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RBA cuts interest rate - so what happens now?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>The Reserve Bank of Australia <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/media-releases/2025/mr-25-13.html">cut the official interest rate</a> for the second time this year, as it lowered forecasts for Australian economic growth and pointed to increasing uncertainty in the world economy.</p> <p>The bank lowered the <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/cash-rate-target-overview.html">cash rate target</a> by 0.25%, from 4.1% to 3.85%, saying inflation is expected to remain in the target band.</p> <p>All the big four banks swiftly passed the cut on to households with mortgages. This will save a household with a $500,000 loan about $80 a month.</p> <p>Announcing the cut, the Reserve Bank <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/media-releases/2025/mr-25-13.html">stressed</a> in its accompanying statement it stands ready to reduce rates again if the economic outlook deteriorates sharply.</p> <blockquote> <p>The Board considered a severe downside scenario and noted that monetary policy is well placed to respond decisively to international developments if they were to have material implications for activity and inflation in Australia.</p> </blockquote> <h2>Inflation is back under control</h2> <p>The latest <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/price-indexes-and-inflation/consumer-price-index-australia/latest-release">Consumer Price Index</a> showed that inflation remained around the middle of the Reserve Bank’s <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/education/resources/explainers/australias-inflation-target.html">medium-term target band of 2-3%</a> in the March quarter.</p> <p>The Reserve Bank was also comforted by the underlying inflation measure called the “trimmed mean”. This measure excludes items with the largest price movements up or down.</p> <p>The bank noted that it has returned to the 2–3% target band for the first time since 2021. This suggests inflation is not just temporarily low due to temporary factors such as the electricity price rebates.</p> <p><iframe id="QQ6io" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/QQ6io/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p> <p>In February, Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock <a href="https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/committees/commrep/28670/toc_pdf/Economics%20Committee_2025_02_21_Official.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf">conceded</a> the bank had arguably been “late raising interest rates on the way up”. It did not want to be late on the way down.</p> <p>Perhaps Bullock is being unduly modest. The central bank looks to have judged well the extent of monetary tightening. It did not raise interest rates as much as its peers, but still got inflation back to the target.</p> <p><iframe id="ZIcUE" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ZIcUE/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p> <h2>Unemployment remains low</h2> <p>Last week, we got an <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/labour/employment-and-unemployment/labour-force-australia/latest-release">update</a> on the strength of the labour market. Unemployment stayed at 4.1%. It has now been around 4% since late 2023, a remarkable achievement.</p> <p>This is below the 4.5% the Reserve Bank had <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2019/sp-ag-2019-06-12-2.html">regarded</a> as the level consistent with steady inflation (in economic jargon, the <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/education/resources/explainers/nairu.html">NAIRU</a>). But neither prices nor <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/price-indexes-and-inflation/wage-price-index-australia/latest-release">wages</a> have accelerated.</p> <p><iframe id="WYjUU" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/WYjUU/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p> <h2>Households and businesses may turn cautious</h2> <p>In its updated <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/smp/2025/may/pdf/statement-on-monetary-policy-2025-05.pdf">forecasts</a>, the bank sees headline inflation dropping to 2.1% by mid-year but going back to 3.0% by the end of the year, as the electricity subsidies are removed. By mid-2027, it will be back near the middle of the 2-3% target.</p> <p>Underlying inflation is forecast to stay around the middle of the target band throughout.</p> <p>The Reserve Bank cut its forecast for gross domestic product (GDP) to 2.1% by December, down from its previous forecast of 2.4% made in February. It said:</p> <blockquote> <p>Economic policy uncertainty has increased sharply alongside recent global developments, and this is expected to prompt some households to increase their precautionary savings and some businesses to postpone some investment decisions.</p> </blockquote> <p>The unemployment rate is expected to increase to 4.3% by the end of the year and remain there through 2026.</p> <p>Cost of living pressures look set to ease, as real household disposable income grows faster than population.</p> <p>As the Reserve Bank governor told a media conference on Tuesday:</p> <blockquote> <p>There’s now a new set of challenges facing the economy, but with inflation declining and the unemployment rate relatively low, we’re well positioned to deal with them. The board remains prepared to take further action if that is required.</p> </blockquote> <h2>Economic and policy ‘unpredictability’</h2> <p>The main uncertainty in the global economy is how the trade war instigated by US President Donald Trump will play out. <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/05/14/trump-tariffs-china-trade/">According to one count</a>, he has announced new or revised tariff policies about 50 times.</p> <p>“The outlook for the global economy has deteriorated since the February statement. This is due to the adverse impact on global growth from higher tariffs and widespread economic and policy unpredictability,” the bank noted.</p> <p>The US tariff pauses on the highest rates on China and most other nations are due to be in place for 90 days. But more measures may be announced before then.</p> <p>This uncertainty is likely to be stifling trade, and even more so investment decisions by companies in the face of rapidly changing policies. And it will weaken the global economy.</p> <p>In her <a href="https://rba.livecrowdevents.tv/MediaConferenceMonetaryPolicyDecision20May2025/stream">press conference</a>, Bullock said the board’s judgement was that “global trade developments will overall be disinflationary for Australia”. Not only is the global outlook weaker, but some goods no longer being sold to the US could be diverted to Australia.</p> <h2>Where will interest rates go from here?</h2> <p>The Reserve Bank’s updated <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/smp/2025/may/pdf/statement-on-monetary-policy-2025-05.pdf">forecasts</a> assume interest rates will fall further, to 3.4% by the end of the year.</p> <p>But this is just a reflection of what <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/statistics/cash-rate/assumptions/index.html">financial markets are implying</a>. It is not necessarily what the bank itself <em>expects</em> to do. It is certainty not a <em>promise</em> of what they will do.</p> <p>But the Reserve Bank still regards its stance as “restrictive”, or weighing on growth. So if it continues to believe inflation will stay within the target band, or the global outlook deteriorates, it will cut rates further.<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/256798/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/john-hawkins-746285">John Hawkins</a>, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-canberra-865">University of Canberra</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/rba-cuts-interest-rates-ready-to-respond-again-if-the-economy-weakens-further-256798">original article</a>. </em></p> <p><em>Image: Sky News</em></p> </div>

Money & Banking

Beloved Cheers star passes away

<p>The world of television has lost a beloved figure. George Wendt, best known as the affable barfly Norm Peterson on the iconic sitcom <em>Cheers</em>, has passed away at the age of 76. His family confirmed that the actor and comedian died peacefully in his sleep.</p> <p>"George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him," a representative for the Wendt family said in a heartfelt statement. "He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time."</p> <p>Wendt’s passing marks the end of an era. For over a decade, he brought warmth, humour and quiet depth to the character of Norm – a man who was more than just a fixture at the bar. His role earned him six consecutive Emmy nominations, a testament to the quiet brilliance of his performance.</p> <p>He began his career in comedy during the 1970s, cutting his teeth in the world of sketch and improv before making his mark on television. Cheers, which ran for 11 seasons, became his home – and he became part of America’s family. Wendt’s Norm was always there, beer in hand, ready with a witty remark or a knowing glance that said more than words ever could.</p> <p>But behind the scenes, Wendt once admitted the job wasn’t always as easy as he made it look. He joked that the hardest part of playing Norm was pretending to enjoy the flat, salty, non-alcoholic drinks he had to consume all day during filming. “It not only tastes disgusting, I was afraid of keeling over from high blood pressure,” he once told <em>The Washington Post</em>. Yet, like the seasoned actor he was, he mastered the craft – not by drinking, but by knowing exactly when the camera was watching. "That's how I make my money. That’s acting."</p> <p>After <em>Cheers</em> ended in 1993, Wendt attempted to forge a new path with <em>The George Wendt Show</em>. Unfortunately, the show struggled to find its audience and was cancelled after just six episodes aired. Still, his passion for comedy never wavered. He made memorable appearances on <em>Saturday Night Live</em> in the 1990s and took on roles in films like <em>The Little Rascals</em>, <em>Airplane II: The Sequel</em>, and <em>Santa Buddies</em>.</p> <p>Off-screen, Wendt found joy and stability in his family life. He married actress Bernadette Birkett in 1978 – who, in a sweet twist of art imitating life, voiced Norm’s elusive wife Vera on <em>Cheers</em>. Together they raised five children: Hilary, Joe, Daniel, Joshua and Andrew.</p> <p>Wendt came from a large, close-knit family, with six sisters and a nephew who would go on to become a comedic star in his own right – <em>Ted Lasso</em> actor Jason Sudeikis.</p> <p><em>Images: CBS</em></p>

Caring

New Aussie film starring Nicolas Cage is an absolute blast

<div class="theconversation-article-body">Nicolas Cage has made a career from his highly entertaining scenery chewing. He follows a performance style he calls “<a href="https://filmschoolrejects.com/nouveau-shamanic-the-enigmatic-style-of-nicolas-cage/">Nouveau Shamanic</a>” – an exaggerated form of method acting where he acts according to the character’s impulses. This allows for the wild, unpredictable outbursts his characters are known for.</p> <p>Cage films are also usually about masculinity: its worst excesses, the parameters restricting it, and what ennobling versions of it might look like.</p> <p>The Surfer, a new Australian feature film from Irish director Lorcan Finnegan, leans right into masculinity as a theme.</p> <p>Our unnamed protagonist (Cage) is returning to his former Australian home from the United States. He is newly divorced, and trying to buy a beachside property to win back his family.</p> <p>He takes his teenage son (Finn Little) for a surf near the property, but they are run off by an unfriendly pack of locals.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tb6iY_p1Qi0?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>Returning alone to the beachside car park to make some calls, he is besieged there over the next several days by the same gang. They are led by a terrifying middle-aged Andrew Tate-esque influencer, Scally (Julian McMahon), who runs the beach like a combination of a frat bro party and wellness retreat.</p> <p>The protagonist’s fast descent into dishevelled, dehydrated delirium as the group’s hazing escalates, fuels much of the first two acts.</p> <h2>Fish out of water</h2> <p>It is impossible to think of an actor other than Cage who could make a character like this so enjoyable to watch.</p> <p>From the first moments, he seems pathetic: giving his uninterested teenage son metaphorical speeches about surfing, losing arguments on the phone with his broker and real estate agent, reeking of pomposity and desperation.</p> <p>The sense of a man out of his depth is compounded by his Americanness contrasting with the particular brand of Australian masculinity the locals display. Both types are brash and entitled, but with entirely different ways of expressing it.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/668067/original/file-20250515-74-v46zis.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/668067/original/file-20250515-74-v46zis.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/668067/original/file-20250515-74-v46zis.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668067/original/file-20250515-74-v46zis.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668067/original/file-20250515-74-v46zis.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668067/original/file-20250515-74-v46zis.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668067/original/file-20250515-74-v46zis.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668067/original/file-20250515-74-v46zis.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Cage is in the face of another surfer, wearing a Santa hat." /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">This is a man out of his depth.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Madman Entertainment</span></span></figcaption></figure> <p>Cage’s distinctively American confidence has no resistance to the terrifying switches of Australian masculinity from friendly to teasing to violent.</p> <p>“Don’t live here, don’t surf here,” they hiss at him on first meeting, forcing him to retreat, cowed, to the car park, where he remains for most of the rest of the film.</p> <h2>The wide-open and the claustrophobic</h2> <p>What a stroke of genius it is to use this single location.</p> <p>Filmed in Yallingup, Western Australia, The Surfer beautifully captures the natural surroundings, stunning views and shimmering heat of Australian coastal summer.</p> <p>At the same time, a confined, interstitial semi-urban feature like a beachside car park feels so bleak and uninviting. The only amenities are an overpriced coffee cart, ancient payphone and a dingy toilet block.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/668068/original/file-20250515-68-lj0ags.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/668068/original/file-20250515-68-lj0ags.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/668068/original/file-20250515-68-lj0ags.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668068/original/file-20250515-68-lj0ags.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668068/original/file-20250515-68-lj0ags.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668068/original/file-20250515-68-lj0ags.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668068/original/file-20250515-68-lj0ags.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668068/original/file-20250515-68-lj0ags.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Cage stands next to a phone booth." /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">The beachside car park feels so bleak and uninviting.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Madman Entertainment</span></span></figcaption></figure> <p>As a film setting, it is both a spectacular wide-open vista and stiflingly claustrophobic – a perfect mechanism for The Surfer’s psychological horror.</p> <p>It must have been attractive in getting the script funded as well. With such an affordable location, more of the budget would have been freed up for a big name like Cage.</p> <h2>A modern Wake in Fright</h2> <p>With its oppressive setting, overexposed orange and yellow light and grade, and a sweaty spiral into madness, The Surfer invites comparisons to <a href="https://theconversation.com/thats-not-us-wake-in-fright-at-50-a-portrait-of-an-ugly-australia-that-became-a-cinema-classic-159221">Wake in Fright</a>, Ted Kotcheff’s 1971 brutal depiction of Australian men and their drinking culture.</p> <p>Both take place at Christmas and feature an antagonist who enjoys confidently explaining their dubious moral worldview to everyone. However, Wake in Fright’s horror lingers because we know the culture remains even after the hero escapes it. The Surfer struggles a little more in landing the ending.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/668069/original/file-20250515-56-ea6rb1.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/668069/original/file-20250515-56-ea6rb1.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/668069/original/file-20250515-56-ea6rb1.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668069/original/file-20250515-56-ea6rb1.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668069/original/file-20250515-56-ea6rb1.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668069/original/file-20250515-56-ea6rb1.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668069/original/file-20250515-56-ea6rb1.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/668069/original/file-20250515-56-ea6rb1.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Men in a sweaty hug: perhaps they are cheering, or maybe they are yelling." /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">The film’s depiction of masculinity echoes Wake In Fright.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Madman Entertainment</span></span></figcaption></figure> <p>For the mean, violent, misogynistic villains to be defeated, it would be unsatisfying for Cage to stoop to their level. This means – without spoiling too much – Cage remains an oddly passive character throughout the film, while others perform the avenging actions.</p> <p>The only way the protagonist’s masculinity can be resurrected as upright, ethical and empowering is for the character to literally turn his back on the vengeance we’ve been waiting for him to deliver.</p> <p>It’s not that the film has an inarticulate grasp of its own politics, but more that the otherwise terrific script by Thomas Martin feels written into a difficult corner.</p> <h2>A blast along the way</h2> <p>I don’t want to imply that this ending means The Surfer isn’t an absolute blast along the way. A lot of the fun is in anticipating each dreadful humiliation – and it somehow turning out worse than you could have expected.</p> <p>A spilled coffee leads to drinking recycled wastewater which leads to chewing on a dead rat, and we still haven’t reached the lowest rung on the ladder of indignities that Cage’s character suffers.</p> <p>In less skilled hands this could feel nasty or gross, but the hallucinatory quality of Finnegan’s direction makes it feel almost sublime. And Cage’s pleading, groaning, sobbing and gibbering feel believable and relatable.</p> <p>The pathos works – and it’s pretty funny too.</p> <p><em>The Surfer is in cinemas now and streaming on Stan from June 15.<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/254580/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></em></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/grace-russell-1459623">Grace Russell</a>, Lecturer, School of Media, Film and Journalism, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/dishevelled-dehydrated-delirium-new-aussie-film-the-surfer-starring-nicolas-cage-is-an-absolute-blast-254580">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Main Image: Madman Entertainment</em></p> </div>

Movies

Is there a best way to peel a boiled egg? A food scientist explains

<h1 class="theconversation-article-title"> </h1> <div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>We’ve all been there – trying to peel a boiled egg, but mangling it beyond all recognition as the hard shell stubbornly sticks to the egg white. Worse, the egg ends up covered in chewy bits of adhesive membrane in the end.</p> <p>The internet is littered with various “hacks” that claim to prevent this problem. But there are several reasons why eggs can be hard to peel. Luckily, that means there are also science-based strategies we can use to avoid the problem.</p> <h2>Egg ‘peelability’ factors</h2> <p><a href="https://www.sites.ext.vt.edu/virtualfarm/poultry/poultry_eggparts.html">Eggs consist</a> of a hard, porous shell, an inner and outer membrane, the egg white (albumen), and a membrane-encased yolk at the centre. There is also an air cell between the inner and outer membrane next to the shell.</p> <figure class="align-right zoomable"><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <p>A lot of research was done in the late 1960s and 1970s on factors that affect the peelability of eggs after they’ve been boiled.</p> <p>One of these factors is the pH of the egg white. An <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579119530589">early study</a> from the 1960s indicated that the pH of the egg white needs to be in the range of 8.7–8.9, quite alkaline, in order for the egg to be easier to peel.</p> <p>Storage temperature has a role to play, too. A <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579119430861">study from 1963</a> showed that storing eggs at about 22 degrees Celsius (or 72 degrees Fahrenheit) gives a better peelability result than storage at lower temperatures of 13°C, or even fridge temperatures at 3–5°C.</p> <p>Of course, there is a risk of spoilage if eggs are stored at higher ambient temperatures.</p> <p>In the studies, an increase in storage time before boiling – using less fresh eggs – also increased the ease of peelability.</p> <h2>Step one: avoid fresh eggs</h2> <p>The fact that fresh eggs are harder to peel is relatively well known. Based on the factors above, there are a couple of reasons for this.</p> <p>For one, in a fresh egg the air cell is still quite small. As the egg ages, it (very) slowly loses moisture through the porous shell, increasing the size of the air cell while the rest of the egg contents shrink. A bigger air cell makes it easier to start the peeling action.</p> <p>Additionally, egg whites, although they already start out relatively alkaline, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579119325489">increase in pH</a> as the eggs age, also making them easier to peel.</p> <h2>Step two: water temperature</h2> <p>Some keen egg boiling pundits believe that <a href="https://www.taste.com.au/taste-test-kitchen/articles/you-boil-water-first-before-adding-eggs/jrp12gok">starting off with boiling water</a> and lowering it to a simmer before gently placing the eggs into it provides a better result. However, you want to do this with room temperature eggs to avoid them cracking due to a sudden temperature change.</p> <p>The reasoning behind this approach is that exposure to higher temperatures from the start of cooking also makes it easier for the membrane to come away from the shell and egg white.</p> <p>Furthermore, the quick hot start makes it easier for the egg white proteins to denature (change structure as they cook) and bond to each other, rather than to the membrane.</p> <p>After boiling eggs for the desired amount of time (typically 3–5 minutes for runny yolks, 6–7 minutes for jammy yolks, and 12–15 minutes for hard boiled), you can quench them in ice water. This should help the egg white to slightly shrink away from the shell, improving peelability.</p> <h2>Step three (optional): adding things to the water</h2> <p>Some other suggestions to improve peelability include adding salt to the boiling water, but this has mixed results. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579119325489">In one study</a>, this approach did actually improve peelability, but this effect was lost after eggs had been stored for longer periods.</p> <p>Acids and alkali have also <a href="https://patents.google.com/patent/US5053238A/en">been shown to aid eggshell peelability</a> or removal. The patent that describes this used rather harsh substances with the goal to dissolve away the shell.</p> <p>But based on this idea, you could try adding baking soda or vinegar to the water. With vinegar, the theory is that it attacks the calcium carbonate in the eggshell to then aid its removal. As for baking soda, because it’s alkaline, it could help detach the membrane from the shell.</p> <h2>Bonus: alternative cooking methods</h2> <p>There are other methods for hard-cooking eggs, such as <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1745-4549.1977.tb00317.x">pressure steaming</a>, air-frying and even microwaving.</p> <p>In steaming eggs, some proponents theorise that water vapour permeates the eggshell, loosening the membrane from the egg white, and thereby making the egg much easier to peel.</p> <p>While studies have recently been done on the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772275924000200#tbl0001">air-frying of other foods</a>, there is still scope to further understand how this style of cooking might affect eggshells and peelability.</p> <p>Lastly, once you have successfully separated the eggshells, don’t just throw them in the bin. There are lots of different uses for them, including compost, slug and snail deterrent in your garden, using them as little biodegradable pots for seedlings, or even something as advanced as <a href="https://www.unisq.edu.au/news/2024/10/egg-research">scaffolds for cancer research</a>.<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/235895/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/paulomi-polly-burey-404695">Paulomi (Polly) Burey</a>, Professor in Food Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</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/is-there-a-best-way-to-peel-a-boiled-egg-a-food-scientist-explains-235895">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> </div>

Food & Wine

"First time I've really cried": Star shares sad family news

<p>Christina Applegate is mourning the loss of her father, Robert "Bob" Applegate, who passed away last week. The 53-year-old actress shared the heartbreaking news during an emotional episode of her podcast MeSsy, which she co-hosts with fellow actress Jamie Lynn Sigler.</p> <p>Applegate broke down in tears as she revealed her father had died just a week earlier, marking the first time she publicly grieved his passing.</p> <p>"You're probably wondering why I'm crying right now, I'm sorry," Applegate said through tears. "My dad just passed away a week ago. This is the first time I've really cried."</p> <p>Struggling to hold back emotion, the <em>Dead to Me</em> star admitted that she had been suppressing her grief. "I think kind of, like, I wasn't allowing myself to have that yet. [I was] too busy with this, too busy with that."</p> <p>Applegate hinted that her father's death followed an illness, though she did not share specific details. “We knew he was going to die," she said. "Is that an excuse for not feeling? Because you know that someone's gonna go, and you've said your goodbyes?”</p> <p>The episode of MeSsy centreed on a conversation about grief with guest JoAnna García Swisher. Sigler, aware of how raw the topic might be, warned that the discussion could be "triggering" for Applegate. At the time, Applegate believed she would be able to handle it – but as the recording unfolded, her sadness surfaced.</p> <p>“I thought I was going to be OK, and I’m not,” she said. “I’m insanely sad.”</p> <p>Christina Applegate, the only child of Bob Applegate and actress Nancy Priddy, has largely kept her family life out of the spotlight. However, she and her father did share a public moment together in 2013 on TLC’s <em>Who Do You Think You Are</em>, exploring their family’s roots.</p> <p>Bob Applegate’s passing comes during an already difficult chapter in Christina’s life. In 2021, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). She has spoken candidly about her battle with the illness, revealing on a recent episode of Dax Shepard's <em>Armchair Expert</em> that she has “30 lesions” on her brain.</p> <p>“My biggest one is behind my right eye, so my right eye hurts a lot,” she shared.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Pagan loaves, Christian bread, a secular treat: a brief history of hot cross buns

<div class="theconversation-article-body">Hot cross buns aren’t just a sweet snack that appears around Easter. They carry centuries of storytelling in their dough. From ancient gods to modern supermarkets, these sticky spiced buns have crossed many borders and beliefs.</p> <p>Today, you can buy them in all kinds of flavours. But their story is far richer than chocolate chips and salted caramel.</p> <h2>Ancient beginnings</h2> <p>In some ancient cultures, bread was more than just food. It was a symbol of faith. Ancient Greeks baked small round loaves marked with crosses to honour their gods. According to some historians, these marks could represent the four seasons or <a href="https://www.ravenhook.com/bread-blog/hot-cross-buns">four phases of the moon</a>.</p> <p>Jewish people have also shared special bread during holy times like Passover, and scholars have debated whether these customs influenced <a href="https://catholiccuisine.blogspot.com/2009/04/hot-cross-buns-history.html">early Christian bread traditions</a>.</p> <p>Pagan Saxons worshipped a spring goddess named <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%92ostre">Eostre</a>. They baked bread during springtime festivals to celebrate new life and longer days. The name “Eostre” is where we get the English word “Easter”. Over time, some of these springtime bread traditions blended with Christian customs.</p> <h2>From Pagan loaves to Christian buns</h2> <p>Early Christians started marking bread with a cross to show their devotion, and ate it throughout the year.</p> <p>They believed <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/goodfood/easter-2016-the-history-of-hot-cross-buns-and-where-to-find-the-best-20160314-gnc8od.html">the cross kept away evil spirits</a> and helped the dough rise. Over time, the Christian view of the bread marked with the cross shifted to focus on <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-roots-of-the-easter-story-where-did-christian-beliefs-about-jesus-resurrection-come-from-221071">Jesus’ crucifixion and became associated with Easter</a>.</p> <figure class="align-right zoomable"><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <p>By the Middle Ages, many bakers only kept the <a href="https://catholiccuisine.blogspot.com/2009/04/hot-cross-buns-history.html">cross on Good Friday bread</a>.</p> <p>According to popular tales, one 12th-century English monk made spiced buns marked with a cross on Good Friday, because that day is the “<a href="https://www.cathedralatl.org/goodfaithpostings/god-defeats-violence-at-the-cross/">Day of the Cross</a>”.</p> <p>Monks often used spices to show <a href="https://austenvariations.com/hot-cross-buns-a-good-friday-tradition/">the day was special</a>. These <a href="https://www.lavenderandlovage.com/2012/03/baking-for-easter-the-history-of-traditional-hot-cross-buns-and-hot-cross-bun-recipe.html">spiced buns</a> helped people remember the crucifixion of Christ and the <a href="https://biblestudylessons.net/articles/BurialSpices.html">spices used in his burial</a>.</p> <p>In 1592, Queen Elizabeth I restricted the sale of spiced bread and buns, perhaps because of religious tensions. England had broken away from the Catholic Church, and new Church of England officials worried that “holy” buns looked too much like <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/easter/a-history-of-hot-cross-buns/">Catholic superstition</a>. Others say it was an issue of bread prices and profits. Then again maybe they were just <a href="https://www.sandylanefarm.co.uk/c/bakery/easter-hot-cross-buns">too special</a> for just everyday.</p> <p>Under these laws, commercial bakers could only make spiced bread on Christmas, Easter and for funerals.</p> <h2>Good Friday and magic buns</h2> <p>By the 18th century, English street vendors sold “hot cross buns” on Good Friday. We even see an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_Cross_Buns_(song)">old rhyme</a> about them in Poor Robin’s Almanac in 1733, which says:</p> <blockquote> <p>Good Friday comes this month, the old woman runs, <br />With one a penny, two a penny, hot cross buns.</p> </blockquote> <p>Soon, people believed these Good Friday buns had <a href="https://anglicanfocus.org.au/2020/04/05/raisin-the-curtain-on-the-humble-hot-cross-bun/">magical powers</a>. Some hung them from kitchen rafters, believing they would never go mouldy. They kept them for protection against evil or illness. If someone felt sick, they <a href="https://food52.com/blog/19462-were-hot-cross-buns-the-first-food-fad-a-brief-and-fascinating-history?srsltid=AfmBOorsFIsP1cYUDsCRMIshNIU7Lh2Gq00L0OOgL-VwSAhw_O5Uc7I8">crumbled part of an old hot cross bun</a> into water, hoping it would cure them. Others placed buns in their grain stores to keep pests away.</p> <p>These beliefs might sound odd today, but they were part of daily life for many.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/657956/original/file-20250327-56-yehmhv.jpeg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/657956/original/file-20250327-56-yehmhv.jpeg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/657956/original/file-20250327-56-yehmhv.jpeg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=740&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/657956/original/file-20250327-56-yehmhv.jpeg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=740&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/657956/original/file-20250327-56-yehmhv.jpeg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=740&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/657956/original/file-20250327-56-yehmhv.jpeg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=930&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/657956/original/file-20250327-56-yehmhv.jpeg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=930&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/657956/original/file-20250327-56-yehmhv.jpeg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=930&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Three children and their mother reach for buns in a basket." /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">This hand-coloured etching from 1799 shows a woman selling hot cross buns in London.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/739498">The Metropolitan Museum of Art</a></span></figcaption></figure> <p>In Victorian England, people <a href="https://blog.library.villanova.edu/2016/03/24/hot-cross-buns-a-lenten-treat/">exchanged hot cross buns with friends</a> on Good Friday and said, “Half for you and half for me, between us two good luck shall be”.</p> <p>Whatever ancient superstition the cross once warded off, today it’s the flavour roulette that keeps us coming back. Proof that tradition now serves taste, not fear.</p> <h2>An enduring symbol</h2> <p>Traditional buns contain dried fruit and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, but many modern versions <a href="https://bakingwithgranny.co.uk/recipe/chocolate-chip-hot-cross-buns/">swap sultanas for chocolate chips</a> or add flavours like salted caramel, orange – or even <a href="https://vegemite.com.au/recipe/cheesy-vegemite-hot-cross-buns/#newsletter">Vegemite and cheese</a>. They have become a secular treat. Yet the crisscross pattern remains on top, hinting at the Christian origins.</p> <p>When you smell a fresh batch of these buns, you’re sharing an experience people enjoyed centuries ago. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Poles, Romans, Saxons, medieval monks and 18th-century street sellers all had their versions of spiced, crossed bread. Each group gave the buns its own meaning, from honouring gods to celebrating Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/659209/original/file-20250402-62-oa1v6d.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/659209/original/file-20250402-62-oa1v6d.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/659209/original/file-20250402-62-oa1v6d.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=603&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/659209/original/file-20250402-62-oa1v6d.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=603&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/659209/original/file-20250402-62-oa1v6d.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=603&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/659209/original/file-20250402-62-oa1v6d.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=758&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/659209/original/file-20250402-62-oa1v6d.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=758&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/659209/original/file-20250402-62-oa1v6d.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=758&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Colour illustration." /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">A woman giving hot cross buns to two children, in an illustration from 1899.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="http://blogs.bl.uk/untoldlives/2015/04/hot-cross-buns.html">British Library</a></span></figcaption></figure> <p>Eating hot cross buns at Easter also shows how traditions change with each generation. At first, they were hard to find outside Good Friday. Now, you might see them in shops just after New Year’s. They once symbolised pagan festivals, then moved into Christian rites, survived royal bans, and sailed through waves of superstition. Yet they remain a symbol of Easter in Australia and around the world.<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/246782/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/darius-von-guttner-sporzynski-112147">Darius von Guttner Sporzynski</a>, Historian, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-catholic-university-747">Australian Catholic University</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/pagan-loaves-christian-bread-a-secular-treat-a-brief-history-of-hot-cross-buns-246782">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> </div>

Food & Wine

Australia's Next Top Model star passes away at just 27

<p>The fashion world is mourning the loss of Australian model Lucy Markovic, who has tragically passed away at the age of 27 following complications from a brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM).</p> <p>The heartbreaking news was shared via a post on Markovic’s Instagram Story, believed to have been written by her partner.</p> <p>"Dear friends and family, I regret to inform you that Lucy has passed," the message read. "She was at peace. Me, her mother and my mother were present with her. We ask you to please give us space in these hard times. May Lucy rest in peace."</p> <p>Markovic, a former contestant and runner-up on season nine of <em>Australia's Next Top Model</em>, had kept her followers updated on her health journey. Just weeks ago, she had revealed to her 90,000 followers that she was preparing to undergo brain surgery to remove a golf ball-sized AVM. "Excited, thankful, scared, supported, hopeful," she wrote at the time. "Full flood of emotions in this time. Life's a journey and I'm ready for the next chapter."</p> <p>Her modelling agency, Elite Model Management NYC, paid tribute to her spirit and talent in a statement. "We are heartbroken to share that Lucy Markovic has passed away after a brave battle with a brain AVM," the agency wrote on Instagram. "Lucy was a bright shining light, and had an incredible dry sense of humor. Her smile and laughter could light up a room and draw you closer to her. She loved to dance, she really shined."</p> <p>"Modeling was one of Lucy's dreams and we are deeply honoured to have been part of that journey with her," the statement continued. "She brought elegance, strength and beauty to her work. But more than that, she brought herself – her warmth, her laughter, her light."</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/DIRsInvveRP/?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/DIRsInvveRP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Elite Model Management NYC (@elitenyc)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Tributes have poured in from across the fashion industry. Renowned Italian designer Donatella Versace, for whom Markovic modelled last year, also expressed her sorrow. "I am so sorry to hear the news about Lucy Markovic. Rest in peace, beautiful girl," Versace wrote on her Instagram story.</p> <p>Markovic’s rise in the fashion world was meteoric. After gaining national attention on Australia’s Next Top Model, she went on to walk the runway for global fashion houses such as Versace, Givenchy, and Dion Lee, carving out an impressive international career.</p> <p>In the hours leading up to the announcement of her passing, a heartbreaking post appeared on her social media, sharing that she was "currently battling for her life" and asking for prayers. Six hours later, her loved ones confirmed the devastating news.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Our ancestors didn’t eat 3 meals a day. So why do we?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>Pop quiz: name the world’s most famous trio? If you’re a foodie, then your answer might have been breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s an almost universally accepted trinity – particularly in the Western world.</p> <p>But how did it come about?</p> <h2>The first meals</h2> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/when-did-we-become-fully-human-what-fossils-and-dna-tell-us-about-the-evolution-of-modern-intelligence-143717#:%7E:text=Fossils%20and%20DNA%20suggest%20people,%3A%2050%2C000%2D65%2C000%20years%20ago">Early humans</a> were nomadic. Forming small communities, they would travel with the seasons, following local food sources.</p> <p>While we can only guess what daily mealtimes rhythms looked like, evidence dating back <a href="https://global.oup.com/academic/product/feast-9780199209019?cc=nz&lang=en&">30,000 years</a> from the South Moravia region, Czech Republic, shows people visited specific settlements time and again. They gathered around hearths, cooking and sharing food: the first signs of human “commensality”, the practice of eating together.</p> <p>One of the best-preserved hunter-gatherer sites we’ve found is <a href="https://global.oup.com/academic/product/feast-9780199209019?cc=nz&lang=en&">Ohalo II</a> – located on the shores of the modern-day Sea of Galilee (also called Lake Tiberias or Lake Kinneret) in Israel, and dating back some 23,000 years.</p> <p>In addition to several small dwellings with hearths, it provides evidence of diverse food sources, including more than 140 types of seeds and nuts, and various birds, fish and mammals.</p> <p>The development of <a href="https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/development-agriculture/">agricultural knowledge</a> some 12,000 years ago gave rise to permanent settlements. The earliest were in the Levant region (across modern-day Iraq, southwestern Iran and eastern Turkey), in an area called the “Fertile Crescent”.</p> <p>Permanent agriculture led to the production of a <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/foodfeatures/evolution-of-diet/">surplus of food</a>. The ability to stay in one place with food on-hand meant the time it took to cook no longer mattered as much.</p> <p>It quickly became common to eat one <a href="https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/history-of-the-world-in-6-glasses-9780802718594/">light meal</a> early in the day, followed by a larger <a href="https://global.oup.com/academic/product/feast-9780199209019?cc=nz&lang=en&">hearth-prepared meal</a> later on. The specific timings would have varied between groups.</p> <h2>Eating together as a rule</h2> <p>The communal nature of foraging and hunting, and later farming, meant humans almost always ate their meals in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1525/gfc.2009.9.3.42">company of others</a>. In the ancient city-state of Sparta, in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.2307/293895">4th century BCE</a>, these practices were codified as common main meals called <a href="https://doi.org/10.1525/gfc.2017.17.2.51"><em>syssitia</em></a> (meaning “eating together”).</p> <p>These meals were consumed at the end of the day in communal dining halls. Food was served by young boys to tables of 15 or so men who lived together and fought in the same <a href="https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0063%3Aalphabetic+letter%3DS%3Aentry+group%3D5%3Aentry%3Dsyssitia-cn">military division</a>. The men gradually shared generational knowledge with the young boys, who themselves would join the tables by age 20.</p> <p>In the 5th century BCE, Greek historian Herodotus <a href="https://www.penguin.co.nz/books/the-histories-9780140455397">wrote about</a> how <em>syssitia</em> evolved from a Spartan military practice to having deep political meaning in society. Similarly, <a href="https://www.penguin.co.nz/books/the-republic-9780140455113">Plato</a> <a href="https://www.penguin.co.nz/books/the-laws-9780140449846">wrote</a> common meals were an integral component of civil society, and that missing a meal without good reason was a civic offence.</p> <p>By dining in <a href="https://doi.org/10.2307/293895">full view</a> of the rest of society, citizens were compelled to maintain self-discipline. Mealtime was also an opportunity for social linkage, and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1525/gfc.2017.17.2.51">important discussions</a> ranging from business deals to politics.</p> <p>The eating habits of Spartan women are missing in the texts, although it is implied they <a href="https://doi.org/10.1525/gfc.2017.17.2.51">ate at home</a>.</p> <h2>Bunches of lunches</h2> <p>Counter to the tough Spartan way of life, the Romans enjoyed their main meal, <a href="https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/1550/everyday-life-ancient-rome?srsltid=AfmBOooVPsJL24HR9woTdVNQwEG1uCU7q0k7r2beD-KD13m0KX-l1dSY"><em>cena</em></a>, earlier in the day, followed by a lighter meal just before bed.</p> <p>The northern European tribes tended towards two larger meals per day, as more <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.23071">sustenance</a> is required in colder climes. To the Vikings, these meals were known as <a href="https://www.historyonthenet.com/what-did-vikings-eat"><em>dagmal</em> and <em>nattmal</em></a>, or day meal and night meal. <em>Nattmal</em> was the cooked evening meal, while <em>dagmal</em> usually consisted of leftover <em>nattmal</em> with the addition of bread and beer or mead.</p> <p>In Australia, evidence suggests Aboriginal peoples tended toward a <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03122417.2022.2089395">daily single meal</a>, which aligns with the predominant method of cookery: slow-cooking with hot coals or rocks in an <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/03122417.2022.2089395">earth oven</a>. This underground oven, used by Aboriginal and also Torres Strait Islander communities, was referred to as a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=745326709638881&t=0"><em>kup murri</em></a> or <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/food/the-cook-up-with-adam-liaw/recipe/slow-cooker-kap-mauri/lfza7eqs4"><em>kap mauri</em></a> by some groups.</p> <p>This is similar to other Indigenous preparations throughout the Pacific, such as the New Zealand Māori <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/15528014.2024.2381305"><em>hāngī</em></a>, Hawaiian <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/20707103?seq=1"><em>imu</em></a>, Fijian <a href="https://www.proquest.com/docview/1021389307?accountid=8440&parentSessionId=605Pt1iTclBEC77VSlZvrnxxY%2Bdc7e%2Bx9pT4MgRLPqQ%3D&sourcetype=Dissertations%20&%20Theses"><em>lovo</em></a>, and even the Mayan <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s12231-012-9207-2"><em>píib</em></a>.</p> <p>The once-daily meal would have been supplemented with snacks throughout the day.</p> <h2>Three’s the magic number</h2> <p>The timing of meals was heavily influenced by class structure, local climate and people’s <a href="https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Cuisine+and+Culture%3A+A+History+of+Food+and+People%2C+3rd+Edition-p-9780470403716">daily activities</a>. Practicality also played a part. Without reliable lighting, meals had to be prepared and eaten before dark. In settled parts of Northern Europe, this could be as early as 3pm.</p> <p>So how did we go from one or two main meals, to three? The answer may lie with the British Royal Navy.</p> <p>Since its inception in the 16th century, the navy served <a href="https://www.historyhit.com/what-did-sailors-in-the-georgian-royal-navy-eat/">three regular meals</a> to align with the shipboard routine. This included a simple breakfast of ship’s biscuits, lunch as the main meal, and dinner as more of a light supper.</p> <p>Some sources suggest the term “<a href="https://www.grammar-monster.com/sayings_proverbs/square_meal.htm">square meal</a>” may have come from the square wooden trays meals were served in.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/660040/original/file-20250407-56-xgt2pm.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/660040/original/file-20250407-56-xgt2pm.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/660040/original/file-20250407-56-xgt2pm.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=455&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/660040/original/file-20250407-56-xgt2pm.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=455&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/660040/original/file-20250407-56-xgt2pm.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=455&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/660040/original/file-20250407-56-xgt2pm.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=572&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/660040/original/file-20250407-56-xgt2pm.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=572&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/660040/original/file-20250407-56-xgt2pm.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=572&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">Initially, sailors recieved a daily gallon of beer with meals. This was later changed to watered-down rum, the infamous ‘grog’, which is being handed out in this 1940 photo taken aboard HMS King George V.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205185139">Imperial War Museums</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/">CC BY-NC</a></span></figcaption></figure> <p>The <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-20243692">Industrial Revolution</a>, which started around 1760, arguably also played a role in formalising the concept of three specific mealtimes across the Western world.</p> <p>The cadence of breakfast, lunch and dinner matched the routine of the longer, standardised workdays. Workers ate breakfast and dinner at home, before and after work, while lunch was eaten with coworkers at a set time.</p> <p>With minimal breaks, and no time for snacking, three substantial meals became necessary.</p> <h2>The fall of the holy trinity</h2> <p>Today, many factors impact the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2015.09.005">time and frequency</a> of our meals, from long work commutes to juggling hobbies and social obligations.</p> <p>The COVID pandemic also impacted how and what we eat, leading us to eat larger amounts of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhealeco.2022.102641">higher calorie foods</a>. The rapid growth of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980020000701">delivery services</a> also means a meal is no more than a few minutes away from most people.</p> <p>All of this has resulted in mealtimes becoming less rigid, with social meals such as <a href="https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781442229433/Brunch-A-History">brunch</a>, <a href="https://www.harpercollins.co.nz/9780261102354/the-fellowship-of-the-ring/">elevenses</a> and <a href="https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781442271029/Afternoon-Tea-A-History">afternoon teas</a> expanding how we <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126235">connect over food</a>. And mealtimes will continue to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1525/gfc.2013.13.3.32">evolve</a> as our schedules become ever more complicated.<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/250773/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rob-richardson-2328981">Rob Richardson</a>, Senior Lecturer in Culinary Arts & Gastronomy, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/auckland-university-of-technology-1137">Auckland University of Technology</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/dianne-ma-2331997">Dianne Ma</a>, Lecturer in Culinary Arts & Gastronomy, <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/our-ancestors-didnt-eat-3-meals-a-day-so-why-do-we-250773">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> </div>

Food & Wine

Val Kilmer, star of Top Gun and Batman Forever, dies at 65

<p>Val Kilmer, the acclaimed actor best known for his roles in <em>Top Gun</em>, <em>Batman Forever</em> and <em>The Doors</em>, has passed away at the age of 65. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed to <em>The New York Times</em> that he died of pneumonia on Wednesday.</p> <p>Kilmer rose to fame in the 1980s with his breakout role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in <em>Top Gun</em> (1986), where he starred alongside Tom Cruise. His intense screen presence and charisma solidified him as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men in the 1990s.</p> <p>The actor was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, which significantly affected his health and career. His struggles were documented in the 2021 documentary <em>Val</em>, which revealed his reliance on a breathing tube. Despite these challenges, he made a heroic return to the big screen in 2022’s <em>Top Gun: Maverick</em>, reprising his role as Iceman in a storyline that mirrored his real-life health battle.</p> <p>Kilmer’s career was marked by both critical acclaim and controversy. While he delivered powerful performances in films such as <em>Heat</em> (1995) and <em>The Island of Dr Moreau</em> (1996), he also developed a reputation for being difficult to work with. Nonetheless, his talent was undeniable. One of his most celebrated roles came in Oliver Stone’s 1991 biopic <em>The Doors</em>, where he portrayed the legendary Jim Morrison. His meticulous preparation for the role, including recording his own vocals alongside the original Doors’ master tapes, earned widespread praise. Critic Roger Ebert noted that Kilmer’s performance was so immersive it felt like a case of “possession”.</p> <p>In his final major film role, Kilmer played the sharp-witted detective Gay Perry in <em>Kiss Kiss Bang Bang</em> (2005), a performance that further showcased his range and comedic timing.</p> <p>Kilmer was married to British actress Joanne Whalley from 1988 until their divorce in 1996. The couple met on the set of the fantasy film <em>Willow</em> and had two children together.</p> <p>Despite his reputation for being intense and perfectionistic, Kilmer never apologised for his dedication to his craft. In a 2003 interview with the <em>Orange County Register</em>, he addressed the criticisms, stating, “When certain people criticise me for being demanding, I think that’s a cover for something they didn’t do well. I believe I’m challenging, not demanding, and I make no apologies for that.”</p> <p>Val Kilmer’s legacy as an actor, performer and Hollywood icon endures, leaving behind an unforgettable body of work that will continue to captivate audiences for generations to come.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

"He was just a genius": Shock after former AFL star dies at just 42

<p>Former AFL player Andrew Krakouer has passed away at the age of 42, prompting an outpouring of grief from former teammates, coaches and the broader football community.</p> <p>Krakouer, who played for Richmond and Collingwood, reportedly suffered a suspected heart attack at a family home in Perth on Sunday. His sudden passing has left many in shock, especially those who played alongside him during his impressive AFL career.</p> <p>Having played 102 games for the Tigers, Krakouer made a remarkable return to elite football after a personal setback, going on to play 35 matches for the Magpies. He was a key player in Collingwood’s 2011 grand final against Geelong, where he kicked three goals.</p> <p>Before his Collingwood stint, Krakouer dominated in the WAFL, winning the Sandover Medal in 2010 and delivering a best-on-ground performance in Swan Districts' premiership victory. His 42-disposal, four-goal effort in that grand final remains one of the greatest individual displays in WAFL history.</p> <p>Bouncing back from time in prison, Krakouer was recruited by Collingwood ahead of the 2011 season. He made an instant impact, scoring 35 goals across 23 games and winning Mark of the Year for his spectacular high-flying grab. However, his career was hampered by an ACL injury in early 2012. Despite this setback, he made a strong return later that year, featuring in three finals and kicking four goals in the qualifying final against Port Adelaide.</p> <p>Following a limited 2013 season, he was delisted but continued to be involved in football through media roles. He appeared on the <em>Marngrook Footy Show</em> and later co-hosted <em>Yokayi Footy</em>, also contributing as a commentator on both TV and radio.</p> <p>Tributes have poured in from former teammates and coaches across the country, commemorating Krakouer’s talent and character.</p> <p>“Rest in peace Andrew Krakouer. A beautiful man who was loved by all his teammates. Always greeted you with a hug and a smile. Love to Jimmy and Andrew’s daughters and all his family. Very sad day,” said Richmond great Matthew Richardson.</p> <p>Fellow ex-Tiger and former club CEO Brendon Gale also expressed his sorrow. “So saddened by the tragic and unexpected passing of Andrew Krakouer. Krak was a special talent — but more than that, he was a deeply loved husband, father, son, teammate, and friend. My condolences are with the Krakouer family and all who loved him. Rest easy Krak.”</p> <p>Collingwood’s former coach Nathan Buckley was visibly shaken upon hearing the news while live on radio. “That’s really sad news. That’s tragic, so young at 42,” Buckley said on SEN. “A really calm, quiet teammate, who was respectful and went about his business. I really enjoyed the years with him, that’s really sad for his family and his mates.”</p> <p>Buckley also paid tribute to Krakouer’s footballing prowess, particularly his ability to produce spectacular moments on the field. “We’d get him in whenever we could,” Buckley recalled. “He was just a genius. He was just a player who could do the special things. The hanger he took in 2011 (to win Mark of the Year) was elite.</p> <p>“He just loved the game, found a way to impact, and could do things that other players couldn’t do. He was exceptional.”</p> <p>Krakouer came from a legendary footballing family. His father, Jim, and uncle, Phil, were WAFL and North Melbourne stars in the 1980s, while his cousin, Nathan, played for Port Adelaide and Gold Coast.</p> <p>AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon also extended condolences. “We send our sincere condolences to Andrew’s family and many friends across football,” Dillon said. “To lose him at such an early age is a tragedy, and we hope there can be some peace for his family in this heart-breaking and difficult time.</p> <p>“To all his past teammates at Richmond, Collingwood, the team at AFL media, and all Indigenous players and staff across the industry, our thoughts are with you all.”</p> <p>Krakouer’s impact on the game and his ability to inspire others will not soon be forgotten.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

"Love never dies": Tributes flow for Iconic Hollywood star

<p>Hollywood is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved stars, Richard Chamberlain, who passed away at the age of 90. The acclaimed actor, best known for his roles in <em>The Thorn Birds</em>, <em>Dr Kildare</em> and the stage production of <em>The Sound of Music</em>, died from complications following a stroke, his publicist Harlan Boll confirmed to <em>Variety</em>.</p> <p>Born George Richard Chamberlain, the actor died in Hawaii, leaving behind a legacy that spanned over six decades. His career took off in the early 1960s when he starred as the charming Dr James Kildare in the hit television series <em>Dr Kildare</em> (1961-1966), a role that quickly made him a teen idol.</p> <p>Chamberlain became a household name and was soon dubbed the "king of the mini-series" after starring in a string of highly acclaimed television dramas throughout the 1980s. His extensive stage work further demonstrated his versatility, portraying characters such as Professor Henry Higgins in <em>My Fair Lady</em>, Captain von Trapp in <em>The Sound of Music</em> and Shakespearean roles like Hamlet and Richard II.</p> <p>He also made history as the original Jason Bourne in the 1988 mini-series adaptation of <em>The Bourne Identity</em>, showcasing his ability to captivate audiences across various genres.</p> <p>Following his passing, his longtime partner Martin Rabbett shared a heartfelt tribute: "Our beloved Richard is with the angels now. He is free and soaring to those loved ones before us. How blessed were we to have known such an amazing and loving soul. Love never dies. And our love is under his wings lifting him to his next great adventure."</p> <p>One of Chamberlain’s most memorable roles was in <em>The Thorn Birds</em>, the ABC mini-series based on Colleen McCullough’s novel, in which he portrayed Father Ralph de Bricassart. The series, a sweeping saga set in the Australian outback, remains one of television’s most cherished dramas.</p> <p>In later years, Chamberlain continued to make appearances in popular shows, including <em>Touched by an Angel</em>, <em>Nip/Tuck</em>, and <em>Chuck</em>. His final acting credit came in 2019 with the film <em>Finding Julia</em>.</p> <p>Chamberlain leaves behind a body of work that will be cherished by fans for generations. His charisma, talent and passion for his craft made him a true Hollywood legend.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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

Beloved Neighbours star reveals his dying wishes

<p>Ian Smith has shared his final wishes after being told he has more time to live, despite battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer.</p> <p>Smith, 86, was diagnosed with pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma and given a terminal prognosis in 2024. However, in a recent interview on BBC Radio 5 Live, he revealed he had defied expectations and was still going strong.</p> <p>"I'm going to die soon, but I seem to be defying the odds, which is good. I'm not unhappy about that at all," Smith said.</p> <p>The veteran actor recalled the moment he received the unexpected news in December last year, jokingly expressing his gratitude: "The knowledge is saying, 'Ian, you are going to die in March.' I almost gave in, and then on Friday the 13th, I got this good news and, you know what? I just had to say, 'Well, thank you, someone.'"</p> <p>Rather than dwell on his diagnosis, Smith is determined to make the most of the time he has left. While he admits he is still unsure of how best to spend it, one thing on his bucket list is buying a new car – specifically, an electric one.</p> <p>"I'm now thinking of buying a new car. That's not what you do if you're going to die in March," he said with a laugh. "I'm determined to have an electric car before I die. And I was speaking to a salesman. I said, 'Now, what about the delivery? Can you get to me before I'm dead?' And he was so shocked! I said, 'Come on, let's have a giggle.'"</p> <p>Smith has had a long and celebrated career in television, most notably for his role as Harold Bishop on <em>Neighbours</em>. First joining the show in 1987, his character quickly became a fan favourite. Over the years, he made several departures and returns, with his most recent appearance in 2024 before stepping away due to ill health.</p> <p>Jason Herbison, Executive Producer of <em>Neighbours</em>, spoke highly of Smith’s contributions to the show, saying, "The way the residents of Ramsay Street feel about Harold is how we all feel about Ian – we couldn't love him more than we do."</p> <p>Beyond <em>Neighbours</em>, Smith also appeared in the cult series <em>Prisoner</em> and worked extensively in theatre since the 1950s.</p> <p>Smith has faced significant personal challenges over the years. His wife, Gail, passed away in 2019 after a battle with cancer, leaving behind a marriage that spanned over 50 years. Additionally, Smith discovered later in life that he had been adopted. He was 54 when his adoptive mother, Connie, revealed the truth shortly before her passing. Smith eventually reunited with his biological mother, Peg Kline, who had been a victim of sexual assault at age 14. They maintained a relationship until her death in 2005, also from cancer.</p> <p>"Dying does change how you live," he said in a previous interview with The Guardian. "I feel like I have become more forgiving, more understanding."</p> <p>Despite his illness, Smith remains grateful for the life he has led. "I know I have cancer because doctors keep telling me I have it. I may get very sick again one day. But I have lived the most privileged life."</p> <p><em>Images: Supplied</em></p>

Caring

AFL royalty unite in a star-studded Noosa wedding

<p>In a celebration absolutely fit for footy royalty, the families of two AFL greats officially became one, as Ruby Brownless and Josh Wallis tied the knot in a breathtaking ceremony in Noosa over the weekend.</p> <p>Ruby, the daughter of Geelong legend Billy Brownless, and Josh, the son of Western Bulldogs icon Stephen Wallis, exchanged vows in a magnificent event that defied AFL traditions. Despite the league's unwritten rule of keeping key dates like Round 1 and grand final day clear, the happy couple chose to mark their special day as the Cats took the field for their season opener.</p> <p>The wedding was a glittering affair attended by a host of AFL stars, past and present, with family and friends flying in to witness the heartwarming union. Among the high-profile guests was Ruby’s mother, Nicky Brownless, who is engaged to Melbourne great and expert commentator Garry Lyon. With Josh’s brother, Mitch, having played 162 games for the Bulldogs and Ruby’s brother, Oscar, once listed with Geelong, the occasion was a true meeting of AFL dynasties.</p> <p>Proud father Billy Brownless, known for his jovial personality, shared his delight in walking his daughter down the aisle. Calling into his Triple M show the following day, he said, “(It was) beautiful. I’ve had a couple of limoncellos so I’m a bit dusty. We got dropped off at this beautiful area and there was just limoncellos. I didn’t think they had any alcohol in them, and after about seven I had a look and they’re nine per cent!”</p> <p>During the speeches, Billy moved guests to laughter and tears with a heartfelt poem. “When your daughters get married, it’s from the heart,” he said before reciting, “Roses are red. Violets are blue. I love you from here to Timbuktu.”</p> <p>The wedding had been highly anticipated ever since Ruby and Josh announced their engagement in 2022 during a romantic getaway to Hayman Island. Leading up to the big day, Ruby kept her 37,000 Instagram followers eagerly waiting, teasing glimpses of the preparations and declaring, “Wedding week begins!”</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/DHHw2YdTHmQ/?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/DHHw2YdTHmQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Ruby Brownless (@rubybrownless)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The celebrations aren’t over for the Brownless family just yet, as another wedding is on the horizon. After a whirlwind romance, Garry Lyon proposed to Nicky Brownless at the end of 2023, marking yet another chapter in the intertwined histories of these AFL legends. </p> <p>With love, laughter, and limoncellos in abundance, the Brownless-Wallis wedding was a truly magical affair, proving that some traditions are worth breaking when it comes to celebrating love.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

AFL star's wife spends wedding anniversary in hospital amid cancer battle

<p>AFL star Jeremy Finlayson's wife Kellie Finlayson has revealed she's had a bit of a setback with her health and is spending her second wedding anniversary in hospital. </p> <p>The 29-year-old is battling terminal stage four bowel cancer that metastasised in her lungs. </p> <p>She took to Instagram to share the update from her hospital bed, with a picture of the happy couple showing off their rings on their wedding day, and an updated photo of herself in the ward, with the caption: "Happy anniversary darl. Two years ago V. Today!"</p> <p>"Happy anniversary to me," she added, using a crying with laughter emoji and a bandaged love heart emoji.</p> <p>The AFL star shared his own anniversary message with an Instagram story, writing: "Happy anniversary <3" </p> <p>Kellie did not explain why she was hospitalised. </p> <p>The couple tied the knot back in March 2023 in South Australia.</p> <p>Kellie, who is a mother-of-one, was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the age of 25. </p> <p>She previously opened up about her diagnosis on the Nova podcast <em>Head Game</em>, and shared just how hard her chemotherapy treatment was. </p> <p>"I lost a s--t ton of weight. I mean, I had a stoma, so I had a foreign object on my stomach. I wasn't the normal mum that she should have had, but I was as good as I possibly could be. It was hard," she said at the time. </p> <p>"I was allergic to one of the strands of that chemotherapy, which is why, when I did relapse, I had to change chemotherapy, which meant I lost my hair.</p> <p>"I was on my deathbed. I was getting anaphylactic reactions every three weeks to this chemotherapy. So I was essentially dying every three weeks, just to get better."</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Rock star's fiancée dies after falling overboard on cruise

<p>The fiancée of famous rockstar Taime Downe has died after falling overboard on an 80s music-themed cruise. </p> <p>The family of Kimberly Burch announced her death in a emotional post on Facebook, writing, "It is with broken hearts that we share the sad news that Kimberly Burch has passed away."</p> <p>"She was a beloved Daughter, Sister, Sister-in-law and Aunt. She will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her."</p> <p>"We ask for prayers during this time for our family as we try to wrap our minds around this heartbreaking tragedy. We love and miss you Kimberly Burch!!"</p> <p>Burch, who worked as a realtor, joined the cruise on Sunday, as her partner's band Faster Pussycat was booked as one of the musical acts on board the seven-day cruise.</p> <p>By Monday, Burch had gone overboard roughly 30kms from the Bahamas and was presumed dead, with her family sharing their message confirming her death on social media on Tuesday. Her body remains missing.</p> <p>The couple shared a loved-up photo of them on the cruise less than 24 hours before her untimely death. </p> <p>Downe's band Faster Pussycat, an '80s hard rock and glam metal group known for their hits including <em>House Of Pain</em>, had two performances scheduled over the cruise – one on Sunday and another for Tuesday night.</p> <p>The cruise, billed as an ideal trip for lovers of '80s music, is set to return to port on Sunday March 9th.</p> <p>In a statement to <em><a title="Variety" href="https://variety.com/2025/music/news/kimberly-burch-dies-80s-cruise-faster-pussycat-1236327187/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Variety</a></em>, Royal Caribbean said: "Our crew immediately launched a search and rescue effort, is working with local authorities, and we are providing support and assistance to the guest's family during this difficult time."</p> <p>"To respect the privacy of our guest's family, we have no additional details to share."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Cruising

Hollywood star dies aged 39

<p>Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away aged 39. </p> <p>The former child star rose to fame in the 1996 film <em>Harriet the Spy</em>, before going on to have memorable roles on popular TV shows including <em>Buffy the Vampire Slayer</em> and <em>Gossip Girl</em>. </p> <p>Police responded to a 911 call on Wednesday just after 8am local time, where “officers observed a 39-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive,” inside a Manhattan apartment, according to a NYPD statement. </p> <p>Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene, with no foul play suspected. </p> <p>Her official cause of death will come from the New York Medical Examiner. </p> <p>A NYPD source old <em>ABC News</em> that Trachtenberg may have been experiencing complications from a recent liver transplant, and is believed to have died of natural causes. </p> <p>"The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time," a representative for Trachtenberg told <em>CNN </em>in a statement.</p> <p>Trachtenberg appeared in 66 episodes of <em>Buffy the Vampire Slayer</em> playing Dawn Summers, the younger sister of the title character played by Sarah Michelle Gellar. </p> <p>She also featured in 28 episodes of <em>Gossip Girl </em>as Georgina Sparks, between 2008 and 2012. </p> <p><em>Gossip Girl </em>creators Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage have paid tribute to the actress, writing: “We are deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing. Michelle was so funny, kind, and talented." </p> <p>“Her portrayal of Georgina Sparks was an iconic fan favorite, and grew from a one season villain to a beloved character who returned over the course of six seasons. She was a delight to have on set and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with her family.”</p> <p><em>Image: SBM/Plux/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

Official interest rates have been cut, but not everyone is a winner

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/isaac-gross-737430">Isaac Gross</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a></em></p> <p>The Reserve Bank’s decision to cut interest rates for the first time in four years has triggered a round of celebration.</p> <p>Mortgage holders are cheering the fact their monthly repayments are now slightly lower, while the Albanese government hopes the small easing in the cost of living will <a href="https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-will-albanese-opt-for-an-april-election-now-a-rate-cut-has-him-breathing-more-easily-250136">lift voters’ moods</a>.</p> <p>This is despite the Reserve Bank’s warnings that <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-reserve-bank-has-cut-rates-for-the-first-time-in-four-years-but-it-is-cautious-about-future-cuts-249704">further rate cuts may not eventuate</a>, depending on how much further progress is made on taming inflation.</p> <p>But it’s important to remember not everybody benefits from an interest rate cut. Some will be worse off.</p> <h2>Savers lose out</h2> <p>Not all Australian households are net borrowers. Many are net savers, retirees or prospective homebuyers, who actually lose out when rates fall.</p> <p>For starters, <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/fsr/2024/sep/contents.html">only about a third of households</a> are in hock to the banks when it comes to a monthly mortgage repayment.</p> <p>Another third of households have paid off their mortgage entirely, and so don’t benefit from a reduction in mortgage interest rates. And the remaining third are renters, who also don’t pay a mortgage.</p> <p>So while this news is generally a good thing for borrowers, a fall in mortgage rates only directly benefits a minority of households.</p> <p>Here are some of the ways lower interest rates might actually hurt rather than help the typical Australian household.</p> <h2>Higher house prices</h2> <p>One of the most immediate effects of lower interest rates is their impact on the housing market. With cheaper borrowing costs, more buyers can afford larger loans, bidding up house prices. This is great if you already own a home, but terrible if you’re still trying to buy one.</p> <p>For young Australians locked out of home ownership, a rate cut makes things even harder. It drives prices higher, forcing prospective buyers to stretch their finances further just to get a foot in the market. <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2024/sp-ag-2024-05-16.html">Reserve Bank calculations </a> suggest that, in the long run, higher house prices from lower rates can outweigh the benefit of lower mortgage repayments.</p> <h2>Lower returns on savings</h2> <p>If you’re a saver rather than a borrower, interest rate cuts are unequivocally bad news. Whether you’re saving for a home deposit, retirement, or just an emergency fund, lower rates mean you earn less on your bank deposits. The money in your savings account is now growing more slowly, making it harder to build wealth over time.</p> <p>Indeed, more than 20 banks actually cut their term deposit rates in advance of the Reserve Bank’s decision on Tuesday, according to <a href="https://www.canstar.com.au/home-loans/banks-slash-term-deposit-rates-february-2025/">Canstar research</a>.</p> <p>Analysis of HILDA data, <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/bulletin/2020/jun/household-wealth-prior-to-covid-19-evidence-from-the-2018-hilda-survey.html#:%7E:text=The%20HILDA%20Survey%20is%20a,observation%20available%20is%20for%202018.">which surveys household wealth and income</a>, suggests net savers tend to be younger households without property, retirees living off savings, and those who are not in full-time employment. For these groups, lower rates mean less income and fewer financial opportunities.</p> <h2>Retirees will feel the squeeze</h2> <p>Many <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/bulletin/2012/dec/pdf/bu-1212-3.pdf">retirees rely on income</a> from interest-bearing assets such as term deposits or cash savings. When rates fall, their returns shrink. The cost-of-living crisis has made it harder for retirees on a fixed income to fund their lifestyles, and a rate cut only makes things worse.</p> <p>While some retirees have exposure to the stock market via superannuation, many prefer the stability of cash savings. With rates falling, they face the tough choice of either reducing their spending or taking on more investment risk in their old age.</p> <h2>Bad news for the dollar, and overseas travellers</h2> <p>When the Reserve Bank cuts rates, it tends to <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/education/resources/explainers/drivers-of-the-aud-exchange-rate.html">weaken the Australian dollar</a>. A weaker dollar makes overseas travel more expensive for Australians. That pint of beer in London, that piña colada in Puerto Rico, or that shopping trip to New York all become pricier.</p> <p>For Australians planning international holidays, rate cuts are a blow. A strong Australian dollar makes travel cheaper, and lower rates work against that. So while mortgage holders might celebrate, anyone hoping to travel overseas finds themselves worse off.</p> <h2>More expensive imports</h2> <p>Just as a weaker Australian dollar makes travel more expensive, it also increases the cost of imported goods. And Australia imports a lot – especially cars and petrol.</p> <p>Since the closure of domestic car manufacturing, all new vehicles sold in Australia are imported. Petrol, the second-largest import, is also sensitive to currency fluctuations. When the Australian dollar weakens due to lower interest rates, the cost of these essential goods rises. For the millions of Australians who rely on their cars for daily life, this is a significant financial burden.</p> <p>This isn’t to say rate cuts don’t benefit a large portion of Australians. Anyone with a significant mortgage debt will find themselves with lower monthly repayments, and that’s undoubtedly a financial relief.</p> <p>But the public narrative around interest rates tends to treat cuts as a universal good, ignoring the many Australians who are left worse off.</p> <p>Falling interest rates are a sign the high inflation that has caused the cost-of-living crisis has abated. That is <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/media-releases/2025/mr-25-03.html">an economic success</a> that ought to be celebrated. But that now rates are falling again, we should at least acknowledge the costs that come with them.<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/250140/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/isaac-gross-737430">Isaac Gross</a>, Lecturer in Economics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/official-interest-rates-have-been-cut-but-not-everyone-is-a-winner-250140">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> </div>

Money & Banking

Home and Away co-stars announce the birth of their baby

<p>Former<em> Home and Away</em> stars Luke Mitchell and Rebecca Breeds have announced the birth of their first child. </p> <p>The Aussie actors shared the news that Breeds, 37, had given birth in a joint Instagram post including some gorgeous images of their newborn. </p> <p>Revealing they welcomed a boy, they wrote: "Welcome to the world little man. Thanks for choosing us. We love you beyond words 🙏❤️✨."</p> <p>Fans, friends and former <em>Home and Away</em> alumni raced to the comments to congratulate the family. </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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGTat_vxsSJ/?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/DGTat_vxsSJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Luke Mitchell (@lukemitchell17)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><em>Home and Away</em> star Georgie Parker commented: "Oh Luke, huge congratulations to you and Bec. Now the fun begins. Sending love."</p> <p>The pair kept their baby's face concealed, but shared images of his feet, tiny hands and hair, and chose not to announce the baby boy's name.</p> <p>Breeds announced her pregnancy in November, posing on the red carpet and cradling her baby bump for photos. </p> <p>The couple met on set of iconic soap <em>Home and Away</em> and fell head over heels and have now been together for 15 years, tying the knot back in 2013.</p> <p>Image credits: Instagram </p>

Family & Pets

"You ain't seen nothing yet": Radio star's inspiring message after shock axing

<p>In a move that has left loyal listeners reeling, Triple M has officially called time on The Night Shift and its beloved host, Luke Bona. The veteran broadcaster aired his final show in the early hours of Friday morning, marking the end of an era for overnight radio in Australia.</p> <p>For fans, the abrupt end came as a shock, with the first signs of trouble emerging on Wednesday evening when a cryptic Facebook post appeared on The Night Shift's official page.</p> <p>"No show this evening, so please don't freak out if you hear just music playing," Bona and producer Thomas Denham wrote, sparking speculation about the show's future.</p> <p>By the next day, the fears of the show's dedicated audience were confirmed – Bona and Denham announced that The Night Shift would be going off the air for good, wrapping up with one final broadcast from midnight to 5am on Friday.</p> <p>"It's with a heavy heart that we share The Night Shift will be coming to a close this week, but management have graciously given us the chance for one last hurrah," the duo wrote in a follow-up Facebook post. "For the last time from midnight 'til sparrow's fart across seventy-something transmitters, we will do our best to entertain and keep you company."</p> <p>Bona, who helmed the program for nearly nine years, built a reputation as a top-tier interviewer, securing big-name guests – including breakfast TV star Samantha Armytage – to chat with as they made their way to early morning gigs. His ability to connect with listeners, especially those working overnight shifts, made The Night Shift a staple of late-night radio.</p> <p>The program, which aired across more than 70 Southern Cross Austereo and independent stations, also received industry recognition. In 2019, it was nominated for four Australian Commercial Radio Awards, including Best Talk Presenter and Best Current Affairs Presenter for Bona, Best Show Producer – Talk/Current Affairs, and the prestigious Brian White Award for Radio Journalism.</p> <p>The cancellation of The Night Shift comes amid a wave of programming cuts at Triple M. The network recently axed The Rush Hour with Gus Worland, Jude Bolton and Aaron Woods, as well as Mark Geyer and Mick Molloy’s breakfast show. Additionally, Dead Set Legends, hosted by Candice Warner, Richard Freedman and Brendan Annakin, was also dropped from the schedule.</p> <p>As Bona signed off for the final time, he left fans with a final message of: "Tonight we say goodbye to The Night Shift, but baby you ain't seen nothing yet. Let's give 'em something to talk about."</p> <p><em>Image: Facebook</em></p>

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