance to other glass squids is also clear. With age and size, colossal squid likely lose their transparent appearance and become much more of an anomaly within the family.</p> <p>While many will be amused by the idea of a “small colossal” squid, this footage showcases a beauty shared by many deep-sea animals, in contrast to the monster hype and “stuff of nightmares” click-bait titles we see all too often.</p> <p>This colossal squid looks like a delicate glass sculpture, with fins of such fine musculature they are barely visible. It has shining iridescent eyes and graceful arms fanned out from the head.</p> <p>At full size, the colossal squid may be a formidable predator, with its stout arms and array of sharp hooks, able to tackle two-metre-long toothfish. But in our first confirmed view of it at home in the deep sea, we can marvel at the elegance of this animal, thriving in an environment where humans require so much technology even to visit remotely.</p> <h2>Stranger than science fiction</h2> <p>Until recently, few people were able to take part in deep-sea exploration. But now, anyone with an internet connection can be “in the room” while we explore these habitats and observe animals for the first time.</p> <p>It’s hard to overstate the importance of the deep sea. It holds hundreds of thousands of undiscovered species, it is probably where life on Earth started, and it makes up 95% of the available living space on our planet.</p> <p>It has animals more splendid and strange than our most creative science fiction imaginings. This includes squids that start life looking like small light bulbs and then grow into true giants; colonies of individuals living together with each contributing to the group’s success; animals where males (often parasitic) are orders of magnitude smaller than females.</p> <p>This first confirmed sighting of a colossal squid inspires and reminds us how much we have left to learn.</p> <hr /> <p><em>The expedition that captured the footage of the colossal squid was a collaboration between the Schmidt Ocean Institute, the Nippon Foundation-NEKTON Ocean Census, and GoSouth (a joint project between the University of Plymouth, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research and the British Antarctic Survey).</em><!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/254584/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <hr /> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kat-bolstad-646280">Kat Bolstad</a>, Associate Professor of Environmental Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/auckland-university-of-technology-1137">Auckland University of Technology</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-century-after-its-discovery-scientists-capture-first-confirmed-footage-of-a-colossal-squid-in-the-deep-254584">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: </em><em>Schmidt Ocean Institute</em></p> </div>

Technology

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Beckham's 50th birthday bashes have begun!

<p>David Beckham has kicked off his 50th birthday celebrations in grand style, hosting a star-studded black-tie affair at Miami's Cipriani Downtown. While his official birthday isn't actually until May 2, the football legend decided to start the festivities early, surrounded by family, friends and an incredible lineup of sports icons.</p> <p>The guest list read like a who's who of the sports world. Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets were in attendance, alongside NFL quarterback Tom Brady and NBA giant Shaquille O'Neal. Beckham hilariously noted his height difference in a photo with Brady and O'Neal, captioning it, "I’m so small". The legendary footballer certainly wasn’t short on love and admiration, as guests toasted to his remarkable career and journey to 50.</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/DH4Th2oSj9i/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DH4Th2oSj9i/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by David Beckham (@davidbeckham)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Family was at the heart of the celebration. Wife Victoria Beckham stunned in a white gown from her own fashion line, exuding effortless elegance, while their children - Romeo, Cruz, and Harper – added to the familial warmth. The trio were seen laughing and enjoying the festivities, with Harper reportedly impressing guests with her dance moves. Notably absent was their eldest son, Brooklyn, and his wife, Nicola Peltz, who were unable to attend due to prior commitments but sent heartfelt birthday wishes from afar.</p> <p>The evening was filled with laughter, music and heartfelt toasts. Guests enjoyed signature cocktails crafted especially for the occasion, including the "Golden Boot Martini" and "Becks' Spritz". The dance floor was buzzing with energy, thanks to sets from renowned DJs D-Nice and Stretch Armstrong, who kept the party alive well into the early hours.</p> <p>Beckham, ever the gentleman, took a moment to thank everyone who had gathered for the occasion. Taking to social media, he shared, "Such a special night in Miami. So lucky to have amazing friends and family to start the 50th celebrations with." Fans flooded his Instagram with congratulatory messages, with many marvelling at how the former England captain seems to defy ageing altogether.</p> <p>As Beckham embarks on this milestone year, his early birthday bash sets the tone for a fabulous 50th chapter. And with weeks left until his <em>actual</em> birthday, we can only wonder what other surprises the football icon has up his sleeve. Stay tuned!</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Aussie TV star wins $9.2m on game show – the largest in history

<p>In an electrifying moment that will surely go down in television history, Australian reality TV star David Genat has claimed a jaw-dropping AUD$9.2 million prize on US television, securing the largest single cash payout ever seen on American TV.</p> <p>The 44-year-old, widely recognised by Aussie audiences from <em>Survivor Australia</em>, <em>Celebrity Apprentice</em>, <em>Rush</em> and <em>Getaway</em>, delivered a masterclass in risk-taking and intuition in NBC’s <em>Deal or No Deal Island</em>.</p> <p>Genat, dubbed the “Survivor golden god” after his 2020 <em>Survivor Australia: All Stars</em> victory, knew he had the upper hand early in the final showdown. But the real twist came when the show’s notorious banker was revealed as none other than Chrissy Teigen.</p> <p>Faced with 26 cases – one containing the life-changing sum of AUD$12.2 million – Genat navigated a nail-biting elimination round, fuelled by his father’s memory and a razor-sharp strategy. Rejecting a staggering seven offers, including multiple million-dollar deals, he played with nerves of steel until just two cases remained.</p> <p>Then came the final offer: a mind-blowing $US5.8 million ($AUD9.2 million). With tension at an all-time high, Genat made the call – he took the deal.</p> <p>It was a decision that paid off in monumental fashion. When his chosen case was opened, it contained just $75. Had he gambled one step further, he would have walked away with next to nothing. Instead, he etched his name into television history with the record-breaking win.</p> <p>“It was surreal,” Genat later shared with <em>USA Today</em>. <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">“The offer came in at US$5.8 million and I started thinking about it, and that is just so much money. I was having a spiritual experience, man. I just knew where that money was. I knew which cases to open. I was looking for signs from my father, who passed away a couple of years ago. I felt his presence there, and he was just guiding me on what cases to open.”</span></p> <p>That deep connection gave him the clarity to seize the moment and walk away with a life-altering fortune. “My frequency is on another level,” he added. “I fully feel like I’m floating.”</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">With his newfound millions, Genat already has a few indulgences in mind, including a new motorcycle, a luxury watch and some sleek new cars for his four kids.</span></p> <p>But the adventure might not stop here. Rumours are swirling that Genat could be gearing up for another reality TV showdown on the upcoming <em>Survivor: Australia vs. the World</em>, set to air later this year.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Money & Banking

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David Hasselhoff's daughter opens up after her mother's passing

<p>The entertainment world continues to mourn the tragic loss of actress Pamela Bach, who <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/baywatch-actress-passes-away-aged-61" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passed away earlier this month</a> at the age of 61. Her body was discovered at her Los Angeles home by her youngest daughter, Hayley Hasselhoff. Now, her eldest daughter, Taylor Hasselhoff-Fiore, has opened up about the profound grief she is experiencing.</p> <p>"I'd do anything in the world to hug you again, my forever angel," Hasselhoff-Fiore, 34, shared in a heartfelt Instagram tribute. "You are my best friend, my whole heart, my everything."</p> <p>Accompanying her emotional words was a video reel featuring cherished moments with her mother, including family trips, dinners and birthday celebrations. Hasselhoff-Fiore vowed to keep her mother's memory alive, promising that her daughter, London, would grow up knowing "how incredible you are". </p> <p>"I promise to make you proud & celebrate you every day," she continued. "Mama I love you so much, the pain is unbearable, but I will be strong for you & hold onto your memory until we meet again my beautiful."</p> <p>Bach, who was previously married to David Hasselhoff for 16 years, passed away in early March. Following the heartbreaking news, David Hasselhoff's team released a statement on behalf of the family.</p> <p>"Our family is deeply saddened by the recent passing of Pamela Hasselhoff," the statement read. "We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time but we kindly request privacy as we grieve and navigate through this challenging time."</p> <p>Bach, an actress best known for her roles in <em>Knight Rider</em> and <em>Baywatch</em>, shared a deep love for her granddaughter London. In a Christmas video she posted on Instagram, she captured special moments with London, reflecting on the joy the little girl brought into her life. In an earlier post, she expressed her adoration for her granddaughter: "I Never Knew a LOVE like THIS ♥️‼️ It's Powerful, Pure, Unconditional LOVE I Have Deep in my Soul and Being as I do for my Precious and Perfect GrandDaughter 🧧 London Hasselhoff Fiore 🎀."</p> <p>Her final interaction on social media was a simple but poignant comment on Hayley Hasselhoff's Instagram post, where she left a heart-eyed emoji, just hours before her passing.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Baywatch actress passes away aged 61

<p>Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff has passed away at the age of 61. </p> <p>The <em>Baywatch</em> actress and ex-wife of David Hasselhoff was found dead in her Los Angeles home on Wednesday, according to multiple media outlets in the US. </p> <p>Law enforcement sources have told TMZ that her family members were concerned after not hearing from her and wanted to check up on her. </p> <p>First responders were then called to her home after receiving a report of an unconscious female, and she was reportedly pronounced dead at the scene, according to <em>Page Six</em>. </p> <p>She has reportedly died by suicide. </p> <p>"Our family is deeply saddened by the recent passing of Pamela Hasselhoff," a representative for David Hasselhoff said in a statement.</p> <p>"We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time, but we kindly request privacy as we grieve and navigate through this challenging time."</p> <p>Bach was married to Hasselhoff for 17 years from 1989 to 2006, with the former couple sharing two children: daughters Taylor Ann Hasselhoff, 34, and Hayley Hasselhoff, 32.</p> <p>She was also a grandmother to Taylor's daughter, born in August 2024. </p> <p>Pamela was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1963 and moved to Los Angeles in 1985. </p> <p>That same year, she met David on the set of <em>Knight Rider</em>, with the couple tying the knot four years later. </p> <p>Six years later, she joined the cast of <em>Baywatch</em>, where she played  reporter and businesswoman Kate 'Kaye' Morgan periodically in a few episodes across seasons two, three, five and six.</p> <p>Pamela and David filed for divorce in January 2006, citing irreconcilable differences.</p> <p><em>Image: MediaPunch/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Need to talk to someone? Don't go it alone. </em></span></p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au</em></span></p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636</em></span></p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">SANE: 1800 187 263; saneforums.org</em></span></p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;"> </p>

Caring

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Cricket great takes aim at Albo's beer tax freeze

<p>Cricket great David Warner has slammed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's move to combat soaring beer prices. </p> <p>On Monday, Albanese promised to pause the government's tax hike on beers poured at pubs for the next two years. </p> <p>Albanese announced the policy while enjoying his "first beer of the year" at the Bob Hawke Beer and Leisure Centre in Marrickville.</p> <p>"This will make a difference. It is a positive announcement. As I said, good for beer drinkers, good for pubs and clubs, good for cost of living pressures," he said. </p> <p>Australia's inflation-indexed alcohol tax - which increases twice annually - has long been an issue for breweries, pub owners and customers. </p> <p>This month, there was a 3.5 per cent rise on the price of beer, an additional cost that usually gets passed onto the customer. </p> <p>The Prime Minister said if he is re-elected, the Labor government would freeze the indexation on draught beer excise for 24 months from the next indexation date this coming August. </p> <p>However, Warner believes this move is a "few years too late," slamming the Prime Minister's pledge on social media. </p> <p>Warner, who is an investor and director of Victoria's St Andrews Beach Brewery, has been affected by the rising prices. </p> <p>Shortly after Albanese's announcement, Coalition treasury spokesman Angus Taylor said Peter Dutton, if elected, would also freeze tax.</p> <p>"The government has chosen the eve of an election to promise voters a freeze on a tax that has skyrocketed due to its failure to address inflation at its core," Taylor said.</p> <p><em>Image: LUKAS COCH/EPA-EFE/ Shutterstock Editorial/ Instagram</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Best hotels in Australia revealed

<p>The <a href="https://www.forbestravelguide.com/award-winners" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2025 Forbes Travel Guide</a> has announced the winners of the Star Awards, with nine hotels and experiences in Australia being named in the list.</p> <p>Every property in the running for the awards is visited by highly trained inspectors who provide an evaluation based on up to 900 objective criteria.</p> <p>According to Forbes, the Star Rating system "emphasises service because your experience at a hotel, restaurant or spa goes beyond looks".</p> <p>Over 2000 hotels, experiences, restaurants and cruises were named on the global list, with nine Aussie winners featuring in the prestigious list. </p> <p>The only property in the country to receive a 5-star accommodation rating in the 2025 Forbes Travel Guide was Crown Towers in Perth. </p> <p>Touted as "the pinnacle of Perth luxury", Forbes described the property as "Perth's most extravagant stay. Exuding understated glamour."</p> <p>In the spa category the Crown Spa Perth, which is tucked away in Crown Towers Perth, was awarded 4-stars for its "unbridled opulence".</p> <p>The Darling Sydney has once again received recognition in the Forbes Travel Guide for the ninth consecutive year, while The Darling's "world class" spa was also featured. </p> <p>Check out the list below.</p> <p>9. The Langham - Sydney</p> <p>8. Park Hyatt - Sydney</p> <p>7. Park Hyatt - Melbourne </p> <p>6. Capella - Sydney</p> <p>5. Como The Treasury - Perth</p> <p>4. The Darling Spa - Sydney</p> <p>3. The Darling - Sydney </p> <p>2. Crown Spa - Perth</p> <p>1. Crown Towers - Perth</p> <p><em>Image credits: Crown Hotels</em></p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; font-family: 'Proxima Nova', system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333;"> </p>

Domestic Travel

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Dancing with the Stars 2025 cast revealed

<p>The full cast for the upcoming season of <em>Dancing with the Stars</em> has been revealed. </p> <p>The highly-anticipated announcement comes after weeks of speculation on who would be joining the show, after a few select names had already been confirmed. </p> <p>Rebecca Gibney was the first celebrity to announce she would be joining the cast, after admitting to turning down many reality TV offers in years past, but accepting the <em>Dancing with the Stars</em> invitation just after her 60th birthday.</p> <p>"I want to say yes more than no," she said. "I want to do things that frighten and challenge me, and hopefully that will give me a little bit extra longevity."</p> <p>Channel Seven's Chief Content Officer Brook Hall says that the show has been chasing Gibney for some time, telling <em><a href="https://tvtonight.com.au/2025/02/rebecca-gibney-joins-dancing-with-the-stars.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TV Tonight</a></em>, "She's probably been asked like 52 times. It must be a timing thing."</p> <p>"To grab some of the names we've got is a big relief," he continued. </p> <p>Joining the show alongside Gibney will be podcast and radio host Brittany Hockley, comedian Felicity Ward, Olympic boxer Harry Garside, 7News presenter Karina Carvalho, <em>Home and Away</em> star Kyle Shilling, influencer and model Mia Fevola, 7News presenter Michael Usher, TV host Osher Günsberg, TV host and comedian Shaun Micallef, Olympic legend Susie O’Neill and AFL champion Trent Cotchin. </p> <p>Sonia Kruger and Dr Chris Brown return as hosts, alongside judges Craig Revel Horwood, Sharna Burgess, Helen Richey, and Mark Wilson.</p> <p>Filming of the show is set to kick off next month, and will air on Channel Seven later this year. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Sunrise / Seven </em></p>

TV

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Hollywood legend's cause of death revealed

<p>Renowned filmmaker David Lynch, best known for directing <em>Dune</em>, <em>Blue Velvet</em>, <em>Mulholland Drive </em>and the unforgettable <em>Twin Peaks</em> series passed away on January 16 at the age of 78. Now, his cause of death has been officially confirmed.</p> <p>According to TMZ, which obtained Lynch’s death certificate from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the legendary director died from cardiac arrest due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Dehydration was also listed as a significant contributing factor.</p> <p>Lynch’s family shared the news of his passing on social media last month: “It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch,” the family’s statement on Facebook read. “There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the doughnut and not on the hole.’”</p> <p>In the days leading up to his death, Lynch had been affected by the deadly wildfires near Laurel Canyon Boulevard in Los Angeles. However, his longtime producer, Sabrina Sutherland, confirmed that he had safely evacuated his home at the time.</p> <p>Lynch had been battling health issues for years, having been diagnosed with emphysema in 2020. In a November 2024 interview with <em>People</em>, the filmmaker admitted that he relied on supplemental oxygen for daily activities. He also reflected on his decades-long smoking habit, which began at the age of eight and ended in 2022.</p> <p>“What you sow is what you reap,” Lynch said at the time. “You’re literally playing with fire. It can bite you. I took a chance, and I got bit.”</p> <p>His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from Hollywood stars, including actor Kyle MacLachlan, who worked with Lynch on <em>Dune, Blue Velvet </em>and <em>Twin Peaks</em>.</p> <p>“Forty-two years ago, for reasons beyond my comprehension, David Lynch plucked me out of obscurity to star in his first and last big-budget movie,” MacLachlan wrote on Instagram. “While the world has lost a remarkable artist, I’ve lost a dear friend who imagined a future for me and allowed me to travel in worlds I could never have conceived on my own.”</p> <p>Naomi Watts, who starred in <em>Mulholland Drive</em>, also paid tribute, sharing her heartbreak over Lynch’s passing: “My heart is broken. My Buddy Dave… The world will not be the same without him,” she wrote on Instagram. She praised his “exquisite storytelling, which elevated cinema and inspired generations of filmmakers across the globe.”</p> <p>While Lynch will be dearly missed, his legacy as an innovative and visionary filmmaker will continue to influence the world of cinema for years to come.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Does ‘made with love’ sell? Research reveals who values handmade products the most

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/tuba-degirmenci-2291455">Tuba Degirmenci</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/frank-mathmann-703900">Frank Mathmann</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gary-mortimer-1322">Gary Mortimer</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a></em></p> <p>We’ve all seen the marketing message “handmade with love”. It’s designed to tug at our heartstrings, suggesting extra care and affection went into crafting a product.</p> <p>As Valentine’s Day approaches, many businesses will ramp up such messaging in their advertising.</p> <p>Handmade gifts are often cast as more thoughtful, special options than their mass-produced, machine-made alternatives.</p> <p>But does “love” actually sell? Our new <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cb.2455">research</a>, published in the Journal of Consumer Behaviour, reveals not everyone feels the same way about these labels.</p> <p>Why do some people feel handmade products are made with love, while others don’t really care? We found it’s all about how they approach purchase decisions.</p> <h2>A deeper, human connection</h2> <p>Why do businesses market products as handmade? Previous research has shown handmade labels can lead to higher positive emotions. This tendency is known as the “<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1509/jm.14.0018">handmade effect</a>”.</p> <p>In a world of seemingly perfect and polished products, <a href="https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/09590551211267593/full/html">research</a> shows consumers increasingly prefer human (as opposed to machine) interactions, including in their shopping experiences.</p> <p>It’s also been shown that giving handmade gifts can <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11002-024-09722-w">promote social relationships</a>.</p> <p>We often associated handmade products with smaller “cottage” retailers. But many major global retailers – including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&amp;node=120955898011">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://www.ikea.com/au/en/new/handcrafted-textiles-for-a-better-future-pub6fc26570/">IKEA</a> – have strategically introduced handmade products, aiming to connect on a deeper emotional level with their consumers.</p> <p>Our research found not all consumers respond in the same way to these marketing messages.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kYn-xUjv_qs?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption><span class="caption">IKEA has previously run a dedicated handmade marketing campaign.</span></figcaption></figure> <h2>Who cares about love?</h2> <p>Across two studies, we found that the response to marketing products as “handmade” depends on a consumer’s locomotion orientation – put simply, how they approach decisions and other actions.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022435917300155">Low-locomotion individuals</a> take things more slowly. They take their time and can thoroughly consider their purchase decisions. Think of them as the “mindful”.</p> <p>In contrast, high-locomotion individuals are “doers”. They like to get things done quickly without getting stuck in the details. They are the “grab-and-go” shopper.</p> <p>When the way they perform an action – such as making a purchase – matches their fast-paced mindset, something remarkable happens: they experience what’s called “<a href="https://myscp.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jcpy.1317">regulatory fit</a>”.</p> <p>This fit boosts their emotions and engagement.</p> <h2>Our first study</h2> <p>In our first study, participants imagined buying a gift for a loved one. They were split into three groups and presented with a photo of the same mug.</p> <p>One group was informed that the mug was “handmade”, one group informed it was “machine-made”, and the last group was not offered any “production cue”.</p> <p>We also asked and measured how much “love” they felt the mug contained – and how much they would pay for it.</p> <p>The handmade mug evoked more love and led to a higher willingness to pay – but only for those with a “low-locomotion” orientation.</p> <p>High-locomotion individuals didn’t react in the same way. For these “doers”, the backstory of how the mug had been made wasn’t as important as just getting a product they needed.</p> <p>For the “doers”, the benefits of marketing the mug as handmade actually backfired.</p> <p>They felt more love for the mug if it had no label at all.</p> <h2>Our second study</h2> <p>By communicating with consumers on social media, marketers can trigger a mindset called “regulatory locomotion mode”. Put simply, this is the mode where we take action and make progress toward goals.</p> <p>Marketers can do this by using <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2F0022-3514.79.5.793">locomotion-activating</a> words such as “move” and “go” to encourage active decision-making.</p> <p>To borrow one famous example from Nike: “<a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2F0022-3514.79.5.793">Just Do It</a>”.</p> <p>Our second study examined the marketer-generated content of over 9,000 Facebook posts from the verified <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Etsy">Etsy</a> Facebook page.</p> <p>We analysed how locomotion-activating words in social media posts for handmade products influence consumer engagement.</p> <p>In other words, we wanted to understand how these words affected social media engagement with the potential consumers reading them, particularly in terms of social media shares.</p> <p>We found the higher an individual’s locomotion orientation was, the fewer social media “shares” for handmade products occurred.</p> <h2>So, does handmade really matter?</h2> <p>As we get closer to Valentine’s Day, understanding these differences can help retailers tailor their marketing strategies.</p> <p>For “mindful” customers, retailers should highlight the story of the craftsmanship, care, and love behind a handmade product for Valentine’s Day. Use emotional language such as “made with love”.</p> <p>But be aware this mightn’t work on everyone. For a customer base of “doers”, keep it simple, leaving out unnecessary details about production methods.</p> <p>There are a range of <a href="https://marketingplatform.google.com/about/">website analytical tools</a> that can help retailers identify how their customers approach their purchase decision-making.</p> <p>Do they browse quickly, hopping from one product to the next, opting for “<a href="https://www.business.com/articles/one-click-purchasing-how-click-to-buy-is-revolutionizing-ecommerce/">one-click</a>” purchasing? Or do they take their time, browsing slowly and considering their product selection?</p> <p>Personalised marketing messages can then be crafted to emphasise the aspects – love or efficiency – that matter most to each group. The key lies in knowing who you’re speaking to.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/247351/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/tuba-degirmenci-2291455">T<em>uba Degirmenci</em></a><em>, PhD Candidate School of Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/frank-mathmann-703900">Frank Mathmann</a>, Lecturer (Assistant Professor), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gary-mortimer-1322">Gary Mortimer</a>, Professor of Marketing and Consumer Behaviour, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/does-made-with-love-sell-research-reveals-who-values-handmade-products-the-most-247351">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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Legendary Hollywood director dies at age 78

<p>Hollywood director David Lynch, who was known for directing iconic films such as <em>Mulholland Drive</em> and <em>Twin Peaks</em>, has passed away at the age of 78. </p> <p>Lynch’s family confirmed his passing on social media early on Friday morning with an emotional statement that reads, “It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch.” </p> <p>“We would appreciate some privacy at this time."</p> <p>“There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the doughnut and not on the hole’,” Lynch’s family added.</p> <p>“It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.”</p> <p>Lynch's family did not confirm his cause of death. </p> <p>In 2020, the acclaimed writer and director was diagnosed with emphysema, a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. </p> <p>After being a heavy smoker all his life, Lynch revealed in November 2024 that he needed supplemental oxygen to go on a walk.</p> <p>“What you sow is what you reap,” Lynch told <em>People</em> magazine. “In the back of every smoker’s mind is the fact that it’s healthy, so you’re literally playing with fire. It can bite you. I took a chance, and I got bit.”</p> <p>Lynch's filmmaking career began in the 1960s, although his first feature film was <em>Eraserhead</em> in 1977. </p> <p>His next film was 1980’s <em>The Elephant Man</em>, which was nominated for eight Oscars — including Best Director for Lynch.</p> <p>He followed up <em>The Elephant Man</em> with 1984’s <em>Dune</em>, 1986’s <em>Blue Velvet</em>, 1990’s <em>Wild At Heart</em> and 2001’s <em>Mulholland Drive</em>.</p> <p>Lynch also created the hit TV series <em>Twin Peaks</em> in 1990, as well as the 1992 movie prequel and 2017 reboot season. </p> <p>During his stellar career, Lynch was nominated for four Oscars and nine Emmy Awards. He won the César Award for Best Foreign Film twice and the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival once.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Zuma/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

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Weekend Sunrise star's replacement revealed

<p>Matt Doran's replacement on <em>Weekend Sunrise </em>has been revealed just days after he officially <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/weekend-sunrise-star-s-emotional-farewell" target="_blank" rel="noopener">left the show</a>. </p> <p>The Seven Network announced on Thursday that David Woiwod will join the weekend breakfast show from this weekend onwards, co-hosting the program with Monique Wright. </p> <p><em>Weekend Sunrise</em> viewers are already familiar with Woiwod, who often appeared on the show as a reporter for four years, before he was assigned <em>7News’</em> US Bureau Chief, where he has been based in LA for the last five years.</p> <p>This week, he made his return to Australia for his <em>Weekend Sunrise</em> gig, and has expressed his enthusiasm for the new role. </p> <p>“Five years on the road as a foreign correspondent covering the world’s biggest events has prepared me for the major stories, early hours and bad coffee that 3am starts demand – I’m excited and ready,” he said in a statement.</p> <p>“In all seriousness, this is a thrilling full circle moment for me. I’m beyond excited to return to the Sunrise family and to keep telling the stories that matter most to Australians.</p> <p>“Mon is the most talented, generous, hilarious and wickedly smart person to work with and I look forward to riding her coattails until the bosses notice.</p> <p>“Aussies lead busy lives, so to be invited into their homes on precious weekend mornings is a privilege not lost on me.”</p> <p>Matt Doran made his final appearance on <em>Weekend Sunrise </em>last Sunday after five years on the show. </p> <p>“You guys know how much I love you,“ said on the show at the time. </p> <p>“It sounds like a thing that people say but the crew... Thank you to every single person here. They do the most amazing job.”</p> <p><em>Images: Seven</em></p>

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Dolly Parton struck by family tragedy

<p>Dolly Parton's older brother David Wilburn Parton has passed away at the age of 82. </p> <p>The news was shared by their sister, Stella Parton, on social media. </p> <p>"My brother David Passed away peacefully this morning. It's never easy to say goodbye to a loved one but he got his angel wings and is now at peace," she initially wrote on X, formerly Twitter. </p> <p>She shared another post on Facebook on Friday November 15 (Saturday November 16 in Australia),  "It's never easy to lose a loved one. My wonderful brother David Parton passed in the early hours of the morning."</p> <p>The following day, she thanked everyone for their thoughts and prayers in a follow-up post, "Thank you for all your kind thoughts to my family as we continue to grieve the loss of our much loved and cherished oldest brother David."</p> <p>While a specific cause of death has not been revealed, David's obituary, posted online by Farrar Funeral Home in White Pine, Tennessee, confirmed that he passed away at his home.</p> <p>"The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. David McNabney, Smoky Mountain Home Health &amp; Hospice, his Cornerstone caregiver, Aubrie Smith &amp; caregiver, Robin Schmidt," the obituary read. </p> <p>Dolly has yet to comment on the death. </p> <p>David is the oldest son among Dolly's 11 siblings, which include six brothers and five sisters. Among them, those remaining include Willadeene, 84, Coy, 81, Robert Jr., 76, Stella, Cassie, 73, Frieda, 67, Rachel, 65.</p> <p>Unlike his famous siblings, David stayed out of the spotlight and had a thriving career as a bridge builder superintendent, working on many of the bridges in Tennessee.</p> <p>He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kay Parton, as well as three children and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

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