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The Block couple calls off wedding

<p><em>The Block</em> couple Paige Beechey and Jesse Maguire have called off their wedding following their abrupt exit from the show earlier this month. </p> <p>The Perth-based couple have reportedly sent their wedding guests a note informing them that their wedding has been postponed, with no new date confirmed. </p> <p>“Dear friends and family, life, in its unpredictable course, has presented us with unforeseen circumstances that has led us to postpone our upcoming wedding on 12 December,” the message read, according to <a href="https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/the-blocks-paige-and-jesse-call-off-their-wedding-with-heartbreaking-note-042835911.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Yahoo Lifestyle</em></a>.</p> <p>“While we were eagerly looking forward to celebrating our love and commitment with you all, we believe it is essential to acknowledge when a moment is not right. This year, it is not.</p> <p>“We extend our sincerest apologies for any inconvenience and disappointment this news may bring. A new date for our celebration is unknown at this time, but we will keep you abreast of any rescheduling.”</p> <p>Despite their decision it is understood that the couple are still together, even telling the outlet that their reality TV appearance had brought them "closer" together. </p> <p>The couple were branded this season's "villains" due to their <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/violent-threats-the-block-star-opens-up-after-sudden-exit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">multiple on-screen arguments</a>, with the show’s executive producer Justin Sturzaker forced to step in after their tensions escalated one night, and the couple were recorded yelling at each other. </p> <p>After reaching out to the counselling services on the show, the couple eventually decided to quit the show. </p> <p>“We feel as though you need to get to a place that’s out of here, to take care of yourself,” he told the couple, adding that their departure was “for the best", <em>The Block</em> host Scott Cam said during their final farewell. </p> <p>Cam also added that it was the couple's decision to leave and "we didn't force them out". </p> <p>"They made the decision they wanted to go home. We followed it up with professional care in their home state for as long as they needed it.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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"Violent threats": The Block star opens up after sudden exit

<p>Paige and Jesse, contestants on the 2024 season of <em>The Block</em>, have finally addressed the intense backlash they've received following their portrayal on the popular reality show.</p> <p>The couple, who became social media’s latest "villains" due to multiple on-screen arguments, have opened up about the toll it has taken on their mental health. Fans of the show have accused the duo of having a "toxic relationship", and some online commentators have left harsh, often cruel comments directed at them.</p> <p>The 27-year-old Paige expressed her dismay at the negativity, calling it "really sad" to see so many of her fellow contestants also receiving hate. “It's just a TV show as well," she told <a href="https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/lifestyle/what-you-dont-see-on-tv-the-block-star-on-horrific-consequence-of-being-a-reality-villian-053436673.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo Lifestyle</a>. "I don't think it's appropriate whatsoever.”</p> <p>The attacks have gotten so bad that Paige revealed that Jesse has taken control of her Instagram to filter hateful messages, and she has deleted her Facebook presence completely, to avoid the barrage of negativity.</p> <p>In her interview with Yahoo Lifestyle, Paige revealed how serious the situation has become, explaining that the constant harassment has led her to turn off comments on her social media to safeguard her “sanity”. “I've had a lot of death threats, violent threats, and nasty comments that are unimaginable. I turned the comments off for my own wellbeing,” she said, explaining that the online abuse began almost immediately after the first episode aired.</p> <p>While Channel Nine has provided counselling and mental health resources for them, Paige says that her biggest support has come from her family and from Jesse. Her family, who have moved in with them temporarily, have been a source of strength, with Paige explaining that her brother also experienced severe online bullying when they were younger. “I think just being around grounded people, it's a lot harder to fall into those traps,” she shared.</p> <p>Jesse also opened up about the difficulties of watching themselves on TV, admitting that the negative portrayal has made them question their self-identity. However, they’ve found comfort in reconnecting with their co-stars, who remind them of the fun, positive moments that weren’t aired. “You start to question yourself when you’re watching yourself on TV,” Jesse said, adding that they often reflect on the good times during filming, despite what viewers see.</p> <p>Despite the negative attention, Paige and Jesse have also experienced an outpouring of support. Following Paige’s <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@paigebeechey" target="_blank" rel="noopener">candid three-part TikTok series</a>, where she revealed details about their experience on the show and their decision to leave on bad terms, the couple received a flood of encouraging messages. “The response that I got was pretty huge,” Paige said. “I received so many wonderful messages from women, men, current contestants, past contestants.”</p> <p>Jesse echoed her sentiments, sharing that for every few negative comments, there were significantly more positive ones. “It’s like, okay, there actually are people who understand and care and realise that it's more than just a show,” he said.</p> <p>As part of her post-exit TikTok series, Paige levelled a parting shot at the long-running renovation show itself, saying “The Block is over to me. All I want to do now is implore the network that when this show continues, there needs to be serious reform on how you prepare contestants.”</p> <p><em>Images: Channel Nine</em></p>

TV

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The world reacts to OJ Simpson's death

<p>The news of OJ Simpson's passing at the age of 76 brings a mixture of emotions for those who remember the electrifying running back, the celebrated athlete, and the central figure in one of the most infamous trials of the 20th century.</p> <p>Simpson, who passed away in Las Vegas, had been battling prostate cancer. His family announced the news <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">in a statement on Twitter (X)</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">: “On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. </span>He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace. – The Simpson Family.”</p> <p>In 2023 Simpson said on X that he had been diagnosed with a type of cancer and in February he said he was undergoing chemotherapy for prostate cancer.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer.</p> <p>He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. </p> <p>During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.</p> <p>-The Simpson Family</p> <p>— O.J. Simpson (@TheRealOJ32) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealOJ32/status/1778430029350707380?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>Simpson's life was a narrative of triumph and tragedy, marked by soaring highs on the football field and plummeting lows in the court of public opinion.</p> <p>Born in 1947, Simpson overcame early health struggles to become a football sensation at the University of Southern California, where he captured the prestigious Heisman Trophy as college football's top player. His prowess on the gridiron led to a record-setting career in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers, cementing his status as one of the era's most beloved and iconic athletes.</p> <p>Off the field, Simpson's charm and charisma propelled him into the realms of sportscasting, advertising, and Hollywood, where he starred in films like the <em>Naked Gun</em> series. His magnetic personality endeared him to fans and advertisers alike, making him a household name beyond the realm of sports.</p> <p>However, Simpson's life took a dark turn on June 12, 1994, when the bodies of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman, were discovered in a brutal scene outside Brown's Los Angeles home. What followed was a media frenzy and one of the most sensational trials in American history.</p> <p>In a trial that captivated the nation, Simpson stood accused of the double murder, a crime that shook the foundations of celebrity culture and racial dynamics in America. The prosecution painted a picture of a jealous ex-husband driven to violence, while the defence argued that Simpson was framed by a corrupt and racist police force.</p> <p>The trial's climax came with the now-iconic moment when Simpson struggled to put on a pair of blood-stained gloves found at the crime scene, leading defence attorney Johnnie Cochran to famously declare, "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit."</p> <p>Despite overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution, Simpson was acquitted by a predominantly black jury, sparking debates about race, justice and the power of celebrity.</p> <p>While Simpson walked free from the criminal trial, he faced a different fate in civil court. The families of Brown and Goldman pursued a wrongful death lawsuit against him, resulting in a verdict that found Simpson liable for the deaths and ordered him to pay millions in damages. The civil trial, with its lower burden of proof, delivered a measure of closure to the victims' families but left a stain on Simpson's legacy that would endure.</p> <p>Simpson's legal troubles didn't end there. In 2008, he was convicted of armed robbery and kidnapping in a separate incident in Las Vegas, stemming from an attempt to reclaim sports memorabilia he believed was rightfully his. The irony of a man once celebrated for his athletic prowess now facing the consequences of his actions was not lost on the public.</p> <p>Despite his legal battles and personal demons, Simpson remained a polarising figure until the end. His life story was revisited in documentaries and TV dramas, serving as a cautionary tale of fame, wealth and the consequences of one's choices.</p> <p>Reactions to Simpson's passing have been varied. Fred Goldman, the father of Ronald Goldman, who was murdered alongside Nicole Brown Simpson in 1994, expressed his sentiments succinctly, stating, "It’s no great loss to the world. It’s a further reminder of Ron’s being gone.<span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">" </span></p> <p>Similarly, Caitlyn Jenner, with personal ties to the case through her ex-wife Kris Jenner's previous marriage to Robert Kardashian, offered a terse "Good riddance" on Twitter, highlighting the deep-seated emotions surrounding Simpson's life and deeds.</p> <p>Gloria Allred, who represented Nicole Brown Simpson's family during the infamous trial, took a broader perspective, pointing out that Simpson's death serves as a reminder of the failures of the justice system, particularly in cases involving gender violence. “Simpson’s death reminds us that the legal system even 30 years later is still failing battered women," she said to TMZ, "and that the power of celebrity men to avoid true justice for the harm that they inflict on their wives or significant others is still a major obstacle to the right of women to be free of the gender violence to which they are still subjected."</p> <p>Legendary basketballer Magic Johnson took a different approach, extending his prayers to Simpson's surviving children and grandchildren: "Cookie and I are praying for O.J. Simpson’s children Arnelle, Aaren, Justin, Jason, and Sydney and his grandchildren following his passing. I know this is a difficult time🙏🏾".</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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West Side Story returns to Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour

<p>Get ready to snap your fingers, tap your toes and experience the magic of Broadway in Sydney as Opera Australia presents t<span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">he electrifying musical extravaganza <em>West Side Story</em> – making its triumphant return to the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour stage in 2024.</span></p> <p>The 2019 production of <em>West Side Story</em>, if you were fortunate enough to grab seats, was an absolute smash hit. With record-breaking ticket sales and rave reviews, it's no wonder this show stole the hearts of over 65,000 theatre and musical buffs. </p> <p>Directed by the incomparable Francesca Zambello, <em>West Side Story</em> promises to once again whisk audiences away to the bustling streets of New York City, complete with iconic songs, heart-pounding dance numbers, and enough drama to fill the harbour twice over. </p> <p>Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim's musical masterpiece will once again take centre stage, accompanied by Jerome Robbins' legendary choreography – and this year, we were fortunate enough to be able to pose a few pre-performance questions to none other than Guy Simpson, the show’s musical director, and the all-singing, all-dancing Wayne Scott Kermond, who is playing “Doc” onstage.</p> <p>Let’s raise the curtain and see what they have to say!</p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/03/Guy-Simpson.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></strong></p> <p><strong>Guy Simpson</strong></p> <p>Guy Simpson, a seasoned musical director with nearly 45 years of experience, boasts an illustrious career spanning global productions. Notably, his involvement with iconic shows like <em>Miss Saigon</em> and <em>The Phantom</em> <em>of the Opera</em> has taken him across continents, from Australia to Asia and beyond. Simpson's extensive repertoire includes serving as Musical Supervisor and Director for Opera Australia's acclaimed productions such as <em>Evita</em>, <em>My Fair Lady</em>, and of course <em>West Side Story</em>. Additionally, his contributions as an orchestrator and producer of cast recordings further solidify his stature in the musical theatre realm. With credits ranging from beloved classics like <em>Les Misérables</em> to contemporary hits like <em>Muriel's Wedding</em>, Simpson's versatile talent continues to enrich the world of musical theatre on an international scale.</p> <p><em><strong>OverSixty:</strong></em> What memories do you have of your first time working on <em>West Side Story</em> – when was it and what was the experience like? </p> <p><em><strong>Guy:</strong></em> “I was a rehearsal pianist for the 1983 production of <em>West Side Story</em>. The conductor was Dobbs Franks, who came from the US to conduct the first production of the show in 1960. So I was lucky to learn the show from him. I wasn’t in the orchestra and had tickets to watch opening night but during the afternoon of that day I received a call to play in the orchestra that night because the pianist was unwell. I’ll never forget that! Since then I have conducted three seasons of the show and learn more and more about it each time.”</p> <p><em><strong>OverSixty:</strong></em> What were Bernstein’s influences and what impact did Bernstein’s score have when the musical first premiered? And why do you think it remains so recognised today? </p> <p><em><strong>Guy:</strong></em> “Bernstein was influenced by many things. There is an <a href="https://www.wrti.org/arts-desk/2018-08-23/the-surprising-backstory-to-west-side-story" target="_blank" rel="noopener">excellent article by Debra Lew Harder</a> that outlines these influences. I love the combination of Jewish themes, Puerto Rican rhythm, Mexican dance music and of course American jazz. His classical roots also come in here – especially the music of Aaron Copland and George Gershwin. The genius is Bernstein's ability to blend all this into a score that tells the story so brilliantly."</p> <p><em><strong>OverSixty:</strong></em> What’s your favourite moment in the music that audiences might not always notice but could listen out for?</p> <p><em><strong>Guy:</strong></em> I like what is known as ‘THE BALCONY SCENE’. Most people will know it as the iconic love duet ‘TONIGHT’. In the show this scene moves between spoken dialogue (with underscoring), into the song and back into dialogue in a wonderfully cohesive way. It is so well crafted and is quite a challenge for the conductor to fit the music with the dialogue in a seamless way. I also love the scene in the bridal shop that includes the song ‘ONE HAND ONE HEART’.</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/03/Wayne-Scott-Kermond-as-Doc.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><strong>Wayne Scott Kermond</strong></p> <p>Wayne Scott Kermond, hailing from a rich lineage of Australian Vaudeville performers, epitomises the essence of musical theatre, comedy and cabaret. With a repertoire spanning from <em>Anything Goes</em> to <em>Hairspray</em>, including acclaimed performances in several productions of<em> West Side Story</em>, Kermond's versatility shines through. Additionally, he's showcased his creative prowess as the creator and star of captivating cabaret shows such as <em>Candy Man</em> and <em>Jive Junkys</em>. Beyond the stage, Kermond's talents extend to film, where he's contributed to projects like <em>Happy Feet 1 &amp; 2</em>, and as a respected scriptwriter and director for various musicals, cabarets and corporate events. With accolades including a Green Room Award and Mo Award, alongside nominations for Helpmann Awards, Kermond's exceptional abilities and esteemed showbiz heritage solidify his status as an extraordinary Australian talent.</p> <p><em><strong>OverSixty:</strong></em> You and Guy first worked on this musical 40 years ago, how does it feel to be coming back together on the Handa Opera version?</p> <p><em><strong>Wayne:</strong></em> “I first performed in <em>West Side Story</em> at the old Her Majesty’s Theatre (Sydney), 40 years ago playing the youngest member of the Jets gang, ‘Baby John’, and then again in another fabulous production touring Australia / New Zealand in the mid-nineties playing Arab. And so it was lovely to be reminded by Guy on the first day of rehearsals for this season how special it is to us both, here we are, doing it again, just a little greyer."</p> <p>“We shared a few laughs about ‘where did that time go?’, and how ‘young’ we still look after all these years. It’s so great to work with Guy again, I think the last show we did together was <em>Chicago</em>, back in the late nineties. So with Guy's huge amount of expertise and experience at the helm as our Musical Director the show is in great hands. Wait till you hear the amazing Orchestra.”</p> <p><em><strong>OverSixty:</strong></em> What about this musical’s story, lyrics, etc resonate with you and why do you think it keeps being seen on stage? Can it appeal to all ages?</p> <p><em><strong>Wayne:</strong></em> “<em>West Side Story</em> is as iconic to music theatre as <em>Swan Lake</em> is to ballet. All great musicals such as <em>West Side</em> have to have a great love story; <em>West Side </em>certainly has that. And to add to that, also an incredible score, dynamic original choreography and a beautifully written book makes it a triple threat. That's why it stands the test of time – it's an inter-generational piece, whose story and message still stands today, which is the reason why I’m now getting the opportunity to play an adult character ‘Doc’ in this OA production 40 years later, as it will be for another artist, in another 40 years' time.”</p> <p><em><strong>OverSixty:</strong></em> What’s your favourite moment in the show and why?</p> <p><em><strong>Wayne:</strong></em> It is very difficult to say there is a favourite moment as there are so many. The whole journey of the show is something everyone who loves theatre should experience. The Prologue, Dance at the Gym, America, Cool, Tonight, Something's Comin, and not forgetting the Quintet powerhouse... Every part of this show is special, whether you're seeing the show for the first time or for the tenth time, it’s exhilarating, poignant and moving."</p> <p>“It’s especially wonderful for me to have been given the opportunity to revisit the show, after all these years later as a performer. And it’s very exciting to watch another generation of performers being given the opportunity to experience such an exceptional piece of theatre.”</p> <p>So, mark your calendars, Sydney-siders, because Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is about to serve up a theatrical experience like no other. With world-class performances, breathtaking views of the harbour, and enough fireworks to make New Year's Eve jealous, this is one event you won't want to miss. </p> <p>So grab your tickets, grab your friends, and get ready to experience the magic of <em>West Side Story </em>like never before. See you at the opera!</p> <p>For more information and ticket sales, check out <a href="https://opera.org.au/productions/west-side-story-on-sydney-harbour/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">opera.org.au/harbour</a></p> <p><em>All images: Supplied</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Aussie music star airlifted to hospital

<p>Beloved Australian folk band The Waifs, known for their timeless hits such as "Lighthouse", "London Still" and "Bridal Train", has had to reschedule their current tour as lead singer Donna Simpson recovers from a shocking accident.</p> <p>The group, which includes sisters Vikki Thorn and Simpson, along with Josh Cunningham, made the announcement on a Tuesday evening through a Facebook post, revealing the unfortunate incident that left fans concerned.</p> <p>Simpson, at the age of 53, faced a harrowing ordeal when she suffered four broken ribs and two collapsed lungs following an e-scooter accident in Broome, Western Australia. The severity of her injuries was such that she had to be airlifted to a hospital in Perth. </p> <p>The statement on The Waifs' Facebook page read: <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">"The Waifs Geelong show scheduled for November 10th has been postponed to Friday, March 8th to allow extra healing time for Donna Simpson, who is recovering from an accident after the band's last show in Broome and has been informed she cannot yet fly.</span></p> <p>“Four broken ribs, two collapsed lungs and a bunch of bruises later, I have realised E Scooters, and I don’t mix,” Donna said. “I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Royal Flying Doctors service who got me swiftly and safely to Perth. And all of the staff at Broome Hospital and Royal Perth Hospital for looking after me so well." </p> <p>While Simpson is on the path to recovery, she regretfully had to miss the Handpicked event scheduled for the weekend. Still, she expressed her confidence in her fellow band members – her sister Vikki Thorn, Josh Cunningham, Dave Ross Macdonald, Ben Franz, and Tony Bourke – who will deliver a memorable performance in her absence. Simpson humorously quipped, "Not as good as my set without her at Blues Fest, but close!"</p> <p>The Waifs, formed in 1992 in Western Australia, have become renowned for their independent spirit and unique sound, which has garnered them a dedicated fan base over the years. Their journey to success was not a straightforward one, but it was fuelled by Simpson's unwavering determination.</p> <p>Thorn, in an interview with <em>The Guardian</em>, shed light on the band's early days, explaining how Donna's vision and can-do attitude propelled them forward. Thorn reminisced, "When we were at school, Donna had the idea to go around Australia and play music. We'd been playing music in the local pub, [and] I don't think we were particularly great at what we did. But she has this can-do attitude … and that attitude carried us through and really created that independent spirit."</p> <p>The postponement of The Waifs' Geelong show is undoubtedly disappointing for fans, but Simpson's recovery is the top priority, and fans eagerly await her return to the stage. In the meantime, The Waifs continue to celebrate their 20th Anniversary Australian Tour, marking two decades of folk music that has resonated with audiences across the globe.</p> <p><em>Images: Wikipedia</em></p>

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31-year-old joke from The Simpsons uncovered

<p dir="ltr">A hidden joke in The Simpsons has finally been revealed after 31 years.</p> <p dir="ltr">The popular animated TV series debuted way back in 1989 and professional video editor Ewzzy Rayburn has taken to social media to reveal a joke that has remained hidden ever since. </p> <p dir="ltr">In the season three episode titled “The Otto Show,” Homer reassures Marge that heavy metal concerts never had much of an impact on his hearing. When Marge responds, Homer (and viewers) hear nothing but his tinnitus.</p> <p dir="ltr">Through audio editing, Rayburn managed to isolate Marge’s voice and share her funny comments hidden by the ringing tone. </p> <p dir="ltr">In the isolated audio Marge can be heard responding to Homer, “Well alright, but make sure they don’t pick up any of the band’s attitude toward women, liquor, religion, politics, really anything.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">I used my audio editing skills to recover a buried <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSimpsons?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheSimpsons</a> joke. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Simpsons?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Simpsons</a> <a href="https://t.co/H0gD1qO7vF">pic.twitter.com/H0gD1qO7vF</a></p> <p>— Ewzzy Rayburn (@ewzzy) <a href="https://twitter.com/ewzzy/status/1648706924425142272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">So, thanks to the internet’s curiosity, the professional video and audio editor has revealed a joke that has remained uncovered since 1992. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Twitter/Youtube</em></p>

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Cody Simpson and Emma McKeon dispel rumours

<p>Olympian Emma McKeon and pop star Cody Simpson have discussed how "serious" their relationship is in their first joint interview. </p> <p>The couple sat down with Denham Hitchcock on Channel Seven's <em>Spotlight</em>, as they were quizzed on their romance. </p> <p>During the sit-down interview, Cody described their relationship as having "settled down vibes" and spoke of how "peaceful" they both feel. </p> <p>Emma chimed in, "I feel like we're best friends, which to me is so important. I'm close with my family, that is important to me, as well, so we just have a lot in common." </p> <p>"We're loving where we're at at the moment. And we have fun together. We just love each other's company."</p> <p>"We talk every day about how happy we are and how lucky we are. I think we definitely appreciate it," Cody added. </p> <p>"You know, when you meet someone, you just recognise that there's something there. I always saw her as this special person to me."</p> <p>Cody was then asked what the "best thing" in his life is right now: his relationship with Emma or his swimming career. </p> <p>"It's a loaded question. Like, swimming is that we do together, it's all wrapped up in one," he said. </p> <p>While the couple have been dating for several months, Cody admitted it took him almost a year to tell Emma he had a crush on her. </p> <p>"I always acknowledged that there was a connection that we had. But we didn't act on it until what ended up being a year later," he said. </p> <p>The couple also addressed rumours of tensions within the swimming team, after they found themselves in a complicated love triangle earlier in the year. </p> <p>Reports claimed that Kyle Chalmers deliberately bumped Simpson out of World Championship eligibility in the 100m butterfly by opting to contest the event.</p> <p>However Chalmers, who dated McKeon for several months in 2021, later disputed this saying he had always planned to compete in that event. </p> <p>"There's obviously been drama in the media,' Cody said, but added that there has been "nothing" going wrong in the "team dynamic".</p> <p><em>Image credits: Seven </em></p>

Relationships

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Everything you should know about DIY Wills

<p>A Will is one of the most significant legal documents you’ll sign in your lifetime, so it’s important to get it right – but why? It’s an opportunity to meet two goals: to have your wishes heard, and to make things easier for your family after you pass. If you use a DIY Will kit, it’s possible that neither of those goals will be met. </p> <p><strong>What are the risks of DIY Wills?</strong></p> <p>The biggest problem with DIY Wills is that it’s very easy to get them wrong. As I detail in my book <a href="http://www.mauriceblackburn.com.au/ebook"><em>The Australian Guide to Wills &amp; Estate Planning</em></a>, even the simplest mistakes can cause the Will to be contested or held to be invalid.</p> <p>Some of the most common mistakes we see are:</p> <p><strong>1. Attempting to give away assets you don’t own. </strong></p> <p>A Will can only dispose of assets that you own at the date of your death, but we often find that some people with a DIY Will try to give away assets that they don’t own. For example, we once saw a Will that contained a clause that directed the life insurance be used to pay off their house so that the Will-maker’s son could receive the house free of debt. Unfortunately, the life insurance policy nominated the Will-maker’s new partner as the beneficiary. When the policy was paid to the partner, they then refused to use it to pay off the mortgage. Had the Will-maker sought legal advice, this problem would have been identified and the appropriate steps taken to ensure that the intention was fulfilled.</p> <p><strong>2. Failing to comply with basic legal formalities. </strong></p> <p>A Will is a legal document. There are legal requirements that must be followed when making a Will to ensure that the Will is valid. Simple things such as having only one witness to your signature or having the witnesses using different coloured pens can raise questions about whether your signature was actually witnessed. Basic errors such as these can either invalidate your Will or create costly disputes within the family.</p> <p><strong>3. Being too specific in your Will. </strong></p> <p>Some people who attempt to make a DIY Will try and give away every single thing they own. This creates two potential problems. First, the Will-maker often forgets to include a “catch-all” clause at the end of the Will. This means that there will be some assets that are not disposed of. These “forgotten assets” are then distributed in accordance with a formula set out in legislation. Second, some assets listed in the Will are likely to change. For example, if the Will leaves a house to a beneficiary and that house has been sold prior to the Will being administered, that beneficiary misses out on the gift. Proper advice at the time of preparing a Will can avoid these problems.</p> <p><strong>4. Imposing requirements on a beneficiary. </strong></p> <p>Some DIY Wills impose requirements on the beneficiaries that are sometimes unrealistic or impractical. This often happens where gifts made to a charity direct that the funds be used for a purpose that might no longer exist. This outcome can be avoided if the Will is drafted correctly. Further, sometimes the identity of the organisation that is to receive the gift is unclear. This, too, can be avoided with proper advice.</p> <p><strong>5. Forgetting to appoint an executor to the Will. </strong></p> <p>Forgetting to appoint an <a href="https://www.mauriceblackburn.com.au/wills-and-estates/probate-and-estate-administration/executor-of-a-will/">executor of your Will</a> won’t invalidate your Will, but it can complicate or slow down the process of sorting out your estate. The failure to appoint an executorcan also lead to a dispute as family members jostle to be appointed as Administrator of the estate.</p> <p><strong>6. Overlooking the fact that circumstances change. </strong></p> <p>DIY Wills often overlook the need to cater for change. A Will needs to be drafted to deal with any potential change in circumstance. While not every scenario can be covered, with proper advice the most obvious scenarios can be dealt with.    </p> <p><strong>7. Illegible handwriting. </strong></p> <p>This is a simple but common mistake we often see with DIY Wills. If no one can read your Will, then you can’t be certain your wishes will be granted.</p> <p><strong>What’s the best way to make a Will?</strong></p> <p>The first thing I say to people who want to write their own Will is: <em>Don’t do it</em>. But if you do have your mind set on creating a fuss-free, quick and easy standard Will, we have the perfect solution.</p> <p>Our online Wills service, <a href="http://www.mauriceblackburn.com.au/createmywill">MyLife Wills™</a> is the best of both worlds. Like an online DIY Will, you can provide the information for your Will online in the comfort of your own home or on your lunchbreak. It only takes 30 minutes, reducing face-to-face time with a lawyer, therefore reducing the cost. However, the significant difference with our online service is that an expert Wills &amp; Estates lawyer will draft your Will so you get the peace of mind that it’s legally valid.</p> <p>DIY Wills are often seen as a cheaper option to seeking legal advice, but that’s not necessarily true. A DIY Will might cause more issues down the track, potentially costing your loved ones money or causing disputes.</p> <p>Be smart about your Will and start <a href="http://www.mauriceblackburn.com.au/createmywill">online</a> today.</p> <p><strong>Need more information?</strong></p> <p>Andrew Simpson is the National Head of Wills &amp; Estate Planning at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.</p> <p>Andrew has 20 years’ experience as a lawyer and for the past 18 of these years he has practiced in <a href="https://www.mauriceblackburn.com.au/our-people/lawyers/andrew-simpson/">Wills disputes</a> and <a href="https://www.mauriceblackburn.com.au/our-people/lawyers/andrew-simpson/">Estate planning</a>, so he understands the many facets of <a href="https://www.mauriceblackburn.com.au/our-people/lawyers/andrew-simpson/">Estate law</a>.</p> <p>He is so passionate about this area of law that he wrote a plain English book about it to help people understand the importance of Estate planning.</p> <p>A best-seller, <a href="http://www.mauriceblackburn.com.au/ebook"><em>The Australian Guide to Wills &amp; Estate Planning</em></a>, has just been republished and is available in all good bookstores.</p> <p><em>This is a sponsored post written in partnership with <a href="http://www.mauriceblackburn.com.au/createmywill">Maurice Blackburn Lawyers</a>.</em></p> <p> </p>

Legal

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Did the Simpsons predict Russia’s war on Ukraine?

<p dir="ltr">Fans of the long-running cartoon sitcom claim it predicted the current crisis between Russia and Ukraine in an episode way back in 1998.</p> <p dir="ltr">A clip from the episode “Simpson Tide” shows a United Nations meeting between Russia and the United States that quickly turns into Russia announcing the return of the Soviet Union. Complete with hidden tanks, barbed-wired walls and even a zombified Lenin raising from the dead to declare he “must crush Capitalism”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Check out this clip from Twitter:</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Simpsons predicted the<br />Crisis of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Putin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Putin</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Donetsk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Donetsk</a> and<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Luhansk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Luhansk</a> way before it was cool 🤯😆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RussiaUkraineCrisis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RussiaUkraineCrisis</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraina</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ukrainerussia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ukrainerussia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USA</a> <a href="https://t.co/Hqd2icRj6w">pic.twitter.com/Hqd2icRj6w</a></p> <p>— Genius Manushya (@GeniusManushya) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeniusManushya/status/1496003007313772547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">While it is not an exact match for the war Russia is currently waging in Ukraine, it comes close enough for some fans to chalk it up as yet another Simpsons prediction.</p> <p dir="ltr">“At what point are we gonna make Matt Groening tell us how he does this?” one fan tweeted, referring to the show’s creator.</p> <p dir="ltr">“THE SIMPSONS ALWAYS PREDICTS EVERYTHING,” wrote another.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Pretty sure most world events were predicted by the Simpsons at some point,” said another.</p> <p dir="ltr">It comes just weeks after another Simpsons prediction appeared to come true, this one from the show’s 2007 big screen outing, The Simpsons Movie.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the film, A-list actor Tom Hanks appears in animated form as a spokesman in an ad for the US government, with this memorable line during his brief cameo: “Hello, I’m Tom Hanks. The US government has lost its credibility so it’s borrowing some of mine.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Here we are, 15 years later, and Tom Hanks is working as a spokesman for the US government in real life, narrating a new White House video promoting the achievements of the Biden administration during its first year in office.</p> <p dir="ltr">It’s the latest in a long line of alleged predictions the writers of The Simpsons have unwittingly made about future events.</p> <p dir="ltr">Images: The Simpsons (1998)</p>

TV

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18-year-old’s tragic plea to live

<p><span>Paige Simpson’s life changed suddenly after being rushed to the hospital on her 18th birthday.</span><br /><br /><span>The healthy, happy teen was told she had Brain Stem Glioma — a cancerous tumour mostly found to impact children and young adults under the age of 20.</span><br /><br /><span>While Ms Simpson was meant to undergo a “straightforward” operation in November last year to remove the tumour, the family ended up having to deal with the most “terrifying” seven hours of their lives.</span><br /><br /><span>“The tumour was wrapped around nerves going into her brain, making it extremely complicated and difficult,” Brisbane mum Carloyn Cross explained to <em>news.com.au.</em></span></p> <p><span>“We thought that was scary, but that was just the beginning.”</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842308/paige-simpson-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/3a64f1808eaf45ef82dd90d68cfd12a8" /><br /><br /><span>Carloyn said her daughter realised something was wrong when she felt as though one side of her face was “falling off”.</span><br /><br /><span>“The following week it just got worse so I took her to the doctor.”</span><br /><br /><span>Their local doctor ruled that Paige simply had Bell’s palsy, which is a muscle weakness that causes one half of the face to droop.</span><br /><br /><span>Carolyn couldn’t be convinced however, especially when Paige’s face began to get worse.</span><br /><br /><span>“I took her back to the doctor, he referred us to a neurosurgeon and after we got the results of an MRI, that’s when he called saying we need to go to the hospital straight away for the biopsy,” she said.</span><br /><br /><span>“We all cried so much when we found out what was happening, but Paige has been remarkably resilient.”</span><br /><br /><span>Paige has since undergone 12 weeks of both radiation therapy and oral chemotherapy – but sadly her efforts have been in vain as neither treatment has been successful in reducing the glioma.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842309/paige-simpson.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b62e4084196e4cdeb81b833b2dd204cd" /><br /><br /><span>Avastin – a tumour-starving therapy – works to reduce the size of the tumour and involves Paige being hooked to a drip every two weeks for 1.5 hours.</span><br /><br /><span>“This worked in reducing the size of the glioma, but, the glioma has also started fragmenting and is now in her spinal fluid, accumulating in her spine and the skin of her brain,” Carolyn explained.</span><br /><br /><span>Sadly enough, the family have just received the “awful” news that the next treatment doctors want to try is not on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in Australia.</span><br /><br /><span>Each injection costs $6000 a fortnight.</span><br /><br /><span>“If she doesn’t get the injections (an immunotherapy called Keytruda) those little fragments will become bigger and they’re all throughout her spine and skin of her brain,” the heartbroken mother admitted.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842307/paige-simpson-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9a68ef2fdd6d434bb0ce670cb2b29e08" /><br /><br /><span>“She won’t be with us for a long time if we don't get them.</span><br /><br /><span>“Of course we want to do everything we can to keep her alive, her life is only just getting to the good part, but the Australian Government doesn’t provide any financial benefit until we’ve contributed $70,000,” Carolyn said.</span><br /><br /><span>Carloyn has started a GoFundMe page to help cover the debilitating costs.</span><br /><br /><span>“We have already exhausted our savings and I never wanted to do crowd funding and have people feeling sorry for us, especially because Paige just wants to remain so positive,” Carolyn said.</span><br /><br /><span>“But it’s got to a point where we can’t do it ourselves anymore and really did need help.”</span><br /><br /><span>The family is hoping to raise $80,000.</span><br /><br /><span>Carolyn said any donation is gratefully accepted, “so that we can hit our target and keep our beautiful Paige with us”.</span></p> <p><em>Images: Supplied</em></p>

Caring

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Ian Thorpe mentors pop star Cody Simpson

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the Tokyo Olympics commencing this month, Ian Thorpe has revealed why he has decided not to return to the pool.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Appearing on The Morning Show, the swimming champion said he is far too busy managing multiple projects to get back into the water.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On top of revealing he will be part of Channel Seven’s commentary team for the Games, Thorpe has also been fundraising for ocean conservation with the Sapphire Dinner and taking part in a new docuseries, “Head Above Water”, following Aussie pop star Cody Simpson and several other swimmers on their journey to the Olympics.</span></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-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CN1RWJolad3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <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/CN1RWJolad3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Cody Simpson (@codysimpson)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thorpe said he doesn’t really miss his swimming career and that he “romanticises” his glory days.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I think I’d like to do it, then I remind myself how cold it is, especially at times like this and what it feels like to be in an outdoor pool that’s not really heated,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cody Simpson put his music career on hold last year to focus on qualifying for either the Tokyo 2021 or Paris 2024 Olympic Games.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“For the last 10 years, I don’t think there was a week or a day that went by that I didn’t still think about swimming or try and figure out when I was going to swim again,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thorpe said Simpson’s progress so far has been very encouraging.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Cody is doing better in training than what was expected,” he said. “The improvement that he’s making, there’s this possibility that he may be at a level where he can actually place.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Simpson’s personal best in the 100m butterfly is 53.85 seconds, but the former champion junior swimmer will need to swim faster than 51.70 seconds and place in the top two at the trials to qualify for Australia’s Olympic swimming team.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Simpson will be racing the 100m butterfly and 100m freestyle at the Olympic swimming trials which commence on Saturday, June 12.</span></p>

News

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Inside King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson's $10 million French country manor

<p>It was where King Edward VIII spent his weekends with wife Wallis Simpson after abdicating the British throne. Now, the French former country home of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor has been listed on the market for £5.6 million, or about $10.36 million.</p> <p>The couple bought Le Moulin de la Tuilerie in 1952, about 15 years after Edward abdicated the throne to marry Simpson and become the Duke of Windsor. Located by the Chevreuse Forest half an hour away from Paris, the estate spans 26 acres and includes six separate properties, a polo pitch and landscaped grounds.</p> <p>The Duchess once described the house as “our only real home”, where they entertained guests such as Maria Callas, Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Sir Cecil Beaton.</p> <p>During the 20 years of their ownership, the estate also underwent major renovations led by French interior designer Stéphane Boudin, who went on to restore and redecorate the White House in the US for the Kennedys.</p> <p>After the Duke’s death in 1972, the ownership went to a Lebanese doctor. According to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tatler.com/article/former-parisian-exile-estate-of-the-duke-of-windsor-and-wallis-simpson-for-sale" target="_blank"><em>Tatler</em></a>, the buildings were also made available for holiday through the Landmark Trust.</p> <p>Nevertheless, the Duke and Duchess’s imprint in the residence still remains. The <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/real-estate/a27320197/duke-of-windsor-wallis-simpson-paris-house/" target="_blank">Times</a></em> reported that the estate still houses a piece of art commissioned by the Duchess, which reads: “I am not the miller’s daughter. But I have been through the mill.”</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to see inside King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson's French country manor. </p>

International Travel

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King Edward's affair with "sweetheart" before marrying Wallis Simpson

<p>As the only British monarch to abdicate voluntarily, the story of King Edward VIII is not to be missed.</p> <p>In 1936, King Edward VIII – who was the brother of Queen Elizabeth's father – rocked the British monarchy after he expressed his wish of marrying twice-divorced American woman Wallis Simpson. As head of the Church of England, Edward was advised against tying the knot with a divorcee, and his proposal was met with opposition from the religious institution and most politicians in the Commonwealth.</p> <p>After failing to find a solution, Edward finally abdicated his throne in December – making Queen Elizabeth's father King George VI of England – and left for Europe to marry Simpson the following year. The couple, who became the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, stayed together until Edward’s death in 1972.</p> <p>However, before the marriage, Edward also had a series of affairs with married women. One of them was English socialite and textile heiress Freda Dudley Ward, who Simpson once described as “my husband’s <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1983/03/18/obituaries/marquesa-first-true-love-of-edward-viii-is-dead-at-88.html">first true love</a>”.</p> <p>Dudley Ward first met Edward, then the Prince of Wales, in 1918 during an air raid in London, when she had been married for five years to Liberal politician William Dudley Ward. The two soon became smitten with each other and began their relationship.</p> <p>In the letters to Dudley Ward, which were later sold at Sotheby’s New York, the prince repeatedly avowed his love. “'I love you love you so so madly &amp; desperately,” he wrote in one of the correspondences. “I worship &amp; adore you my sweetheart &amp; cant bear being away from you.”</p> <p>He called her his “Sweetheart &amp; Tormentor” and “my little Fredie” while signing himself as her “little slave” and “little parpee” (puppy). He would also phone her four to five times a night, and would reportedly become bereft when the line was busy or she was out of the house.</p> <p>Soon the affair became well-known among the high society, with Winston Churchill <a href="https://winstonchurchill.org/publications/churchill-bulletin/bulletin-082-apr-2015/winston-the-windsors/">once commenting</a>, “It is quite pathetic to see the Prince and Freda. His love is so obvious and undisguisable.”</p> <p>Dudley Ward’s marriage with her politician husband was dissolved in 1932. She enjoyed the prince’s company for a couple more years until their relationship was abruptly ended.</p> <p>In 1934, she called the St James’s Palace after a few weeks of not hearing from the prince. However, the operator informed her, “I have orders not to put you through.”</p> <p>Sotheby’s expert Marsha Malinowski said even though Dudley Ward was “admired by almost everyone in the prince’s circle”, she knew “their relationship wasn’t going anywhere and never would.”</p> <p>Since then, the two never spoke or wrote to each other again. According to the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/08/style/fractured-fairy-tale-an-archive-of-a-royal-romance.html" target="_blank"><em>New York Times</em></a>, the prince had become attached to Simpson, who did not favour any contact with old girlfriends.</p> <p>Dudley Ward went on to marry Pedro José Isidro Manuel Ricardo Monés in 1937, but they ultimately split up in 1954. She died in London in 1983 at the age of 88.</p>

Relationships

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7 times The Simpsons predicted the future

<p>Oscar Wilde wrote that, “Life imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life”. Sometimes we can see scary real-world situations and events that echo those of fiction (show of hands – who watched <em>The Handmaid’s Tale</em>?), and will remark on the similarity of the two. Then there are the times when <em>The Simpsons</em> writers straight-up predicted the future.</p> <p><strong>1. President Trump</strong></p> <p>In the 2000 episode, “Bart to the Future”, we see that Lisa Simpson has become President of the United States. Her predecessor? Donald Trump. According to Lisa, Trump left office after bankrupting the country. According to the <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/simpsons-writer-who-predicted-trump-876295" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>episode’s writer</strong></span></a>, the joke was meant as “a warning to America”, as a Trump Presidency seemed like “the logical last step before hitting bottom.”<a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/simpsons-writer-who-predicted-trump-876295)"><br /></a></p> <p><strong>2. Tiger attack</strong></p> <p>In 1993, the episode “$pringfield (Or, How I learned to Stop Worrying and Love Legalized Gambling)” lampooned Siegfried and Roy with their characters Gunter and Ernst. Though Siegfried and Roy had never had an incident during their famous tiger act, their yellow-hued counterparts were not so lucky, and were attacked by their own big cat. Ten years later, Roy Horn was mauled by the duo’s white Bengal tiger.</p> <p><strong>3. Faulty voting machines</strong></p> <p>In 2008, the “<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/us-election/9659694/US-election-2012-voting-machine-changes-vote-for-Barack-Obama-to-Mitt-Romney.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Treehouse of Horror XIX</strong></span></a>” showed Homer attempting to vote for Barrack Obama, only to have the voting machine he was using switch his vote to Obama’s rival John McCain. When Obama was running for re-election in 2012, a voting machine in Pennsylvania was taken out of commission for switching Obama votes to Mitt Romney.<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/us-election/9659694/US-election-2012-voting-machine-changes-vote-for-Barack-Obama-to-Mitt-Romney.html)"><br /></a></p> <p><strong>4. Government spying on us</strong></p> <p>In the long-awaited cinematic debut of the Simpsons, the family go into hiding from the government, only to be found by the US NSA (National Security Agency), who listened in to their conversations. In 2013, Edward Snowden became a whistle-blower, revealing that the US Government was using its citizens’ phone and internet records as surveillance tools.</p> <p><strong>5. Disney owns Fox</strong></p> <p>In the 1998 episode “When You Dish Upon A Star”, Homer’s screenplay is pitched at 20<sup>th</sup> Century Fox. A sign on the lot reveals that the company is “A Division of Walt Disney Co.” Almost 20 years later, in 2017, news broke that Disney was acquiring more than $66 billion worth of Fox.</p> <p><strong>6. Nobel Prize winner</strong></p> <p>In 2010, Lisa and some of her classmates ran a betting pool predicting the winners of upcoming Nobel Prizes. Milhouse’s pick for the Nobel Prize for Economics was Bengt R. Holmström. In 2016, Holmström really did win the Nobel Prize for Economics.</p> <p><strong>7. Three-eyed fish</strong></p> <p>In 1990, <em>The Simpsons</em> introduced the world to Blinky, the three-eyed fish Bart pulled from the water close to Springfield’s nuclear power plant. In 2011, a fisherman in Argentina <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/31/3-eyed-fish-found-near-argentinean-nuclear-power-plant_n_1067679.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>landed his own Blinky</strong></span></a> in a reservoir fed by a nearby nuclear power station. </p> <p>Which <em>Simpsons</em> episode do you wish would come true?</p>

TV

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Fury as OJ Simpson set for parole in October

<p>The OJ Simpson saga has taken another dramatic turn on Thursday afternoon after the disgraced ex-football star was granted parole after nine years in prison.</p> <p>But it’s what the 70-year-old said during the hearing that shocked many Americans.</p> <p>Simpson was joined at the hearing by his lawyer Malcolm LaVergne, close friend Tom Scotto, sister Shirley Baker and daughter Arnelle, and according to reports was grinning ear-to-ear as the board announced their decision.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">David Smith of Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OJSimpson?src=hash">#OJSimpson</a>: “He has stable release plans and community and family support.” <a href="https://t.co/HFblja3RAf">pic.twitter.com/HFblja3RAf</a></p> — Fox News (@FoxNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxNews/status/888122874405412865">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote> <p>He will remain incarcerated for two more months, before being released having served nine years of a 33-year jail sentence for kidnapping and armed robbery.</p> <p>Simpson’s statements have drawn considerable controversy, particularly when he stated, “I had basically spent a conflict-free life.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">OJ is giving this panel every reason to drop him back in prison. No remorse, just justifications--still a sociopath. Unreal.</p> — Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixYS) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisMannixYS/status/888089851429609473">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote> <p>Simpson maintained the items he stole were his, “It’s kind of mind-boggling that (the state of California) turned over to me my property that I’m in jail for trying to retrieve it.</p> <p>“It was my property; I would never try to steal from anybody.”</p> <p>What’s your take? Do you think justice was served?</p>

News

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Celebrity chef Darren Simpson dies after battle with illness

<p>Celebrity chef Darren Simpson has died after a long battle with an alcohol addiction-related illness.</p> <p>It is believed that the father of two suffered a heart attack on Thursday night after a recent effort to get help at a rehabilitation clinic.</p> <p>Darren built a national following by appearing on show’s such as Sunrise, Ready, Steady, Cook and The Best where he competed against chef Ben O’Donoghue and cook Anne Gare.</p> <p>At the age of 21, Darren was named UK’s Young Chef of the year making him hold the record as the youngest winner of the prestigious prize.</p> <p>The Irish-born-chef trained in world renowned restaurants including Le Gavrouche and Sir Terence Conran’s Sartoria. </p> <p>Darren was headhunted in 1999 to become the Head Chef of Aqua Luna Bar and Restaurant in Sydney and received great reviews for his “dynamic” menus.</p> <p>In 2005, he opened an award-winning modern Italian restaurant La Sala (The Room).</p> <p>Various restaurant and food industry friends of Darren have paid tribute to the star on social media.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fjason.roberts.395891%2Fposts%2F10155414246188544&amp;width=500" width="500" height="658" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></p> <p>His peer Jason Roberts said, “Devastated ...... RIP Darren Simpson !!! The world has lost another brilliant mind!!!! Sorry for those of you who maybe seeing or hearing this now ...”</p> <p>Friend and journalist Shonagh Walker wrote, “I hope I wake up tomorrow and this is a dream” and “I know the last few weeks have been hell for you. You will never be forgotten. #love you xxxx”</p> <p>Chef Adam Moore said, “R.I.P Darren Simpson you will be missed chef loved working with you.”</p> <p><em>Image credit:  Ryan Osland</em></p>

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Crossing the spectacular Simpson Desert

<p>Some people chase mindfulness in the pages of colouring books, but it's much easier to find in the desert. Out there, two days drive from anywhere, more if you want anywhere to be more than a roadhouse, mindfulness is your default setting.</p> <p>You're mindful that a thoughtless step into a clump of spinifex could end in disaster if it's home to a king brown (or any other snake). Mindful that a wrong approach up a dune will leave you beached, up to your axles in hot red sand, sweat and a long-handled shovel your only salvation. Mindful that a miscalculation of how much water you need could be dire, a mechanical breakdown deadly, or at the very least, mind-shatteringly expensive.</p> <p>According to the gurus, mindfulness is all about living in the moment. In the Simpson Desert there's no dreaming of where the road leads, because being on the road – make that track – is the reason for being there in the first place.</p> <p>It's a cliché, but crossing the Simpson really is about the journey, not the destination, because whichever direction you travel the end point is little more than a petrol pump and a pub – mind you, after three or four days in the desert there is nothing quite so marvellous as downing a cold beer at a stand-up bar, or quite so delightful as a toilet that not only do you not have to dig, but flushes at the touch of a button, even if it is full of frogs. Spend three or four days in the desert and you'll find your concept of luxury has been rather forcefully redefined.</p> <p><img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/24607/shutterstock_103738982_498x245.jpg" alt="simpson desert (1)"/></p> <p>Straddling three states, the Simpson Desert is the largest parallel sand dune desert in the world. More than 1100 dunes, shaped into long red waves by westerly winds, roll from Birdsville in outback Queensland west towards Alice Springs across the top of South Australia. It was the last of the Australian deserts to be explored by Europeans – the first to cross its expanse was Ted Colson, on camel, in 1936; the first vehicle in 1962. Now, it's top of the list for four-wheel drivers, and while thousands of people cross the Simpson each year, and satellite phones mean that help can be summoned if needed, it is still not a trip to be taken lightly.</p> <p>Crossing the Simpson had been high on my really-want-to-do-that list ever since I'd crested Big Red – the legendary ridge of sand (30-40 metres high, depending on who you ask) 35 kilometres from the Birdsville pub that is not only the highest and most difficult dune in the Simpson, but also the first (or last, depending on which way you're travelling) – and kept driving until sunset, rolling out a swag in the lee of a dune before heading back to town the next morning.</p> <p>That was 15 years ago, and since then I'd skirted around the edges many times, driving out to Finke on the Alice Springs side, making several trips to Lake Eyre and up and down the Oodnadatta track to the south, and even flown over it on a scenic flight from Birdsville. Going all the way though, is an altogether different type of adventure.</p> <p>There are three main tracks: the French Line (the shortest), the Rig Road (the longest and southern-most) and the WAA Line, all converging into the QAA Line near Poeppel Corner where the NT, SA and Queensland borders meet, 170km west of Birdsville.</p> <p>Most people take the French Line, but we thought we'd escape the 'crowds' on the less travelled WAA Line, where the dunes are steeper, and softer. We also took the hard way, travelling east to west – the eastern dune faces are steeper due to the prevailing wind direction – but we only got stuck once, on dune number 882 or thereabouts, although we often had to have a couple of 'practice runs' before we got over some of them. It's all about momentum, using the UHF radio to check there's nothing coming the other way and then a slightly manic and very bumpy helter-skelter charge that looks out of control but is a giggle-inducing adrenalin rush, crowned by a triumphant cheer at the crest and a scan of the horizon for any fluorescent flags indicating approaching traffic before slithering down the sandy slope to line up the next one.</p> <p><img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/24606/shutterstock_68164816_498x245.jpg" alt="simpson desert"/></p> <p>This is not a trip where you tick off attractions, although you do tend to measure your progress from landmarks such as Big Red, the usually dry but often boggy Eyre Creek, Poeppel Corner (a selfie at the three-state marker is obligatory), Purni Bore and the oasis of Dalhousie Springs, where as far as luxury baths go soaking in a hot thermal pool after four days without more than a wet-ones wipe is hard to beat, and for us, finally, a hard-earned cold beer at the bar at Mount Dare (it was only 10.45am, but we didn't care!).</p> <p>There might be 1100 dunes in the desert, each with more or less the same view, but each and every time I got to the top of one I found myself gasping in awe – in awe of the sheer immensity of space, in awe of the colours, of the emptiness, of the grandiosity of a landscape larger than life, a reminder of how insignificant we are in comparison.</p> <p>Anyone who think deserts aren't beautiful has never sat atop a dune at sunset, when the sand turns to ruby and flocks of green-winged birds explode across a flame-coloured sky. The beauty out here is in the small things: the blinding brightness of a full moon, the sighing of a midnight breeze as it ruffles the desert oaks, the early-morning lizard tracks criss-crossing the rumpled dunes like lacework, the rumbling low-level growls of feral camels passing by the camp in the dead of night, the impossible fragility of desert wildflowers blooming in such an inhospitable place. The rewards are the primeval satisfaction of building a fire to keep you warm and spending an entire evening mesmerised by the dancing flames, and gazing star-struck at the inky sky where the stars seem so close that you can almost reach out and pull them in, wrapping them around you like a scarf.</p> <p>It's a drug, this desert crossing caper, a highly addictive escape from workday pressures and mundanity, where the mindfulness that you are completely responsible for your ongoing existence – food, water, shelter, amusement – is exhilarating. So much more fun than colouring-in.</p> <p><em>First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></strong></a>.</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/06/8-incredible-destinations-in-outback-australia/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">8 incredible destinations in outback Australia</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/06/5-aussie-holiday-spots-with-bad-reception/"><strong><em><span>5 Aussie holiday spots with bad reception</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/06/crossing-australia-in-style-aboard-the-indian-pacific/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Crossing Australia in style aboard the Indian Pacific</strong></em></span></a></p>

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