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“Unbelievably legitimate”: Deb Knight falls victim to popular scam

<p>Deb Knight has shared how she fell victim to a popular scam, losing $1,200 while trying to get Taylor Swift tickets for her daughter's birthday. </p> <p>Like many people around Australia, the veteran journalist was eager to get her hands on tickets to the highly anticipated Eras Tour as a once in a lifetime surprise for her eight-year-old daughter's birthday present.</p> <p>After missing out on tickets through all official channels, Deb thought hope was lost, until a friend reached out to her. </p> <p>“A really good friend, who I’ve known all my life, contacted me and said, ‘do you still want Taylor Swift tickets?’” Knight told <em>A Current Affair</em>.</p> <p>“It was my daughter’s eighth birthday and getting my hands on these tickets would be the best present ever."</p> <p>“My friend put me in contact with her friend who had the tickets – or so I thought.”</p> <p>Knight had received a phone call from her close friend who said her cousin was selling tickets, but unbeknownst to everyone involved, the friend’s Facebook account had been hacked. </p> <p>Deb promised to pay half the cost of the tickets as a bond, then pay the rest after she had seen the tickets, which she said looked “unbelievably legitimate". </p> <p>Tech expert Trevor Long joined Deb on <em>ACA</em>, and noticed one major error about the fake tickets. </p> <p>“The difference is a genuine Taylor Swift ticket in an Apple Wallet right now does not have that barcode.”</p> <p>Alarm bells started ringing for the veteran journalist when the so-called seller said the payment had not come through, but by then it was too late.</p> <p>Deb contacted her bank but it was too late to get her $1,200 back, and her hunt to find Taylor Swift tickets continued. </p> <p>“I realised I’d been scammed. I felt sick to the stomach, absolutely humiliated. I also felt embarrassed and ashamed,” she said.</p> <p>“I was reluctant to speak publicly about this but I think we’ve got to. We have to normalise it so people feel there’s less of a stigma about it."</p> <p>“It happens to everyone, even Deb Knight – it’s disgusting, what’s happening, so something needs to be done.”</p> <p>Police have warned Swifties who missed out on tickets to the singer’s upcoming tour not to fall prey to ticketing scams, and only to purchase tickets through official channels such as Ticketek marketplace. </p> <p>Since tickets for the Eras tour went on sale last June, and subsequently sold out in record timing, Victoria Police said there had been more than 250 reports of ticketing scams for Taylor Swift shows alone.</p> <p><em>Image credits: A Current Affair</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Deb Knight urges Influencers to stop "glorifying tanning"

<p>Deborah Knight, 51, has spoken out against influencers who glorify tanning as she shared the results from her annual skin check. </p> <p>The TV and radio presenter, shared a series of photos showing the sun damage on her skin, as she reminded her followers to stay sun safe and get their skin checked. </p> <p>"Got off pretty lightly from my annual skin check. Just a few barnacles zapped but nothing serious this time round," she began in the caption. </p> <p>"Timely reminder to get your skin checked and protect it from the sun in the first place," she added, before tagging two melanoma treatment specialists and the Melanoma Institute Australia. </p> <p>She signed off the post with the hashtag #stopglorifyingtanning. </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/C2n1Rtth20D/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C2n1Rtth20D/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Deborah Knight (@deborah_knight)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The <em>Money News </em>2GB<em> </em>host has regularly shared her skin journey and has previously opened up about the "true extent" of the "damaging effects of the sun" on <em>9Honey</em>.</p> <p>"As a blonde, fair-skinned child growing up by the beach, I resisted putting on zinc and sunscreen as much as my own children do now," she said in the interview in 2023. </p> <p>She added that she now has to pay the price and has to get her age spots frozen off every year. </p> <p>"I've had a Basal Cell Carcinoma surgically removed from the bridge of my nose, leaving a scar far worse than the damage it could have done if left untreated, possibly spreading and destroying skin, tissue, even bone," she said. </p> <p>She also spoke out about the influencers who glorify tanning. </p> <p>"These are often the same influencers who recommend spending a fortune on anti-ageing treatments and creams and serums, despite willingly exposing their skin to the most damaging ageing element there is – the harsh Aussie sun," she added. </p> <p>According to the <a href="https://melanomaresearch.com.au/about-melanoma/what-is-melanoma/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australian Melanoma Research Foundation</a>, one in 17 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetimes, with melanoma reportedly the third most common cancer in the country, following prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Deb Knight's 2GB replacement revealed

<p>After four years as host of the 2GB <em>Afternoons</em> program, Deb Knight has been axed from the coveted role. </p> <p>Knight's brutal dismissal comes after a noticeable <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/deb-knight-facing-the-chopping-block" target="_blank" rel="noopener">decline in ratings</a>, with Knight holding a mere six percent market share, as indicated by the latest radio ratings survey.</p> <p>From January 15th next year, Deb will be replaced by Michael McLaren, as the 38-year-old presenter told Ben Fordham on on Thursday that he had "big boots to fill" but was excited to start the role. </p> <p>"I am honoured to be doing it. There has been a rich and great legacy on 2GB for years and years on afternoons and most recently with Deb so it is big boots to fill," McLaren said. </p> <p>"I am going to do my best."</p> <p>The 38-year-old father added he is excited to bring his own niche interests and signature wit to the talkback show while covering the latest news and entertainment. </p> <p>"We are going to do traditional afternoon radio, the open line will drive it," McLaren said. </p> <p>"We will be across the news but we will also be across the entertainment things. My interests are sort of a little esoteric at times – I like the history stuff so we will have plenty of that."</p> <p>"I am told I have a dry sense of humour so I will bring that hopefully to the table as well."</p> <p>According to <em>The Sunday Telegraph</em>, Knight reportedly felt "shattered" after Nine Radio informed her earlier this month that she would be axed as host after her four year stint. </p> <p>Knight was told of the decision just one week before the news was broken to the public, but shared that she would not be leaving the network for good, as she will be taking up a new role as the national host of <em>Money News</em>.</p> <p>"I am stepping back as host of afternoons. I am not, however, leaving 2GB. In fact I'm taking on a new broader network role," she said. </p> <p>"I have missed too many school drop offs and pick ups over the years, I do often put work first. So I'm very much looking forward to being able to be here a lot more for my family."</p> <p><em>Image credits: 2GB</em></p>

Music

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Deb Knight facing the chopping block

<p>2GB's long-standing host, Deb Knight, is <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/nine-star-deb-knight-set-to-axed-from-the-afternoon-slot-on-2gb/news-story/b632da64901dd4662a9a77efc00b92b9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly on the verge of being axed</a> from her role as the host of the Sydney radio station's afternoon show. According to <em>The Sunday Telegraph</em>, Nine Radio is expected to make an official announcement soon, marking the end of Knight's four-year tenure.</p> <p>This news comes as a shock to many, especially given Knight's significant presence as the only female presenter on the conservative talk station.</p> <p>Reports suggest that Knight was informed of her impending departure last week, leaving her "shattered" by the news. The seasoned broadcaster, who has been a prominent figure on 2GB for four years, has been a vital voice on the station. However, her recent ratings have allegedly plummeted to a record low, with only a 6 percent market share in the most recent radio ratings survey. This decline is a stark contrast to her 2023 high of 8.9 percent, indicating a substantial drop in audience engagement.</p> <p>Knight's journey as the afternoon show host began in 2020, a time when the radio industry experienced a surge in listenership due to the Covid-19 lockdown. Her initial success saw her ratings soar to an impressive 11.4 percent share. However, the recent decline in ratings may reflect the challenges faced by radio stations in maintaining audience interest in an ever-evolving media landscape.</p> <p>When Knight took on the role in 2020, rumours circulated that her contract was an impressive $600,000. While her departure raises questions about the financial implications for 2GB, it also leaves fans speculating about Knight's potential transition to Nine's TV arm, where she has been a popular newsreader since 2011.</p> <p>With Knight's sudden departure, the spotlight now turns to the coveted afternoon show hosting position at 2GB. Media reports suggest that several personalities are eyeing the role, creating anticipation about who will fill the void. The <em>Sunday Telegraph</em> highlighted Joe Hildebrand, a recent fill-in for Knight, as a potential "favourite" for the position.</p> <p>Additionally, Mark Levy, a fellow 2GB presenter, has expressed interest, adding to the intrigue surrounding the selection process. Only time will tell how this transition unfolds and what it means for the broader landscape of Australian radio.</p> <p><em>Image: 2GB</em></p>

TV

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"Arise, Sir Brian!": Legendary rocker knighted by King Charles

<p>Queen guitarist Brian May has been knighted by King Charles for his extraordinary contribution and influence on the music industry. </p> <p>The 75-year-old rockstar was supported by his wife of 23 years, actress Anita Dobson, along with other members of his family for the special day.</p> <p>He was not only honoured for his musical work, but also for his many years of working with charities. </p> <p>The songwriter and animal welfare advocate, who also has a PhD degree in astrophysics, has earned the new title of Sir Dr Brian May. </p> <p>May took to Instagram to share a photo of the honour formally being awarded to him as King Charles placed a sword on his shoulders.</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/CpxNrkwsKED/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CpxNrkwsKED/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Brian Harold May (@brianmayforreal)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"No words!," he wrote.</p> <p>The knighthood is not the first time May has been honoured for his work,  as back in 2005, he was appointed a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the music industry and for charity work.</p> <p>Brian May recently reflected on one of his most notable performances: when he played <em>God Save the Queen</em> from the roof of Buckingham Palace during Queen Elizabeth's Golden Jubilee in 2002.</p> <p>"The roof was a very special thing, that's something you do once in your life," he told the <a title="Express.co.uk" href="https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/1667632/Brian-May-God-Save-The-Queen-Buckingham-Palace-roof" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Express.co.uk</a>.</p> <p>"It was riveting and it was terrifying for me and it changed me as a person."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">🧵2/2- That iconic moment when Brian May played on the roof of Buckingham Palace for the 2002 Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Sir Brian May is a legend 🙌👑🎶🎸 <a href="https://t.co/trzRwNqUei">pic.twitter.com/trzRwNqUei</a></p> <p>— Fifi ❤️ The Waleses / Cambridges 🇺🇸🇳🇮🇬🇧 (@hellen3030) <a href="https://twitter.com/hellen3030/status/1635678972385058817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>He echoed a similar sentiment when he shared a clip of the performance on social media.</p> <p>"I was on top of Buckingham Palace. The loneliest place in the world, playing <em>God Save The Queen</em> and terrified out of my wits," he said in the caption.</p> <p>"But it's one of those times where you face the fear and you're never quite the same again after it."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Music

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"We've come so far": Deb Knight pens moving letter to daughters

<p>Presenter Deborah Knight has written a touching letter to her children to celebrate International Women’s Day. </p> <p>In the letters - one to her daughters, and one to her son - Deb honours them as well as all of the other women, girls, and gender diverse individuals to have come before them, and highlights that although society has come a long way in many regards, we still have a long way to go in many, many others. </p> <p>“To my Dear Daughters,” Deb began, in the letter shared to <em>9News</em>. “Happy International Women's Day! It's great being a girl, and there's so much to celebrate.</p> <p>“We've come so far from the days when girls weren't allowed to do so much. We couldn't have a job, or own our own things. We weren't allowed to vote at elections, or go to school, and a lot of this was not that long ago, and for no good reason.</p> <p>“Girls and women were just as able to reach their full potential as you are today - they just weren't given the chance.</p> <p>“Now, there are so many more opportunities for girls. If you work hard and put your mind to it, you can achieve so much in your life and career. You can even be a champion in sports that once only boys were allowed to play. But unfortunately there is still a way to go before you are judged only on what you are able to do, rather than whether you're a boy or a girl.</p> <p>“Your brother will still earn more money than you for the same job. He'll do less work around the house, and retire on more superannuation. He'll be more likely to be your boss or the Prime Minister. </p> <p>“You'll be at much greater risk of being a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault, and if you do become a professional sports star, you'll earn a fraction of what your brother would, and most likely have to fit another job around your training to pay the bills.”</p> <p>Deb went on to write about how there was still much to celebrate - though she wouldn’t touch on the beliefs she held when she was their age. </p> <p>She stressed that for her girls, there would be a difficult road ahead should they choose to have children and a career, likely drawing from her own experiences when she wrote “you’ll feel like you’re failing at one or both jobs - letting down your boss and your family at certain points. You'll feel guilty, and be made to feel guilty for the choices you make.</p> <p>“The harsh truth is you can't easily have it all, maybe not all at once. But I really hope you try.”</p> <p>To her son, Deb wrote of her hope that one day “boys and girls will be truly equal.”</p> <p>“Your Dad does so much more in raising you and your sisters than Grandad or Great Grandad ever did,” she reflected, “and I know you will likely do more than all of them if you have your own family one day. Although you need to get better at hanging up your towel after you have a shower…”</p> <p>And in comments reflecting what she’d told her daughters, Deb urged her son to do the right thing, and use his privilege to help whenever he could, “the girls can fight as hard as they like to get the same opportunities as you, but they'll never really achieve it without boys like you stepping up as well.</p> <p>“You need to make sure you show them respect, and call out boys and men you see treating girls and women badly, either with their words or their actions.”</p> <p>Deb concluded by telling him that it would be better for everyone to have people of all genders treated equally, and how it would “make life so much easier for everyone.</p> <p>“So I hope you recognise the importance of International Women's Day, not just for your sisters, but for families everywhere.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Deb Knight raises a stink with ongoing dog poo debate

<p>TV and radio presenter Deborah Knight has stirred up an ethical debate on putting dog poo in stranger’s bins. </p> <p>While chatting to journalist Chris O’Keefe on <em>2GB Sydney</em>, Deb admitted that she is guilty of sneaking the waste into the bins she passes while walking her dog, Scooby. As she explained to Chris, “a bin’s a bin.” </p> <p>The conversation began with Deb explaining that there aren’t as many bins on the side of the road in the city, and that she suspected it had been done to make people take their rubbish home. This led to the question that started it all, “but when you have a dog and you take your dog for a walk and you pick up their business ... is it okay to put that in someone else's bin?" </p> <p>O’Keefe wasn’t so sure, pointing out that he’d seen people write on their bins that they didn’t want droppings placed in there. </p> <p>"But why not?” Deb countered. “Why do you care? It's a bin, right?" </p> <p>O’Keefe suggested that it could be a problem in the summer heat, particularly if the bins were situated near a window - especially a bedroom window. </p> <p>"I reckon a bin's a bin,” Deb repeated, “but some people are very territorial about their bins. When I take Scooby for a walk, if there's a bin out on the nature strip that someone's put out there, I'm gonna put my droppings in it.”</p> <p>O’Keefe seemed to consider this, before finally making a confession of his own, telling Deb, “in the middle of the night, when my bins are overflowing - I've got nappy bags, I've got cardboard boxes - and I am just searching the street for bins. Any real estate and our stuff's going in."</p> <p>While Deb and O’Keefe managed to laugh it off, allowing that they might be revealing too much, the same couldn’t be said for the last time this debate erupted in the media. </p> <p>In July 2022, <em>news.com.au</em> reported on one Sydney resident who penned a note to the dog walkers behind the unwanted bin additions. </p> <p>“Dog owners,” it read. “Please do not put dog poo in residents’ empty bins.”</p> <p>It went on to call those owners “inconsiderate”, and sparked an intense conversation between those on both sides. Some believed the bins - which technically belong to the council - were “fair game”, while others declared that they accepted the responsibility of waste disposal when they welcomed their dogs to the family. Some simply mentioned that it was, in the end, a better solution than leaving the poo on the pavement. </p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Family & Pets

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The Green Knight review

<p><em>Review: The Green Knight, directed by David Lowery.</em></p> <p>Nothing about The Green Knight, the new film from director David Lowery, is comfortable.</p> <p>From its opening scene, where Gawain (Dev Patel) sits in an empty throne room, a crown menacingly hovering above his head as flames suddenly engulf him, this film is wonderfully unsettling.</p> <p>The Green Knight is a reimagining of the Middle English poem <a rel="noopener" href="https://quod.lib.umich.edu/c/cme/Gawain?rgn=main;view=fulltext" target="_blank">Sir Gawain and the Green Knight</a>, which tells the story of Gawain, a knight of King Arthur’s court. Gawain accepts a challenge from a supernatural Green Knight (Ralph Ineson) to use his axe to strike this knight, and take a reciprocating blow from him the following Christmas.</p> <p>Although Gawain beheads his opponent, the Green Knight does not die. When Gawain departs the following year to fulfil his promise, he demonstrates chivalry and fidelity to duty. But despite this show of chivalry, his honour is tested by the lord and the lady of the Hautdesert, a castle in which he takes refuge.</p> <p>This narrative poem is a part of the larger collection of stories about King Arthur: a pseudo-history caught up in ideas about nationhood and identity. Throughout this tradition, Arthur is posited as a “once and future king”; Camelot as a utopian government.</p> <p><iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I_GhSLFFGaQ?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p>Today, representations of the Middle Ages have been <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/why-the-far-right-and-white-supremacists-have-embraced-the-middle-ages-and-their-symbols-152968" target="_blank">embraced by right-wing nationalists</a>. But Lowery’s adaptation disrupts these narratives of a utopian past and future.</p> <p>Lowery presents a series of contradictions and conflicts between duty, heroism, honour, fear and temptation. He offers viewers a medieval world in which contemporary anxieties about nationality, national identity and personal politics can be explored.</p> <p><strong>The hero’s journey</strong></p> <p>Despite being named for the monstrous Green Knight, this film follows the story of Gawain, the nephew of King Arthur (Sean Harris).</p> <p>Awed by the King’s invitation to sit with him, Gawain quietly contends the other knights present “have spilled enough blood” to be more deserving of the honour.</p> <p>But despite his inexperience, Gawain is the first to meet the challenge of the eponymous knight: to strike him and receive the same blow in return the following year. Although Gawain severs the knight’s head with one clean blow, he retrieves his gruesome head, his raspy laughter echoing off the walls.</p> <p>Unlike the knightly figure in the medieval poem, Patel’s Gawain is not yet a knight. The bulk of this film forms his hero’s journey: his chance to spill blood for his King and be worthy of a seat at the table.</p> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/423754/original/file-20210929-14-1t8auxi.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/423754/original/file-20210929-14-1t8auxi.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="Dev Patel holds a sword." /></a> <em><span class="caption">The Green Knight is a hero’s journey: Gawain’s quest to prove he is worthy of becoming a knight. Image:</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">A24/Eric Zachanowich</span></span></em></p> <p>Gawain was a celebrity as he left Camelot. The hero of street theatre productions and the subject of portraits; a popular culture icon recognised by all. But his bravery had been untested.</p> <p>Indeed, the chivalric bravery expected of a legendary knight is remarkably absent during this journey. This Gawain displays weakness, uncertainty and fear.</p> <p>He cites “honour” as the motivation for his journey. Yet the Gawain of this film asks the restless spirit of a raped and murdered woman for payment to retrieve her head so that she may be at peace. He succumbs to the sexual advances of the lady of the house in which he is given refuge. He would use an enchanted girdle to trick his way out of his knightly duty.</p> <p>Honour does not seem to be one of his virtues.</p> <p><strong>De-romanticising the medieval</strong></p> <p>This disparity between the celebrated hero of medieval legend and the flawed Gawain of this film invites us to consider how the medieval is reconstructed in popular culture.</p> <p>The Green Knight begins in a conquered land. When Gawain rides to the Green Chapel, the signs of war are all around him, from the stark landscape pocked with ruin to an entire battlefield of recently dead men.</p> <p>These are the Saxons the King is referring to when he gives his Christmas speech:</p> <blockquote> <p>Out my window this morn, I looked and I saw a land shaped by your hands. You have lain those same hands on your Saxon brethren, who now in your shadow bow their heads like babes. Peace. Peace you brought to your kingdom.</p> </blockquote> <p>The peace was won through a bloody conquest, but our contemporary imagining of a medieval past often romanticises these conquests. This sort of romanticisation encourages the use of the medieval in right-wing politics, and can <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.publicmedievalist.com/vile-love-affair/" target="_blank">legitimise racism</a>.</p> <p>This film interrupts those narratives not just with the colour-conscious casting of Gawain and his mother Morgana (Sarita Choudhury), but also with its demand that we look beyond the common plot points of medievalist stories into what lies beneath: the conquests, the displacement of people, the grotesque Middle Ages.</p> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/423755/original/file-20210929-26-i47o7n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/423755/original/file-20210929-26-i47o7n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="Dev Patel is getting dressed by three women." /></a> <em><span class="caption">The Green Knight asks us to consider what lies beneath narratives of the Middle Ages.</span> Image: <span class="attribution"><span class="source">A24/Eric Zachanowich</span></span></em></p> <p>Patel’s performance as Gawain is nothing short of captivating. Doubt, vulnerability and trepidation pour from him throughout the quest.</p> <p>Lowery’s film is beautifully cast and beautifully shot, but always disquieting and inquisitive. It leaves the viewer with more questions than answers.</p> <p>From the lilting, hissing, ominous voice over of the opening scene, The Green Knight will enthral you - right through to the ambiguous ending where you will release a breath you did not even know you were holding.</p> <p><em>The Green Knight is on Amazon Prime from 28 October.</em><!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/167364/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sabina-rahman-1264650" target="_blank">Sabina Rahman</a>, Sessional Academic in English Literature, <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/macquarie-university-1174" target="_blank">Macquarie University</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/the-green-knight-review-a-wonderfully-unsettling-cinematic-reimagining-of-the-medieval-story-of-sir-gawain-167364" target="_blank">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: <span class="attribution"><span class="source">A24/Eric Zachanowich</span></span></em></p>

Movies

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Deb Knight opens up about miscarriage heartbreak: “A cloud of sadness”

<p><span>Deb Knight knows pain and heartache all too well, she has admitted in an interview with <em>9Honey</em>.</span><br /><br /><span>The Channel 9 star, who currently is a <em>2GB</em> host has revealed after two miscarriages and 11 cycles of IVF, that the pain is like a “cloud of sadness”.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842573/daily-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/7fcbfda77ffb4772b72474d1c4efd2e0" /></p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em><br /><br /><span>"It was like a cloud of sadness was hanging over me at the time because it is that emotional rollercoaster, that cliché very much rings true with IVF," Deb said.</span><br /><br /><span>"I would turn up to work and put on the brave face of presenting the news, which is what I was doing at the time.</span><br /><br /><span>“And I look back at myself then and I don't relate to who that person was because I was just very sad."</span><br /><br /><span>Deb and her partner Lindsay Dunbar thankfully got their happy ending, when they welcomed their son Darcy who is 11, and Elsa who is 9, through IVF.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842572/daily-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/95285d2fc3804e28a7b4222a86cb5f08" /></p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em><br /><br /><span>However that would not be the only baby joy for Deb, who naturally fell pregnant at the age of 42 with her baby girl Audrey – nearly six years after she had Elsa.</span><br /><br /><span>"It completely caught us unawares and changed everything," Deb admitted.</span><br /><br /><span>"But the body is just a wonder and sometimes stuff happens and it happened to us.</span><br /><br /><span>Audrey came along and we can't imagine not having her in our lives."</span></p>

Caring

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Deb Knight reveals shocking cancer diagnosis

<p>Deb Knight has revealed her cancer scare on air after receiving biopsy results.</p> <p>The 2GB Afternoons host told listeners that a recent appointment with her dermatologist delivered "not the best news".</p> <p>"I got my results from the bioscopy on the bump on my nose that my dermatologist was worried about," Deb said during her live broadcast.</p> <p>"I told Ray about it when I had the big whopping band aid on my nose about this time last week… well it's not the best news. It is a small basal cell carcinoma.</p> <p>"So, it's a small cancer and it's nodular which means I've got to get it cut out. I've got to go under the knife."</p> <p>She said while there are many non-invasive treatments for skin cancer out there, such as creams, they are not an option for her.</p> <p>"I've got to actually get it cut out," she said.</p> <p>"I know we're always being reminded to get our skin checked regularly and to wear sunscreen to cover up when we're in the sun, but is so important and I just want to be a living reminder to that."</p> <p>Despite the shocking news, she eased listeners fears by saying treatment was not immediate and the cancer had not spread.</p> <p>"I'm not sure when I'm going to get this done, it's not spreading, it's not urgent, and I'll be fine," she said.</p> <p>"It's not a serious matter, at all, but it will happen in the next couple of weeks."</p> <p>She even joked when delivering the news.</p> <p>"It might make for an interesting sight on Saturday A Current Affair," she said, referring to her gig as weekend host of the current affairs program.</p> <p>"But get your skin checked, because we can't afford not to in Australia. We are the skin cancer capital of the world."</p>

News

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Queen Elizabeth II honours Captain Sir Thomas Moore with Knighthood

<p>Queen Elizabeth II has knighted Captain Sir Thomas Moore in an effort to recognise his valiant fundraising efforts and boosting the spirits of Britain during the coronavirus pandemic.</p> <p>Moore, 100, raised 33 million pounds ($59.2 million) for the National Health Service (NHS) in April by pledging to walk 100 laps of his backyard in celebration of his 100th birthday.</p> <p>He captured the hearts of the world with his hard work and caught the attention of the Queen, who knighted him in one of her first official outings since the coronavirus pandemic began.</p> <p>Moore stood in front of the Queen, holding onto a wheeled walking frame.</p> <p>"I have been overwhelmed by the many honours I have received over the past weeks, but there is simply nothing that can compare to this,'' he tweeted after the ceremony.</p> <p>"I am overwhelmed with pride and joy."</p> <p>Moore was so excited about the Knighthood that he broke protocol by revealing the private conversation he had with the Queen herself.</p> <p>"She did mention I'm 100, and I said to her, 'Well, you've a long way to go yet,' so she's alright," he said.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCv5Iehnbu1/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCv5Iehnbu1/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)</a> on Jul 17, 2020 at 8:31am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Queen Elizabeth II has been sheltering at Windsor Castle since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in March.</p> <p>Sir Tom's knighthood was one of the first official duties that the Queen has carried out since the pandemic began.</p>

Retirement Life

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Queen to knight Tom Moore in her first in-person engagement since lockdown

<p>Tom Moore made headlines around the world with his valiant efforts to walk 100 laps of his back garden in order to raise money for the UK National Health System (NHS).</p> <p>He chose the number 100 in order to celebrate his 100th birthday and captured hearts around the world with his sweet goal.</p> <p>He raised more than $50 million for the NHS and is about to receive a knighthood for his charity work.</p> <p>Much to the surprise of Moore, the Queen herself is making it her first in-person engagement since the lockdown.</p> <p>In a statement from Buckingham Palace, it was revealed that the Queen would confer the Honour of Knighthood on Captain Sir Thomas Moore at an Investiture at Windsor Castle on the 17th of July. </p> <p>The statement added: "During the ceremony, The Queen will use the sword that belonged to her father, George VI and will award Captain Sir Thomas Moore with the insignia of Knight Bachelor."</p> <p>Strict social distancing measures will be in place for the event, with the entire ceremony taking place inside the confines of Windsor Castle.</p> <p>"Members of the public are asked not to attend Windsor town centre or gather in the hope of seeing any of the ceremony, which will not be visible from any external viewpoint," the Palace explained.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">A message from Tom 'I could never have imagined this would happen to me. It is such a huge honour and I am very much looking forward to meeting Her Majesty The Queen. It is going to be the most special of days for me'<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FridayWillBeAGoodDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FridayWillBeAGoodDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/zha2bCIMzi">pic.twitter.com/zha2bCIMzi</a></p> — Captain Tom Moore (@captaintommoore) <a href="https://twitter.com/captaintommoore/status/1283363304249991168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>When Moore's knighthood was announced, he said he was "overwhelmed with the gesture".</p> <p>"Never for one moment could I have imagined I would be awarded with such a great honour," he said.</p> <p>"This started as something small and I've been overwhelmed by the gratitude and love from the British public and beyond. We must take this opportunity to recognise our frontline heroes of the National Health Service who put their lives at risk every day to keep us safe."</p>

Retirement Life

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“True national treasure”: Moore to be knighted by the Queen

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>Captain Tom Moore captured hearts around the world as he walked laps around his garden to raise money for NHS charities. He has since raised more than £33m ($AUD 61m) and is set to receive a knighthood for his heroic fundraising efforts, which is news he is “delighted” by.</p> <p>Downing Street confirmed the news on Tuesday, with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson saying that Moore is a “beacon of light through the fog of coronavirus”.</p> <p>"Colonel Tom’s fantastic fundraising broke records, inspired the whole country and provided us all with a beacon of light through the fog of coronavirus," Johnson said in a statement.</p> <p>"On behalf of everyone who has been moved by his incredible story, I want to say a huge thank you. He's a true national treasure."</p> <p>Queen Elizabeth approved the knighthood and it will formally be announced later today.</p> <p>She also acknowledged his efforts with a personalised birthday card. It is tradition that the Queen sends letters to all British centenarians, but Moore’s card contained a message specific to his fundraising efforts.</p> <p>"I am so pleased to know that you are celebrating your one hundredth birthday on 30th April, 2020," it read.</p> <p>"I was also most interested to hear of your recent fundraising efforts for NHS Charities Together at this difficult time. I send my congratulations and best wishes to you on such a special occasion."</p> <p>Prince William has also written to Moore to congratulate him on his amazing achievement.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">We sent <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CaptainTomMoore?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CaptainTomMoore</a> a special message from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. 🥰 Watch his reaction below...⤵️<a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KensingtonRoyal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/captaintommoore?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@captaintommoore</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WalkWithTom?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WalkWithTom</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBCBreakfast?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBCBreakfast</a><br />More here: <a href="https://t.co/wy1ixmuA2E">https://t.co/wy1ixmuA2E</a> <a href="https://t.co/U2oPdwbZA7">pic.twitter.com/U2oPdwbZA7</a></p> — BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCBreakfast/status/1251029611942739968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>"It's wonderful that everyone has been inspired by his story and his determination. I think he's a one man fundraising machine," Prince William said in an interview with the BBC. "Good on him and I hope he keeps going."</p> </div> </div> </div>

Retirement Life

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Deborah Knight’s big avocado haul

<p>Deborah Knight has come into a “goldmine” of avocadoes – and shared some kitchen tips for fellow fans of the fruit.</p> <p>Earlier this week, the TV and radio presenter revealed her “backyard harvest” on Instagram with a picture of a basket full of avocadoes.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9LXyi6hdeQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9LXyi6hdeQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Backyard harvest. #avocado</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/deborah_knight/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Deborah Knight</a> (@deborah_knight) on Feb 29, 2020 at 8:30pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Speaking on her 2GB show <em>Afternoons with Deborah Knight</em>, she said her family had pulled out more than 20 avocadoes from the tree in the backyard of their Sydney house.</p> <p>“I hit the jackpot over the weekend, I’m sitting on a goldmine at my place,” Knight said.</p> <p>“And now we’ve got all of these avocadoes. We shared them with the neighbours, but we’re wondering what we can do with the surplus of avocadoes.”</p> <p>She said the avocadoes were not ripe yet and asked <em><a href="https://kitchen.nine.com.au/latest/deborah-knights-homegrown-avocados/38274d4b-9717-4fde-a4e8-c5341a40fa85">9Honey</a> </em>kitchen editor Jane de Graaff for tips on handling the fruit.</p> <p>“Pop them in a paper bag with a banana – the natural gases that the banana releases will help the avocadoes ripen as well,” de Graaff said. “Or just put them in a paperbag by themselves and just leave them on the bench, they will ripen in a couple of days.”</p> <p>If the avocado is still too hard or sticking onto the skin, de Graaff advised using a peeler to peel off the skin and create ribbons of avocado for a salad.</p> <p>Knight continued, “Apart from guacamole, when they do ripen, what else can I be making out of these?”</p> <p>De Graaff recommended smashing the avocado to put on toast or using it as a base for chocolate mousse.</p> <p>“You can actually make a vegan mousse just by pureeing up an avocado, some cocoa powder, bit of honey, bit of mint if you want it in there,” she said. “Puree it all up, pop it in a glass, put it in the fridge, and you’ve got a healthy, vegan chocolate mousse.”</p> <p>If the avocadoes get too ripe or soft, de Graaff offered another tip. “Put it in your pesto,” she said. “You can leave the cheese out. You don’t have to be a vegan to do this … put some avocado, blitz it up with your pine nuts and some basil leaves, and that makes the most incredible, creamy, creamy pesto.”</p>

Home & Garden

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The one “backhanded compliment” Deb Knight is sick of receiving

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>As Deborah Knight moves from strength to strength when it comes to her career, she likely fields unsolicited commentary on her wardrobe and makeup choices.</p> <p>After moving on from<span> </span>Today, Knight has started a new radio gig and her on-the-job styling has changed from hour-long sessions with a range of stylists to a more low-key look.</p> <p>However, it is something that her followers on social media can’t help but point out.</p> <p>"To those who comment that I 'look so different' when I post pics without the full TV hair and makeup - no s--- Sherlock!" the 2GB Afternoons show host tweeted.</p> <p>"An hour with a professional hair and makeup artist is time well spent for good reason. Always feels like such a backhanded insult.. Au naturel is OK too tho."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">To those who comment that I “look so different” when I post pics without the full TV hair and makeup - no sh** Sherlock! An hour with a professional hair and makeup artist is time well spent for good reason. Always feels like such a backhanded insult.. Au naturel is ok too tho..</p> — deborah knight (@deborah_knight) <a href="https://twitter.com/deborah_knight/status/1229720006516039682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>Knight has previously spoken about her preference for a more natural look, explaining to<span> </span><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://honey.nine.com.au/latest/deborah-knight-tv-makeup-torture/e6d6009d-7e24-455d-918c-67913e419c4a" target="_blank">9Honey</a><span> </span>that the first thing she does after coming off-camera is wiping off her makeup.</p> <p>"Because while a suit of TV armour is essential, nothing beats going au naturel," she wrote.</p> <p>"I've never been a fan of personal grooming that requires excessive time and attention. I don't enjoy the fussing at a hair salon, the smell of fake tan makes me feel ill, and I never find massages all that relaxing."</p> <p>Knight explained that in her “normal life”, she allots no time at all for hair and makeup.</p> <p>"I smother myself in moisturiser, but I don't wear makeup as I don't like the feeling of foundation or powder on my skin," she wrote.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5bsgVzB0LB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5bsgVzB0LB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Deborah Knight (@deborah_knight)</a> on Nov 28, 2019 at 6:34pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"And on the rare occasion that I do apply mascara or eyeliner, it always inexplicably ends up smudged or smeared nowhere near where it was meant to go."</p> <p>As for styling her hair?</p> <p>“Running a brush through my wet mop after a shower is pretty much my styling regime."</p> </div> </div> </div>

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“It’s a pretty simple question”: Today host Deb Knight grills Deputy PM over drought plan

<p>Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack was grilled by<span> </span><em>Today</em><span> </span>host Deb Knight who demanded that he answer a “pretty simple question” about the government’s drought relief package.</p> <p>According to the $1 billion plan, the Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) farm drought loans of up to $500,000 will now be interest-free for two years, interest-only in years three to five and principal-and-interest for years six to 10.</p> <p>This differs from the current conditions as they are interest-only for the first five years and principal and interest for the remainder of the 10-year loan term.</p> <p>The loans will be available to small businesses who are dependent on agriculture and under similar conditions to the new drought loans. The loans cover businesses such as harvesting and shearing contractors, livestock transport providers, stock and station agents as well as agricultural equipment and repair providers that employ 19 workers or less.</p> <p>“Should they wish to take a loan out, interest free over two years, they can do that up to half a million dollars,” the Nationals leader said on <em>Today</em>.</p> <p>“Many drought-affected regional businesses, and that’s what I’ve been hearing, it’s not farmers, it’s about ag-related businesses, they can take out that loan under the RIC. They can invest in themselves in their futures, should they so wish and they don’t have to pay any interest for two years.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">“Whether it’s councils, whether it’s regional businesses or whether it’s farmers, we’ve provided the assistance that they’ve asked for.” <a href="https://twitter.com/M_McCormackMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@M_McCormackMP</a> on the billion-dollar funding package being given to drought-stricken farmers and regional communities. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9Today?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9Today</a> <a href="https://t.co/KQlR0lJy9r">pic.twitter.com/KQlR0lJy9r</a></p> — The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTodayShow/status/1192177738590781440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">6 November 2019</a></blockquote> <p>However, Knight pointed out that it would take a lot longer than two years for many farmers and businesses to get back on their feet.</p> <p>“Will you look at extending it beyond two years for those who need it?” she said.</p> <p>“We will see about that,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.</p> <p>“We have been monitoring the drought very closely. We have got people who live in these drought-affected communities. I live in a drought-affected community. I hear it every day, I report back as does the Drought Minister.”</p> <p>Knight then asked why he couldn’t commit to making it available.</p> <p>“What we have been doing with this drought is making a stepped payment and stepped packages all the way through,” Mr McCormack said.</p> <p>Knight said, “It’s a pretty simple question. Will it be available? Yes or no?”</p> <p>Mr McCormack replied, “The fact is we are making it available.”</p> <p>Knight asked, “Beyond two years?”</p> <p>Mr McCormack said, “We will see if it’s required beyond two years. If it’s required beyond two years. If it’s required beyond two years, well, of course, as a responsible government, as a government with the drought very much in mind, of course we will continue assistance. That’s what we do. That’s what we have done the whole way through. We have always monitored this drought and provided the assistance the whole way through as it’s been needed, as it’s been asked for.”</p> <p>Knight pointed out that the drought measures in place did not include “exit packages” that have been requested by the National Farmers Federation to help farmers get off the land.</p> <p>“It’s not — there are things that we will continue to look at,” Mr McCormack said.</p> <p>“We want our farmers to stay on the land. Importantly, we want there to be a future in agriculture. Agriculture is not broken, by no means whatsoever. Agriculture still has a huge part to play food security in our nation is one of our most important things. We will continue to make sure that that food security is there. We will continue to make sure our farmers have incentive to stay on the land, to do the job they have always done for our nation.”</p> <p>Under the plan unveiled by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday, millions of dollars will be released to local councils for job-creation projects to help out drought-affected farmers. </p>

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“Most despicable individual”: Samantha Knight's killer Michael Guider walks free

<p>Michael Guider, the paedophile who murdered Sydney schoolgirl Samantha Knight has walked free from prison.</p> <p>After spending 23 years behind bars, the 68-year-old was released from Long Bay prison after the NSW attorney-general was told an appeal against his release would fail.</p> <p>He will now reside in a halfway house conjoined to the prison and will be under an extremely watchful eye.</p> <p>Releasing a statement last night, Attorney-General Mark Speakman said he was advised by Crown Advocate Dr David Kell SC and Ms Joanna Davidson on the chances of a successful appeal against the Supreme Court’s decision that rejected his application for a 12 month Continuing Detention Order against Guider.</p> <p>“Having considered that advice, I have reached the regretful conclusion that such an appeal would fail,” said Mr Speakman.</p> <p>An application was lodged to keep Guider locked up for another year, but the plea was rejected by a Supreme Court judge on Tuesday, instead imposing a five-year extended supervision order complete with strict conditions.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">No Body. No Release.<br /><br />How is convicted paedophile Michael Guider allowed to be free without disclosing where he hid the body of Samantha Knight? <a href="https://t.co/ch0thMJCSN">pic.twitter.com/ch0thMJCSN</a></p> — Zanetti Cartoons (@ZanettiCartoons) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZanettiCartoons/status/1169508810236424194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">5 September 2019</a></blockquote> <p>On August 19, 1986, nine-year-old Samantha went missing from Bondi, till today her body has never been found despite Guider pleading guilty to manslaughter in 2002.</p> <p>After completing his 17-year prison sentence, he was then placed on an interim detention order that ends today, allowing him to walk out of prison.</p> <p>“This offender is one of the most despicable individuals to come before our justice system. Whatever disappointment I may feel at (Tuesday’s) outcome is nothing compared with the distress and concern of his many victims and their families,” said Mr Speakman.</p> <p>“We have done the best we can to try to keep him detained and failing that, have him under very strict conditions.</p> <p>“He will be supervised incredibly closely, and we will watch him like a hawk.”</p> <p>Mr Speakman revealed that the strict conditions means Guider will be subject to 24-hour electronic monitoring, will be told where to live, who he can see and where he can and cannot go.</p> <p>He will also have his internet usage monitored and have a night-time curfew imposed.</p>

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Samantha Knight’s killer Michael Guider to walk free 33 years after murder

<p>The man who murdered nine-year-old Bondi girl Samantha Knight in 1986 will be released from jail within days.</p> <p>An application that wanted to keep paedophile Michael Guider behind bars for another year has been rejected by an NSW Supreme Court judge.</p> <p>Guider pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Knight in 2002, and was sentenced to 16 years in prison. Till today, police do not know what he did with her body.</p> <p>Guider has completed his sentence and was expected to be released from jail earlier this year, but the NSW Government intervened, requesting the Supreme Court to add an extended supervision order to keep him locked up.</p> <p>He is now set to be released on Thursday, and will be supervised for five years.</p>

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Today star Deborah Knight's gruelling work schedule

<p>Deborah Knight is across television screens seven days a week right now – both morning and night – due to her current hectic schedule.</p> <p>The <em>Today</em> co-host is on TV from 5:30 am weekdays and pumps out three-and-a-half hours of high-pressure live television.</p> <p>On top of that intensive workload, Knight is also the anchors of Nine’s 6 pm evening news bulletin on Saturday and Sunday nights, but also fills in for Peter Overton, the weekday host of Nine's 6 pm news bulletin, when he is on leave.</p> <p>And, Overton has been on leave this week, so Knight has had to step in.</p> <p>Knight will be clocking off tonight for a well-earned break for two whole days. However, that means that this week alone, she will have done more than 22 hours of live broadcast presenting. Those are very high numbers.</p> <p>Others in the industry are raising their eyebrows at Knight’s hectic work schedule, as the mum-of-two is waking up at 3 am each day for <em>Today</em> and then back on TV at night for the 6 pm news.</p> <p>“I’m exhausted just thinking about it,” one on-air personality at a rival network told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/morning-shows/television-star-deborah-knight-is-everywhere-becoming-channel-9s-morning-and-evening-workhorse/news-story/bbca998eb03ce7e0d01f37b593b9573b" target="_blank">news.com.au</a>.</p> <p>“Not many people come to mind when I try to imagine someone else so willingly putting in those hours. Live TV is gruelling stuff. She’s a gun.”</p> <p>Media consultant Steve Allen believes that Knight’s constant appearance on Channel Nine is part of a larger plan to aid the failing <em>Today</em> brand by luring some of the evening news bulletin audience to the breakfast show.</p> <p>“It’s a very clever strategy and it should, over the midterm, produce some ratings dividends. <em>Today</em> certainly needs it,” Allen said.</p> <p>“It brings Nine back to where many think it should be, as the professional and slightly more up-market home of news. They’re positioning themselves as more trusted and more serious than that mums-and-dads show called <em>Sunrise</em>.”</p> <p><em>TV Tonigh</em>t editor David Knox agrees.</p> <p>“When Deb was given the plum job of anchoring<span> </span><em>Today</em><span> </span>with Georgie Gardner, Nine indicated she would no longer be fronting prime time news bulletins in Sydney,” Knox said.</p> <p>“But clearly, they recognise she is one of their most versatile presenters, whether holding her own in political interviews or never missing a beat when the news autocue goes down.</p> <p>“Knight has survived TV’s revolving door where many others would not. Whether on Nine or Ten, viewers have always rated her, possibly more than some TV execs.”</p> <p>Allen says that her hectic work schedule at the moment is due to her being “more humble” than many in the television industry.</p> <p>“She doesn’t have any side to her, you know. She’s a lot more humble than many in TV and I think the public sees that. That’s why they really relate to her,” he said.</p> <p>“If Nine is doing tracking research, which I imagine they are, she’s bound to be coming out as someone who viewers like.”</p> <p>Nine has kept quiet about their new strategy, but it will be interesting to see whether or not viewers will follow Knight from the nightly news to the breakfast morning show.</p>

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Deborah Knight's tense clash over Israel Folau controversy: “I'm not able to go into detail"

<p>The Australian Christian Lobby has not been able to confirm where the excess money raised for Israel Folau’s legal funds will be diverted to.</p> <p>Speaking on the <em>T</em><em>oday </em>show this morning, Martyn Iles said he could “not go into detail” about where any money above the $3 million mark would go.</p> <p>The Christian group’s fundraiser is growing rapidly, after their original crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe was taken down by the organisation. As of this morning, supporters have helped raise $1.5 million in less than 24 hours.</p> <p>After Deborah Knight asked the question about excess donations, Mr Iles said: “It will be distributed in a way that is consistent with …”</p> <p>Knight then interjected, asking: “Distributed where, though?”</p> <p>“It will go to different causes that completely consisted with the intentions of the original donors,” he responded.</p> <p>When asked for further information, Mr Iles said: “I am not able to go into the detail at this stage.”</p> <p>Which is when Knight prodded further, as she asked if the money raised will be used for personal reasons.</p> <p>“Absolutely not personal use, absolutely not the ACL,” he said. “They bought into Israel because they see him as somebody they want to champion. They see him as somebody they identify with, and there is a great deal of trust built up there.</p> <p>“That is not misplaced at all. This money will be used well and will actually end up making a difference regardless of where it goes.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">“It’s all under this language of inclusion, but not so inclusive that they can include someone with beliefs they disagree with.” <a href="https://twitter.com/MartynLloydIles?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MartynLloydIles</a> from the <a href="https://twitter.com/ACLobby?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ACLobby</a> on the Israel Folau saga and promises the $1.5 million will “absolutely not” be used for personal use. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9Today?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9Today</a> <a href="https://t.co/coUD95G0oF">pic.twitter.com/coUD95G0oF</a></p> — The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTodayShow/status/1143618094033600512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">25 June 2019</a></blockquote> <p>She later questioned Folau’s need for money, as he was previously on a multi-million dollar contract and is the owner of a number of properties.</p> <p>To that, Mr Iles said there were “two angles to that question".</p> <p>“One is that it is a very Australian thing to say that someone has been on a good wicket, therefore we just leave them alone. I think that the cost to Israel Folau has been serious in the sense that he lost his career, he has been banned for life from the two sporting codes he can play,” he said.</p> <p>“He has the funds to live on for a very long time. He is a human. This has taken its toll on him. He found it is a great challenge. People want to say there is more with you than against you, but there is the other side. Look what he has been able to achieve.</p> <p>“We can talk about this for days in the media. They have been able to achieve giving a voice to so many people who want to buy into this campaign, and these people feel like they are part of a movement. They are being heard and are actually making a difference.”</p> <p>According to the leader, the campaign is being championed by “people feeling stifled”, a “pinch of political correctness” and the “language used against Israel".</p> <p>“When GoFundMe shut it down, it only confirmed their concerns. They said, ‘Here you go, here it is again’,” he said.</p> <p>“As a result, they gave a whole lot more. They feel like they are having their voice heard, so that is having an impact.</p> <p>“They want to be able to put more money in, raise their voice for their freedom and make a difference. These are what we call the quiet Australians.”</p>

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