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Hollywood legend dies at age 93

<p>Hollywood acting legend James Earl Jones has died at the age of 93. </p> <p><em><a href="https://deadline.com/2024/09/james-earl-jones-dead-1236082801/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Deadline</a></em> revealed that the actor passed away at his home in Dutchess County, New York, although no cause of death has yet been given. </p> <p>Jones was responsible for some of the most memorable roles in modern cinema history, lending his voice to iconic characters including <em>Star Wars</em>’ Darth Vader and <em>The Lion King’</em>s Mufasa.</p> <p>After making his big screen debut in the 1964 film <em>Dr Strangelove</em>, he went on to rack up hundreds of roles and didn't stop working until 2021, with his latest project being in the Eddie Murphy sequel, <em>Coming 2 America.</em></p> <p>Jones' most notable roles came in films such as the original <em>Coming To America</em>, <em>Field of Dreams</em> and <em>The Hunt for Red October</em>, making him a household name in the movie industry. </p> <p>Throughout his career, Earl Jones won three Tony Awards, two Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, and was also inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1985.</p> <p>He went on to receive an honorary Academy Award in 2011, as well as a special Tony for lifetime achievement in 2017. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Joanne Davidson/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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Dean Jones’ daughter’s touching wedding tribute to her late father

<p>The daughter of late cricket legend Dean Jones has paid a special tribute to him on her wedding day. </p> <p>Phoebe Jones, one of the cricketer’s three children, tied the knot with partner Dario Gomez on the island paradise of Boracay in the Philippines last Wednesday.</p> <p>As a tribute to her late father, Phoebe had the number 324 embroidered at the end of her veil. </p> <p>Dean was a batter and the 324th person selected to play Test cricket for Australia. He was inducted to the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2019. </p> <p>“Feeling all the love after the week of our dreams,”  she captioned the photos posted to Instagram on Saturday.</p> <p>The wedding had a white theme and featured a stunning sand sculpture with the words “Dario &amp; Phoebe wedding, 24 April 2024."</p> <p>“The most beautiful week celebrating Mr &amp; Mrs Gomez, so many smiles, tears and everlasting memories,” h<span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">er sister and bridesmaid Augusta wrote in the comments. </span></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/C6Pe7peS8DD/?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/C6Pe7peS8DD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Phoebe Jones (@phoebejones.xo)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Dean tragically passed away on September 24, 2020 aged just 59, after he suffered a stroke while travelling in India as part of his IPL commentary duties. </p> <p>The cricket legend was farewelled at a private family service at the MCG on October 7, 2020. </p> <p>“We have been deeply moved by the outpouring of love for Dean over the last week and can’t thank everyone enough for their support and for sharing their memories with us,” his wife Jane said at the time. </p> <p>“It has been an awful time to navigate as a family, but I could not have thought of a more fitting place to say goodbye to my husband.”</p> <p>He was also honoured  on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test against India in 2020. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Alan Jones breaks silence with big announcement

<p>Radio veteran Alan Jones has made it clear that he intends to return to the broadcasting scene, despite facing health setbacks and controversies.</p> <p>In a recent video released to the public, the 82-year-old affirmed his commitment to getting back behind the microphone. Jones, a prominent figure in Australian media, addressed the various challenges he has encountered during his hiatus. Last year, he found himself embroiled in a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/alan-jones-vehemently-denies-bombshell-allegations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">series of allegations</a> reported by Nine Newspapers, which accused him of misconduct involving young men. Firmly denying these allegations, Jones reiterated his stance, labelling the claims as "demonstrably false" and refuting them entirely.</p> <p>“I’m not going to dwell here on the allegations made about me other than I refute them entirely and the inferences associated with them,” Jones said in the video announcement. “But the get-Jones campaign is nothing new in my life.”</p> <p>Despite the legal storm looming over him, Jones departed for London before Christmas, attributing his trip to a promise made to his godson to experience the vibrant theatre scene of London's West End.</p> <p>Dispelling speculations about the purpose of his journey, Jones clarified that his visit to London was not aimed at seeking assistance from his protégé Jake Thrupp, who was reportedly in Bali during most of Jones' stay. Instead, Jones expressed his eagerness to resume his broadcasting endeavours, particularly through the online platform ADH TV, with plans initially set for February of this year.</p> <p>However, unforeseen health issues have posed significant hurdles to Jones' plans for a swift return. Admitting to grappling with persistent health concerns, including "traumatic pain", Jones disclosed that he had been delaying necessary medical intervention. “I have every intention of returning to broadcasting eventually, it is what I do,” he said. “My work has been my life. I could have retired but as I’ve often said ‘if you stop, you drop’.”</p> <p>Recent images capturing him using a walking stick underscored the severity of his condition, prompting him to confront the reality of his physical limitations.</p> <p>Jones candidly shared his health prognosis, revealing that his condition had been assessed as "poor" by medical professionals. Advised to prioritise his well-being, he acknowledged the necessity of addressing his health before resuming his professional duties.</p> <p>“I have suffered no mental ageing," he said, "but I am living with two choices - constant pain where painkillers become totally ineffective or powerful medication with side effects including loss of agility and movement and erratic sleep.”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Retirement Life

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"Welcome to the world": TV stars share heartwarming news

<p>A fan favourite couple from the 2023 season of <em>Farmer Wants a Wife</em> have announced some heartwarming family news. </p> <p>Brad Jones and Clare Hockings took to Instagram to announce the birth of their first child together. </p> <p>“Roy Grahame Jones has arrived,” Brad, 32, wrote in the caption.</p> <p>Their announcement was flooded with well wishes for the new parents and baby Roy, with the post racking up almost 10,000 likes. </p> <p>Their fellow <em>Farmer Wants a Wife</em> contestant David McMahon shared a comment for the couple, writing, "Very happy for you both! Welcome to the world Master Jones."</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/C0i6z2qhLnv/?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/C0i6z2qhLnv/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Brad Jones (@farmerbradau)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The couple first announced their pregnancy in June, just one month after the show finished airing.</p> <p>At the time, Clare, 28, posted a picture of herself with Brad on their Cootamundra farm, showcasing a pair of baby booties resting on top of a saddle.</p> <p>“We’re so excited to meet our newest little farm hand!” the excited mum-to-be said in the caption.</p> <p>“Baby Jones due December.” </p> <p>Brad opened up about the surprise pregnancy in <em><a href="https://www.newidea.com.au/farmer-wants-a-wife-brad-clare-pregnant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Idea</a></em> at the time, admitting they “didn’t think it would happen as quick as it did”.</p> <p>Despite the news of their growing family coming as a shock to the couple, starting a family was always on the cards for the couple, as they told <a href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>7Life</em></a> shortly after the series ended that they were <br />"ready to settle down". </p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Family & Pets

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Alan Jones vehemently denies bombshell allegations

<p>Veteran Australian broadcaster Alan Jones has found himself at the centre of serious allegations involving indecent assault on multiple young men during the peak of his illustrious radio career. The accusations suggest that Jones exploited his influential position to prey on individuals, engaging in inappropriate behaviour without their consent.</p> <p>Former employees and acquaintances have come forward with disturbing accounts of alleged indecent assaults by Jones. One ex-2GB employee revealed to Nine Newspapers that he was "repeatedly indecently assaulted" during work-related activities, including instances when he drove Jones home. The accuser described a disturbing pattern of escalating misconduct, highlighting the power dynamics at play.</p> <p>Another individual, Odin Childs, <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/he-d-go-the-grope-alan-jones-accused-of-indecently-assaulting-young-men-20231205-p5epai.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">claimed that Jones allegedly groped him in 2008</a> while he was working as a waiter at a restaurant. Fearful of repercussions in his professional life, Childs chose not to report the incident at the time, underscoring the perceived influence that Jones held in the Australian media landscape.</p> <p>A third man recounted an unsettling experience in 2008 when he was invited to what he believed was a dinner party at Jones' apartment near the Sydney Opera House. The alleged victim described feeling "scared sh*tless" after an encounter where Jones purportedly "just grabs you and kisses you all over".</p> <p>Jones vehemently denies all accusations, with his legal representatives from Mark O'Brien Legal dismissing the allegations as "scandalous, grossly offensive, and seriously defamatory". Jones' successor on 2GB, Ben Fordham, addressed the sensitive topic on the radio show, acknowledging the gravity of the allegations but emphasising that they remain unproven: "We don't hide around here from tough topics," Fordham said. "The allegations have come from multiple people. But they have not been proven."</p> <p>The allegations against Jones have sent shockwaves through the media landscape, prompting a reassessment of power dynamics within the industry. As the controversy surrounding Jones unfolds, the broader conversation about workplace harassment and abuse of power within the media industry continues to gain momentum.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Legal

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Olympic icon announces split from husband

<p>Leisel Jones has split from her husband of five years, Damon Martin.</p> <p>The Australian olympic gold medallist announced the news live on-air yesterday afternoon on  <em>Triple M's Rush Hour with Leisel Jones, Liam and Dobbo</em>.</p> <p>"We have separated. It's incredibly sad news," Jones said during the broadcast. </p> <p>She added that listeners would've probably noticed that something wasn't right as she hadn't mentioned Martin on air for months. </p> <p>"I have the deepest respect for Damo. It's a very sad situation for both of us and a very hard decision to come to," she continued.</p> <p>"I think it takes a lot of bravery and two grown ups to decide what's not right for them at a certain time and to realise that you are better off going separate ways."</p> <p>Jones added that she is now "out in the wilderness on [her] own", but is doing relatively well despite the "very sad announcement". </p> <p>"I'm actually OK. We had done a lot of work beforehand, we put a lot of effort in," Jones said.</p> <p>"I'm conscious I am 38, I am now single, and I don't have any children and I might have missed that window, so that's a little frightening," the former elite swimmer continued. </p> <p>"It's a really big adjustment to do things on your own. Damo is a such a wonderful guy, a great guy. We are both extremely heartbroken."</p> <p>Jones and Martin met in 2016 and got engaged a year later before tying the knot in 2018. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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“Completely harmless”: Alan Jones pictured in blackface

<p dir="ltr">An historical photo of Alan Jones has caused a stir online, with the snap depicting him in blackface.</p> <p dir="ltr">The photo was taken in 1986, with the moment taking place at the Wallabies team function in New Zealand, back when Jones was the coach for the Australian rugby team. </p> <p dir="ltr">The radio shock jock decided to paint his face black as he was impersonating 1920s vaudeville singer Al Jolson.</p> <p dir="ltr">Some of the biggest names in Australian rugby who witnessed Jones's recital have leapt to their old coach's defence, saying his performance was part of a night of harmless fun.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bledisloe Cup-winning Wallabies captain Andrew Slack was quick to defend Jones, as he questioned why the photos, which were taken 37 years ago, would resurface now. </p> <p dir="ltr">“If we turn this into something offensive the world has gone crazy,” Slack told <em>Daily Mail Australia</em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">He went on to explain that his controversial costume was part of a night of harmless fun, as players and coaches took part in a talent show. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We all had to do various things,” he said. “It was basically a fancy dress party to loosen up.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“That would be a reasonably regular thing on a tour in those days, that you'd have some sort of internal party, no one else involved, just the boys.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Someone putting themselves out to sing when they can't sing or read a poem.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Alan did an Al Jolson number. He had the hat and the cane and whatever. It was fun.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“That's what it was, completely harmless and good fun. If we turn this into something offensive the world has gone crazy but that's what it was.”</p> <p dir="ltr">You can view the pictures of Alan Jones <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-12651343/Alan-Jones-blackface-Al-Jolson-New-Zealand.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

News

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Harrison Ford is back as an 80-year-old Indiana Jones – and a 40-something Indy. The highs (and lows) of returning to iconic roles

<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ben-mccann-398197">Ben McCann</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a></em></p> <p>Saddle up, don the fedora and crack that whip: Harrison Ford is back as the intrepid archaeologist in <em>Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny</em>. The film premiered at Cannes, where Ford was <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/harrison-ford-honorary-palme-dor-cannes-1235495463/">awarded</a> an Honorary Palme d’Or in recognition of his life’s work.</p> <p>Reviews for the fifth film in the franchise <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/indiana-jones-5-review-roundup-1235495961/">have been mixed</a>, and it is the first Indy film not to be directed by Steven Spielberg (this time, it’s James Mangold, best known for his motor-racing drama Ford v Ferrari).</p> <p>But this is “event” cinema that combines nostalgia, old-school special effects and John Williams’ <a href="https://theconversation.com/from-jaws-to-star-wars-to-harry-potter-john-williams-90-today-is-our-greatest-living-composer-176245">iconic score</a>.</p> <p>So, Ford is back, aged 80. What draws actors back after all this time?</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eQfMbSe7F2g?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <h2>Role returns</h2> <p>Ford first played Indy in 1981 and last played him in 2008. That is a full 15 years since the most recent film in the series, and 42 years since his first outing in <em>Raiders of the Lost Ark</em>.</p> <p>Ford has form in returning to celebrated characters. One of the great pleasures of watching <em>The Force Awakens</em> back in 2015 was seeing Ford play Han Solo again for the <a href="https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3j2j09">first time in over 30 years</a>.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xQSIdSRlAk?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>Actors return to roles for numerous reasons:</p> <ul> <li>financial (Ford was reportedly paid <a href="https://okmagazine.com/exclusives/harrison-ford-paid-indiana-jones-5-plagued-with-problems/">US$25 million</a> for <em>Dial of Destiny</em>)</li> <li>protection of their brand, image and star persona (Michael Keaton <a href="https://www.fortressofsolitude.co.za/the-flash-movies-biggest-hero-how-michael-keaton-saved-the-film/">returning to play Batman</a> after three decades and three other actors who have embodied the role)</li> <li>professional (Tom Cruise admitted over the 36 years between <em>Top Gun</em> films he wanted to make sure the sequel <a href="https://screenrant.com/top-gun-maverick-tom-cruise-return-how-explained/">could live up to the original</a>)</li> <li>personal (once-huge stars are working less and less, and only feel the need to return to a built-in fan base every few years – Bill Murray in the 2021 <em>Ghostbusters</em> sequel springs to mind).</li> </ul> <p>It’s not always a successful endeavour.</p> <p>Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone – two of the biggest action stars of the 1980s off the back of iconic roles as <em>The Terminator</em>, Rocky Balboa and John Rambo – have repeatedly returned to those roles, and critics have been <a href="https://screenrant.com/terminator-dark-fate-undermined-john-connor-storyline-franchise-bad/">particularly harsh</a>.</p> <p>It did not work for Sigourney Weaver in <em><a href="https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/alien-resurrection-1997">Alien: Resurrection</a></em> in 1997, 18 years after her first time as Ripley; nor for Keanu Reeves in <em><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/dec/21/the-matrix-resurrections-review-keanu-reeves">The Matrix Resurrections</a></em> in 2021, 23 years after the original.</p> <p>And still, I’m intrigued to see what Michael Mann could do with his long-rumoured sequel to <em>Heat</em>, his definitive 1995 crime film. Ever since Mann published his novel Heat 2 last year – a kind of origin story for <em>Heat’s</em> key protagonists – fans have been hoping a de-aged Al Pacino (now aged 83) <a href="https://deadline.com/2023/04/michael-mann-heat-2-warner-bros-adam-driver-young-neil-mccauley-1235316777/">might return</a> as LA cop Vincent Hanna.</p> <h2>Undoing time</h2> <p>“Digital de-ageing” first entered the Hollywood mainstream in 2019 with <em>The Irishman</em> and <em>Captain Marvel</em>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.indiewire.com/features/craft/de-aging-actors-history-benjamin-button-dial-of-destiny-harrison-ford-1234863938/">Via this process</a>, older actors (Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Samuel L. Jackson have all been subject to the technology) move back and forwards in time without younger actors having to play them.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OF-lElIlZM0?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>Films still tend to cast two actors to play older and younger versions of the same character, a choice that dates back at least to 1974’s <em>The Godfather Part II</em>, in which a young Robert de Niro plays Vito Corleone, portrayed by the much older Marlon Brando in the first film.</p> <p>In 1989, <em>Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade</em> features a delightful opening scene where River Phoenix plays the young version of Indiana Jones, before Ford takes over for the rest of the film.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AwH6-Yh7_SM?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>Actors used to just play characters of their own age when reprising earlier roles. Paul Newman finally won a Best Actor Oscar for his role as “Fast Eddie” Felson in <em>The Color of Money</em> (1986), a quarter of a century after first playing him in The Hustler.</p> <p>The sequel plays on Newman’s age, and his role as a mentor to an upcoming Tom Cruise, and bathes viewers in nostalgia and memories of <a href="https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/paul-newman-schooled-tom-cruise-the-color-of-money/">a younger Newman</a>.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k7gmrKAFshE?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>But actors no longer have to exclusively play their age.</p> <p>The first part of <em>Dial of Destiny</em> is an extended flashback, set in 1944, in which Ford has been digitally de-aged to appear in his 40s. This process used an AI system that scanned used and unused reels of footage of Ford from <a href="https://www.cbr.com/harrison-ford-de-aging-indiana-jones-dial-of-destiny/">the first three Indy films</a> to match his present-day performance.</p> <p>Here, it is as if we are getting two Fords for the price of one: the “younger”, fitter Indy and the older, more world-weary version. It makes for a powerfully emotional connection on screen.</p> <p>Yet there are some <a href="https://variety.com/2023/film/awards/indiana-jones-5-harrison-ford-de-aging-not-working-1235618698/">pitfalls to de-ageing</a>. Some viewers complain that the whole process is distracting and that the hyper-real visual look of de-aged scenes resembles a video game.</p> <p>Even so, de-ageing in Hollywood cinema is here to stay. Tom Hanks’s <a href="https://variety.com/2023/film/news/tom-hanks-robin-wright-digitally-deaged-robert-zemeckis-movie-1235507766/">next film</a> is using AI-based generative technology to digitally de-age him.</p> <p>Given its reduced cost, speed and reduced human input, AI-driven innovation might have <a href="https://filmstories.co.uk/news/new-ai-driven-de-ageing-tools-to-be-used-in-tom-hanks-project/">industry-changing ramifications</a>.</p> <h2>The star of Ford</h2> <p>Harrison Ford remains a bona fide “movie star” in an industry profoundly buffeted by COVID, the rise of streaming platforms, the demise of the monoculture, and the changing nature of who constitutes a star.</p> <p>In the midst of all this industry uncertainty, it seems there is no longer a statute of limitations on actors returning to much-loved characters.</p> <p>The next big ethical issue for the film industry as it further embraces AI is whether to <a href="https://collider.com/james-dean-digital-cgi-performance-in-new-movie/">resurrect deceased actors</a> and cast them in new movies.</p> <p>Still, I’m looking forward to seeing more actors de-aged as the technology improves and audiences acclimatise to watching older actors “playing” younger versions of themselves. We are only at the start of Hollywood’s next big adventure.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/202357/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ben-mccann-398197">Ben McCann</a>, Associate Professor of French Studies, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/harrison-ford-is-back-as-an-80-year-old-indiana-jones-and-a-40-something-indy-the-highs-and-lows-of-returning-to-iconic-roles-202357">original article</a>.</em></p>

Movies

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“It means the world to me”: Harrison Ford’s emotional take on final Indiana Jones film

<p dir="ltr">Harrison Ford, the actor best known as the face and heart of some of Hollywood’s most iconic characters, has opened up about his final appearance as Indiana Jones. </p> <p dir="ltr">In an interview with BBC Radio 1 with his <em>Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny </em>co-star Phoebe Waller-Bridge about their upcoming film, the 80-year-old actor confessed that his time spent as Jones, and the love of his fans all around the world, means everything to him. </p> <p dir="ltr">Ford has been portraying Jones since 1981, when the series' first film, <em>Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark</em>, was released. And while they all might hold a special place in his heart, it’s his fifth and final film - set to release June 2023 - as Jones that has resonated with him.</p> <p dir="ltr">As he told host Ali Plumb, “I think the thing that I most admire about them is the depth and subtlety of the emotion, and the importance of emotion in these films.</p> <p dir="ltr">“As this last one concerns age and frailty and [the] changing nature of life, it was especially compelling to me, because I am of that age and I wanted it to feel real for the audience.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I wanted them to see the complexity of that experience with someone they've spent 40 years with.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Plumb then took the opportunity to tell an emotional Ford that “it’s been such an adventure”, and thanked him on behalf of fans all over for everything he’d put into the character and his various adventures. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We love you so much,” he added. “I don’t want to make you blush or anything, but you mean the world to us and thank you.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ford appeared moved by the sentiment, but gathered himself to offer his own sincere thanks to his supporters, before sharing that “it means the world to me.” </p> <p dir="ltr">It isn’t the first time that Ford has addressed his final venture in Jones’ hat - though it’s the first not to be directed by Steven Spielberg - or what it means to him, with the star previously having shared with <em>Told Film </em>that he had been “able to deliver amazing films developed by Steven and George [Lucas] over a 40-year period. </p> <p dir="ltr">“And to end it not with a whimper, but a bang, has been my greatest ambition for this excursion.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: BBC Radio 1 / Youtube</em></p>

Movies

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To the Manor Born star passes away

<p>The family of Angela Thorne has paid tribute to the veteran actress who passed away on June 16 at age 84.</p> <p>Thorne is best known for her role in the British sitcom, <em>To the Manor Born.</em> The actress is also the mother of the actor Rupert Penry-Jones.</p> <p>Rupert Penry-Jones said in a statement, "The actress Angela Thorne died peacefully at her home on the 16th of June. She was 84 years old.</p> <p>"She was the beloved wife of Peter Penry-Jones and is survived by her two sons Rupert and Laurie Penry-Jones and her grandchildren, Florence, Peter, Giorgio and Delilah. We will all miss her very much.”</p> <p>Thorne played Marjory Frobisher in the BBC sitcom, <em>To the Manor Born</em>, with other Hollywood greats Penelope Keith and Richard DeVere from 1978 to 1981.</p> <p>She was nominated for an Oliver Award for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in <em>Anyone for Denis?</em></p> <p>The actress also voiced the Queen of England in the 1989 film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s <em>The BFG</em>.</p> <p>However, it was her role as Marjory Frobisher that gripped fans.</p> <p>Thorne reprised the role twice, one for a 10-episode radio series in 1997 and once more in 2007 for a one-episode Christmas special on TV.</p> <p>Fans of the actress are remembering her on Twitter as a “sitcom legend”.</p> <p>"RIP Angela Thorne, ACT past Chair of 15 years' service, wise champion of actor-parents' needs, and devoted to the elderly actors at @DenvilleHall. It was a joy and a privilege to work with you," a trust that worked with Thorne wrote.</p> <p>"Ah, Angela Thorne has died. Proper sitcom legend. Farrington of the FO was much underpraised," a fan wrote.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

News

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Quincy Jones rushed to hospital

<p>Legendary music producer Quincy Jones has been taken to hospital after suffering a medical emergency.</p> <p>The 28-time Grammy winner, 90, experienced a “bad reaction to some food he ate”, a representative of his told <em>TMZ</em>.</p> <p>"Out of an abundance of caution he called 911 for help,” the spokesperson said.</p> <p><em>Page Six</em> reported that paramedics were called to Jones’ Los Angeles home on June 17, where they transported him to the emergency room.</p> <p>Jones got the all-clear from doctors and was soon released from his short stay in hospital.</p> <p>Jones is most famously known as the producer of Michael Jackson’s all-time best-selling record, <em>Thriller</em>. The 90-year-old has also worked on records with various industry icons like Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, and Rufus &amp; Chaka Khan.</p> <p>Jones also produced the hit television sitcom, <em>The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air</em>, which saw actor Will Smith rise to fame.</p> <p>This isn’t the first health scare endured by the composer.</p> <p>In 1974, Jones suffered a life-threatening brain aneurysm which required rigorous operations, leaving him with six steel pins in his head.</p> <p>"I actually had two brain aneurysms,” Jones revealed in his 2018 documentary titled, <em>Quincy</em>.</p> <p>"So I guess I would classify as having some experience with trauma to the brain. Also, my mother suffered from mental illness," he added.</p> <p>Jones was also rushed to hospital in 2015 citing chest pains and shortness of breath whilst in his Bel-Air home.</p> <p>At the time, a spokesperson of Jones told <em>Page Six</em>, "Quincy is fine. He had some shortness of breath and in an abundance of caution, he went in for observation. He is fine though."</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

Caring

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8 fictional places you can visit in real life

<p>Step into the world of your favourite book, movie or TV show with a visit to these fictional locations that represented the original.</p> <p><strong>Hogwarts, <em>Harry Potter</em></strong></p> <p>You won’t see anyone playing Quidditch on the lawns, but Alnwick Castle in Northumberland in the UK played Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films (with a little digital trickery thrown in). The castle has been the home of the Dukes of Northumberland for more than 700 years and is in high demand with film and TV crews – it also stars in the <em>Downton Abbey </em>Christmas specials.</p> <p><em><strong>Jurassic Park</strong></em></p> <p>The lush jungle foliage and towering waterfalls of the island of Kauai in Hawaii served as the backdrop for Stephen Spielberg’s rampaging dinosaurs in all three <em>Jurassic Park</em> movies. You can rent a four-wheel drive and travel through the national park where the movie was filmed though, sadly, none of the dinosaurs remained behind after shooting wrapped.</p> <p><strong>West Egg, <em>The Great Gatsby</em></strong></p> <p>F Scott Fitzgerald modelled West Egg on Great Neck in Long Island, New York. This area on the north coast of Long Island was known as the Gold Coast because of the huge mansions, polo fields, golf courses and country clubs built there by America’s super wealthy (think Vanderbilt, Astor or Guggenheim). The very grand Oheka Castle in nearby Huntington partly inspired Gatsby’s house.</p> <p><strong>Amity Island, <em>Jaws</em></strong></p> <p>Don’t go in the water! The beach on Amity Island was the setting for the first scene in the classic 1970s horror movie, <em>Jaws</em>. As well as looking the part of the perfect American seaside resort, the shallow water of the bay made it easier for the crew to operate the mechanical sharks.</p> <p><strong>Hundred Acre Wood, <em>Winnie the Pooh</em></strong></p> <p>Just over an hour from London you can walk in the footsteps of Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin through Ashdown Forest. There’s only about 25 square kilometres of wooded area left from what was once a mighty forest, but it is still quintessentially English and one could almost expect Pooh, Tigger and Piglet to come bounding around a shady corner.</p> <p><strong>Greenbow, <em>Forrest Gump</em></strong></p> <p>Life is like a box of chocolates in Varnville, South Carolina, which served as the fictional town of Greenbow in the Oscar winning movie <em>Forrest Gump</em>. The old Southern mansion that Forrest and his mamma lived in was a fake however, built just for production (and torn down right after), and even some of the Vietnam War scenes were shot around Varnville. Thank goodness for special effects.</p> <p><strong>King’s Landing, <em>Game of Thrones</em></strong></p> <p>The historic Maltese capital of Mdina played the part of Kings Landing in the first series of <em>Game of Thrones</em>. The medieval walled city is in the centre of the island and has a population of just 300 – many of whom weren’t happy about the series. Maltese officials complained about the damage done and filming moved to Croatia for the following series.</p> <p><strong>Hobbiton, <em>The Lord of the Rings</em></strong></p> <p>The three Lord of the Rings movies were such a smash hit that the village of Hobbiton was completely rebuilt in the original film location near Matamata in the North Island of New Zealand. You can step inside the tiny hobbit holes, visit the Green Dragon Inn and (of course) buy a souvenir at the gift shop.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

International Travel

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Most amazing animal experiences to have when travelling

<p>These are some unbelievable opportunities around the world to get up close (really close) to your favourite wild animals.</p> <p><strong>Monkey business / Viewing</strong></p> <p>The orangutan is Asia’s only great ape and Borneo is one of only two places in the world that they are found. Decades of deforestation have left the Bornean orangutan seriously endangered. At the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre 60 to 80 of the great apes live on a 43 square kilometre reserve while 25 orphaned babies are rehabilitated in the nursery. Though they look perfect for cuddling, guests can’t get too close – but you can visit during the two feeding times each day and walk among the boardwalks through the forest while the orangutans swoop from the trees to eat the fruit and sugar cane left on feeding platforms around 20 metres away from you</p> <p><strong>Baby elephant walk / Hands on</strong></p> <p>The Asian elephant is an endangered species and Thailand is home to more Asian elephants than anywhere in the world. For a hands-on experience with these gentle giants, Patara Elephant Farm in Chiang Mai allows you to participate in their day to day caring. There are six residents elephants that are “adopted” by guests for the day and you are trained to approach the elephant, know its temperament, feed and check its health, bathe and brush it in the river, learn how to ride on its neck and communicate through spoken commands.</p> <p><strong>King of the jungle / Interaction</strong></p> <p>You’re generally not encouraged to get up close to really dangerous animals, but at Lion Encounter in Zambia you can walk alongside some of the eight resident lion cubs – with no fence in between. The cubs range from three to 18 months old and will happily walk through the bush with you, pounce and play with each other and, if you’re lucky, even nuzzle in for a pat. Walks are escorted by guides, scouts and lion handlers so you are never in danger. The program is part of a larger breeding program and once lions graduate from this stage they will be removed from human interaction, integrated with a pack and eventually released into the wild.</p> <p><strong>A whale of a time / Interaction</strong></p> <p>The might be called dwarf minke whales but at eight metres long and weighing several tonnes, they are still pretty substantial. Dwarf minkes pass through the Great Barrier Reef each winter and this is the only place in the world that you can snorkel and dive with them. The whales are very inquisitive and an experience will generally involve interacting with two to three whales for around 90 minutes. Very little is known about these huge mammals so guests are often asked to participate in ongoing research programs and record their observations or submit photos to the minke whale database.</p> <p><strong>One for the bucket list / Viewing</strong></p> <p>With around half of Canada’s grizzly population, British Columbia is the best place to see the bears in the wild. A number of lodges have been established inside the Great Bear Rainforest where guests can participate in guided viewing sessions from boats, getting up very close to the action. Bears can be seen fishing for salmon in rivers, feeding on berries or succulents, and (very rarely) napping in the sun. Tours run from May to October, but visit from August onwards for the best chance to see cubs. At around $1,000 per person per night these tours aren’t cheap, but they are certainly unforgettable.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="../travel/travel-club/2015/02/unusual-places-you-can-stay/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">5 of the most unusual places your spend the night</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="../travel/travel-club/2015/01/classic-rail-journeys-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">All aboard! Classic rail journeys around the world</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="../travel/travel-club/2014/11/worlds-beautiful-landscapes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">6 of the world’s most beautiful (and surreal) landscapes</a></strong></em></span></p>

Travel Tips

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“That is my face”: Harrison Ford takes pro-de-ageing stance

<p>Harrison Ford has come to the defence of the de-ageing technology used in the upcoming fifth instalment in the <em>Indiana Jones</em> series: <em>Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny</em>.</p> <p>The film drew criticism from reviewers over its application of the technology, with many wondering why the studio hadn’t opted to instead support younger actors and cast them in the role, while others simply questioned the “believability” of the tech. </p> <p>But Ford, who has been the face of Indiana Jones since the professor’s first film in 1981, is having none of that. During a press conference at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, the actor moved to silence critics, telling them “I know that that is my face. </p> <p>“It’s not a kind of Photoshop magic - that’s what I looked like 35 years ago. Because Lucasfilm has every frame of film that we’ve made together over all of these years.</p> <p>“This process, this scientific mining of this library, this was put to good [use] … It’s just a trick unless it’s supported by a story, and it sticks out like a sore thumb if it’s not honest, it’s not real… I mean, emotionally real. </p> <p>“And so I think it was used very skillfully.”</p> <p>And for those concerned that the 80-year-old’s take might carry across into his stance on the process of ageing itself, he was quick to note that when it comes to growing older, he is “very happy with it, but I don't look back and say, 'I wish I was that guy again,' because I don't.</p> <p>"I'm real happy with age. I love being older. It was great to be young, but s***fire I could be dead, and I'm still working."</p> <p>Despite this, Ford has confirmed that this film will be the last time fans can expect to see him in the iconic role, and he’ll be hanging up Jones’ hat for good. </p> <p>And when asked why, Ford’s answer was simple, with the actor confessing “I need to sit down and rest a little bit. I love to work, and I love this character, and I love what it brought into my life, and that's all I can say.”</p> <p>Fans of the star and the franchise have come out in support of his decision, most recently during a standing ovation at the same festival he’d spoken at - applause that had moved Ford to tears. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Harrison Ford with tears in his eyes during the standing ovation for ‘INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY’. <a href="https://t.co/mJtRv4wLKk">pic.twitter.com/mJtRv4wLKk</a></p> <p>— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) <a href="https://twitter.com/DiscussingFilm/status/1659294979485757486?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>However, as one user pointed out, that didn’t necessarily mean smooth sailing for fans, with the fifth film likely to get them talking - de-ageing technology aside. </p> <p>“Oh my god. no bc if HE is crying it means the movie is really gonna be something special,” one wrote. “i'm gonna be sick”.</p> <p>“Thanks for the last adventure,” another said. “Surreal that this moment in cinema is here. The last time we will ever get an Indiana Jones film with Harrison Ford.”</p> <p>And as someone else put it, “seeing him get emotional for getting praise for a role that he loves so dearly has me emotional too.”</p> <p>“And there is proof Harrison Ford loves what he does,” one other declared. “A proper movie star who just wants to act. That's genuine pride.”</p> <p><em>Images: Lucas Film Ltd </em></p>

Movies

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Where to find free wifi when you’re travelling

<p>Data usage overseas can be eye-wateringly expensive so if you want to stay connected with your smartphone, tablet or laptop you’ll need to hunt down a wifi hotspot. And it’s even better when it’s free. These are the most likely places where you’ll be able to log on for no charge.</p> <p><strong>The food chain</strong></p> <p>Most travellers do their best to steer clear of chains like Starbucks and McDonalds while travelling (and with good reason), but they almost always offer free wifi with a purchase. Grab a cup of coffee or some chicken nuggets and settle in. In smaller cafes or restaurants, look out for a sign in the window offering free wifi – many establishments in popular tourist areas will offer it in the hope of attracting more customers.</p> <p><strong>In the bedroom</strong></p> <p>Plenty of hotels are stubbornly sticking to their guns and charging exorbitant fees for wifi and, strangely enough, it tends to be the more expensive hotels that will hit your hip pocket. Check out the Hotel Chatter wifi Report for a list of the wifi winners, and choose brands like Ibis, Mercure, Holiday Inn, Radisson blu or Best Western for free coverage. You also want to make sure that it extends to your room and is not just available in the foyer or restaurant.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-club/2015/01/best-travel-gadgets/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Related link: 8 of the best travel gadgets for your next trip</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><strong>Public property</strong></p> <p>Libraries, shopping centres, museums and even public parks often have their own free wifi hotspots and generally just require you to accept their terms or register your email address. Some cities have gone the whole way and established municipal networks that cover the whole city. So if you’re going to Seoul, Boston, Osaka, Perth or Barcelona you’ll find hundreds of hotspots blanketing the city.</p> <p><strong>Appy trails</strong></p> <p>Download the wifi Finder app before you travel and you’ll never be stuck for a connection. It has a database of over 650,000 hotspots worldwide that you can download and then access without an internet connection. Your phone’s GPS will point you in the right direction.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-club/2014/12/best-day-walks-in-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Easy does it – the best day walks around Australia</a></span></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-club/2015/02/survive-a-long-haul-flight/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Survive a long-haul flight</a></span></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-club/2014/12/how-to-get-an-upgrade/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Insider tips for securing an upgrade</a></span></strong></em></p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p>

Travel Tips

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All grown up! Catherine Zeta-Jones' daughter makes Cannes debut

<p dir="ltr">Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas’ daughter, Carys Zeta-Jones, has made her debut at the Cannes Film Festival.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 20-year-old, who appeared alongside her parents, attended the screening for <em>Jeanne du Barry</em> on Tuesday.</p> <p dir="ltr">Carys stunned in a semi-sheer white gown with intricate floral detailing. She completed the look with a pair of statement diamond earrings and had her hair up in an elegant bun.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her mother, Catherine, looked glamorous in a flowy red gown with a plunging neckline which she paired with a matching dark red lip.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her father, Michael, who was awarded an honorary Palme d’Or award during the evening, looked dapper in a suit and stood centre frame as they made their glamorous entrance.</p> <p dir="ltr">The festival will also screen a previously-unreleased documentary about Michael’s life, called<em> Michael Douglas: The Prodigal Son</em>, as part of a tribute to his lengthy career.</p> <p dir="ltr">Carys’ appearance in the Cannes Film Festival feels like a full circle moment as it is where her parents met in 1998.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair ended up getting married just two years later and have been considered as one of the power couples in the industry since.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Widow of late cricket legend Dean Jones’ lists their family home

<p dir="ltr">The family home of the late cricketing legend Dean Jones has been listed for sale by his wife Jane. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Macedon Ranges property where late Australian cricketer, coach and commentator lived with his family has been listed by his wife, Jane Jones with price hopes of $2.4 million. </p> <p dir="ltr">The batsman resided at the<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-romsey-142041376"> 9-13 William St, Romsey</a>, estate for over 30 years with his wife and their two daughters, Phoebe and Isabella, before his tragic death in 2020.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Jones said her husband always enjoyed coming back to the tranquil property after the “hustle and bustle of cricket life”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“With the amount of travelling he did, he had a big career overseas in India and Pakistan so he wasn’t home very much,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But when he did come home he just loved the country lifestyle and kicking back and relaxing after being on the road for eight months of the year.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The sprawling 3501sq m property has a history dating back to 1900 when it was built by the local White family, who were one of three owners of the estate over its lifetime.</p> <p dir="ltr">Jellis Craig Woodend agent Leanne Pearman said the property also had “beautiful oak trees” in the backyard which were planted in the 1890s and were now heritage listed.</p> <p dir="ltr">Over the Jones’ 33 years in the four-bedroom house, Jane completed and oversaw many renovations including upgrades to the kitchen and bathrooms.</p> <p dir="ltr">There are also seven original fireplaces throughout, plus glass doors leading to an indoor heated swimming pool with a sauna and a gym, all opening to the outdoor kitchen and terrace.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: realestate.com.au</em></p>

Real Estate

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8 ways to stretch your cruise budget

<p>When it comes to cruising there are plenty of ways you can make your budget stretch further without have to give up on the quality of holiday you want to have.</p> <p><strong>Be flexible</strong></p> <p>You can snag a great deal if you’re flexible with dates and open to new destinations. Fares can fluctuate on a daily basis so, if you aren’t locked in to a certain schedule, you could grab a great last minute bargain. Plus, you might discover an amazing new destination you’d never thought of.</p> <p><strong>Shop the sales</strong></p> <p>The cruise industry has sales on all year round and plenty of cruise lines, travel agents, forums and cruise websites will have deals pages or newsletters you can sign up to. If you stay abreast of all the special offers that are coming out, you can be sure to grab the best one.</p> <p><strong>Buy a package</strong></p> <p>Dining at the main restaurants will be included in your fare, but each ship will have a few specialty restaurants that come at an extra charge. If you want to try them all, buy a package that will come at a significant discount. Same goes for alcohol. If you think you’re likely to drink a few cocktails in the afternoon and wine with dinner, buy a daily drinks package to lower the cost.</p> <p><strong>Save on port days</strong></p> <p>Onboard spas are expensive, often even more expensive than you would find on shore. But most ships will have specials on offer during port days when most people are off the ship. If you don’t mind missing the destination you can get a great deal. The onboard shops will often have special sales or events on port days too. Check your daily cruise calendar.</p> <p><strong>Watch your tips</strong></p> <p>Almost all lines will add a daily gratuity to your account, usually around $12to 15 per person per day. You’ll also find an extra 15 to 18 per cent gratuity added to bar bills or spa treatments. That means you don’t have to tip any extra – even though they leave a space for it on the bill. You don’t want to end up tipping 30 per cent on a round of beers.</p> <p><strong>Disconnect at sea</strong></p> <p>Internet and phone calls are the two most expensive things on a cruise – which makes sense when you realise you’re in the middle of the ocean. Mobile roaming charges are steep and cruise ship wifi extortionate, so the best thing to do is unplug your devices. You can always find a free wifi hotspot or payphone when you’re on shore.</p> <p><strong>Guide yourself</strong></p> <p>Shore excursions are a great way to experience a port, but they can also be really expensive. And many of them aren’t worth the money, like beach days or city bus tours. At most places you can get a taxi to take you to the beach for a fraction of the price or find a local bus that will take you on the same route. Do a little internet research before you go and reap the rewards.</p> <p><strong>Use an agent</strong></p> <p>A lot of money saving tactics come from a little DIY, but using a specialist cruise travel agent can actually save you money in the long run. They will help you find the right ship, the right cruise and the right cabin, plus they will know how to take advantage of the added value extras that cruise lines always have on offer.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>

Cruising

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6 ways to save money on your next cruise

<p>Cruising can be great value but don’t be fooled by the idea of “all-inclusive” – there’s still plenty of ways to spend money once you’re onboard. Here are a few tips to cut down your costs.</p> <p><strong>Drink up</strong></p> <p>Consider pre-purchasing a drinks package before you board. These don’t just cover alcoholic drinks – you can get packages for water, soft drinks or coffees. Remember that cruise lines charge restaurant prices for drinks and a gratuity charge of 10 to 15 per cent is generally added on top of each purchase, so your tab can quickly add up. Do the maths and work out how much you would need to drink each day to make the package worthwhile.</p> <p><strong>It’s a shore thing</strong></p> <p>Most onboard experiences, like the spa or a specialty restaurant, will offer deals on port days when they expect most passengers to be off the ship. If you don’t mind missing out on the destination it can be a great day to treat yourself and save as much as 50 per cent.</p> <p><strong>Disconnect</strong></p> <p>Wifi on cruise ships is notoriously expensive and you could be paying up to 75c per minute. Avoid using the onboard service and wait til you’re onshore – you will always be able to find a local wifi hotspot providing free or reasonably priced access. Or you can switch off altogether and embrace the lost art of travelling without technology.</p> <p><strong>Choose your own adventure</strong></p> <p>All cruise lines offer a huge range of activities at each port, but the prices can be exorbitant. Instead of paying $50 per person for a basic bus tour of the city, see if there is a local bus you can take. Do you need to take a “tour” to the beach, or can you just take a taxi? Check out local operators offering the same experience for a better price. Most will be familiar with cruise passengers and can offer a package that will suit your budget and timeframe. The only danger here is that if you are on a privately organised excursion and you’re late getting back, the ship won’t wait for you – so keep a close eye on your watch.</p> <p><strong>Tipping the scales</strong></p> <p>Remember that a daily per person gratuity charge is added to your room account, so don’t feel the need to tip on any extras you pay for (like bar bills or spa treatments). If you thought the service was fantastic and deserves a little extra then go ahead, but don’t feel obliged just because there’s a line for it on the bill.</p> <p><strong>Cheque please!</strong></p> <p>Ships are cash-free environments, so you will have an account and before you disembark you will need to pay any additional costs that you have incurred. Check the bill carefully – mistakes can be made and you could end up paying for things you didn’t have or that were included in a package. Keep a careful record of what you buy and match it to your bill before handing over your credit card.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Travel Tips

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Neighbours reveals which stars are moving back to Ramsay Street

<p>New details have emerged over which <em>Neighbours</em> cast members will be returning to Ramsay St when the series launches on Amazon’s FreeVee late 2023. </p> <p>The show - axed after 27 years on air - will benefit from the presence of a few fan favourite faces, with Annie Jones, Rebekah Elmaloglou, Georgie Stone, and Tim Kano reprising their roles as Jane Harries, Terese Willis, Mackenzie Hargreaves, and Leo Tanaka respectively. </p> <p>And for those hoping to see Ramsay St’s iconic faces in the mix again, have no fear, Ian Smith will be returning at Harold Bishop. He will, however, only be returning as a guest, along with April Rose Pengilly (the actress behind Chloe Brennan), and Melissa Bell (Lucy Robinson). </p> <p>The announcement is not the first to delight fans of the long-running soap, with the likes of Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson), Jackie Woodburne (Susan Kennedy), Alan Fletcher (Karl Kennedy), and Ryan Moloney (Toadie Rebecchi) already having confirmed their commitment to the revival. </p> <p>Georgie Stone took to Instagram to share the news of her return, along with a series of snaps with her fellow cast members. </p> <p>“Ramsay Street here we come… (again!),” she captioned the image, noting her excitement and that fans should “stay tuned”.</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/CpNEXARrsfH/?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/CpNEXARrsfH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Georgie Stone (@georgiestone)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Fans were thrilled with the news, and showered Georgie with their enthusiasm in the comments - a few, however, were miffed that they’d been through an entire finale only to have to pick it all back up again. </p> <p>“Fantastic to see the familiar favourites all coming back!” gushed one fan. “Can't wait for <em>Neighbours</em> to start back again! Honestly, I barely watch TV anymore without my daily fix of Neighbours.”</p> <p>“Yes, can't wait for watch <em>Neighbours </em>again,” echoed one. </p> <p>“Cannot wait to have you back on our screens,” wrote another.</p> <p>And in a comment that appeared to speak for the masses, one declared “love that you guys are all back!” </p> <p>The news was also shared to Neighbours’ official twitter account, with a special video from the cast members to commemorate the announcement. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">We're so excited to announce that Annie Jones, Georgie Stone, Rebekah Elmaloglou and Tim Kano will be reprising their roles in the new episodes of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Neighbours?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Neighbours</a> later this year! 🎉✨ Plus we will have special guest appearances by Ian Smith, April Rose Pengilly &amp; Melissa Bell! <a href="https://t.co/6ZLKkmKJWE">pic.twitter.com/6ZLKkmKJWE</a></p> <p>— Neighbours (@neighbours) <a href="https://twitter.com/neighbours/status/1630529084013834240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><em>Neighbours</em>’ producers have announced that the series will not be jumping around with its timeline, instead picking up where the finale left off. </p> <p>The series is set to go into production in the next few months, with new episodes likely in the spring - Australians will be able to catch the first-run episodes on Channel 10, and one week later on Amazon Prime Video. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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