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"The greatest gift of all": Sophie Delezio's joyous news

<p>In a heartwarming announcement that has spread joy far and wide, Aussie hero Sophie Delezio has revealed that she and her husband Joseph Salerno are expecting their first child together.</p> <p>The news was shared by Sophie herself on her Instagram page, accompanied by sweet images capturing the excitement and love radiating from the soon-to-be parents.</p> <p>"The greatest gift of all coming in September," Sophie shared, her words brimming with anticipation, alongside a tender photo of the couple embracing on the beach, hands gently cradling her growing belly. The announcement, marked with a baby face and heart emoji, was met with an outpouring of love and congratulations from well-wishers near and far.</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/C5SZ98MPL5s/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5SZ98MPL5s/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sophie Delezio (@soph.delezio)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Among those offering their warm wishes were notable figures like Angie Simpson, mother of singer Cody Simpson, and former Hi-5 star turned <em>Getaway</em> reporter Charli Robinson. Their messages echoed the sentiments of many, celebrating this new chapter in Sophie's extraordinary life.</p> <p>Sophie Delezio's journey has been one of resilience, courage, and unwavering spirit. Her story first captured the hearts of Australians when, as a toddler, she survived a horrific car crash that left her with severe burns covering 85 percent of her body. The incident, which occurred in 2003 when a car crashed into a Sydney childcare centre, trapped young Sophie under the burning vehicle, forever altering the course of her life.</p> <p>Tragically, Sophie's resilience would be tested once again in 2006 when she was struck by another car near her home, resulting in a brain injury and a heart attack. Despite the immense challenges she faced, Sophie's fighting spirit prevailed, inspiring countless individuals with her remarkable journey of survival and perseverance.</p> <p>In 2023, Sophie Delezio embarked on a new chapter of her life as she <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/sophie-delezio-s-fantastic-personal-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener">became engaged to her childhood friend Joseph Salerno</a>. Now, with the announcement of their pregnancy, Sophie and Joseph are set to embrace parenthood with the same courage and love that have defined their lives thus far.</p> <p>We join in sending our heartfelt congratulations to the expectant parents and eagerly await the arrival of their precious little one, knowing that their journey of love, courage and resilience is far from over.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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"The greatest miracle": Swimming legend's heartwarming family news

<p>Australian swimming legend Ellie Cole has celebrated the "unexpected" arrival of her baby boy. </p> <p>The Paralympic swimming champion took to Instagram to share the news of her son's birth, who arrived three weeks before his due date. </p> <p>Sharing a sweet photo of the new bub wrapped in his hospital blanket, the 32-year-old mum expressed basked in the joy of motherhood. </p> <p>“They say when your own child is born, it is one of the greatest miracles you could ever hope for,” she wrote.</p> <p>“We are feeling so blessed - Felix Parker Cole joined our family this morning, unexpectedly, three weeks early."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C29McEDhHb0/?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/C29McEDhHb0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Ellie Cole (@elliecoleswim)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“We know that he will make us see the world in an entirely different way. Welcome to the world, little Felix. All we see is you.”</p> <p>Aussie swimming great Libby Trickett was one of several high-profile stars to pass on their congratulations, while former swimming champ and Seven TV presenter Joh Griggs said, “Oh massive congratulations. How wonderful ❤️❤️❤️”.</p> <p>Cole is Australia’s most decorated female Paralympian who dominated the pool for years before her retirement in 2022, not long after her third Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.</p> <p>In four Paralympics she won 17 medals, including six gold, and at the Comm Games she won one silver and three bronze medals.</p> <p>She recently received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) award in the Australia Day honours in January.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram / Getty Images </em></p> <p class="css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020" style="box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word; margin: 0px 0px 1.125rem; line-height: 25px; font-size: 1.125rem; font-family: HeyWow, Montserrat, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; caret-color: #292a33; color: #292a33;"> </p>

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“Greatest innings of any kind ever”: Cricket world stunned

<p>ODI hero Glenn Maxwell has single-handedly rewritten the cricket record books, leaving fans and fellow players alike scratching their heads in disbelief.</p> <p>In the recent ODI match against Afghanistan, where Australia found themselves in a precarious position at 7/91 chasing 292, Maxwell delivered an innings that has now been dubbed the "greatest innings ever" – or, in the words of captain Pat Cummins, "Just ridiculous. I don't know how you describe that."</p> <p>Maxwell's adventure leading up to this awe-inspiring performance involved a mishap on the golf course that left him nursing an injury and missing Australia's previous World Cup game. It seems that the golf course has its share of hazards, but Maxwell was more than willing to make amends with his cricketing prowess.</p> <p>The drama reached its peak when Maxwell, the man of the hour, made his entrance. He defied all odds and stats, forming an unbroken partnership of 202 for the eighth wicket with the skipper, who contributed a modest 12 runs. While Cummins found himself with little to do but admire Maxwell's heroics, he summed it up perfectly, saying, "I couldn't get on strike! I just let Maxi do his thing, how am I going to say anything to someone batting like that?"</p> <p>The cricketing world was equally flabbergasted by Maxwell's performance. Former England captain Michael Vaughan declared, "This is the greatest ODI innings ever. It might be the greatest innings of any kind ever."</p> <p>And the accolades didn't stop there; even cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar couldn't contain his awe, taking to X (formerly known as Twitter) to exclaim, "From Max pressure to Max performance! This has been the best ODI knock I've seen in my life."</p> <p>Maxwell's knock of 201 not out featured 21 fours and 10 sixes and made him only the third batsman in World Cup history to score a double century. His list of records broken during the game is so long that you'd need a bigger scoreboard to fit them all. He set records for the highest score in an ODI run chase, the highest score at No.5 or lower, the first ever 200-run score in a run chase, the highest score for an Australian batter in an ODI, and the second-fastest 200 in an ODI.</p> <p>Maxwell's cramp attack while batting at 146 was just a minor hiccough in his incredible journey. Following on-field treatment, he continued to pummel Afghanistan's attack with an array of shots that had fans gasping for breath.</p> <p>After the match, the exhausted but victorious Maxwell said, "Horrific, I feel shocking. It was quite hot when we were fielding, I haven't done a whole lot of high-intensity exercise in the heat. It got a hold of me today, I was lucky to stick it out until the end."</p> <p>In the end, it was a rollercoaster of a match that had spectators on the edge of their seats. Maxwell's incredible innings will surely be talked about for years to come, and who knows, maybe the golf course will become the secret training ground for future cricketing legends.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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“England’s greatest ever”: Sir Bobby Charlton’s cause of death

<p>In the early hours of Saturday morning October 21, the footballing world was met with sombre news. England World Cup winner and Manchester United great, Sir Bobby Charlton, described by the club as a "giant of the game", had passed away. Charlton's death marked the end of an era for both English football and Manchester United Football Club, and his legacy will continue to shine as brightly as ever.</p> <p>Charlton had been battling dementia, and his passing came just a week after he celebrated his 86th birthday. His journey through the beautiful game was a storied one, filled with remarkable achievements that will forever etch his name in the annals of football history.</p> <p>Perhaps the pinnacle of Charlton's career was his role in England's victorious 1966 World Cup team. He was a vital cog in the squad that claimed England's first and, so far, only World Cup triumph. His skills, determination, and sportsmanship on the pitch endeared him to fans not only in England but around the world.</p> <p>But his influence didn't stop at the international level. At club level, Charlton enjoyed tremendous success with Manchester United. He played a significant role in the Red Devils becoming the first English club to lift the European Cup in 1968. This victory came a decade after the tragic Munich air crash, which claimed the lives of several members of the United team. Bobby Charlton's resilience and commitment to the club were instrumental in rebuilding and achieving such remarkable heights.</p> <p>Upon hearing the news of Charlton's passing, the footballing community united in mourning. England World Cup winner Geoff Hurst, who scored a historic hat-trick in the 1966 final with Charlton by his side, expressed his sorrow and paid tribute to his "great colleague and friend." The sentiment was echoed by former Manchester United star David Beckham, who revealed that Sir Bobby Charlton had a profound influence on his career, going so far as to say that he was named after the legend himself – with his father giving him the second name "Robert" after his idol at the time.</p> <p>Charlton's impact extended beyond the field, as noted by former England forward Gary Lineker, who dubbed him "England's greatest ever player." Charlton's class and sportsmanship both on and off the pitch made him an enduring symbol of the beautiful game. He represented the essence of what it meant to be a footballing legend.</p> <p>Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville recognised Charlton as the club's "greatest ambassador." His contributions to the Red Devils, both as a player and later as a club director, played a significant role in shaping the club's legacy. He was a constant presence in the dressing room, offering his support and wisdom, win or lose.</p> <p>For Rio Ferdinand, Sir Bobby Charlton was a "true gentleman" and "Mr Manchester United." He recounted a pivotal moment when Charlton shared words with him at the bottom of the stairs in Moscow before lifting the Champions League trophy in 2008. Those words will forever remain with Ferdinand, a testament to the profound impact Charlton had on those around him.</p> <p>Charlton's legacy also reached beyond the United Kingdom, with global football icon Eric Cantona paying his respects, hailing him as "one of the best of all time". Current Manchester United midfielder Casemiro acknowledged Charlton's Ballon d'Or and European Cup victories, highlighting his irreplaceable role in the club's storied history.</p> <p>British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak added his voice to the chorus of tributes, recognising Sir Bobby Charlton's place in history as one of the game's greatest players. He described Charlton as "hugely loved" and offered his condolences, saying, "Rest in peace, Sir Bobby."</p> <p>"Manchester United are in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club," the Premier League club said in a statement. "Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world.</p> <p>"He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as he was for his outstanding qualities as a footballer. Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game."</p> <p><em>Images: Getty Images</em></p>

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“The greatest American novelist” Cormac McCarthy passes away at 89

<p dir="ltr">American novelist Cormac McCarthy, the mind behind the classic works <em>The Road</em>, <em>No Country for Old Men</em>, and <em>All the Pretty Horses</em>, has passed away at the age of 89. </p> <p dir="ltr">The news was broken by McCarthy’s publisher, Alfred A Knopf, with a post to social media announcing that the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer had “died today of natural causes at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico.”</p> <p dir="ltr">McCarthy enjoyed a near 60-year career, penning 12 novels, five screenplays, three short stories, and two plays. And while some may not have soared to commercial heights, many achieved critical acclaim, with late literary critic Howard Bloom even dubbing him the “true heir” of the likes of Herman Melville and William Faulkner. </p> <p dir="ltr">And in 2007, his novel 2006<em> The Road</em> won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, and the James Tait Black Memorial Prize, also for Fiction. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>The Road </em>was arguably McCarthy’s best known work, and followed the journey of a father and his son in a post-apocalyptic world. It was adapted into a film in 2009, like McCarthy’s other two critically acclaimed books, <em>All the Pretty Horses</em> and<em> No Country for Old Men</em>. The latter saw great success in the 2008 Academy Awards, claiming the coveted title of Best Picture.</p> <p dir="ltr">And despite his literary accomplishments, McCarthy opted to remain in relative obscurity for the majority of his career. In 1992, the<em> New York Times Book Review </em>suggested that he might be “the best unknown novelist in America”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The media painted McCarthy as a reclusive figure, and it was well-known that the author preferred not to discuss his books, though Oprah Winfrey managed to get him in for his first - and only - TV interview after <em>The Road </em>featured in her book club.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You always have this hope that ‘today I'm going to do something better than I've ever done’," he told her. "I like what I do."</p> <p dir="ltr">“Some writers have said in print that they hated writing, it was just a chore and a burden. I certainly don't feel that way about it,” McCarthy went on to explain. “Sometimes it's difficult but you always have this image of the perfect thing which you can never achieve but which you never stop trying to achieve."</p> <p dir="ltr">Friends, writers, and fans took to social media in the wake of the news, with tributes to share their love for McCarthy and his works, as well as their agreement that he had achieved something very special throughout his life and literature. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Cormac McCarthy, maybe the greatest American novelist of my time, has passed away at 89,” author Stephen King wrote. “He was full of years and created a fine body of work, but I still mourn his passing.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“When a great artist dies, there is the moment when the world understands it will never again have a new creation from that mind, that heart, that vast soul. It is a loss beyond measure, but what that soul has left us is a gift beyond time,” writer Joseph Fasano shared. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I love every book McCarthy wrote,” one fan declared. “From a film point of view, his writing was so good that the Coen Brothers hardly changed a word of dialogue when they adapted <em>No Country For Old Men</em>. Why would they? You can't improve on perfection.”</p> <p dir="ltr">And as another said, “Cormac McCarthy’s writing was mean, and despairing, with a pretty withering view of humankind, and the cruel engines that drive it. but he had that faint flicker of belief that it could be different. ‘He can know his heart, but he don’t want to.’ gotta tend that flame folks. RIP.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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10 greatest cats of the internet

<h2>Tardar Sauce aka Grumpy Cat</h2> <p>Look at that face: displeased with life and not impressed with the photoshoot. Grumpy Cat’s face has been the subject of a proliferation of memes, the best and most definitive simply says, NO. Incidentally that’s not what she said to Friskies cat food when they offered her the position of spokescat.</p> <h2>Sam</h2> <p>A touch more difficult to locate by name than by expression, Sam Has Eyebrows is mostly famous for his distinctive paws… Just kidding.</p> <h2>Shironeko</h2> <p>Images of Shironeko are usually of him smiling in his sleep and in a basket, which of course earned him the creative nickname, Basket Cat. You can put him down anywhere, balance anything on his head and…chill. Such a zen pet.</p> <h2>Nala</h2> <p>With over 1.5 millon Instagram followers, Nala’s antics are known the world-over. Mostly posing in bow-ties or doing her perfect OMG face, blue-eyed Nala has risen from orphan cat to sensation!</p> <h2>Colonel Meow</h2> <p>Colonel Meow doesn’t have fans he has ‘minions’. He drinks scotch, swears like a trooper, has his own news channel and has been awarded a spot in the Guinness Book of Records for his nine-inch-long fur! Unfortunately he passed in 2014 but his memory will live on the Internet forever.</p> <h2>Hamilton The Hipster Cat</h2> <p>Just look at that perfectly sculpted handlebar tash! Hamilton has the boys and girls of Shoreditch, Williamsberg, Berlin and all other hipster-hubs on their knees.</p> <h2>Scarface</h2> <p>Oh my. Scarface has seen it all and fought it all. He is now recuperating at a sanctuary after making his own calendar for Singapore’s Cat Welfare Society to help other young tomcats avoid a life of crime.</p> <h2>Maru</h2> <p>Maru is a very hard worker… The Japanese resident has released two books, starred in numerous television commercials and has littered the Internet with hundreds of stunt videos involving him testing the limits of the average cardboard box. What’s next for Maru? Probably a nap!</p> <h2>Nyan Cat</h2> <p>What’s to say about Nyan? Nyan is a poptart with the face of cat. She hurtles through time-space trailing rainbows behind her to the super-cute sounds of Japanese pop, while singing nyan-nyan-nyan (Japanese for meow). A whole industry is based around Nyan; toys, endless memes, smartphone games, oh and a clothing line.</p> <h2>Snoopy babe</h2> <p>Arguably the cutest cat on the whole of the Internet, Snoopy’s fame is rapidly soaring. I have chosen this photo simply to illustrate the cat-in-bread trend now sweeping the internet, but it does not do her justice. I urge you to seek her out.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Facebook / Instagram</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/pets/10-greatest-cats-of-the-internet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.</em></p>

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10 greatest dogs of the internet

<h2>Dog stars of the internet</h2> <p>You know what they say – dogs are a man’s best friend. In fact, with the boom of social media, dogs are celebrities, business moguls, and models too! Are you up to date with the four-legged good boys and girls of the internet? Buckle up because you’re in for an adorable ride.</p> <h2>Jiffpom</h2> <p>Can you believe that this famed Pomeranian has made a guest appearance in a Katy Perry music video? Well, he has. Known as the dog with the most Instagram followers, Jiff is so much more than just a teddy-like dog with neatly-trimmed hair.</p> <p>Jiff has Guinness World Records under his collar for being the fastest dog on two paws: one for the ten-metre run on his hind legs and five-metre run on his front paws. When he isn’t breaking records and filming music videos with celebrities, Jiff dresses up in comfy outfits showcased on his <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jiffpom/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>, adored by all of the internet.</p> <h2>Noodle the Pug</h2> <p>Better known as the “bones or no bones” dog, Noodle gained traction on TikTok. Nearly every morning, his owner, Jonathan Graziano, would wake Noodle by lifting him gently out of his sleeping position. If Noodle wakes up and stands on his paws, it is a “bones” day; if Noodle collapses right back into his bed, it is a “no bones” day.</p> <p>Don’t be shocked, as Noodle’s bones don’t just disappear overnight! Graziano and Noodle’s fanbase have agreed that a “no bones” day is one to lay low, avoid big risks, and treat yourself, whereas a “bones” day is one filled with ambition and determination to tackle your to-do list. Graziano has clarified that we must not mistake a “no bones” day for a bad day.</p> <p>TikTok users would seek out the wise sage of a pug every day to set the daily tone, with some sharing the courageous things they would do on “bones” days, such as proposing to their partners or buying a winning lotto ticket. Unfortunately, Noodle passed in late 2022, but he will be remembered for the joy he spread to millions online.</p> <h2>Doug the Pug</h2> <p>It seems pugs are having a field day with becoming media magnets! If you’re wondering why this gentleman looks so familiar, that’s because he has graced the pages of Cosmopolitan, TIME and Buzzfeed.</p> <p>Doug is no stranger to dressing up, venturing the world, and meeting the likes of Ed Sheeran or John Legend, all while maintaining a down-to-earth, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/itsdougthepug/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">relatable feed</a> for his fans. This pug even had his literary debut titled The King of Pop Culture (though it certainly would’ve been a great opportunity to call the book The King of Pup Culture), a board book serving photos of Doug with hilarious captions.</p> <p>Doug’s owners have also used his platform for good, kickstarting a non-profit foundation supporting children fighting life-threatening diseases.</p> <h2>Kabosu aka Doge</h2> <p>This is the very same doge whose expressive photos went viral as timeless memes and who became the face of a cryptocurrency. The name of this famous Shiba Inu is Kabosu, and she was adopted by a kindergarten teacher from a Japanese animal shelter fifteen years ago.</p> <p>The meme featuring Kabosu gained popularity after it <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/doge/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">surfaced on Reddit</a> in 2010, and people began creating their versions of the meme, further making Kabosu a widely-recognisable face.</p> <p>When two software engineers wanted to satirise the chaotic speculation around cryptocurrencies in 2013, they created Dogecoin featuring Kabosu’s face. Ironically, some began investing in Dogecoin seriously, and with a little help from Reddit, Dogecoin eventually amassed a market capitalisation of over $85 million in 2021.</p> <p>Kabosu, of course, has more to offer than her meme face on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.uk/inspire/animals-pets/10-greatest-dogs-of-the-internet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">her Instagram</a>.</p> <h2>Maya the “Polar Bear”</h2> <p>Maya is a dog that resembles a polar bear and is what would make you say the word “floof”. Indeed, the Samoyed’s white fur will test your urge to hug her across the screen.</p> <p>While Maya doesn’t participate in dress-up like other internet dogs, her owner shares her daily life with fans on the internet. There are various videos of Maya going about her day like we do: celebrating Christmas, going to the vet, being clingy to her owner, and more!</p> <p>If <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mayapolarbear/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">her Instagram</a> doesn’t quench your thirst for wholesome dog content, Maya also has an outstanding <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/Mayapolarbear" target="_blank" rel="noopener">YouTube channel</a> with 2.68 million subscribers.</p> <h2>Marnie the Shih Tzu</h2> <p>As much as our hearts melt for the big, fluffy dogs, smaller breeds that look like they can fit in a Starbucks cup have a special place in everyone’s hearts. The story of Marnie the rescue dog is a heart-warming one, beginning with the day she was adopted, which Marnie’s owner refers to as her “Gotcha Day”.</p> <p>Marnie’s owner, Shirley, had limited experience with dogs but knew she was fated to have one, and Marnie’s eyes called out to her via a photo on petfinder.com. In an Instagram post, Shirley recalled the distressing state of the shelter when she picked up Marnie in 2012, determined to give the pup a better life.</p> <p>What led to the internet’s fascination with Marnie was her innocent head tilts and a tongue so long that it would habitually hang out of her mouth, as is evident from almost every photograph on Marnie’s social media. Marnie, just like the other famous pets, had opportunities to meet celebrities who mimicked her adorable tongue placement (such as Demi Lovato in the pic above), giving fans wholesome selfies.</p> <p>Marnie led a happy and fulfilling life up to the age of 18, but when you miss her, you can always catch her head tilts and tongue pokes on<a href="https://www.instagram.com/marniethedog/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> her Instagram.</a></p> <h2>Manny the Frenchie</h2> <p>It seems dog owners have an affinity for dog names that begin with M; next up on our list of internet sensations is Manny, the world’s most-followed bulldog on Instagram. A quick swipe of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/manny_the_frenchie/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Manny’s Instagram</a> would have everyone saying, “that’s relatable”, as there is a photograph of Manny taking a nap at least once every three rows.</p> <p>When he’s not getting some shut-eye, Manny also has a merchandise line and is quite the philanthro-pup being the face of <a href="https://www.mannyandfriends.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Manny &amp; Friends Foundation</a>, whose mission is to help humans and pets alike. The foundation lends a helping hand to children battling serious illnesses and homeless pets who need saving.</p> <h2>Norbert</h2> <p>Just when you thought things couldn’t get cuter, let me introduce you to Norbert, the therapy dog that weighs under 2kg. If you visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NorbertDog" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Norbert on Facebook</a>, you’ll see that this little guy is also a business mastermind, selling a line of enamel pins, playing cards, and wall calendars – you name it, he has it!</p> <p>Like Marnie, Norbert also sticks his tongue out in certain photos, making his one million followers fall head over heels for this pup you can hold in one hand. The best part? Norbert can style a bowtie like no other.</p> <h2>Tuna</h2> <p>No, not the fish. Tuna is a Chiweenie rescued by his current owner from a farmers’ market in California, and now he is an internet sensation with 2 million followers on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tunameltsmyheart/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>.</p> <p>What sets Tuna apart is his overbite and recessed jawline, which does not stop him from spreading love and joy to netizens. Tuna now encourages his following to adopt animals in need as an ambassador for animal rescue. When he isn’t caught up with his ambassador duties, you can find him travelling around the world via his <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thetravelingtuna/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">second Instagram account</a>.</p> <h2>Shiba-san</h2> <p>We saved the best for last. Did you know there used to be a tobacco shop in Tokyo run by a furry little clerk? Shiba-san ran the store alongside his owner and visitors would drop by to get a glimpse at the extraordinary dog. He would slide open the shop window when customers approached, greeting them with utmost professionalism.</p> <p>Sadly, the keyword here is “used to”. The store was closed in 2015 and Shiba-san has since retired, getting some well-deserved rest with his owner. Luckily, you can still catch the retired clerk on his<a href="https://www.instagram.com/doggy134/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> owner’s Instagram</a> now and then.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on<a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/pets/10-greatest-dogs-of-the-internet" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Reader's Digest</a>.</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Soccer’s “greatest domestic treasure” found after 70 years

<p>It took 69 years, but the Soccer Ashes have finally been found. </p> <p>Australian football has been on the hunt for the treasured trophy since 1954, when it - by all accounts - disappeared from the face of the Earth. </p> <p>The “greatest domestic treasure”, a title bestowed upon it by Australian football historian Trevor Thompson, is easy enough to miss at first glance. The hand-carved wooden box is small, but like with most things in life, it’s what’s on the inside that counts - in this case, the ashes of two cigars smoked by the Australia and New Zealand captains in 1923 following their first ‘A’ international match in Australia. </p> <p>The trophy - which is now considered to be a main contributing element in the wider history of Australia’s national team, the Socceroos - serves as the first one ever contested between the rival sides, and was thought up by the then-team manager for New Zealand, Harry Mayer. </p> <p>His belief that the two sides needed something to play for - similar to cricket’s Ashes - led to its creation. Mayer himself - a trophy maker - constructed the piece, combining the likes of New Zealand honeysuckle and Australian maple, including the iconic imagery of kangaroos and silver ferns on its lid.</p> <p>Within the box lies a blue velvet lining, and a silver-plated razor case. The case is a main feature of the trophy, as it once belonged to the-secretary of the Queensland Football Association, Private William Fisher. He had been carrying it with him during the 1915 Gallipoli landing.</p> <p>In the 30 years to follow, the two nations competed for the trophy, and saw it passed back and forth between Australia and New Zealand before its 1954 disappearance. And while some feared it had simply been tossed aside or at worst destroyed, many were not willing to give up on it. </p> <p>Historians Trevor Thompson and Ian Syson, for example, set out in 2019 on a mission to track it down, armed with the support of Football Australian and government funding.</p> <p>And to the delight of soccer fans across both nations, they did it. </p> <p>The family of the late and former Australian Soccer Football Association’s chairman Sydney Storey found it tucked away with a whole host of other treasures - including but not limited to football memorabilia, pictures, newspaper clippings, and other assorted documents - in his garage. It took them a year to identify and verify all of Storey’s vast collection, but it was all worth the wait, with the family reaching out to Football Australia as soon as possible. </p> <p>In the wake of the joyous discovery, there have been calls for the trophy - or at least a replica of it - to once again be implemented, as well as for the trans-Tasman competition to become an annual event. </p> <p>As Ian Syson explained, “this trophy is symbolic of something really important, and its discovery is also really important as well.</p> <p>"Its absence was a symptom of Australian soccer's tendency to forget itself, and for the surrounding culture not to care at all.</p> <p>"This trophy is replete with sacred significance to a country that is so obsessed with its Anzac mythology. For that to go missing, it says a lot about the way this game manages to shoot itself in the foot all the time.</p> <p>"And so maybe this is a sign that the game can correct itself, can fix itself, can remember itself - if there's enough people caring about it, if there's enough people taking an interest in the history.</p> <p>"It means so much for the game."</p> <p><em>Images: Twitter</em></p>

News

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Masterchef’s greatest mystery finally solved

<p>A former <em>Masterchef </em>contestant has satisfied the cravings of curious viewers all across the world by finally revealing what becomes of each episode’s leftovers. </p> <p>The cooking competition regularly sees contestants create extravagant dishes to offer the show’s trio of judges - Melissa Leong, Jock Zonfrillo, and Andy Allen. And as any member of the audience can attest, the three rarely polish off an entire plate of food, leading many to wonder - since the show’s inception in 2009 - what happens to the rest of the meals. </p> <p><em>As Now To Love</em> have reported, ‘doggie bags’ are Masterchef’s most encouraged waste prevention manoeuvre. While the judges reportedly eat “most” of what’s on offer, and the contestants will have a small sample of each others’ creations, the take-home bags are the final step towards dealing with any leftovers hanging about when filming wraps. </p> <p>Melissa Leong was the one to spill the beans on the leftover situation while speaking to New Zealand’s <em>Stuff</em>, telling them that while filming she only ever tries enough to trust her own judgement, and that “sometimes when something is especially tasty it is very difficult not to go back for a second, third or fourth bite, but part of the job is exercising restraint.''</p> <p>''I'm not going to lie, there are definitely days where I do not need to have dinner or lunch because I do most of my eating on camera.''</p> <p>And when it comes to the dishes themselves? Clean up is a one man job, with <em>Masterchef</em>’s executive producer Margaret Bashfield revealing that Leigh Dowling, their dishwasher, “washes everything you see.</p> <p>"He's the happiest bloke on the team, even when he gets pots that are horribly burnt on the bottom."</p> <p>With the show gearing up for its 15th season, and a focus on ‘Secrets &amp; Surprises’, the crew are bound to have their work cut out for them, as well as a few changes to navigate along the way.</p> <p>The high-pressure series will have a shorter runtime than in its previous 14 seasons, taking a step away from its two month marathon as the showrunners aim to keep audiences engaged over the course of the competition.</p> <p>The pressure will be on for the new batch of contestants from the moment they step into the kitchen, as Melissa declares in the series’ promotional material, “we’ve loaded up the biggest surprise ever on day one of the competition”, before revealing that celebrity chef Jamie Oliver will be joining the cast. Additionally, competitors are set to face some of the biggest challenges ever seen on <em>Masterchef</em>, life-changing dishes, and guest judges some could only dream of ever cooking for - or, as the case may be, preparing a scrumptious bag of leftovers for. </p> <p><em>Images: Twitter</em></p>

TV

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"I just got brushed": Ally Langdon responds to greatest snub in Australian television

<p>An awkward exchange between Tracy Grimshaw and her rumoured A Current Affair replacement has been caught on camera and immediately went viral on social media.</p> <p>The media veteran bid an emotional farewell to ACA after 17 years of hosting. Of course, Channel 9 staff delivered a standing ovation after she signed off for the last time.</p> <p>However, the clip shows a very awkward exchange between Grimshaw and current Today co-host Allison Langdon.</p> <p>After hugging several other staffers, Grimshaw approaches Langdon, who has her arms outstretched ready for an embrace. Instead of acknowledging this, Grimshaw instead walks right past her, appearing to slightly shake her head before leaning in for a hug with a male colleague.</p> <p>The clip immediately attracted thousands of likes, comments and shares. “I’m actually second hand embarrassed for that lady,” one person wrote, while another added they “need to know the drama” behind the exchange.</p> <p>“In front of at LEAST 50 people as well,” another commented, while one TikTok user said it was proof “Allison is definitely taking her place!”</p> <blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@badassnewss/video/7169539767065955586" data-video-id="7169539767065955586"> <section><a title="@badassnewss" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@badassnewss?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@badassnewss</a> Tracy Grimshaw has signed off ACA for the last time and also regected a hug from Today Show host - Allison Langdon on the way out 😬 bit awks. <a title="tracygrimshaw" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/tracygrimshaw?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#tracygrimshaw</a> <a title="acurrentaffair" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/acurrentaffair?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#acurrentaffair</a> <a title="goodonyatrace" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/goodonyatrace?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#goodonyatrace</a> <a title="congratulations🎉" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/congratulations%F0%9F%8E%89?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#congratulations🎉</a> <a title="♬ another love sped up - avery" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/another-love-sped-up-7043057957856398126?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ another love sped up - avery</a></section> </blockquote> <p>Langdon and Stefanovic weighed in on the “snub” on Today describing the situation as “brutal” but explaining that there was a “reason” behind the apparent brush off.</p> <p>The pair revealed they had “managed to secure some never-before-seen footage from another angle of the shock snub”, with the new clip showing the excruciating moment in even clearer detail.</p> <p>“That’s the moment my heart breaks,” Langdon said.</p> <p>“Look how red my face is. I just got brushed. I don’t think Tracy knows who I am.”</p> <p>Stefanovic joked Langdon “didn’t have much sleep last night”, with his co-host teasing that she was “devastated” after being “brushed” by her “hero”.</p> <p>They went on to share a statement from Grimshaw herself clearing up the incident, with her confirming it had been a big misunderstanding: “I’m sorry I missed you, was so overwhelmed and obviously didn’t see your petite head once Karl’s big boofhead loomed into vision. Argh, big sorry x’’ the statement said.</p> <p>Langdon said she had accepted the apology and the Today co-hosts joked about it being “one of the greatest snubs in Australian television”.</p> <p>“Anyway, apology accepted Trace. It was a very big night. It was a beautiful night to be part of. I have decided I still love her,” Langdon said.</p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

TV

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Mona Lisa voted the greatest artwork of all time

<p dir="ltr">The <em>Mona Lisa</em> has been voted the greatest artwork of all time in an extensive poll of British art enthusiasts. </p> <p dir="ltr">The survey found that the majority of Brits still consider the classics to be the greatest works of art, and that two thirds consider themselves “art lovers”. </p> <p dir="ltr">Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece has been hailed the country's favourite piece of art, with 34 percent of Brits voting it number one.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <em>Mona Lisa</em> is widely regarded as the most iconic artwork, with millions travelling to the Louvre each year to see her elusive smile. </p> <p dir="ltr">Vincent Van Gough's <em>Sunflowers</em> was not far behind in second place, with the painting getting 32 percent of the vote.</p> <p dir="ltr">Painted in Arles, in the south of France, in 1888 and 1889, the series consists of five large canvases with sunflowers in a vase.</p> <p dir="ltr">Painted in Arles in the south of France in 1888 and 1889, the series consists of five large canvases with sunflowers in a vase, with it being said that the sunflower paintings had a special significance for Van Gogh, communicating gratitude.</p> <p dir="ltr">Third on the list of the most admired works of art was the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.</p> <p dir="ltr">With six million visitors flocking to the Vatican every year to gaze at its beauty, the ceiling was painted in fresco by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, and is considered a cornerstone work of High Renaissance art.</p> <p dir="ltr">Other great works on the list included Antony Gormley's <em>The Angel of the North</em>, <em>Balloon Girl</em> by Banksy, Edward Munch’s <em>The Scream</em>, and <em>The Kiss</em> by Gustav Klimt. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p> </p>

Art

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"The sport's greatest player": Billie Jean King's praise for Serena

<p dir="ltr">Serena Williams will be remembered as tennis’ “greatest player”, according to World Tennis Association (WTA) founder Billie Jean King, after the World No. 1 announced she would be retiring from professional tennis at this year’s US Open.</p> <p dir="ltr">Since her career began in 1995, Williams has won 39 Grand Slam titles, including 23 singles, 14 women’s doubles, and two mixed doubles, with King adding that the star player has “inspired a new generation of players and fans”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“When Serena steps away from tennis, she will leave as the sport's greatest player,” King said in a statement.</p> <p dir="ltr">“After a career that has inspired a new generation of players and fans, she will forever be known as a champion who won on the court and raised the global profile of the sport off of it”</p> <p dir="ltr">Williams, who turns 41 next month, found it difficult to announce the news, writing in an op-ed published in Vogue that she felt “a great deal of pain” in deciding to hang up her racquet.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There is no happiness in this topic for me. I know it’s not the usual thing to say, but I feel a great deal of pain. It’s the hardest thing that I could ever imagine. I hate it. I hate that I have to be at this crossroads,” Williams said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I keep saying to myself, I wish it could be easy for me, but it’s not. I’m torn: I don’t want it to be over, but at the same time I’m ready for what’s next.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-23f21c73-7fff-ce1d-d2de-9b48b3bbfa3c">Taking to Instagram, Williams shared photos from her <em>Vogue </em>cover, alongside a heartfelt message for fans.</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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChCgQH0rFbQ/?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/ChCgQH0rFbQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“There comes a time when we have to decide to move in a different direction,” she began the post.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That time is always hard when you love something so much. My goodness do I enjoy tennis. But now, the countdown has begun. I have to focus on being a mom, my spiritual goals and finally discovering a different, but just exciting Serena. I’m gonna relish these next few weeks.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Williams announced she would be retiring following her departure from the WTA Toronto Masters on Wednesday, after losing to Swiss Olympic gold medallist Belinda Bencic.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though she didn’t specify a retirement date, Williams is expected to compete again in Cincinnati before travelling to the US Open, which begins on August 29.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-c1a1c350-7fff-0020-2b59-62b81d97f2d2"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @serenawilliams (Instagram)</em></p>

Retirement Life

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"Greatest load of rot I've ever heard": Kochie fires up

<p dir="ltr">David Koch – aka Kochie – the Port Adelaide president who is famously passionate about his club, has gone nuclear after his Port players were once again denied the opportunity to wear their historic "prison bars" guernsey in a showdown against their fierce Adelaide rivals. .</p> <p dir="ltr">Kochie fired up after it was revealed the club’s request to wear the iconic top for the round 23 showdown against the Crows had been denied.</p> <p dir="ltr">Last time the team was famously denied the chance to wear their black-and-white stripes was in 2021, and they were sternly cautioned that they could be stripped of competition points if they went against the AFL’s wishes.</p> <p dir="ltr">In retaliation, the team defiantly switched into the forbidden strip in the dressing rooms after the game.</p> <p dir="ltr">The heritage jumper has been at the centre of one of football’s most petty feuds and is back in the limelight after Koch’s latest spat, as he shut down suggestions the club was advised back in March their request would be denied.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That is the greatest load of rot I’ve ever heard,” Koch said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In fact, two weeks ago the Collingwood president Jeff Browne rang me out of the blue and said: ‘Kochie look mate, we’re taking your request really seriously, we understand how important it is to your members, we understand the history of it … I’ve been canvassing opinions both in Melbourne and South Australia and I’m putting it to my board (last week) and I don’t want to get your hopes up, but I’m quietly confident we could have good news for you.’</p> <p dir="ltr">Kochie said they had been taken advantage of by Collingwood as the ugly saga drags over into another season.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Remember Collingwood have always said: ‘We own black and white in the AFL/VFL. They are our colours’ – as if you can own two colours. Don’t get me started on that,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I can’t help but feel that we’ve been played in this for being nice and a bit misled by the club and also conversations I’ve had with the president.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It just shows, dare I say, the pettiness of this which has got completely out of hand. I don’t know whether it’s a case of the big Victorian clubs once again going: ‘Hey, you just keep in your place you interstaters, South Australian clubs. We run this competition, you do as we say.’”</p> <p dir="ltr">Port Adelaide entered the AFL in 1997 with an agreement in place that the prison bars could only be worn during the heritage round. However, the league no longer has a dedicated heritage round, with clubs holding their own celebrations each year.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

TV

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New Zealand town dubbed one of ‘World’s Greatest Places’

<p dir="ltr">Queenstown has been named one of the “World’s Greatest Places” by <em>Time Magazine</em>, making it one of 50 “extraordinary travel destinations” from around the world that have been recognised.</p> <p dir="ltr">The South Island town is the only New Zealand destination to make the list, joining the likes of the Galapagos Islands, Seoul, Detroit, Nairobi, and Toronto.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Time</em> compiled the list from a collection of nominations from its international network of correspondents and contributors that included countries, regions, cities and towns that offer new and exciting experiences.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mat Woods, the chief executive of Destination Queenstown, was delighted by the news.</p> <p dir="ltr">“International recognition like this is a great reminder that we live in one of the world’s greatest places … It’s fantastic to be acknowledged internationally, especially after a tough couple of years,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">As for Australia, two locations made the list. Unsurprisingly, the Great Barrier Reef made the list, along with Fremantle in Western Australia.</p> <p dir="ltr">To see<em> Time</em>’s full list of the World’s Greatest Places, head <a href="https://time.com/collection/worlds-greatest-places-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3361e7d6-7fff-9d4e-8d16-dffca9a1ccac"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @federico_pinna_photography (Instagram)</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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The world’s greatest department stores

<p><strong>Galeries Lafayette, Paris</strong></p> <p><span>A Paris institution, Galeries Lafayette houses cutting-edge fashion, jewellery and accessories, home decor and cosmetics, as well as a renowned food section that will have gourmands salivating. </span></p> <p><span>But beyond the shopping, the store is known for its Belle Époque architecture; sign up for a free guided tour of the neo-Byzantine coloured glass dome, rooftop terrace and Art Nouveau staircase.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTjiAsNIHQN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTjiAsNIHQN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Galeries Lafayette (@galerieslafayette)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele, Milan</strong></p> <p><span>Designed in 1860 and built between 1865 and 1877, the Galleria consists of two intersecting covered streets in the centre of Milan, joined by an octagonal space topped with a glass dome connecting the Duomo and Teatro Alla Scala. </span></p> <p><span>Home to some of the city’s oldest shops and restaurants, this predecessor of modern shopping malls is worth a visit for the people watching alone.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLgwB9oMFFK/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLgwB9oMFFK/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (@galleriavittorioemanuele)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Le Bon Marche, Paris</strong></p> <p><span>The oldest department store in Paris and, some say, the first in the world, Le Bon Marché was designed by Gustav Eiffel (yes, that Eiffel) and opened in 1852. </span></p> <p><span>The food department, La grande épicerie de Paris, stocks more than 5,000 local and global products – think French artisanal jams, Spanish ham and Welsh mineral water – for the discerning picnicker.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CX5mh6No6WE/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CX5mh6No6WE/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche (@lebonmarcherivegauche)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Detsky Mir, Moscow</strong></p> <p>Famous since Soviet times, “Children’s World” was Europe’s largest children’s department store when it opened in 1957, and the dream destination of countless Russian children for its endless selection of toys and games, plus a working carousel.</p> <p>Closed for extensive renovations between 2008 and 2014, the fully refurbished store is once again open for business.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7WtHzxiK5t/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7WtHzxiK5t/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by ... и это все о Нём... 💔🙏🏻❤️ (@olgaisole)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Selfridges, London</strong></p> <p><span>At 4 hectares, Selfridges’ Oxford Street flagship store is the second-largest shop in England (beaten for the top spot by Harrods) and has the stock to show for it. </span></p> <p><span>Be sure to check out the famous window displays, which have been photographed and featured in magazines including Vogue and Dwell, and take a break from endless shopping to check out the Art Deco main entrance and in-store art exhibitions.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CYhoL7-N3Bm/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CYhoL7-N3Bm/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Adam Gagliani Saunders (@agaglianiphoto)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Takashimaya, Kyoto</strong></p> <p><span>With roots that can be traced back to a Kyoto kimono shop that opened in 1831, the Takashimaya chain operates stores in Japan, Taiwan and Singapore. </span></p> <p><span>Western brands are well represented but you won’t want to miss the collections of Japanese ceramics, new and recycled kimonos and Kyoto souvenirs. </span></p> <p><span>Head to the basement for the food section, where you’ll find beautiful sweet and savoury Japanese delicacies to admire and enjoy.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CYbTj67JGrC/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CYbTj67JGrC/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Ti (@tidaltastic)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>La Rinascente, Florence</strong></p> <p><span>Among the best-known stores in Florence, this six-floor department store houses everything you’d expect from a luxury shopping centre, plus traditional Tuscan goods including terra cotta, olive oils and wrought iron (just try getting that railing in your suitcase). </span></p> <p><span>Don’t miss the rooftop terrace for a cappuccino, an Italian pastry and a fantastic view of the city, including the world-famous Duomo.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXULcAIK3pQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXULcAIK3pQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Sergio Biancalani (@sergiobiancalani)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Isetan, Tokyo</strong></p> <p><span>Reflecting the lives of its more than 30 million customers a year, the historic Isetan shop hosts Western and Japanese designer brands alongside kimonos and accessories. </span></p> <p><span>Some of the world’s most famous pastry chefs are represented in the basement food hall, which also houses a huge chocolate section. English-speaking assistance is available for visiting shoppers and the rooftop gardens are a must-visit.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CD-X7edJctz/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CD-X7edJctz/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Isetan The Japan Store KL (@isetanthejapanstore)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>El Corte Ingles, Lisbon, Madrid and Barcelona</strong></p> <p><span>Europe’s biggest department store chain, El Corte Inglés – the name translates as “the English cut” – has its flagship store in Madrid with an outpost, its largest store, in Lisbon. </span></p> <p><span>The latter spreads across nine floors and includes restaurants and a 14-screen movie theatre – the perfect place to while away a rainy day on holiday. </span></p> <p><span>Shop here for Spanish and Portuguese souvenirs including flamenco dolls and embroidered shawls.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CYjIKUTNcZ-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CYjIKUTNcZ-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Luca Grella (@lucke94)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Harrods, London</strong></p> <p><span>With more than 90,000 square metres of selling space spread over 300-plus departments, you’d be hard pressed not to find something to buy in Harrods, the world’s most iconic department store. </span></p> <p><span>Got cash to burn? Book a personal shopper to help you navigate the aisles and zero-in on that perfect find. </span></p> <p><span>From cream tea to tapas, the restaurant selection in this iconic London attraction will leave you satisfied; reviewers rave about the ice cream and the Fresh Fish Market.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGaf7X5M03h/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGaf7X5M03h/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by @LONDON • #ThisIsLondon (@london)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/destinations/the-worlds-greatest-department-stores" target="_blank">Reader's Digest</a>.</em></p>

Travel Tips

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Dear Evan Hansen is an inspiring and entertaining film

<p>When <em>Dear Evan Hansen</em> was released on Broadway over five years ago it became a generation defining Broadway phenomenon. Now we have the film version with Ben Platt reprising the main role and he does this with breathtaking results.</p> <p>Some critics have complained it's not realistic for Platt to play Evan Hansen in the film version because Platt’s now 27 years old and it’s difficult for him to play an anxious, isolated high schooler. But does it matter that he’s a bit older now?</p> <p>Well, from an audience's point of view, it doesn’t and when Platt starts to sing those amazing songs, we can see why he won an Emmy and a Grammy for the Broadway production. As well, we have the song-writing team from <em>La La Land</em> and <em>The Greatest Showman</em> writing the songs and everything works. </p> <p>Plus, the serious nature of this film – the fact it deals with teenage suicide and how hard it is for some people to simply get by – makes it an important film and one which could help a lot of people. This makes <em>Dear Evan Hansen</em> an important and inspiring film.</p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CjA50VxlxAw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p><strong>The storyline</strong></p> <p>The gist of the story is that Evan Hansen is a high school loner, awkward and inept with his only friend being the equally nerdy Jared (Nik Dodani).</p> <p>He shows up on the first day of school with a cast after breaking his arm, and he’s been instructed by his therapist to write “Dear Evan Hansen” letters to himself in order to work out his issues connecting with other people.</p> <p>Fellow student Connor Murphy (Colton Ryan) has a run-in with Evan and grabs one of said letters from a printer. A few days later, Connor’s mother Cynthia and stepfather Larry (Amy Addams, Danny Pino) show up at Evan’s school with the letter saying that Connor committed suicide, and they’ve determined that the letter “to Evan” was his suicide note.</p> <p>Instead of telling them the truth, Evan concocts an elaborate lie about being friends with Connor in order to sooth his parents’ misgivings about his death. In order to maintain that illusion, Evan continues to lie to them as well as to Connor’s sister, Zoe (Kaitlyn Dever from <em>Book Smart</em>), and his lie just snowballs.</p> <p>Pretty soon, the school’s social justice activist Alana (Amandla Stenberg) has up the Connor Project so that others who feel alone can feel seen and heard, and Evan has become hugely popular at school.</p> <p>But this doesn’t last forever and Hansen has to face up to his lie later on.</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/5d05305e536f427786bcdaecf7d7a755" /><img style="width: 500px; height: 359.29432013769366px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844257/evan-hansen-2-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/5d05305e536f427786bcdaecf7d7a755" /></p> <p><strong>The singing really does work</strong></p> <p>Although a lot of the focus of the singing is on Platt and his quite beautiful voice, each of the other primary cast have some amazing singing moments, whether it’s Stenberg doing a song about feeling anonymous like Connor or the song, <em>Requiem</em>, which shows off the amazing singing prowess of Devo, Pino, and even Adams.</p> <p>Julianne Moore, who plays Evan’s hardworking single mother, even gets an absolutely epic number towards the end which will get the waterworks flowing if nothing beforehand has done that job.</p> <p><strong>The showstopper is <em>You Will be Found</em></strong></p> <p>The movie’s absolutely showstopper is the number <em>You Will be Found</em> and it’s another great example of how the songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul of <em>La La Land</em> fame translate so well to the screen. In fact, this song alone shows you why many people became obsessed with the Broadway version of <em>Dear Evan Hansen</em>.</p> <p>The film is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Stephen Chbosky (<em>The Perks of Being A Wallflower</em>, <em>Wonder</em>).and he shows here he has a strong grasp on social media, cyber bullying, viral videos, and even cancel culture and how it destroys people, including families.</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6a5aa0b50b9b4978b0a9de506110c641" /><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/93c5188b8e734808ba1159d8b2176137" /><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.6550348953141px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844259/evan-hansen-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/93c5188b8e734808ba1159d8b2176137" /></p> <p><strong><em>Dear Evan Hansen</em></strong><strong> will be in cinemas by December 9</strong></p> <p>The film brings out many emotions and one of the reasons is because as we watch it, we can relate to so much of what Hansen is going through. The characters and the story feel very real, which is as much a testament to Chbosky as a filmmaker, but also his cast and the people behind the original musical.</p> <p>There’s a good reason why <em>Dear Evan Hansen </em>was such a success on Broadway, and a great deal of that is retained by the movie.</p> <p><em>Dear Evan Hansen</em> will be showing in cinemas by December 9 and there’ve been no announcements as to whether it will stream.</p> <p><em>Images: UPI</em></p> <p><em> </em></p> <p><em> </em></p>

Movies

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Revealed: the greatest songs of all time

<p>An impressive list of the 500 greatest songs of all time has recently been released. </p> <p>The entertainment giants at <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-of-all-time-1224767/" target="_blank"><em>Rolling Stone</em></a> have rebooted their original list of top 500 tracks that they released in 2004. </p> <p>But back then, we didn't have unlimited access to music on streaming services, the technology revolution had just begun and many international artists where still in their infancy. </p> <p>Now, 17 years later, the new version the top 500 list boasts more than 250 <span>artists, musicians, and producers form every niche genre. </span></p> <p><span>Over 4,000 people voted for the new list, with over half of the songs featured not being present in the 2004 list. </span></p> <p><span>While many of the tracks are from newer artists that have made their mark on the industry, most of the top 25 are classic tunes from the 20th century. </span></p> <p><span>The top 25 tracks range from pop classics from The Beach Boys, to punk rock angst tracks from Nirvana, and folk rhythms from Fleetwood Mac.</span><span></span></p> <p><span>The most featured artist in the top 25 was The Beatles, who appeared three times (or four if you include John Lennon's solo hit). </span></p> <p><span>Topping the list was the 1967 classic <em>Respect</em> by Aretha Franklin, which has become known by music fans all over the world and become an anthem for women everywhere. </span></p> <p><span>Check out the top 25 list below. </span></p> <p><span>25. <em>Runaway</em> - Kanye West ft. Pusha T (2010)</span></p> <p><span>24. <em>A Day in the Life</em> - The Beatles (1967)</span></p> <p><span>23. <em>Heroes</em> - David Bowie (1977)</span></p> <p><span>22. <em>Be My Baby</em> - The Ronettes (1963)</span></p> <p><span>21. </span><em>Strange Fruit</em> - Billie Holiday (1939)</p> <p>20. <em>Dancing on my Own</em> - Robyn (2010)</p> <p>19. <em>Imagine</em> - John Lennon (1971)</p> <p>18. <em>Purple Rain</em> - Prince and the Revolution (1984)</p> <p>17. <em>Bohemian Rhapsody</em> - Queen (1975)</p> <p>16. <em>Crazy in Love</em> - Beyoncé ft. Jay-Z (2003)</p> <p>15. <em>I Want to Hold Your Hand</em> - The Beatles (1963)</p> <p>14. <em>Waterloo Sunset</em> - The Kinks (1967)</p> <p>13. <em>Gimme Shelter</em> - The Rolling Stones (1969)</p> <p>12. <em>Superstition</em> - Stevie Wonder (1972)</p> <p>11. <em>God Only Knows</em> - The Beach Boys (1966)</p> <p>10. <em>Hey Ya!</em> - Outkast (2003)</p> <p>9. <em>Dreams</em> - Fleetwood Mac (1977)</p> <p>8. <em>Get Ur Freak On</em> - Missy Elliot (2001)</p> <p>7. <em>Strawberry Fields Forever</em> - The Beatles (1967)</p> <p>6. <em>What's Going On</em> - Marvin Gaye (1971)</p> <p>5. <em>Smells Like Teen Spirit</em> - Nirvana (1991)</p> <p>4. <em>Like a Rolling Stone</em> - Bob Dylan (1965)</p> <p>3. <em>A Change is Gonna Come</em> - Sam Cooke (1964)</p> <p>2. <em>Fight the Power</em> - Public Enemy (1989)</p> <p>1. <em>Respect</em> - Aretha Franklin (1967)</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Music

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"Deep sadness": Hugh Jackman's tragic news

<p>Hugh Jackman has announced his dad, Christopher, died on Father's Day and the Hollywood star has shared a powerful tribute to his father who "taught him everything" after his mother abandoned him as a child.</p> <p>The Australian actor, 56, shared the news on Instagram alongside an image of his father, saying: 'In the early hours of Father's Day (AU), my Dad peacefully passed away. And whilst there is deep sadness, I am filled with such gratitude and love. My Dad was<br />in a word, extraordinary. He devoted his life to his family, his work and his faith. I pray he is now at peace with God.’</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTelQMJrQSe/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTelQMJrQSe/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Christopher Jackman was a British-born, Cambridge-educated accountant, who was believed to have been around 84 years old.</p> <p>Christopher and his ex-wife - Hugh's mum - Grace, are both British and while Hugh was born in Australia, he is a British citizen, having said: “My parents are English and I have a British passport so I'm a British citizen.”</p> <p>Grace left Oz and returned to her native England in the late '70s, leaving her husband to raise Hugh alone and his siblings alone when Hugh was eight-years-old..</p> <p>Recalling his difficult childhood previously Hugh has said: ''It was traumatic. 'I thought she was probably going to come back. And then it sort of dragged on and on.”</p> <p>It wasn't until Hugh was '12 or 13' that it dawned on him his mother would never return. In 2012, Hugh broke down on <em>60 Minutes</em> when discussing his mother leaving his father, himself and his siblings. He said: “My father is my rock. It's where I learned everything about loyalty, dependability, being there day in, day out, no matter what.”</p> <p>“It's always about the family,” he added of the values that his father has instilled in him. “Dad used to pray every night that mum would come back,” he added.</p> <p>Hugh once told an Australian magazine: “The thing I never felt - and I know this might sound strange - I never felt that my mum didn't love me.”</p> <p>The star told has said he felt traumatised and ashamed for years after his mother left but that he’s since come to realise over time that she was struggling with postnatal depression without a proper support system.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.36645962732916px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843797/hugh-jackman-mum-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/e0061752e2164e4893c50b4574d967c1" /></p> <p>“At the time, it was difficult,” he said. “One of the main things I remember is that horrible feeling that people were talking about you and looking at you because it was odd for the mother to leave.</p> <p>“For many years, I thought it was not going to be forever, so I clung on to that. Up until about the age of 12 or 13, I thought mum and dad would get back together... Realising it wasn't going to happen was probably the toughest time to be honest.”</p> <p>Years later Hugh spoke to his mother about her decision to leave, and realised she had her own battles, which he wouldn't have been able to understand as a child.</p> <p>“I know she was struggling. She was in hospital after I was born suffering from post-natal depression,” he said.</p> <p>“And then you add five kids into the mix and the fact she had emigrated from England and there wasn't a support network for her here, plus the fact that dad was at work all day - and you realise that as parents we make mistakes,” he added.</p> <p>Hugh explained that having children of his own with wife Deborra-Lee Furness - they share son Oscar, 21, and daughter Ava, 16, both adopted - gave him “another level of empathy and understanding” that allowed him to build bridges with his mother.</p> <p>Fortunately, Hugh and his mother reconciled years later, and are now frequently pictured together at the actor's ritzy events and in social media posts.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.46853146853147px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843798/hugh-jackman-6-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9a19c66ec31a4b2093b1a14d676f0465" /></p> <p><strong>Frequent heartfelt tributes to his father</strong></p> <p>Hugh frequently shared heartfelt tributes to his father on social media. For Father's Day 2018, the Oscar-nominated star shared a touching post on Instagram alongside a photo of the beaming pair. 'Happy Father's Day to the man who taught me to show respect for others,' he posted.</p> <p>'For education, for being led by your passions. Who taught me to never stop growing and learning.’</p> <p>Hugh added: 'To work hard and realize that preparation is the bedrock for success. And above all, to find purpose beyond oneself.'</p> <p>The well-known actor finished the post with a simple: 'I love you Dad!'</p> <p><strong>25th wedding anniversary of his own</strong></p> <p>The Broadway actor recently celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary to wife Deborra-Lee Furness.</p> <p>In April, Hugh shared photos from their 1996 wedding day alongside a heartfelt tribute.</p> <p>'Being married to you, Deb, is as natural as breathing. From nearly the moment we met... I knew our destiny was to be together,' he began.</p> <p>'In our 25 years - our love has only grown deeper. The fun, excitement and adventure more exhilarating; the learning even greater.’</p> <p>In an interview with NBC's <em>Today </em>show earlier this year, he called his wife the 'most optimistic person' in his life.</p> <p>“Deb is the lightest, most optimistic person I've ever met in my life. Like, if you ever want to play who's the happiest person in the room, Deb wins,” he said.</p> <p>The couple moved from Sydney to New York with their children in 2008, where they own an apartment in the West Village.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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“The greatest of all”: Maradona dead at age 60

<p>The football world is paying honour to one of the game’s best-ever players after Diego Maradona died aged 60 on Thursday.</p> <p>He become renowned for leading the win for Argentina in the <em>World Cup</em> in 1986.</p> <p>The country's president, Alberto Fernandez, has declared three national days of mourning for the World Cup Winner.</p> <p>Fernéndez told media he was “incredibly sad” over the death of Maradona.</p> <p>The football world united to pay tribute to one of the game’s greatest-ever players after Argentine legend Diego Maradona died at the age of 60 on Thursday.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838927/diego-maradona.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/8de706950c1e427a9300b96654e2be20" /></p> <p>He won the club’s only two Series A titles and as a result became one of the most beloved men in his homeland and Napoli in Italy.</p> <p>Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo has hailed Maradona as a true icon.</p> <p>“Today I say goodbye to a friend and the world says goodbye to an eternal genius,” Ronaldo tweeted.</p> <p>“One of the best ever. An unparalleled magician. He leaves too soon, but leaves a legacy without limits and a void that will never be filled. Rest in peace, ace. You will never be forgotten.”</p> <p>Messi, who took over after the Argentina’s leading player, shared a heartfelt post on Instagram.</p> <p>“A very sad day for all Argentines and for football. He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal,” Messi said.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CIBeukIlowA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CIBeukIlowA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“I keep all the beautiful moments lived with him and I wanted to take the opportunity to send my condolences to all his family and friends.</p> <p>His former teams also paid homage to the star.</p> <p>“You are eternal in every heart in world football,” the Twitter account of the Argentina national team wrote on Twitter alongside a picture of Maradona holding the World Cup.</p> <p>Napoli’s Twitter said: “Always in our hearts, Ciao Diego.”</p> <p>Boca posted: “Eternal thanks. Eternal Diego.”</p> <p>Fellow celebrity Greg Lineker also took to social media to remember Maradona.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">ARGENTINA: Football legend Maradona dead at 60 <a href="https://t.co/OF5n07ksXf">pic.twitter.com/OF5n07ksXf</a></p> — AFP Photo (@AFPphoto) <a href="https://twitter.com/AFPphoto/status/1331638885810581517?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>“By some distance the best player of my generation and arguably the greatest of all time,” he said.</p> <p>“After a blessed but troubled life, hopefully he’ll finally find some comfort in the hands of God. #RipDiego.”</p>

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“World’s Greatest Daddy”: Evil dad’s twisted message after killings

<p>A monstrous father who stalked and murdered his two children as they cowered under a desk left a suicide note blaming his estranged wife for his cowardly crime.</p> <p>John Edwards, 67, killed his daughter Jennifer Edwards, 13, and his son Jack, 15 in West Pennant Hills in Sydney’s north-west on July 5, 2018.</p> <p>The children were found “crumpled together” under Jack’s bedroom desk with multiple gunshot wounds.</p> <p>Edwards then committed suicide at his rented home near Normanhurst on the night of the murders, with investigators later stumbling across a USB-stick near his body containing a note for the mother of his children, Olga.</p> <p>Before shooting himself dead, the psychotic killer also hung a “World’s Greatest Daddy” shirt on a chest of drawers at the end of his bed.</p> <p>“Olga you may scream out what has John done when the reality is what has Olga done,” the three-page suicide letter began, the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts/you-may-scream-what-has-john-done-evil-dads-suicide-note-after-child-slayings/news-story/1367b0ef8700a7ba3f4ed3d6e7ed7ae8" target="_blank">Daily Telegraph</a> reports.</p> <p>“None of this had to happen had you been a halfway normal person.”</p> <p>Only six months after the crime occurred, Olga took her own life.</p> <p>An inquest into the deaths began last week and NSW Coroners Court heard Edwards had “a propensity for domestic violence”, including physical and psychological assaults against the women in his life and his children.</p> <p>His ex-partner’s came forward, with one saying he wasn’t physically violent towards her but was “controlling”.</p> <p>Another said he was “unbalanced and a narcissist”.</p> <p>Some of his controlling behaviours including forcing them to wear lipstick and mini skirts, and giving them the silent treatment for weeks.</p> <p>He also used to keep a tight hold on finances.</p> <p>Including the two he murdered, Edwards had 10 children to seven partners.</p> <p>He treated two of his former partners lives and gave another rat poison, while his other kids recounted being beaten with a belt and cattle whip.</p> <p>Edwards was given a licence to shoot rifles and pistols in June 2017 after NSW Firearms Registry staff used a police database report that had failed to pick up several matters related to domestic violence.</p>

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