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Flower tycoon pays $76 million in CASH for epic mansion

<p>A Sydney businessman and flower mogul has expanded his real estate portfolio, snapping up one of NSW's most prestigious properties. </p> <p>Leo Lynch and his wife Christina have bought a Federation mansion in Sydney's Bellevue Hill, with the eight-bedroom eight-bathroom property boasting impressive views of Sydney Harbour. </p> <p>The mansion, which was built in the 1890s, also showcases a pool, tennis court, and endless luxury amenities for the well-off buyers. </p> <p>"Designed by architect Walter Vernon," read the listing for the property, "the home is considered his most significant residence. Other heritage buildings designed by Vernon include the Australian Museum, the Art Gallery of New South Wales and Central Railway Station. A truly rare offering to earn a piece of Australian history."</p> <p>While securing the house seems like a huge feat in itself, the Lynch's decided to take the purchase to the next level, buying the home for $76 million in cold hard cash. </p> <p>Despite paying the whopping eight-figure for the mansion, the home needs work and is set to undergo renovations. </p> <p>The purchase of the property, named Leura, comes just after the Lynch's sold their former home for $52.4million more than he bought it.</p> <p>The same night he made the enormous purchase for the Leura estate, he sold his mystery home, just blocks away, for $61.5 million after rebuilding the property he had bought for just $9.05 million in 2014.</p> <p>Leo Lynch, 60, is a third generation of the wholesale flower family's company, founded in 1915 and for which private equity group Next Capital took a majority interest in 2015, before it was publicly listed in 2021.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Domain</em></p>

Real Estate

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Martin Scorsese exposes Leo DiCaprio’s irritating on-set habit

<p dir="ltr">Martin Scorsese has exposed Leo DiCaprio’s irritating on-set habit that came to light while the pair were filming the new movie <em>Killers of the Flower Moon</em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">The award-winning director called out the A-list actor in a conversation with the <em><a href="https://www.wsj.com/style/martin-scorsese-killers-flower-moon-b4989f0c" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wall Street Journal</a></em>, saying that the <em>Titanic</em> star tends to flesh details out and improv while filming, describing his technique as “endless, endless, endless!”</p> <p dir="ltr">Although Scorsese and DiCaprio have worked together on six other films, there was one more actor on the set of the new film that could not stand the ad libbing: Robert de Niro.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Then Bob didn’t want to talk,” Scorsese explained. “Every now and then, Bob and I would look at each other and roll our eyes a little bit. And we’d tell him, ‘You don’t need that dialogue.’”</p> <p dir="ltr">While de Niro wasn’t able to deal with DiCaprio’s improv, director Quentin Tarantino said the actor’s famous freakout scene as Rick Dalton in <em>Once Upon a Time in Hollywood </em>“wasn’t in the script,” but was brought to the table by DiCaprio himself, and took the film to another level. </p> <p dir="ltr">Despite the “endless” technique of DiCaprio’s acting, Scorsese said the actor was instrumental in the film’s success, after he helped determine that the film needed a rewrite in order to avoid being a “movie about all the white guys.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“It just didn’t get to the heart of the Osage,” DiCaprio told <em><a href="https://deadline.com/2023/05/martin-scorsese-interview-killers-of-the-flower-moon-leonardo-dicaprio-robert-de-niro-1235359006/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Deadline</a></em> in May, with reference to the original script. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It felt too much like an investigation into detective work, rather than understanding from a forensic perspective the culture and the dynamics of this very tumultuous, dangerous time in Oklahoma.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Killers of the Flower Moon</em> is in cinemas now. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Movies

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Leo Sayer hospitalised

<p>The entertainment world was recently rocked by news of British-born singer Leo Sayer's sudden hospitalisation in Australia, which forced him to cancel his eagerly awaited UK shows.</p> <p>The iconic singer, who became an Australian citizen in 2009, took to Facebook to share his ordeal, leaving fans deeply concerned.</p> <p>"I haven't posted anything publicly about this before but I couldn't fly or make the recent shows in the UK as I became very ill just before the trip," Sayer, now 75, revealed in his heartfelt statement.</p> <p>The singer's revelation shed light on the severity of his condition, disclosing that he had been hospitalised for the past three weeks due to multiple complications, including kidney, bladder and prostate issues. The location tag on his Facebook post pointed to the Southern Highlands Private Hospital in Bowral, New South Wales.</p> <p>Sayer, who was set to perform in the UK following the release of his latest cover album, "Northern Songs" in 2022, has been known for his passionate live performances. However, his last show was in Strathpine back in June, signalling an unexpected and untimely halt to his touring schedule.</p> <p>In his candid statement, Sayer emphasised that the complications had arisen suddenly, leaving no time to warn fans in advance. "I'm so sorry to have disappointed my fans but these things can happen to us 75-year-olds!" he empathetically expressed.</p> <p>Thankfully, there is a glimmer of hope amid the gloom, as the singer assured fans that he is on the mend, despite still receiving treatment in the hospital. "I will take a necessary short break from activities and be back fighting for shows in 2024 - particularly my UK and Ireland tour next autumn," he promised, instilling optimism in his loyal supporters.</p> <p>The outpouring of well-wishes and support from fans and fellow artists alike has been heartwarming. Marcella Detroit, an American singer, left a message for Leo, saying, "Sorry to hear this Leo, get well soon!!" along with purple hearts and praying hands emojis. Australian radio presenter Brian Peel chimed in, "Speedy recovery Leo!" Their messages, like countless others, underscore the genuine concern for Sayer's well-being.</p> <p>Sayer's journey in the music industry began in the UK in 1973 when he first found fame with the single "The Show Must Go On". Over the years, he continued to bless us with hit tracks like "More Than I Can Say" and "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing." His music has touched the hearts of many across the globe.</p> <p>Sayer currently lives full-time in Australia with his wife, Donatella Piccinetti, whom he <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/leo-sayer-finally-ties-the-knot-in-intimate-ceremony" target="_blank" rel="noopener">married earlier this year</a>. The couple's love story is heartwarming, and the prospect of Leo's full recovery and a return to the stage brings hope and joy to fans worldwide.</p> <p><em>Image: Facebook</em></p>

Caring

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Leo DiCaprio's new film gets 9-minute standing ovation

<p>If a 9-minute standing ovation is anything to go by, then claims that Martin Scorsese’s new project <em>Killers of the Flower Moon</em> is the “film of the year” may just be on to something. </p> <p>The movie - which stars the likes of Hollywood legends Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone - received exactly that: 9 whole minutes of applause after its world premiere at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.</p> <p>Its stars were all in attendance, from Leo who was last present with <em>Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood</em>, to 80-year-old Scorsese, who was returning to the festival for the first time since 1985, when he was there for <em>After Hours</em>.</p> <p>The near-three-and-a-half-hour film - which shares its name with the David Grann book it was adapted from - takes place in 1920s Oklahoma, and shares the story of a dark period in American history, depicting the serial murders of members of the Osage Nation.</p> <p>Prior to its screening, the film had already been dubbed by some as the festival’s “most anticipated film” - it even saw Apple CEO Tim Cook swing by, as the company is one of the film’s distributors.</p> <p>And as soon as it concluded, the applause broke out - with some suspecting that it may have continued on beyond the 9-minute mark, had Scorsese not been asked to address the crowd. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone land a 9-minute standing ovation for ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ — the biggest and loudest of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cannes2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cannes2023</a> so far. <a href="https://t.co/1Gxp4cED1T">pic.twitter.com/1Gxp4cED1T</a></p> <p>— Ramin Setoodeh (@RaminSetoodeh) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaminSetoodeh/status/1660019896393113602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>“Thank you to the Osages,” Scorsese said upon reaching the mic. “Everyone connected with the picture. My old pals Bob and Leo, and Jesse and Lily. We shot this a couple of years ago in Oklahoma. </p> <p>“It’s taken it’s time to come around but Apple did so great by us. There was lots of grass. I’m a New Yorker. I was very surprised. This was an amazing experience. </p> <p>“We lived in that world with the Osage, we really did, and we really miss it.”</p> <p>As former Osage tribal leader Jim Gray said of the experience, “the dignity and care for the Osage perspective was genuine and honest throughout the process and the Osage responded with the kind of passion and enthusiasm that met this historic moment.</p> <p>“For those of us who were watching from the sidelines while our best and brightest among us auditioned, sewed, catered, painted, acted and advised the filmmakers, it’s going to be hard not to feel our presence in helping to tell.”</p> <p>Lily Gladstone - who plays an Osage woman betrayed by her husband in the movie - had more to add, telling<em> Variety</em> that “the work is better when you let the world inform the work. That was very refreshing how involved the production got with the [Osage Nation] community. As the community warmed up to our presence, the more the community got involved with the film. </p> <p>“It’s a different movie than the one [Scorsese] walked in to make almost entirely because of what the community had to say about how it was being made and what was being portrayed.”</p> <p>And alongside praise for the film came praise for the performances within it, with many convinced Gladstone is set for attention during awards season for her work, and one reviewer even going so far as to call this “Leonardo DiCaprio’s best performance yet”.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty </em></p>

Movies

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Leo Sayer finally ties the knot in intimate ceremony

<p> Pop star Leo Sayer has married his longtime partner Donatella Piccinetti after nearly four decades of dating.</p> <p>The <em>You Make Me Feel Like Dancing</em> singer <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">wed </span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Piccinetti in a private ceremony in their home </span>in the NSW Southern Highlands.</p> <p>Sayer, 74, took to Instagram to share the news, posting a black-and-white photo of Piccinetti’s hand over his, showcasing their new rings.</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/CrJe6DzAjUw/?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/CrJe6DzAjUw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Leo Sayer (@leosayerofficial</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The caption explained the lovebirds celebrated with a reception lunch in Berrima, close to their home, and that they "couldn't be happier with how the day went.”</p> <p>A friend of the couple, publishing executive Jackie Frank also shared a photo of the pair on their special day, both dressed in white.</p> <p>Speaking to the <em>Johnnie and Tiggy Walker Consciously Coupling</em> podcast in 2021, the two of them revealed that they first met in 1984.</p> <p>Italian-born Picinetti had recently moved to London and was working as a hostess at an Italian restaurant when the pop star came in to dine.</p> <p>"I could see this guy looking at me and not eating… so I went up to them and said, 'Is everything OK?' And he said, 'Yeah. Who are you anyway?'" she recalled. "And then people, they were sitting around the bar, they said, 'Oh, do you know who that is?' I said no. 'Oh, that's Leo Sayer.' I knew his songs, I realized after, but I didn't know who he was.”</p> <p>Sayer said he was instantly struck by his wife-to-be and returned to the restaurant daily so he could ask her out. Little did he know, she was on vacation at the time, so he left her an office full of flowers.</p> <p>"It was love at first sight for me," he said. "She's just this lovely glowing light in my life.”</p> <p>The couple admitted that they have separated throughout their long relationship, "We've not had an exactly normal relationship," Piccinetti said. The pair shared that there was always something between them that kept them coming back to each other.</p> <p>"This connection was always there,” Piccinetti told the podcast. "It was undeniable… It's quite amazing, actually. It has been an adventure.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty/Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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Leo DiCaprio scolded by fans after "predictable" split with model girlfriend

<p>Leonard DiCaprio fans everywhere are having the last laugh as the famed actor has ended his four-year relationship with model girlfriend Camilla Morrone.</p> <p>Having a track record of exclusively dating women under 25, the 47-year-old ended his relationship quietly, earlier this summer, according to a source close to the couple.</p> <p>DiCaprio and Morrone began dating in 2017 when she was 20 years old, making their awards show debut at the 2020 Oscars.</p> <p>Morrone at the time defended their 23-year age difference, telling the Los Angeles Times in 2019, “There’s so many relationships in Hollywood — and in the history of the world — where people have large age gaps. I just think anyone should be able to date who they want to date.”</p> <p>This recent widely publicised breakup has only reinforced predictions made that the relationship wouldn't last much longer, after Camilla celebrated her 25th birthday in early June.</p> <p>Of course the breakup sent social media into a frenzy as fans couldn’t wait to post jokes about the couple's "doomed" relationship.</p> <p>One fan tweeted: "3 things are certain in life: - death, - taxes, - Leonardo Dicaprio breaking up with his girlfriend before her pre-frontal cortex has fully developed."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">3 things are certain in life:<br />- death<br />- taxes<br />- leonardo dicaprio breaking up with his girlfriend before her pre-frontal cortex has fully developed <a href="https://t.co/5bw3uLWlQ3">https://t.co/5bw3uLWlQ3</a></p> <p>— Erin Brockobić (@erinbrockobic) <a href="https://twitter.com/erinbrockobic/status/1564744270950633472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p>"Leonardo DiCaprio is actually dating all the under-25s he possibly can to spread the word about climate change to those who will be the most impacted," another user joked.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">leonardo dicaprio is actually dating all the under-25s he possibly can to spread the word about climate change to those who will be the most impacted</p> <p>— flamin nora (@katierpacker) <a href="https://twitter.com/katierpacker/status/1564888223205269505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p>A third added: "there's no phenomenon on this planet more reliable than leonardo dicaprio breaking up with his girl by age 25, the stats are breathtaking".</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">there's no phenomenon on this planet more reliable than leonardo dicaprio breaking up with his girl by age 25, the stats are breathtaking <a href="https://t.co/A9czRJo56Q">https://t.co/A9czRJo56Q</a></p> <p>— no (@zedonarrival) <a href="https://twitter.com/zedonarrival/status/1564730774485704704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p>Meanwhile, others have tried to figure out how DiCaprio might have ended the romance as one stated: "i need to know how leonardo dicaprio conducts these breakups. does he start picking fights months before they turn 25 to be less conspicuous?"</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">i need to know how leonardo dicaprio conducts these breakups. does he start picking fights months before they turn 25 to be less conspicuous? do they wake up on their birthday to a note that says “sorry i can’t don’t hate me” someone pls investigate</p> <p>— megan (@weganmilliamson) <a href="https://twitter.com/weganmilliamson/status/1564756315276279808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p>Other A-list women DiCaprio has dated who were 25 or younger at the time of their relationships include Kate Moss, Helena Christensen, Naomi Campbell, Bar Refaeli, Nina Agdal and Gisele Bündchen, who he dated for six years.</p> <p>What a complete Morrone!</p> <p><em>Image: Twitter</em></p>

Relationships

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Leonardo DiCaprio has listed his gorgeous $14 million mansion for rent

<p dir="ltr">If you have some splash to cash you can now experience Leonardo DiCaprio being your landlord first hand by becoming his tenant.</p> <p dir="ltr">The award-winning actor dropped $US9.9 million ( $14 million) on a gorgeous 1930-era mansion in Beverly Hills late last year and has just listed the updated estate for rent.</p> <p dir="ltr">If you have $US32,500 ($48,000) per month to spare, you could very well be calling the Revenant star your landlord.</p> <p dir="ltr">DiCaprio stands out from other celebrity homeowners because he doesn’t offload his buys swiftly or flip the homes. In fact, “[he] has retained most of his purchases, turning his less frequented homes into rental properties,” Architectural Digest.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 464-square-metre immaculately updated home boasts four bedrooms, six bathrooms, a chef’s kitchen, white oak floors and sits on just over 1100-square-metres of prime Beverly Hills Flats real estate.</p> <p dir="ltr">The rental is fully furnished and available immediately. Serious applicants will also need a $US97,500 security deposit.</p> <p dir="ltr">The space is emboldened by black Marquina granite and white Carrara marble, and includes an adjacent breakfast nook with floor-to-ceiling French doors leading out to an al fresco dining terrace.</p> <p dir="ltr">Upstairs, three ensuite bedrooms include an impressive master retreat with impressive cathedral ceiling. The space boasts a mini-bar, walk-in closet and luxe marble bath equipped with a beautiful oval soaking tub.</p> <p dir="ltr">Other features of the estate include a substantial outdoor pool and a separate guesthouse with its own patio.</p> <p dir="ltr">The home is also shrouded behind prominent gates and established trees, providing a secluded oasis.</p> <p dir="ltr">DiCaprio picked up the arresting mansion for $US300,000 cheaper than its original $US10.2 million asking price.</p>

Real Estate

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Brazil’s president fires back at Leo DiCaprio

<p dir="ltr">Climate activist Leonardo DiCaprio has been slammed by Brazil’s leader following his series of tweets regarding the burning of the Amazon rainforest.</p> <p dir="ltr">The actor called for Brazilians to enroll in the upcoming election to help protect the Amazon rainforest.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Brazil is home to the Amazon and other ecosystems critical to climate change,” DiCaprio wrote last week. </p> <p dir="ltr">“What happens there matters to us all, and youth voting is key in driving change for a healthy planet.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro did not appreciate DiCaprio’s comments stating that agribusiness was helping put food on the table for millions.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Now, DiCaprio has to know that it was the very president of the World Trade Organisation who said that without Brazilian agribusiness, the world would be hungry,” Bolsonaro said according to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/brazilian-president-swipes-leonardo-dicaprio-after-recent-comments-on-the-amazon-rainforest/news-story/902ddfdbf4c6f31420ee30d85deea07d" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So, DiCaprio better keep his mouth shut instead of talking nonsense.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He also accused the actor of tweeting misinformation about the wildfires that occurred in the Amazon rainforest.</p> <p dir="ltr">“By the way, the picture you posted to talk about the wildfires in the Amazon in 2019 is from 2003,” Bolsonaro continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There are people who want to arrest Brazilian citizens who make this kind of mistake here in our country. But I’m against this tyrannical idea. So I forgive you. Hugs from Brazil!”</p> <p dir="ltr">Bolsonaro also thanked DiCaprio for his support in encouraging citizens to vote but reiterated that it's up to the citizens to decide on what they want to do.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Thanks for your support, Leo! It‘s really important to have every Brazilian voting in the coming elections,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Our people will decide if they want to keep our sovereignty on the Amazon or be ruled by crooks who serve special foreign interests. Good job in The Revenant.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Why Leo DiCaprio has donated over $13 million to Ukraine

<p>Actor Leo DiCaprio has donated over $13 million to support Ukraine in their fight against the Russian invasion. </p> <p>The 47-year-old star has personal ties to the besieged country, with his maternal grandmother hailing from Ukraine. </p> <p>His grandmother, Helene Indenbirken was born in the southern Ukraine city of Odesa, before migrating to Germany with her parents in 1917. </p> <p>Leo was very close with his grandmother, who encouraged him throughout his career and accompanied him to many film premieres before she died in 2008 at age 93. </p> <p>The hefty donation was announced by the <a href="https://www.visegradfund.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Visegrad Fund</a>, who "promote sustainable regional cooperation in Central Europe".</p> <p>The actor has not formally announced the donation on his social media channels, but has long been an avid supporter and activist for humanitarian issues. </p> <p>Other celebrities have also joined the fight against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with Ukrainian-born actress Mila Kunis and her husband Ashton Kutcher pledged to match donations up to $3 million by those contributing to their <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/stand-with-ukraine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> campaign. </p> <p>Their fundraiser, which has raised over $19 million so far, was launched last week with the donations going to Flexport and Airbnb, which, they said, are “two organisations who are actively on the ground providing immediate help to those who need it most.”</p> <p>Mila was born in Chernivtsi, Ukraine - then part of the Soviet Union - and moved with her family to the United States when she was seven years old.</p> <p>While acknowledging all that the US has done for her and her family, she said she couldn’t forget her roots.</p> <p>“Today, I am a proud Ukrainian,” the actress said in a statement shared on the fundraising page.</p> <p>“Ukrainians are proud and brave people who deserve our help in their time of need."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

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AFL star welcomes beautiful baby one year after stillbirth heartache

<p>AFL star Rory Sloane and his wife Belinda have welcomed a sweet baby boy. </p> <p>On Tuesday night, the Adelaide Crows captain shared a beautiful series of photographs to his social media account of his newborn son. </p> <p>"Sonny Leo Sloane. Welcome to this world my little man," Sloane wrote.</p> <p>Channel 7 presenter, Belinda, shared her own heartwarming snaps of her sweet bundle of joy, who was born on Monday. </p> <p>Sonny’s middle name is a tribute to the couple’s first son, Leo, who was stillborn at 34 weeks just a little over a year ago.</p> <p>At the time, both Rory and Bel shared with supporters a photo of them holding the infant’s hands in August 2018. </p> <p>"Last week we said goodbye to our beautiful little man," the couple wrote in matching posts to social media. </p> <p>"Leo Rory Sloane was born into the world still, but perfect.</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/BnFo2OqhzLR/?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/BnFo2OqhzLR/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Last week we said goodbye to our beautiful little man. Leo Rory Sloane was born into the world still, but perfect. Thanks for making us the proudest parents and filling our hearts with love beyond measure, the moments we had with you are now beautiful memories that will last a lifetime 💙🦁 #lionwarrior</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/rorysloane/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Rory Sloane</a> (@rorysloane) on Aug 29, 2018 at 8:33pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"Thanks for making us the proudest parents and filling our hearts with love beyond measure, the moments we had with you are now beautiful memories that will last a lifetime."</p> <p>The couple honoured the memory of their first child in a heartwarming posts over the last 12 months. </p> <p>On Mother's Day, Bel shared a black and white photo of her cradling their little baby in her arms.</p> <p>"Not were, or almost, or could have been. I am and always will be your mummy Leo, thank you my angel," she wrote.</p> <p>"Happy Mother's Day to every single amazing mum out there, whether you hold your child in your arms or in your heart."</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/BxV0fJkFa-i/?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/BxV0fJkFa-i/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Not were, or almost, or could have been. I am and always will be your mummy Leo, thank you my angel 💙🦁👼🏼 Happy Mother’s Day to every single amazing mum out there, whether you hold your child in your arms or in your heart 💓💓💓 #LionWarrior #Stillbirth</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/bel_sloane/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> BEL SLOANE</a> (@bel_sloane) on May 11, 2019 at 4:37pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The couple have become advocates for reducing the rate of stillbirth, SIDS and miscarriages through fundraising and continuing to spread awareness. </p> <p>In August, the duo launched a campaign with the<span> </span><em>Red Nose<span> </span></em>organisation, named<span> </span><em>Lion Warrior<span> </span></em>after their first born. </p> <p>The couple recalled the limited time they had with Leo in an interview for the launch. </p> <p>"I remember looking across and Belinda holding her little son in her arms and him obviously being lifeless," Rory said.</p> <p>"It's so hard to explain, the joy on Belinda's face, but also matched with the sorrow — it was heartbreaking."</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to see Rory and Belinda’s sweet baby boy, Sonny, who they welcomed to the world on Monday.</p>

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The heartwarming way Titanic stars Kate and Leo saved a young mum with cancer

<p>Pregnancy is supposed to be a magical, exciting time for any new mum, but for 29-year-old Gemma Nuttall, it turned into a nightmare when her first pre-natal scan revealed she was suffering an aggressive form of ovarian cancer.</p> <p>But the UK woman turned down life-saving drugs after being told by NHS doctors they would have had to terminate the pregnancy.</p> <p>When her perfectly healthy daughter Penelope was finally born, Nuttall was ready to receive treatment – but things had taken a devastating turn. The NHS told the new mum there was nothing more they could do for her and gave her as little as six months to live.</p> <p><img width="500" height="503" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7267812/16462940_10212072588194239_1130188434625145306_o_500x503.jpg" alt="gemma" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>However, Nuttall couldn’t bare the thought of her daughter, now three years old, growing up without her mum and launched a £300,000 ($535,000) fundraising campaign for treatment at a German “wonder clinic” that could save her life.</p> <p>Soon, Oscar-winning actress and mum-of-three Kate Winslet heard of Nuttall’s story and decided to help in a very special way. Together with her <em>Titanic </em>co-star Leonardo DiCaprio, she auctioned off three “Jack and Rose” date nights, named after their famous characters.</p> <p>The prizes went under the hammer last July at a private dinner held in St Tropez for DiCaprio’s environmentalist foundation, raising enough money to fund Nuttall’s treatment, which she finished five months ago.</p> <p>Now, Nuttall has been declared cancer-free. “I can’t thank Kate enough,” she told the <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5349581/Kate-Winslet-Leo-Di-Caprio-step-help-cancer-mum.html" target="_blank"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Daily Mail</span></em></strong></a>.</p> <p>“Without her donations, and the public’s, my story would be very different. We thought it was a wind-up, but then she called and I realised she was serious.</p> <p>“I was so nervous but she asked me how I was feeling and how my treatment was going – she wanted to help.</p> <p>“I told her I could never thank her enough and she told me not to be daft. She said she had read about my story online, that she had three kids of her own and had thought about what she would be like in that position.”</p> <p>For her generosity, Winslet was presented with an Actors Inspiration Award from the Screen Actor’s Guild in November. “The greatest privilege has been learning how to use my voice to help others,” she said as she accepted the award.</p> <p>“Standing up for individuals who don't have the means to stand up for themselves... helping a person who is dying – she’s still alive by the way – because they don’t have the money that could pay for specialist treatment that could save her life.”</p>

Caring

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Three-year-old NSW boy gets fingers stuck in bath plug hole

<p>A three-year-old boy from NSW has found his fingers stuck in the plug hole of his bathtub, with paramedics called to the scene to cut the toddler free.</p> <p>Leo’s mother, Corinne Deiner, knew she was going to be in for a long night when she noticed that her three-year-old had become a little too curious for his own good.</p> <p>"I hear this voice go, 'I'm stuck', and I'm like, 'oh, what kind of stuck'?", Corinne said.</p> <p>Remarkably though, despite Leo stayed calm through the whole ordeal.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F7NewsAdelaide%2Fvideos%2F1731610860202895%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p> <p>"He was pretty much back against the wall, three fingers straight down, just sort of looked at me like, 'I'm in trouble aren't I?'", she added.</p> <p>It took an hour to free little Leo.</p> <p>"We flipped the plate out, and then once that was out, they put a film under each finger and had to cut each individual hole to get each finger out," Kahlie McLennan from NSW Ambulance said.</p> <p>Each finger was a little swollen but not injured.</p> <p>"I was very proud of him," Leo's mother said,</p> <p>"He cried only a little bit and that was when they were trying to cut the drain off his fingers."</p> <p>What a brave little boy! Have you ever had a child or grandchild become too inquisitive for their own good? Share your story in the comments section below. </p> <p><em>Hero image credit: Facebook / 7 News Adelaide</em></p>

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