Placeholder Content Image

Readers response: What’s your most memorable birthday party?

<p>One of the best parts of birthdays is celebrating with your loved ones, whether it's a milestone birthday or not. </p> <p>We asked our readers to share the stories from their most memorable birthday parties, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Jill Harker </strong>- My 80th birthday last November! My family organised it! Had no idea who was coming! I'm a big Elvis fan and when I got to the hotel for lunch everybody was holding up an Elvis face in front of their face so I still had no idea who was there! When they took the faces down there were all my family from Queensland including grandchildren and great grandchildren! Plus my 2 sons organised a birthday video message from Tex Walker my favourite footballer! Plus my granddaughter organised a ride in a Cadillac for me! So many wonderful surprises! It was fantastic!</p> <p><strong>Judi Baker </strong>- My 21st. My Mum and Dad were there. Plus my late Mum's 70th and 80th. Both so funny.</p> <p><strong>Annette Guernier Clay</strong> - In 2007 when two good friends and I celebrated our 60th birthdays with a party at the old Cairns Yacht Club. Live band, lots of dancing, loads of friends.</p> <p><strong>Lesley Peacock</strong> - My 21st, as it was the only one I had.</p> <p><strong>Christine Whyte </strong>- Never had children’s birthday party as mine was always with immediate family, but had a memorable 70th last year with my family and 3 grandkids in Townsville.</p> <p><strong>Barbara Jaramenko</strong> - Didn’t have one as there was no money, but just had a homemade birthday cake with siblings which was lovely. </p> <p><strong>Margie Buckingham</strong> - On my 40th, I was a single mum and I held a combined party- my 40th, end of 3rd term (teacher) &amp; taking leave service leave, the Parliamentary election &amp; going overseas! I took a cruise from Singapore for a week, beginning with a Singapore Gin Sling in the Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel. that was pretty memorable. </p> <div dir="auto"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></div>

Family & Pets

Placeholder Content Image

Readers response: What is the most memorable cruise you've ever been on?

<p>The dream holidays of many take place on the high seas, with many eager travellers keen to reflect on their favourite voyages.</p> <p>We asked our readers what their most memorable cruise was, for either good or bad reasons, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what you said.</p> <p><strong>Kate Oz</strong> - European river cruise was fabulous. </p> <p><span dir="auto"><strong>Jean Murray Cure</strong> - Coming to Australia as a migrant and a Christmas cruise to New Caledonia. Loved them both!</span></p> <p><span dir="auto"><span dir="auto"><strong>Carol Hanson</strong> - Christmas cruise. Fantastic atmosphere on board.</span></span></p> <p><span dir="auto"><span dir="auto"><span dir="auto"><strong>Brenda Glass Brooks</strong> - When I slipped on a wet surface and cracked my L2 excruciating pain, arrived home and ended up in hospital where I was told I also had COVID. </span></span></span>Will never ever cruise again.</p> <p><span dir="auto"><strong>Geraldine Bayles</strong> - The Holland America, 10 day Roman Empire cruise on the Noordam 20</span>12. Every day was an adventure! On board entertainment fantastic! Smooth sailing.</p> <p><span dir="auto"><strong>Linda Woods</strong> - NZ on Queen Elizabeth. The best ship we've been on.</span></p> <p><span dir="auto"><span dir="auto"><strong>Cheryl Barrett </strong>- Loved cruising from Vancouver to Alaska. It was mind blowing.</span></span></p> <p><span dir="auto"><span dir="auto"><span dir="auto"><strong>Rhonda Moffitt</strong> - 4 years ago. 1st day, ship didn't leave Port as conditions of heat &amp; wind were severe. </span></span></span>2nd day, weather too severe to visit Kangaroo Island so day spent at sea. 3rd day, Port Lincoln as scheduled. 4th day, Phillip Island hit by a severe storm and spent 2 hours on tender which could not dock and offload passengers back on ship. That night Penguin Parade excursion cancelled due to bad weather.</p> <div> <div dir="auto">This was my first cruise, a taster for my future retirement. Princess cruise had no offer for credits and, I know weather is unpredictable, but a totally disappointing experience.</div> <p><strong>Dianne Whitton</strong> - 2013 World Cruise on the Sea Princess. It was good. The best was 2016 Circle Pacific. Too bad Princess doesn't put it on any more.</p> <p><span dir="auto"><strong>Cheryl Quested</strong> - Windstar cruise in Tahiti was the best.</span></p> <p><span dir="auto"><span dir="auto"><strong>Heather Dixon</strong> - Hurricane cruise in Norway, absolutely the most stunning scenery.</span></span></p> <p><em><span dir="auto"><span dir="auto">Image credits: Shutterstock</span></span></em></p> </div>

Cruising

Placeholder Content Image

5 memorable locations from ‘80s films to check out

<p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Everyone loves a good movie, and everyone loves a holiday, so what do you get when you combine the two? The time of your life! </span></p> <p>It’s widely known that the ‘80s spawned a whole host of films that went on to become cult classics - from the likes of <em>Heathers </em>to <em>Footloose</em>, <em>Dirty Dancing</em>, and <em>The Terminator</em> - and forged the way for cultural changes that ring true decades later. </p> <p>But did you also know that for many of these iconic films, real-life locations served as the inspiration for many memorable scenes? </p> <p>And while some may have changed slightly in the years since cast and crew flocked to them, some are like stepping into a time capsule - or a stage for you to re-enact the films as you see fit. </p> <p><strong>Lake Lure, North Carolina - <em>Dirty Dancing</em> (1987)</strong></p> <p>Anyone who’s seen<em> Dirty Dancing</em> can tell you that ‘the lift scene’ is one of the film’s most iconic moments. And it - along with a few others from the film - were filmed in North Carolina’s very own Lake Lure. And with the spot boasting its very own Lake Lure Inn &amp; Spa - where, coincidentally, the movie’s stars stayed while working on the project - it could be the perfect getaway location for your next holiday. </p> <p><strong>Guesthouse International Hotel, California - <em>National Lampoon Vacation</em> (1983) </strong></p> <p>For those embarking on their very own<em> National Lampoon Vacation</em>, you’re in luck - the hexagonal pool is near exactly the same as it was when Chevy Chase’s Clark Griswold enjoyed a nighttime swim with Christie Brinkley’s The Girl in the Ferrari. </p> <p><strong>New York Public Library, New York - <em>Ghostbusters </em>(1984)</strong></p> <p>The 1984 film sparked an entire host of sequels, games, parodies, and conventions for avid fans across the globe - as well as one incredibly catchy song. However, for those that would like to go above and beyond just calling their friendly neighbourhood ghostbusters, the  New York Public Library’s flagship Stephen A Schwarzman building is the spot where the team had their very first encounter with the film’s ghosts. </p> <p><strong>Griffith Observatory, California - <em>The Terminator</em> (1984)</strong></p> <p>Fans of<em> The Terminator </em>should immediately recognise this site as the one where Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator arrived in the nude, and basked in the glory of LA at night. It’s a popular location, and while a must-see for fans of the film, it also makes for a good afternoon out - the observatory itself boasts free entry, stunning views, and a range of fascinating exhibits inside to entertain the keen mind. </p> <p><strong>The Grand Hotel, Michigan - <em>Somewhere in Time </em>(1980)</strong></p> <p>The Grand Hotel was the primary location for romantic drama <em>Somewhere in Time</em>, and they’re proud of it. In fact, a poster for the film is reportedly even still on display there, and hosts weekends of celebration for the 1980 hit, too. </p> <p>The island the hotel is set on doesn’t allow cars, so anyone hoping to throw themselves back in time and fully immerse themselves in a ‘different world’, this National Historic Landmark may be just the place to do it. </p> <p><em>Images: Getty, Booking.net</em></p>

Movies

Placeholder Content Image

The most memorable coronations in British history

<p><strong>A Thousand Years of Coronations</strong></p> <p>On May 6, King Charles III will be crowned in Westminster Abbey with his consort, Queen Camilla. While Charles became King at the moment of the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on Sept. 8, 2022, the coronation ceremony serves to symbolize the monarch’s lifelong commitment to the roles of sovereign and supreme Governor of the Church of England. At the event, King Charles III will be crowned King of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth realms. He’ll be anointed with holy oil, and will swear to govern as a constitutional monarch according to the laws decided in parliament.</p> <p>While key traditions associated with modern royal weddings, christenings and jubilees date from Queen Victoria’s reign in the 19th century, the coronation service is much older. It was written by St. Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury in AD 973, and Westminster Abbey has been the setting for coronations since 1066. Charles III will be the 40th monarch to be crowned there.</p> <p>Despite centuries of past precedents, each monarch brings their own personal touch to their coronation, whether it’s spending lavishly or sticking to a budget, commissioning new music or new Crown Jewels, or, more recently, inviting television cameras into Westminster Abbey. Here are 12 memorable British royal coronations that shaped the history of the monarchy from medieval to modern times – including a few that did not go according to plan.</p> <p><strong>The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II (1953) Coronation on television</strong></p> <p>The accession of the 25-year-old Queen Elizabeth II on Feb. 6, 1952, symbolised the beginning of “a new Elizabethan age” after the austerity of the Second World War. The decision to invite television cameras into Westminster Abbey to film the whole ceremony (except for the sacred anointing of the monarch) on June 2, 1953, seemed to bring the monarchy into the modern age, allowing audiences around the world to feel as though they were part of this landmark event. More than 250-million people watched on television as Queen Elizabeth II was crowned Queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth realms, many purchasing television sets for the first time for the occasion and hosting coronation parties. In Westminster Abbey, the four-year-old future King Charles III attended the ceremony, seated between his aunt, Princess Margaret, and grandmother, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.</p> <p><strong>The Coronation of King George VI (1937) A Change in King </strong></p> <p>While 16 months passed between Elizabeth II’s accession and coronation, her father, King George VI, didn’t have nearly so long to wait. When Edward VIII abdicated to marry the twice-divorced American Wallis Simpson, George VI succeeded his brother as King, and was crowned just five months later on Dec. 11, 1936 – the day originally scheduled for Edward’s coronation. Under the circumstances, the coronation followed past traditions to emphasise continuity, but there were a few significant departures. For the first time, the coronation was broadcast on the radio and film footage was shown in cinema newsreels. The coronation oath also changed to reflect the equal status of the United Kingdom and Dominions following the 1926 Balfour Declaration and 1931 Statute of Westminster. George VI swore “to govern the peoples of Great Britain, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the Union of South Africa, of your Possessions and the other Territories to any of them belonging or pertaining, and of your Empire of India, according to their respective laws and customs” – setting the tone for the development of the modern Commonwealth.</p> <p><strong>The Coronation of King George V (1911) A New Crown</strong></p> <p>St. Edward’s Crown has been used at coronations since 1661, but it wasn’t permanently set with precious stones until much more recently. (Instead, gems were loaned by jewellers to decorate the crown for individual coronations, then returned after the ceremony.) For his 1911 coronation, King George V and his consort, Queen Mary, arranged for the crown to be permanently set with 444 precious stones. Queen Mary purchased an Art Deco-inspired crown for her own crowning as Queen consort, and this will be used to crown Queen Camilla at Charles III’s coronation.</p> <p>George V’s coronation was also notable for the additional events planned around the coronation to showcase the British Empire and the Royal Navy. There was a Coronation Naval Review of the Fleet, which attracted a quarter-million spectators, and a Festival of Empire, which included “Inter-Empire Championships,” the forerunner of the modern Commonwealth Games.</p> <p><strong>The Coronation of King Edward VII (1902) A Medical Emergency</strong></p> <p>When Queen Victoria’s eldest son succeeded to throne in 1901 as King Edward VII at the age of 59, planning his coronation was a challenge. So much time had passed since Victoria’s coronation in 1838 that few people remembered how the ceremony should unfold. Luckily, Victoria’s elderly cousin, Princess Augusta of Cambridge was on hand to provide valuable insights for the planning committee.</p> <p>Once the plans were in place, they were derailed by a medical emergency. Just two days before the planned coronation on June 26, 1902, Edward VII underwent an emergency operation for appendicitis on a table in the music room of Buckingham Palace. The coronation was rescheduled to Aug. 9. Despite his uncertain health, Edward VII refused suggestions that the ceremony, including the anointing, be condensed, stating, “If I am going to be done, I am going to be done properly.”</p> <p><strong>The Coronation of Queen Victoria (1838) Leftovers in Westminster Abbey</strong></p> <p>The coronation of the 19-year-old Queen Victoria on June 28, 1838, took place without a rehearsal, resulting in numerous mishaps. When the Queen entered St. Edward’s chapel in Westminster Abbey, she found half-eaten sandwiches and empty bottles of wine on the altar, which had been enjoyed by guests involved in the ceremony including Prime Minister Lord Melbourne. An 82-year-old peer named Lord Rolle stumbled on the steps before the throne while paying homage to the Queen and rolled backward, regaining his footing with the Queen’s assistance. Queen Victoria noted another uncomfortable moment in her journal: “The Archbishop had (most awkwardly) put the [coronation] ring on the wrong finger, and the consequence was that I had the greatest difficulty to take it off again, which I at last did with great pain.”</p> <p>The young Queen’s calm demeanour and good humour during all these unfortunate moments endeared her to the public. Throughout her long reign, Victoria would ensure royal ceremonies were better organized, introducing innovations that continue to the present day.</p> <p><strong>The Coronation of King William IV (1831) The Half-Crown Nation</strong></p> <p>Queen Victoria’s uncle, William IV, was a retired naval officer who had no interest in royal ceremony. Over the course of his seven-year reign, he repeatedly tried to give away Buckingham Palace. (Neither the navy nor parliament was interested.) After first questioning whether a coronation was necessary at all, William ultimately conceded to a simplified ceremony. He agreed to travel to Westminster Abbey in the gold state coach (above) commissioned for the coronation of his father, King George III, but he refused to allow a coronation banquet and wore his admiral’s uniform rather than ceremonial dress. Tory members of parliament who objected to the comparative absence of pomp and circumstance nicknamed the ceremony, “The Half-Crown Nation.”</p> <p><strong>The Coronation of King George IV (1821) No Invitation for the Queen Consort</strong></p> <p>William IV’s determination to hold a coronation on a budget may have been an effort to distance himself from his unpopular older brother (and predecessor), George IV. Known for his lavish spending, George IV had the most expensive coronation in British history, complete with a new crown decorated with 12,000 diamonds. An enthusiastic collector of French art and furnishings, he also commissioned an exact replica of Napoleon Bonaparte’s lavish coronation robes from a workshop in Paris – a controversial decision in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars.</p> <p>His coronation would not be remembered for its pageantry, however, but for the King’s refusal to invite the Queen consort to the ceremony. When George IV’s estranged wife, Caroline of Brunswick, arrived at Westminster Hall, she was told by the doorman that she could not enter without a ticket. Her efforts to find another entrance were blocked by a line of soldiers. After arguing with numerous officials, the uncrowned consort departed in her carriage as the crowds chanted, “Shame! Shame!” She died two weeks later.</p> <p><strong>The Coronation of King George II (1727) Coronation Anthems</strong></p> <p>The coronation of George IV’s great-grandfather, George II, also included extravagant fashions. George II’s Queen consort, Caroline of Ansbach, wore a dress so heavily encrusted with jewels that she required a pulley to lift the skirt so that she could kneel to take communion during the ceremony. The enduring legacy of George II’s coronation, however, was the composition of four choral coronation anthems by George Frederic Handel. The most famous of these anthems, Zadok the Priest, has been sung before the anointing at every subsequent monarch’s coronation.</p> <p>In 2023, Charles III followed in George II’s footsteps by commissioning new coronation anthems. There will 12 original compositions performed at Charles III’s coronation, including an anthem by Andrew Lloyd Weber.</p> <p><strong>The Coronation of Charles II (1661) New Crown Jewels</strong></p> <p>The English Civil Wars left the country without a king for 11 years. When Charles II returned to England to reclaim the throne in 1660, a coronation was essential to symbolise the restoration of the monarchy. Unfortunately, only one piece of coronation regalia had survived: the silver anointing spoon acquired by Henry II or his son Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century. Recognising the urgent need for new Crown Jewels, Charles II commissioned a new St. Edward’s Crown, orb and sceptre from his goldsmith, Sir Edward Vyner – then defaulted on the payments for the regalia following the Stop of the Exchequer in 1672, when the state defaulted on its debts.</p> <p>After the ceremony, the new Crown Jewels were stored in the Tower of London, where they made a tempting target for thieves. In 1671, an Anglo-Irish officer by the name of Colonel Thomas Blood gained access to the Tower of London disguised as clergyman, overpowered the Master of the Jewel House and stole St. Edward’s Crown. Blood was apprehended on Tower Wharf, shouting, “It was a gallant attempt, however unsuccessful! It was for a crown!” Security at the Tower of London would improve, but attempts to steal the Crown Jewels continue to this day.</p> <p><strong>The Coronation of Henry III (1216 and 1220) Two Coronations</strong></p> <p>Charles II wasn’t the only king who scrambled to find a crown in time for his coronation. When Henry III succeeded his father, the villainous King John, at the age of nine, he was left without royal regalia. (John had lost the Crown Jewels when his baggage train overturned in a marsh in 1215, as he hurried to flee rebel barons and a French invasion after repudiating Magna Carta earlier that year.)</p> <p>The First Barons’ War was still raging when John died suddenly in 1216. With rebel barons and a French army occupying London, Westminster Abbey was not available as a coronation venue. Henry’s supporters hastily organized a ceremony at Gloucester Cathedral where the boy king was crowned with one of his mother’s circlets just 10 days after his father’s death. Neither the young king nor his regents thought this coronation was sufficient to guarantee a monarch’s authority in tumultuous times, so after the First Barons’ War ended and the French were defeated, the teenaged Henry petitioned the Pope for permission to be crowned again. In 1220, Henry III received a traditional coronation at Westminster Abbey.</p> <p><strong>The Coronation of King William I (1066) Riot on Coronation Day</strong></p> <p>After William, Duke of Normandy defeated the last Anglo-Saxon English King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, he was crowned King William I at Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day. When the bishops performing the ceremony asked the English people if they accepted their new King, the crowds shouted their approval – in English. Unfortunately, William’s guards spoke only Norman French and thought they were hearing an assassination attempt. The guards began attacking the crowds and set fire to nearby buildings. Inside Westminster Abbey, the coronation guests panicked and stampeded out of the Abbey before the ceremony was over. The riot at the coronation left the new king so concerned about his personal security that he ordered the construction of the Tower of London as a royal residence, fortress and prison; a historic site which still stands today.</p> <p><strong>The Coronation of Edgar the Peaceable (973) 1000 Years of Monarchy</strong></p> <p>In 973, St. Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury, wrote the coronation service for the crowning of the Anglo-Saxon King of England, Edgar the Peaceable, and his consort, Aelfthryth, at Bath Abbey. The ceremony marked the zenith of Edgar’s reign rather than its beginning. By 973, Edgar had been king for 14 years, taking advantage of a lull in Viking attacks to acquire more ships and reform the monasteries.</p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 26px; color: #444444; background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial !important;">In 1973, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and their children attended a service at Bath Abbey to mark the 1000th anniversary of Edgar the Peaceable’s coronation. When King Charles III is crowned, he will be following in the footsteps of a thousand years of kings and queens who pledged their lifelong commitment to their people in a coronation ceremony.</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 26px; color: #444444; background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial !important;"><em>Image credits: Getty/Shutterstock</em></p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 26px; color: #444444; background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial !important;"><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/culture/the-most-memorable-coronations-in-british-history?pages=2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Beauty & Style

Placeholder Content Image

Dazzling looks, memorable moments, and award sweeps: The best of the 2023 Oscars

<p dir="ltr">Actors, producers, and creative souls from all over arrived at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre to strut their sparkle down the 2023 Oscars’ champagne carpet. </p> <p dir="ltr">The event, otherwise known as Hollywood’s night of nights, was always set to break records and draw attention from film fanatics across the globe - hopefully for all the right reasons - with the likes of <em>Everything Everywhere All at Once</em>, <em>Elvis</em>, <em>The Banshees of Inisherin</em>, and <em>Top Gun: Maverick </em>up for Best Picture. </p> <p dir="ltr">In fact, <em>Everything Everywhere All at Once </em>was nominated for 11 awards by itself, with <em>All Quiet on the Western Front</em> and <em>The Banshees of Inisherin </em>following right behind with an astounding nine nominations each. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Everything Everywhere All at Once </em>snagged a staggering seven awards in the end - most notably, the cast and crew secured the top honour of Best Picture for all of their hard work.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the Hollywood comeback of the decade, Best Actor went to Brendan Fraser for his part in<em> The Whale</em>, and Best Actress to the multi-talented Michelle Yeoh for her performance in <em>Everything Everywhere All at Once</em>, who took the opportunity to remind women everywhere that “you are never past your prime”. Michelle also made history with her win as both the first Best Actress nominee and winner to openly identify as Asian. </p> <p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, their supporting award counterparts went to <em>Everything Everywhere All at Once</em>’s Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis. </p> <p dir="ltr">There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Ke Huy Quan accepted his award - and made history as the first Vietnam-born actor to ever do so. He began by thanking his 84-year-old mother, who was watching from the comfort of home, saying “my journey started on a boat. I spent a year in a refugee camp, and somehow I ended up here on Hollywood’s biggest stage. </p> <p dir="ltr">“They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I can’t believe it’s happening to me - this is the American dream.” </p> <p dir="ltr">Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert snagged Best Director for <em>Everything Everywhere All at Once</em>. And for those with a great appreciation for the songs that make moments come to life, MM Keeravaani and Chandrabose were awarded Best Song for the catchy hit ‘Naatu Naatu’ in <em>RRR</em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">The ceremony also saw special guest appearances from <em>The Banshees of Inisherin</em>’s Jenny the Donkey, a fuzzy bear presenter, and appearances from a whole host of stars - as well as an emotional tribute to those Hollywood had lost over the past year, with John Travolta’s emotional words for the late Olivia Newton-John, to whom he remains “hopelessly devoted”. </p> <p dir="ltr">But, of course, the Oscars aren’t only about who goes home with the coveted golden statues, and the stars paraded down the champagne carpet - formerly the red carpet - in typical fashion in a shower of shoulder pads, sparkle, and swagger. </p> <p dir="ltr">Check out 2023’s best dressed and top moments below, and the <a href="https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2023">full list of winners here</a>. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Movies

Placeholder Content Image

Tracy Grimshaw's most memorable hosting moments

<p>After 17 years in the A Current Affair hosting chair, Tracy Grimshaw has signed off for the final time. </p> <p>In an emotional farewell special, the veteran TV host looked back on some of her most memorable moments, and reflected on all the stories of determination she had helped to tell. </p> <p>Some of Grimshaw's most memorable exclusive stories dominated headlines across the country and touched the hearts of Australians, such as her interview with the Beaconsfield miners.</p> <p><strong>Brant Webb and Todd Russell</strong></p> <p>In 2006, Tracy spoke with the two men who survived the Beaconsfield mining accident, after the mine collapsed and trapped the men underground for 14 days. </p> <p>Grimshaw had been the A Current Affair host for just a few short months when the men agreed to sit down with her in an emotional interview that captivated the nation, as the men described how they spent days trying to claw a tunnel to freedom. </p> <p>The men, who had little in common when they became trapped, revealed to Grimshaw the moment they both penned letters to their loved ones, not knowing if they would get out alive.</p> <p><strong>Don Burke</strong></p> <p>In 2017, Don Burke sat down with Tracy following allegations of bullying, indecent assault and sexual harassment during his hit gardening show's 17-year run.</p> <p>The allegations against Burke included claims from more than 50 women who worked with the gardening guru.</p> <p>He denied many of the allegations and claimed his accusers were on "a witch hunt", but Grimshaw didn't back down and reiterated to him that "a lot of people are lying" if no one's claims were true.</p> <p><strong>Pauline Hanson</strong></p> <p>Following the 2019 strip club scandal involving former One Nation party member Steve Dickson, Pauline Hanson went into damage control and sat down with Tracy to set the story straight. </p> <p>Hanson also faced questions the origins of many of her party donations, after members had been linked to the US pro-gun lobby, National Rifle Association. </p> <p>During the interview, when Grimshaw asked her why she didn't give up on politics after all the backlash she'd faced over the years, Hanson broke down in tears.</p> <p><strong>Lindy Chamberlain</strong></p> <p>Following a groundbreaking ruling by a coroner in 2012 that Lindy Chamberlain's daughter Azaria had died after being taken from their tent by a dingo in the Northern Territory in 1980, the mother spoke to Grimshaw in an open and honest sit-down interview.</p> <p>Tracy and Lindy spoke about the person Azaria could have been if she hadn't been taken, causing Lindy break down in a rare display of emotion. </p> <p>She said, "There are things that hit you. You never forget."</p> <p><strong>Terri and Bindi Irwin</strong></p> <p>Just three months after the death of Steve Irwin, Tracy spoke with his wife and daughter, who was just eight-years-old at the time. </p> <p>The young wildlife warrior told the <em>A Current Affair host</em> she wanted to be just like her father and when interviewed by Grimshaw again in 2013 at the age of 14, she said while she wants to have her own identity she also wanted to "make sure that his (Steve's) legacy continues".</p> <p><strong>Scott Morrison</strong></p> <p>As the 2022 federal election was called, Tracy spoke with then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison and bluntly asked why he thought people deserved his vote after his chaotic years in power. </p> <p>"You don't hold a hose, you weren't in your tinnie plucking people off rooftops," she said.</p> <p>"You weren't doing 16-hour days in PPE on COVID wards, you didn't get enough vaccines soon enough."</p> <p>"You didn't get enough RATs so that we could finally have a holiday interstate for Christmas, and China is set up based in the Solomons."</p> <p>Whether interviewing a celebrity or a regular Australian, Grimshaw has proven time and time again that she can be trusted to tell stories that make a difference.</p> <p><em>Image credits: A Current Affair</em></p>

TV

Placeholder Content Image

Readers respond: What is the most memorable holiday you've taken?

<p>Travelling often leaves a major imprint on people's lives. </p> <p>From exploring destinations far and wide, to discovering more about your own hometowns, travelling is destined to make lifelong memories. </p> <p>We asked our well-travelled readers what their most memorable holiday was, and the responses were overwhelming.</p> <p>Here's what you had to say.</p> <p><strong>Faye Clavi </strong>- Nine weeks touring Tasmania in camper with a treasured friend.</p> <p><strong>Lisa Drury Hudson</strong> - Retirement trip: China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore. Also included 7 night river cruise on the Mekong, 4 night river cruise on the Yangtze and 3 night junk cruise in beautiful Ha Long Bay.</p> <p>Loved every single minute of it and learned/experienced so much. Wouldn't hesitate to do it all again if we could still afford it.</p> <p><strong>Joy Clarke</strong> - If l had to choose one it would be the 6 days with my mother in Paris before she became ill and died.</p> <p><strong>Paul Clissold</strong> - Riding a motorcycle around the States in 1980. Two months, 19 states, 10,000 miles. Fabulous scenery, great hospitality from people we'd never met before. </p> <p><strong>Joy Turner</strong> - Going to Broome and riding camels along the beach at sunset.</p> <p><strong>Mary Batty</strong> - Five weeks in a camper van touring New Zealand, both islands! The best time EVER!</p> <p><strong>Carol Barrett </strong>- Around Australia 3 times. Absolutely incredible country we live in.</p> <p><strong>Margaret Inglis</strong> - Probably in 2012. New York, Washington DC, and of course Los Angeles where my daughter now lives. Last holiday with my husband as he passed suddenly 18 months later.</p> <p><strong>Grace Boland</strong> - 14 days by train around magnificent Switzerland.</p> <p><strong>Barb Millowick</strong> - Stayed in a little caravan park in Tinnanbar, QLD. most relaxing holiday I’ve ever had.</p> <p><strong>Ric Wickham</strong> - 5 weeks crossing the USA west to east and back via greyhound with my son on a Father and Son expedition back in 2006. Visited 18 states, met some wonderful people and enjoyed every moment of it.</p> <p><strong>Marie Wettig</strong> - My 60th wedding Anniversary in Hawaii nearly 5 years ago.</p> <p><strong>Helen Croft</strong> - Hawaii and America with my daughters and grandchildren. Best holiday ever.</p> <p><strong>Wendy Douglas</strong> - 104 days world cruise on Princess such a wonderful, memorable and interesting trip.</p> <p><strong>Jay Man</strong> - 9 months hitchhiking from Durban in South Africa to Alexandria in Egypt.</p> <p><strong>Carol Perry</strong> - Outback Broken Hill by car with my sister, both in our 60s.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Travel Tips

Placeholder Content Image

“Every shift is memorable”: One Ronald McDonald volunteer’s experience

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For sick and injured children, Ronald McDonald Houses provide a place for families to find support when they need it most.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Trisha Crane, a mother of two, grandmother of three, and one of the charity’s longest-serving volunteers, started volunteering 26 years ago after responding to an ad in a local paper.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’ve always done volunteering and I saw something in the local paper for the (Ronald McDonald) house and decided to sign up,” Trisha told <em>OverSixty</em>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It seemed like a great idea as it was child-oriented and, as a school teacher, I liked that.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though she now helps out with data entry, Trisha has spent much of her time at Westmead’s House and interacted closely with the families staying there.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s very obvious the difference having family close by has for a sick child,” she said. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Families also benefit from talking with people who can relate to the challenges they’re facing.”</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVzImrQl6as/?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> <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/CVzImrQl6as/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by RMHC Australia (@rmhcaustralia)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When asked about whether she had a memorable moment during her time as a volunteer, she said: “I don’t have a specific memory but every shift is memorable as I enjoy working with the other volunteers and staff.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">McHappy Day, the fundraiser that supports the Ronald McDonald Houses, directs 100 percent of its funds towards the charity.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the 30th McHappy Day fast approaching, McDonald’s has launched a new range of silly socks that people can purchase to support the cause.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">who’s ready to do good, feel good &amp; look good in these bad boys? <a href="https://t.co/qNSMQxXteX">pic.twitter.com/qNSMQxXteX</a></p> — McDonald's Australia (@maccas) <a href="https://twitter.com/maccas/status/1450597636910850048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“McHappy Day is crucial to enabling us to continue to help seriously ill and injured children and their families across Australia,” Trisha said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Funds raised by McDonald’s and its customers through the purchase of Silly Socks supports programs such as Ronald McDonald Houses, Family Rooms, Family Retreats and our National Learning Program, which make a real impact in the lives of families and children in their time of need.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For those considering volunteering their time, Trisha said to take the plunge.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Just come and give volunteering a go!”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Supplied</span></em></p>

Mind

Placeholder Content Image

The secret to making movies memorable

<p>Quoted in one of the many <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/film/cinemas-most-influential-thumb-film-reviewer-roger-ebert-dies/story-e6frg8pf-1226612986736">tributes</a> following his recent death was film critic Roger Ebert’s remark: “I have seen untold numbers of movies and forgotten most of them…”</p> <p>I haven’t seen untold numbers of films, but I’ve seen my fair share. And like Ebert, I’ve forgotten most. Of the dozens I’ve seen just this year, I remember virtually nothing of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qilrVR0miPU"><em>Gangster Squad</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31_NVBkdOzo"><em>Alex Cross</em></a> or <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bgw394ZKsis"><em>The Impossible</em></a>. Hell, it’s only been days since I saw <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Tyhvd6t75A"><em>Cheerful Weather for the Wedding</em></a> and it’s already wiped from memory. Completely.</p> <p>Dubbing a film forgettable is quite possibly the worst indictment I could give. And yet sadly, most are. Forgettable and completely and utterly forgotten.</p> <p>And it was this idea of forgettability that I was thinking about when I attended a screening of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3DcWtkKeIY"><em>The Neverending Story</em></a> (1984) at Melbourne’s <a href="http://www.astortheatre.net.au/">Astor</a> recently.</p> <p>Generally speaking, I don’t see films twice. My rationale for this is twofold:</p> <p>I will never live long enough to see every film I want to, so justifying a repeat viewing is tough.</p> <p>Seeing an adored film, a second time inevitably destroys some of that virgin magic.</p> <p>My main reason for a <em>Neverending Story</em> repeat was that I’d never been to the Astor. That, and I hadn’t seen the film since primary school so assumed I only remembered the gigantic flying “labrador” and the Limahl song.</p> <p>And yet, from the very first scene the film was as familiar as any James Patterson novel. I knew every scene inside out. I knew every one of Barret Oliver’s (Bastian) over-delivered lines. I was awaiting every single hokey special effect.</p> <p>How?</p> <p>There’s good, solid - if OCD - reason why I can recite nearly all the dialogue from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkZcYMy85lY"><em>The Wizard of Oz</em></a> (1939), <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nZl-AyVH3Q"><em>Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory</em></a> (1971) and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzWmxjYNfz4"><em>Grease</em></a> (1978). I had VHS tapes of each and every day after school would put one on and play with my Barbies.</p> <p>And yet I’d only seen <em>The Neverending Story</em> once and it was scene-for-scene familiar. Nearly two decades on.</p> <p>Which got me thinking about why. Why did I remember <em>The Neverending Story</em> when I can barely remember anything beyond paying $18 to see <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UELonDEqAMw"><em>The Company You Keep</em></a> last weekend?</p> <p>And no, dementia isn’t the answer.</p> <p>If there were something cinematic that could make an average film memorable, the studios would have long exploited it.</p> <p>Instead, I’m convinced that films that should, in all good sense, be forgotten can be salvaged through the happenings around them. That they get remembered because of the experience of seeing them.</p> <p>My parents alternate between claiming that <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taMnCjzKgd8"><em>ET</em></a> (1982) was the first film I ever saw at the cinema to suggesting it was <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bB_GiB1j20"><em>Fantasia</em></a> (1940).</p> <p>I doubt I’ve seen either.</p> <p>The first film I remember seeing at the cinema was <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFK_i5r1WJk"><em>Dirty Dancing</em></a> (1987). And even at 7 I knew that it wasn’t appropriate fare for a 7-year-old. Which, of course, is precisely why I loved it. Not a good film in the way I’d judge one today but seeing it clandestinely with an aunty who I thought was cool, made it momentous.</p> <p>I don’t remember, for example, whether I liked <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEh0kwDqZZ0"><em>Ladyhawke</em></a> (1985). I doubt I did. I do however, remember the Year 8 school excursion to see it at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valhalla_Cinema,_Melbourne">Valhalla</a> on a very tinny bus with a driver that looked like Michael Jackson. I remember my friend, sitting next to me, reminding me that Navarre (Rutger Hauer) _also _starred in perhaps the shonkiest film of all time, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgnlJ38ntQw"><em>Blind Fury</em></a> (1989).</p> <p><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096945/">A blind Vietnam vet, trained as a swordfighter, comes to America and helps to rescue the son of a fellow soldier.</a></p> <p>My laughter, as it often did, got me a swift reprimand.</p> <p>I don’t think I liked <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sQhTVz5IjQ&amp;bpctr=1366970061"><em>Inglourious Basterds</em></a> (2009). It’s memorable though, because I saw it with a man who had heard me on the radio before meeting me and thought he liked me. And who I, during that screening, thought I liked too. (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX3bN5YeiQs">cue foreboding music</a>).</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U2LUsfeMwg"><em>The Killer Inside Me</em></a> (2010) would normally have been forgotten. Forgotten except for the fact that the guy with me held my hand throughout. Lovely normally, but he kept holding it throughout a very violent rape and murder scene. Which confused me completely.</p> <p>Seeing <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4C0szpgokQ"><em>Malèna</em></a> (2000) with my grandmother who apparently decided it was perfectly okay to yell things out at the screen. (Not as embarrassing as when she did this at a live Fiddler on the Roof peformance.).</p> <p>Seeing <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1Qz2x94q6A"><em>24 Hour Party People</em></a> (2002) in Manchester, in the bed of a man much more memorable than the film.</p> <p>Seeing <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIdulY5N2rY"><em>L'ultimo bacio</em></a> (2001) and becoming a first-time shusher when the elderly couple behind me unwrapped their 43rd package of brown-papered deli meat.</p> <p>That I remembered <em>The Neverending Story</em> centred simply on the protracted lead up. My teacher spent what felt like a year reading the book to our class. Every scene was already underpinned by my imagination and a good dose of anticipation.</p> <p>Not every film can be great - most, in fact, aren’t even good. But my love of a story - a quality anecdote - can make a flick memorable in spite of the shoddiness.</p> <p><em>Written by Lauren Rosewarne. Republished with permission of </em><a href="https://theconversation.com/making-movies-memorable-13478"><em>The Conversation</em></a><em>.</em></p>

Movies

Placeholder Content Image

Top 9 most memorable Motown songs

<p><strong>Master blast from the past.</strong><br />Created by Berry Gordy the MOTOWN record label was born in 1959 in Detroit Michigan. Tambourines, hand clapping, blasting brass sections the MOTOWN sound is unmistakeable.</p> <p><strong>1. Stop In the Name Of Love, Supremes - 1965</strong><br />This MOTOWN classic has become an anthem over the years with Diana Ross up front singing her heart out.</p> <p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UGJQPkfwlAc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p> <strong>2. I heard it Through The Grapevine, Marvin Gaye - 1967</strong></p> <p>This song was covered by almost everyone in the MOTWN family but its Marvin’s’ version that has stood the test of time</p> <p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BYFt1P6C6ng" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p> <strong>3. My Girl, The Temptations - 1964</strong></p> <p>David Ruffin sings along to that bass guitar makes this feel good song unforgettable. It does not matter how many times you hear it, this Motown classic still gets you swaying and smiling.</p> <p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e4oasdg8JZ4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p><strong>4. Superstition, Stevie Wonder - 1972</strong><br />Stevie Wonder is one of Detroit’s favourite sons and when he belts this track out there is no mistaking the brilliance of Stevie</p> <p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0CFuCYNx-1g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p><strong>5. Tracks Of My Tears, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles - 1965</strong><br />Smokey sings his broken heart out, proving you can still dance to a sad love song.</p> <p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rNS6D4hSQdA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p><strong>6. Reach Out, Four Tops - 1966</strong><br />You never get sick of Levi Stubbs heartfelt lead vocals on this track, one of the Four Tops most recognizable hits</p> <p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c56Sj7kMbLk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p><strong>7. Dancing In The Street, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas - 1964</strong><br />This songs makes you get up and dance every time its<br />played.</p> <p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9KhbM2mqhCQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p><strong>8. Aint No Mountain High Enough, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell - 1967</strong><br />Later covered by the legendary Diana Ross but this motown classic by Marvin and Tammi is the original and the best.</p> <p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xz-UvQYAmbg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p><strong>9. Lets Get It On, Marvin Gaye - 1973</strong><br />One of the sexiest songs ever written and Marvin delivers it to perfection. Nothing else to say really.</p> <p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x6QZn9xiuOE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p><em>Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/entertainment/top-10-most-memorable-motown-songs.aspx">Wyza.com.au</a>.</em></p>

Music

Placeholder Content Image

5 most bizarre deaths in history

<p>We all want to be remembered when we’re no longer around, and ideally, we’d like to be remembered for something good.</p> <p>The people you’re about to meet certainly fill the first criteria, but sadly, rather than being remembered for their achievements (or their sins, for that matter), they’ve earned themselves a place in the history books for something else entirely.</p> <p>Here, we’re taking a look at the stories behind some of history’s most unusual deaths.</p> <p><strong>1. Overeating</strong></p> <p>We’ve all overindulged once or twice, but we’ve got nothing on Adolf Frederick, King of Sweden, who died at the age of 60 after an unbelievably huge meal. His final feast included lobster, caviar, sauerkraut, kippers, champagne and 14 (yes, 14) servings of his favourite dessert – semla, a traditional Swedish sweet, almond cream-filled bun, served in a bowl of hot milk. We can think of worse ways to go!</p> <p><strong>2. Kicking a safe</strong></p> <p>Jack Daniel, the founder of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey distillery, died from blood poisoning at the age of 62. How it happened, however, is quite a story. You see, Daniel couldn’t remember the combination to his safe and kicked it out of frustration. The injury was so severe, it left him with a limp and considerable pain. The foot was eventually amputated, but the surrounding area became gangrenous.</p> <p><strong>3. Laughter</strong></p> <p>People say they’re “dying of laughter” all the time, but who knew it could actually happen? Around 206 BC, ancient Greek philosopher Chrysippus of Soli died after a night of fun and drinking. While watching a donkey eat some figs, he cried, “Now give the donkey a drink of pure wine to wash down the figs”. Chrysippus found his joke so funny, he died of laughter.</p> <p><strong>4. Having a beard</strong></p> <p>Hans Steininger, the mayor of the small Austrian town of Braunau am Inn, took great pride in his impressive 1.4-metre-long beard, which reached to his feet. He usually kept it rolled up into a pouch, but one fateful day in 1567, he decided to let the majestic facial hair flow free. On September 28, when a large fire broke out in town, Steininger ran for his life, accidentally tripping on his beard and falling down a flight of stairs, breaking his neck.</p> <p><strong>5. Politeness</strong></p> <p>Sometimes, kindness really can kill. In 1601, Danish nobleman and astronomer Tycho Brahe attended a banquet in Prague. He ate, drank and eventually, as we all do, eventually needed to pee – desperately. Unfortunately, Brahe refused to leave the table as it would have been a breach of etiquette. When he returned home, he found he was unable to urinate except in tiny quantities and with excruciating pain. 11 days later, at the age of 54, he passed away.</p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

8 memorable quotes from Carrie Fisher

<p>Carrie Fisher, best known for her role as Princess Leia in Star Wars, was only 60 years old when she went into cardiac arrest on a flight to Los Angeles one year ago.</p> <p>She was rushed to an emergency ward and was later transferred to ICU where she passed away.</p> <p>The movie star, who was born into the limelight, had many honest and humorous reflections on life and the various emotions that accompany the ups and down.</p> <p>Here are eight of Carrie Fisher’s most memorable musings.</p> <p><strong>1. Success</strong></p> <p>“There is no point at which you can say, 'Well, I'm successful now. I might as well take a nap.'”</p> <p><strong>2. Resentment</strong></p> <p>“Resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die."</p> <p><strong>3. Love</strong></p> <p>“I don’t hate hardly ever, and when I love, I love for miles and miles. A love so big it should either be outlawed or it should have a capital and its own currency.”</p> <p><strong>4. Fear</strong></p> <p>“Stay afraid, but do it anyway. What’s important is the action. You don’t have to wait to be confident. Just do it and eventually the confidence will follow.”</p> <p><strong>5. Star Wars</strong></p> <p>“People are still asking me if I knew Star Wars was going to be that big of a hit. Yes, we all knew. The only one who didn't know was George.”</p> <p><strong>6. Fame</strong></p> <p>“You're not really famous until you’re a Pez dispenser.”</p> <p><strong>7. Acting</strong></p> <p>“I signed my likeness away. Every time I look in the mirror, I have to send Lucas a couple of bucks.”</p> <p><strong>8. TV</strong></p> <p>“I envy people who have the capacity to sit with another human being and find them endlessly interesting, I would rather watch TV. Of course this becomes eventually known to the other person.”</p> <p>Which Carrie Fisher quote do you most relate to? Let us know in the comments below. </p>

Movies

Placeholder Content Image

5 most memorable moments in Melbourne Cup history

<p><em><strong>Brenton Le Grand is from <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://racingconnections.com.au/" target="_blank">Racing Connections</a></span>, an independent, not-for-profit entity dedicated to providing education and support to those interested in racehorse ownership.</strong></em></p> <p>As we approach the time-honoured Melbourne Cup, racing expert Brenton Le Grand takes a look back at the top five moments the great race has produced.</p> <p><strong>5. The Divine Miss M</strong></p> <p>In 2005, a six-year-old mare by the name of Makybe Diva made Cup history by becoming the first horse ever to win three straight Melbourne Cups. Owner Tony Santic came up with the unusual name by taking the first two letters of the names of five ladies that worked at his tuna business – <strong>MA</strong>ureen, <strong>KY</strong>lie, <strong>BE</strong>linda, <strong>DI</strong>anne and <strong>VA</strong>nessa. A massive crowd of over 106,000 at Flemington cheered her on as she swooped upon them down the straight. Post-race her trainer Lee Freedman famously quipped, "Go and find the smallest child on this course, because they will be an example of the only person here that will live long enough to see something like that again."</p> <p><strong>4. The People’s Champion (pictured)  </strong></p> <p>During the dark depression years of the 20s and 30s, one horse lifted the spirits of a nation. Now a household name, Phar Lap captured the hearts of many when he won the 1930 edition of the race that stops a nation. Not only did he have to beat the handicapper who assigned him to carry 62.5kgs, he also survived a scare days earlier when financially-motivated gangsters fired four bullets at the great horse. "There's only one chance they've got of beating him," his jockey Jim Pike once said. "If they can breed them with wings on and get Kingsford-Smith to ride them – and then I doubt whether they'll beat him."</p> <p><strong>2. “I know you are up there, mate”</strong></p> <p>Australian sport has seen some emotional moments over the years, but Media Puzzle’s win in the 2002 Cup may trump them all. A week prior to the race, jockey Damien Oliver lost his brother Jason (who was also a jockey) in a horrific track incident. Wearing his brother’s “J Oliver” breeches (riding pants), Oliver pointed to the heavens as Media Puzzle crossed the finishing line in first. "Mate, Melbourne Cups don't mean a thing to me anymore. I'd give it back right now to have my brother back. But I know it was the right thing to ride. Jason would have wanted that," a tearful Oliver said after the race. The 2011 Australian film titled The Cup has immortalised this memory.</p> <p><strong>2. A Bart’s Dozen</strong></p> <p>When you think of the Melbourne Cup, you think of the trainer that won (a never to be equalled) 12 of them! Bart Cummings was a master of getting his horses to peak at the right time, to the minute even. In 2008, an underrated horse by the name of Viewed went around in the great race at inflated odds, with not many informed admirers. Viewed didn’t know that though, and we all learnt a valuable lesson that day – never write off a champion. Recently passing, Bart’s legacy lives on through his son Anthony and grandsons James and Edward who are all successful trainers in their own right.</p> <p><strong>1. “Everyone else can get stuffed”</strong></p> <p>In 2015, something happened in the Cup that had never occurred in over 150 years, a female jockey rode the winner. Riding one of the rank outsiders, 100-1 shot Prince of Penzance, Michelle Payne managed to weave a path down the famous Flemington straight and timed her run perfectly to salute. Making the effort even more extraordinary, Michelle had suffered a career threatening fall only two years earlier and contemplated retirement from the saddle. In one of the more famous post-race speeches she stated, "It's such a chauvinistic sport ... everyone else can get stuffed who think women aren't good enough… I'm so glad to win Melbourne Cup and hopefully it will help female jockeys from now on to get more of a go." And it certainly has...</p> <p>Have you ever had a big win at the Melbourne Cup?</p> <p><em><strong>Have you arranged your travel insurance yet? Save money with Over60 Travel Insurance. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://elevate.agatravelinsurance.com.au/oversixty?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=content&amp;utm_content=link1&amp;utm_campaign=travel-insurance" target="_blank">To arrange a quote, click here.</a></span> Or for more information, call 1800 622 966.</strong></em></p>

International Travel

Placeholder Content Image

The 10 most memorable movie songs

<p>Sometimes the most memorable part of a good movie isn’t even the story – it’s the soundtrack. Over the years, we’ve been gifted some pretty incredible songs that, if it weren’t for a film, probably wouldn’t exist. Join us as we take a walk down memory lane and revisit some of our favourite movie songs, and don’t forget to tell us in the comments, which is your favourite?</p> <p><strong>1. “Ghostbusters”</strong> – Recorded by Ray Parker Jr. in 1984 as the theme song for the film of the same name, “<em>Ghostbusters</em>” was an instant chart-topper around the world, and is still a favourite today.</p> <p><strong>2. “Wind Beneath My Wings”</strong> – Originally recorded by Roger Whittaker, Bette Midler made this song a hit when it was released as part of the soundtrack to her 1988 film <em>Beaches</em>. It went on to win two Grammys.</p> <p><strong>3. “Don’t You Forget About Me”</strong> – Can you believe Simple Minds didn’t even <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/2016/07/7-hit-songs-turned-down-by-other-artists/"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">want to record</span></strong></a> this hit (featured in <em>The Breakfast Club</em>), only to find they were contractually obligated to? To this day, it’s still their most popular song.</p> <p><strong>4. “9 to 5”</strong> – Arguably Dolly Parton’s biggest hit, “9 to 5”, recorded for her film of the same name, earned the country legend an Oscar nomination as well as four Grammy nominations.</p> <p><strong>5. “Footloose”</strong> – The title song of the iconic film, recorded by Kenny Loggins, perfectly captured the spirit of the movie and has been a dance floor filler since 1984. Along with “Ghostbusters”, it just missed out on the 1984 Best Original Song Oscar.</p> <p><strong>6. “The Way We Were”</strong> – This Academy Award-winning hit by Barbara Streisand broke hearts around the world and made the perfect accompaniment to the equally heart-breaking film of the same name.</p> <p><strong>7. “Stayin’ Alive”</strong> – It’s the song that never fails to bring out the boogie, but did you know it has also saved lives? The Bee Gees’ signature song, recorded in 1977 for <em>Saturday Night Fever</em>, also happens to have the perfect number of beats to equal the number of chest compressions per minute for CPR procedures.</p> <p><strong>8. “I Will Always Love You”</strong> – Despite being originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton, it was cemented in music history by Whitney Houston for the film she starred in, <em>The Bodyguard</em>. </p> <p><strong>9. “Flashdance…What a Feeling”</strong> – Performed by Irene Cara for the 1983 hit film <em>Flashdance</em>, the song peaked at number one in charts across the world, including Australia, the US, Canada, France, New Zealand and more. It also nabbed the Oscar for Best Original Song.</p> <p><strong>10. “My Heart Will Go On”</strong> – 1997’s <em>Titanic</em> wouldn’t quite be the same without this epic song by Celine Dion, which went to be one of the best-selling singles of all time and won an Oscar, a Grammy and a Golden Globe.</p> <p>Tell us in the comments below, what’s your favourite movie song of all time?</p>

Music

Placeholder Content Image

15 of the most memorable one-liners in film history

<p>The Hollywood Reporter has put together a list of <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/best-movie-quotes-hollywoods-top-867142/item/love-means-never-having-say-867171" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Hollywood’s favourite movie quotes</span></strong></a>. Surveying a range of industry professionals from directors, actors, producers and writers, the list is a compilation of the most memorable and historical one liners in film history.</p> <p>In descending order, here are the top 15 ranked movie lines:</p> <p>15. “This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship” – <em>Casablanca</em>, 1942</p> <p>14. “I’ll have what she’s having.” – <em>When Harry Met Sally</em>, 1989</p> <p>13. “Why so serious?” – <em>The Dark Knight</em>, 2008</p> <p>12. “Hello. My name is Ingio Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” – <em>The Princess Bride</em>, 1987</p> <p>11. “I am your father.” – <em>Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back</em>, 1980</p> <p>10. “The first rule of Fight Club is: You do not talk about Fight Club.” – <em>Fight Club</em>, 1999</p> <p>9. “There’s no place like home.” – <em>The Wizard of Oz</em>, 1939</p> <p>8. “You talkin’ to me?” – <em>Taxi Driver</em>, 1976</p> <p>7. “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.” – <em>Casablanca</em>, 1942</p> <p>6. “I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse.” – <em>The Godfather</em>, 1972</p> <p>5. “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” – <em>The Wizard of Oz</em>, 1939</p> <p>4. “May the Force be with you.” – <em>Star Wars</em>, 1977</p> <p>3. “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” – <em>Jaws</em>, 1975</p> <p>2. “Here’s looking at you, kid.” – <em>Casablanca</em>, 1942</p> <p>1. “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” – <em>Gone With the Wind</em>, 1939</p> <p>Which movie line is your all-time favourite? Let us know why in the comments below. </p>

Movies

Placeholder Content Image

13 of Elizabeth Taylor’s most memorable movie looks

<p>Elizabeth entered the Hollywood scene as a child in the early 1940s and kept audiences mesmerised by her striking blue eyes and emotional performances.</p> <p>Having received two academy awards for best actress for her roles in Butterfield 8 and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Elizabeth Taylor was not only a successful actress but also became a symbol of beauty during the old-Hollywood era.</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to look back at Elizabeth Taylor’s most memorable outfits from her movies of the years including A Place in the Sun and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.</p> <p>1. <em>Cleopatra</em>, 1963</p> <p>2. <em>Butterfield 8</em>, 1960</p> <p>3. <em>Little Women</em>, 1949</p> <p>4. <em>Who’s afraid of Virginia Woolf!</em>, 1966</p> <p>5. <em>Cat on a Hot Tin Roof</em>, 1958</p> <p>6. <em>Ivanhoe</em>, 1952</p> <p>7. <em>The Taming of the Shrew</em>, 1967</p> <p>8. <em>The V.I.P.s</em>, 1963</p> <p>9. <em>A Place in the Sun</em>, 1951</p> <p>10. <em>Suddenly, Last Summer,</em> 1959</p> <p>11. <em>Father of the Bride</em>, 1950</p> <p>12. <em>Raintree County,</em> 1957</p> <p>13. <em>Giant</em>, 1956</p> <p>What’s your favourite Elizabeth Taylor movie? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2017/02/devastating-news-for-tom-cruise/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Devastating news for Tom Cruise</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/movies/2017/02/resurfaced-portraits-of-celebrities-from-70s-and-80s/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Stunning resurfaced black and white portraits of actors from the 70s and 80s</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/movies/2017/02/steven-spielberg-not-slowing-down/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>70-year-old Steven Spielberg not slowing down soon</strong></em></span></a></p> <p> </p>

Beauty & Style

Our Partners