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Beverly Hills 90210 star dies at age 58

<p dir="ltr"><em>Beverly Hills 90210</em> star David Gail has passed away at the age of 58. </p> <p dir="ltr">The news was confirmed by his sister Katie Colmenares, with tributes quickly pouring in for the actor. </p> <p dir="ltr">Gail was best known for playing the fiancé of Shannen Doherty’s Brenda Walsh on the series, with his character becoming a fan favourite. </p> <p dir="ltr">Peter Ferriero, who hosts the Beverly Hills 90210 rewatch podcast, paid tribute to the actor with a series of clips from when Gail joined him for an episode of the podcast. </p> <p dir="ltr">“In memory of David Gail. Here are a few stories he shared when he joined the podcast,” Ferriero said on Saturday.</p> <p dir="ltr">“David was a kind human. Someone I wish I spoke to more.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was full of life and incredible stories. I am grateful I got to know. I am so saddened by your loss, and the world’s loss. He was a gift to us all.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Also paying tribute to the dead star was Gail’s sister Katie Colmenares who shared a heartfelt post on Instagram.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There’s barely been even a day in my life when you were not with me, by my side, always my wingman, always my best friend, ready to face anything and anyone with me,” she wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The bears will never be the same but I will hold you so tight every day in my heart you gorgeous loving amazing fierce human being.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Along with <em>Beverly Hills 90210</em>, the actor played Dr Joe Scanlon in the series <em>Port Charles</em> between 1999 and 2000.</p> <p dir="ltr">Other credits of Gail’s include 2008’s <em>Belly of the Beast</em>, <em>ER</em>, and <em>Robin’s Hoods</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.045455; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 14pt;"><em>Image credits: Fox</em><span id="docs-internal-guid-6619d0e4-7fff-0b9c-af67-b83fd08a3506"></span></p>

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James Packer's insane $132-million mansion up for grabs

<p>Aussie billionaire James Packer has put up his $132-million mansion up for sale.</p> <p>The 12-bedroom Beverly Hills home was previously owned by Hollywood star Danny DeVito, before Packer bought it off him in 2018 for $93-million, according to realtor.com.</p> <p>Dating back to the 1930's, the luxury estate has been named “Beverly Hills at its finest," as it sits on 2260 sqm and boasts a three-storey accessory dwelling, a separate maids quarter and a guesthouse. </p> <p>“Boasting living space across multiple structures, enjoy an unparalleled gem in one of the most coveted neighbourhoods in Southern California," the listing read. </p> <p>It's the embodiment of luxury and "iconic L.A. living", with a home theatre that's fully equipped with a bar, a game room, wine cellar, resort-style pool and cigar lounge. </p> <p>The primary suite has a fireplace, sitting room, dual bathrooms, and access to a terrace.</p> <p>With 18 bathrooms you don't need to worry about whether they are occupied as the master suite itself features two master baths, double vanities, a linen closet, powder room, and the option of a shower or a sub and steam shower.</p> <p>Not only that, the private balconies allow you to take in the magnificent views of the estate's lush yard, but also the surrounding canyons, so there's never a boring day in the multimillion dollar mansion. </p> <p>According to <em>The Daily Telegrap</em>h, the billionaire is selling the home because he has no desire to live in LA if his kid's won't be visiting, after his ex-wife Erica Packer and their three kids moved to London earlier this year. </p> <p><em>Images: realestate.com.au/ Getty</em></p>

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Adam Goodes opens up about major family loss

<p>Dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes has opened up about his late mother in a candid interview on the <em>Get Real with Rio</em> WeAre8 series.</p> <p>Speaking to former English professional footballer Rio Ferdinand, host of the show, Goodes revealed the heartbreaking news that his mother had passed away of a heart attack in February 2022.</p> <p>“She was 62, man,” Goodes said.</p> <p>He went on to share that his mother - Lisa May Goodes - had had “a really tough life”, having been the single parent to Goodes and his two younger brothers for “most of her life”. And that while she “did an incredible job … she had a lot of trauma from her childhood”.</p> <p>“She was taken away when she was five,” he explained, “put into a white family, like a lot of her siblings were, and she didn’t know at the time that she was one of 10 [children].</p> <p>“That’s the reason why I wasn’t connected to my Aboriginality [early on] because of that disconnect when she was five.”</p> <p>Goodes admitted that he had often considered what his family’s life might have looked like had his mother not experienced systemic racism and its associated practices during her early years, when she was a child of the Stolen Generation. </p> <p>And now, with children of his own and a third on the way with wife Natalie, his perspective has widened, with Goodes confessing that his own experiences have influenced how he looks at his mum’s past. </p> <p>“It just breaks my heart to think that she was living in fear her whole life that someone could knock on the door and take her kids away at any moment if she wasn’t doing the right thing by us kids,” he said. </p> <p>“So if I could go back and change anything, I would just love to have gone back to my mum’s life, and in that moment, change the fact that she was taken [away from her family]. And how just that one sliding door moment might have changed the world and life that I had.</p> <p>“And if that meant I may never have played professional sport, if it meant I might not even be alive today, just that moment that meant my mum was still connected to her family and didn’t have to live the life that she did, and how tough it was for her.</p> <p>“I’d love to be able to do that just for the old girl.”</p> <p>He then revealed that every move he makes now is weighed against the time he can spend with his family, given how he had “sacrificed having children” until he retired from the AFL. </p> <p>“That’s really important to me because I sacrificed having children when I was playing,” Goodes said. “I had my first kid when I was 39, I’d been retired for four years, I was ready to dedicate my time and energy to something else.</p> <p>“My family, even though I didn’t think of it at the time, the sacrifice I made during my football career, they’re now benefitting because of that. Not only from the success but from the financial benefits of the sacrifices that I made - being able to buy my mum a first house that she’s ever owned.</p> <p>“I’m grateful I did make those decisions at those times. It wasn’t easy to do that.”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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Wild moment captured as burning Sydney building collapses

<p>Sydney has been brought to a standstill after a major fire broke out in the CBD on Thursday night. </p> <p>Firefighters fought to control the blaze, which erupted on Randall Street in Surry Hills, shocking commuters at the neighbouring Central Station. </p> <p>The fire broke out at 4pm, and was later upgraded to a ‘10th alarm’, the most severe type of fire.</p> <p>Bystanders watched on as the multi-storey became engulfed in flames, as the building collapsed and "shook the ground". </p> <p>One firefighter sustained a minor burn, but no major injuries or fatalities were reported. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">SURRY HILLS | Wall collapses as major fire engulfs seven-storey building. New video footage, released by FRNSW, shows the moment a wall from an engulfed building in Surry Hills came crashing down onto the street below. <a href="https://t.co/mZeYGg1Kox">pic.twitter.com/mZeYGg1Kox</a></p> <p>— Fire and Rescue NSW (@FRNSW) <a href="https://twitter.com/FRNSW/status/1661634790662209536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>Fire and Rescue NSW said in a press conference that the blaze is now under control, after firefighters battled the inferno for several hours.</p> <p>Superintendent Adam Dewberry said 20 fire trucks were at the scene to contain the fire, which threatened to spread to nearby apartment blocks in the tightly-packed inner city street.</p> <p>Police said it is “way too early” to determine if the fire was deliberately lit, with an investigation to be launched as soon as firefighters clear the scene.</p> <p>“More than 100 firefighters were called to the scene from multiple stations across Sydney and have been battling the flames from a safe distance,” a Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) spokesman said.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Massive fire engulfs building located in heart of Surry Hills, Sydney</p> <p>Blaze catches on to neighbouring buildings as fire tenders fight <a href="https://t.co/PCPJMD2JET">pic.twitter.com/PCPJMD2JET</a></p> <p>— Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) <a href="https://twitter.com/nabilajamal_/status/1661656544537382912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>“Using specialist appliances and equipment, including ladder trucks and RPAS (drones), they successfully stopped the blaze from engulfing other nearby buildings, including residential apartments."</p> <p>“A short time ago, FRNSW’s Incident Controller declared the fire is contained."</p> <p>“Firefighting operations are expected to continue throughout the night, with crews to be rotated through to ensure their safety and wellbeing."</p> <p>“An exclusion zone remains in place with the public urged to avoid the area."</p> <p>The city was brought to a standstill at peak hour travel times, as roads and public transport were affected but the blaze. </p> <p>One witness said, “It’s actually quite wild out on the streets, people everywhere and ash falling from the sky. Firefighters blocked off Elizabeth St, while shocked commuters lined the street.”</p> <p>“A tornado of black smoke has blanketed the area,” another witness said. “The building looks like the bottom of a fire pit.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Twitter</em></p>

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Set sail in style alongside these sporting legends

<p dir="ltr">The time has come for sports fans with a passion for cruising to live their dreams, with <a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-au/cruise-types/event-cruises/sporting-greats">The Voyage of Sporting Greats</a> - the latest offering to the world of thrilling themed voyages from British luxury cruise line Cunard. </p> <p dir="ltr">The first-of-its-kind-trip will set sail in February 2024, headlined by none other than AFL legend Adam Goodes, cricket’s Brett Lee, and golfer Karrie Webb. <em>Sunrise </em>and Olympic presenter Mark Beretta will also be joining in on the fun, as well as Bruce McLaren’s daughter, Amanda McLaren.</p> <p dir="ltr">While onboard, guests will have the opportunity to attend live fireside chats with their sporting heroes, to enjoy sports-themed shore excursions with those very same stars, and to get to know them better - if you’ve ever wondered just how heavy some of those trophies can be, now’s your chance to ask.</p> <p dir="ltr">For example, the Queen Elizabeth - one of four ships setting sail as part of the 2024 fleet, alongside Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and the brand new Queen Anne - has a jam-packed star-studded program to offer guests, featuring everything from talks to sporting activities, and unique excursions to the shore in Sydney, Melbourne, and Hobart. </p> <p dir="ltr">Additionally, the Queen Elizabeth - the second largest ship in Cunard’s fleet with room for 2,000 guests and an additional 1,000 crew - boasts more than 10 different eating establishments, an entire Games Desk with the likes of paddle tennis, croquet, hitting bays, and bowls, as well as an impressive two-story library, a ballroom, and a Royal Court Theatre - the latter will even host performances by <a href="https://circa.org.au/">Circa</a>, an Australian contemporary circus company, in February 2024. </p> <p dir="ltr">As Katrina McAlpine, the commercial director of Cunard Australia and New Zealand, explained, “we are extremely excited to host some of the biggest local names in sport on Queen Elizabeth next February. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Brett Lee, Adam Goodes, Karrie Webb, Mark Beretta, and Amanda McLaren will captivate sport enthusiasts with stories of their career defining moments, their professional highs and lows, and give guests the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with them during priceless and bespoke activities onboard and ashore. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The Voyage of Sporting Greats offers sports fans a once in a lifetime chance to meet and engage with some of our country’s most famous sporting icons in one place.”</p> <p dir="ltr">2014 Australian of the Year and AFL great Adam Goodes, for one, is eager to join in on the fun with his fellow sporting greats, noting that “this is a spectacular opportunity to join the other sporting icons and connect with guests aboard Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth. I am looking forward to sharing stories about my career, what drives and inspires me and what projects I am currently working on. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I am specifically keen to talk to fans onboard and create great memories of the sailing for them.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Celebrated Australian golfer Karrie Webb is similarly excited for Cunard guests to experience their athletic lineup. And golf fans in particular will benefit, with Karrie “very much looking forward to sharing with guests my favourite tips and golf stories, as well as having a swing with them onboard.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Amanda McLaren - daughter of the late Bruce McLaren -  is honoured to be taking part, and “can’t wait to interact with guests and to share the McLaren racing story - and my father’s legacy that kick started in Australia.”</p> <p dir="ltr">And for cricket legend Brett Lee, the trip is set to become the highlight of his year, with the star most looking forward to catching up with guests on the “voyage for the ages”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The same could be said for and by renowned sports presenter Mark Beretta, who is thrilled to be facilitating the talent on deck as they share their stories. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Sharing stories of Australian sporting history and anecdotes from behind the scenes of the world of sports, plus talking to some of the biggest stars in Australian sport is going to be a treat for me and our guests,” he shared. “I’m also looking forward to getting on the road with guests to host a very special excursion!”</p> <p dir="ltr">The stars and their fellow cruisers will depart from Sydney on February 13 2024, heading to Tasmania and back over a span of 7 nights, with stops to stretch their legs and enjoy all that the shore has to offer in Hobart, Port Arthur, and Melbourne.</p> <p dir="ltr">To find our more about costs the voyage’s impressive guest list, and what’s on offer on this trip of a lifetime, potential passengers can learn all about it - and secure their spot - here: <a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-au/cruise-types/event-cruises/sporting-greats">https://www.cunard.com/en-au/cruise-types/event-cruises/sporting-greats</a></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Cunard [supplied]</em></p>

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Hill Street Blues star passes away

<p>Hill Street Blues star Barbara Bosson has passed away aged 83.</p> <p>Bosson, who played Fay Furillo in the American police drama, was a popular TV star in the ‘80s, earning five consecutive Emmy nominations for her role. She was also the ex-wife of TV giant Steven Bohcho, who created <em>Hill</em></p> <p><em> Street Blues </em>and several other hit shows at the time.</p> <p>The news of Bosson’s death was shared by her son, Jesse Bohcho, who shared an image of he and his mother when he was a child.</p> <p>"More spirit and zest than you could shake a stick at. When she loved you, you felt it without a doubt. If she didn't, you may well have also known that too. Forever in our hearts. I love you Mama. Barbara "Babs" Bosson Bochco 1939-2023," he captioned the image.</p> <p>Dirty Dancing star Jennifer Grey shared her support, commenting a red heart under Bochco’s Instagram.</p> <p>Bosson was also known for her roles in shows including<em> Murder One</em>, <em>Hooperman</em> and films including <em>Cop Rock</em> and <em>Calendar Girl Murders</em>.</p> <p>Hill Street Blues proved Bosson's main claim to fame, with her leaving the show in 1985 during its sixth season after being fired from the project over creative disagreements.</p> <p>Bosson and Steven Bohcho went on to work together on other projects, including the <em>Rockford Files</em> spin-off <em>Richie Brockelman</em>, <em>Private Eye</em>, <em>Hooperman</em> and the musical <em>Cop Rock</em>.</p> <p>The pair divorced in 1997 but continued to co-parent their son Jesse, who was born in 1975. Steven died in 2018 at the age of 73.</p> <p>Further details of Bosson’s death are yet to be revealed.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

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Police finally reveal motive behind murder of campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay

<p>Police have alleged that the two secret lover campers, Russel Hill and Carol Clay, were "childhood sweethearts" who had started their affair 15 years ago.</p> <p>In a summary of the case against Gregory Lynn, who allegedly killed the pair, police believe that Mr Hill and Ms Clay had rekindled their romance 15 years prior, and would go on regular camping trips to "spend time together".</p> <p>The pair allegedly drifted apart and had children with other partners, according to the documents provided to the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.</p> <p>Mr Hill was married to another woman for 51 years, and according to the police facts provided to the court, his wife believed that he had gone camping alone.</p> <p>“Those close to them believe that they kept their relationship a secret to spare Hill’s family from distress,” the police statement read.</p> <p>The pair had gone camping in Wonnangatta Valley on March 19 2020, and they vanished sometime after 6 pm the next day.</p> <p>Police alleged that Mr Lynn killed the pair after an altercation over a drone, with Mr Hill fatally stabbed and Ms Clay shot in the head.</p> <p>Police also believed that he returned to the area in May and November 2020 to try and "destroy" evidence by setting the pair's remains on fire.</p> <p>Their bodies were buried around 40km from the campsite in Dargo on November 2021.</p> <p>Mr Lynn was in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this week for a committal hearing to decide whether there is enough evidence for him to stand trial in the Supreme Court.</p> <p><em>Images: Victoria Police</em></p>

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Beverly Hills, 90210 star Joe E. Tata dead at 86

<p dir="ltr"><em>Beverly Hills, 90210</em> star Joe E. Tata has passed away at the age of 86 following a battle with Alzheimer’s. </p> <p dir="ltr">His devastating death was announced by Tata’s co-star Ian Ziering on Instagram, who paid tribute to the man who played Peach Pit owner Nat Bussichio on the show for 10 years.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ziering started off his post acknowledging the deaths of other colleagues, Jessica Klein one of 90210’s most prolific writers and producers, Denise Douse who played Mrs. Teasley, before sharing the heartbreaking announcement. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m very sad to say Joe E Tata has passed away. Joey was truly an OG, I remember seeing him on the Rockford files with James Garner years before we worked together on 90210,” his post began.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was often one of the background villains in the original Batman series. </p> <p dir="ltr">“One of the happiest people I’ve ever worked with, he was as generous with his wisdom as he was with his kindness. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Though the peach pit was a 90210 set, It often felt like the backdrop to the Joe E Tata show. </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/ChsG7TirHFW/?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/ChsG7TirHFW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Ian Ziering (@ianziering)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“The stories of days gone by that he would share, incredible experiences in the entertainment industry that he was a part of would keep us all captivated. </p> <p dir="ltr">“He may have been in the back of many scenes, but he was a leading force, especially to us guys, on how to appreciate the gift that 90210 was. </p> <p dir="ltr">“My smile dims today but basking in fond memories moves him from my eyes to my heart where he will always be.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My sincere condolences go out to his family and friends, and everyone else he was dear too. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Rest In peace Joey.” </p> <p dir="ltr">Tata’s health began to deteriorate in 2014 but it was only in 2018 when he was officially diagnosed with Alzehimer’s </p> <p dir="ltr">“Now 86 years old, his illness has progressed to its final stages," Tata’s daughter Kelly wrote on a crowdsourcing page for her father. </p> <p dir="ltr">"He spends his days scared and confused. The few times I've seen him, there is relief and joy in his eyes."</p> <p dir="ltr">"Nat was a loving father figure to the kids of West Beverly High. In real life, my Dad, Joey, is honest, kind, and a truly incredible father."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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

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

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Greens leader slammed for rejecting Australian flag

<p dir="ltr">Greens leader Adam Bandt has been accused of "virtue signalling" after refusing to stand next to the Australian flag while speaking at a press conference on Monday.</p> <p dir="ltr">Before Mr Bandt spoke at Sydney's Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices on Monday, a member of staff was seen moving the flag from behind the podium so that only the Aboriginal flag and Torres Strait Island flag could be seen.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Bandt said he removed the flag because it “represents lingering pain” for some Australians, sharing his view that Australia should become a republic with a new flag.</p> <p dir="ltr">“For many Australians, this flag represents dispossession and the lingering pains of colonisation,” Mr Bandt said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Through Treaty with First Nations’ Peoples and by moving to a Republic, we can have a flag that represents all of us.”</p> <p dir="ltr">However, his "stunt" prompted severe backlash with Minister for Government Services Bill Shorten describing it as a divisive act.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-876c3067-7fff-f984-ba88-829f5fbcb98d"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“Antics like this, this virtue signalling saying, ‘I love First Nations People more than anyone else’ ... it turns more people off than turns them on,” he told Today.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ahead of a press conference with Greens leader Adam Bandt, a Greens staffer has just moved the Australian flag out of the TV camera shot. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/auspol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#auspol</a> <a href="https://t.co/g524GbpKKH">pic.twitter.com/g524GbpKKH</a></p> <p>— Isobel Roe (@isobelroe) <a href="https://twitter.com/isobelroe/status/1538733802037846016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">2GB’s Jim Wilson also told the show it was “highly offensive” and “insulting”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We had a Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide resume in Townsville yesterday - men and women who fought under the Australian flag. On the same day, you have this peanut who goes on and removes the Australian flag,” Wilson said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I find it deeply offensive and not the Australia we want to embrace.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Have all three flags, but don’t remove the national flag.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Indigenous leader Warrne Mundine also weighed in on Mr Bandt’s display shortly after, questioning whether it was appropriate for federal parliament and whether the Greens “actually hate Australians”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s idiotic,” Mr Mundine said. “Are the Greens actually in the Australian federal parliament? Seriously? Do they actually hate Australians that much? Aboriginals call themselves Australians all the time.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The Greens are just a fringe university type group trying to run down the country.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Bandt primarily spoke about Labor’s approach to emissions during the press conference, claiming the party is “an obstacle to greater climate action” and that they aren’t listening to the Australian people..</p> <p dir="ltr">“Labor is bringing a weak target to parliament that means the end of the Great Barrier Reef,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Labor is now an obstacle to greater climate action and they are refusing to listen to the will of the people who have just delivered a big mandate for climate mandates at the election.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Image: Getty Images</p>

News

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Sink your teeth into Adam Liaw’s new podcast

<p dir="ltr"><em>Masterchef </em>winner, celebrity chef, and writer Adam Liaw has added another string to his bow with the launch of his first podcast, <em>How Taste Changed the World</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The seven-part series, launched with Audible, sees Liaw explore the science and history behind our five tastes - salty, sweet, bitter, sour and umami - and how they have impacted everything from economics and agriculture to why we pair red wine with meat.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m very excited to be launching my first podcast,” Liaw told OverSixty.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Taste has been the driving force behind human civilization since before it even began, and the food we choose to eat has more meaning that we can even imagine.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Each 30-minute episode is an immersive and thought-provoking deep-dive into each of the tastes, as well as what even counts as a taste and what the future looks like.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-a3113fe2-7fff-5fe7-d87e-95f4a08c4330"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Liaw doesn’t tackle these topics alone either, enlisting the help of experts and sharing his own anecdotes and stories, with snippets from Liaw’s kids thrown in.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/05/adam-liaw-podcast.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Adam Liaw tackles the five tastes in his new podcast. Image: Supplied</em></p> <p dir="ltr">In another first for the Malaysian-Australian chef, Liaw will be taking the stage on Wednesday, June 1, for Vivid Sydney’s Ideas Exchange’s 2022 series, <em>Audible Live: Stories Made to be Heard</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Liaw’s will be the first in a series of three talks, where he will discuss his podcast, calling upon the interviews featured in each of the episodes to explain how vital salt is to our biology and how it turned food into a commodity that has underpinned the global economy for thousands of years, as well as how our taste buds helped establish democracy and how our hankering for sweet things has been used to sell us soft drinks.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Vivid Sydney’s Idea Exchange is the perfect forum for big ideas, and it doesn’t get much bigger than how our own biology has shaped the world around us!” Liaw said.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-e88d060c-7fff-7b52-3af2-30ffcab8095d"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Tickets for Liaw’s talk are available <a href="https://tickets.vividsydney.com/event/audible-live-adam-liaw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K5Prbfh0VnE" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Adam Liaw’s Audible Original podcast, How Tastes Changed the World, launches on Tuesday 10 May and is only available on Audible. The podcast is free for Audible members and can be found at <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/audible.com.au/taste__;!!CN7PONKNpoI9!-mXF9S_F_DMqMCTDde2SaXD57CpMgwUTRkGnVv1CH7Cm624ZM0--rRnzo7njnX7eT8xFmcpa4foNnTLeBvzisMaawQ$" target="_blank" rel="noopener">audible.com.au/taste</a>. On 1 June, Adam will be taking part in Vivid Sydney’s Ideas Exchange with Audible Live: Stories Made to be Heard, during which he’ll discuss the podcast in further detail.</em></p> <p dir="ltr"><em><span id="docs-internal-guid-7b4a421b-7fff-c76a-4343-1d52c22385f5"></span></em></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Supplied</em></p>

Technology

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Benji Marshall buys luxurious family home in Hunter's Hill

<p>NRL legend and Fox Sports analyst Benji Marshall and his award-winning podcaster wife, Zoe have bought a new home in Sydney’s Hunter’s Hill.</p> <p>The move to the five bedroom, four bathroom $4.75 million abode comes 10 months after the birth of their second child, Ever.</p> <p>The home was marketed by The Agency selling agent, Lee Dowdall as a “brilliant family haven sheltered by landscaping so ideal for families who covet their privacy”.</p> <p>There’s a vibrant formal entertaining area plus a large, family-orientated in/outdoor space. The designer kitchen with huge island bench comes with walk-in pantry. There’s a dedicated home cinema room plus a study retreat on each level.</p> <p>It was bought from Andrew Tieck, of the Franklins supermarket family, who’d given it a makeover after paying $2.48 million in 2014. The initial price ­expectations were $4.9 million to $5.1 million.</p> <p>Their renovated 1940s Concord family home with four bedrooms and three bathrooms fetched $2,815,000. It had been their home base since 2014 when they paid $1,535,000, a year after their marriage.</p> <p>New Zealand-born Marshall, 37, retired from the NRL at the end of last year after 20 seasons, playing 346 first grade games with Wests Tigers, St George Illawarra, Brisbane and South Sydney.</p> <p>He is now one of the most respected commentators on Fox Sports.</p> <p><em>Images: Domain</em></p>

Real Estate

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Phenomenal winners in Sony World Photography Awards 2022

<p dir="ltr">The World Photography Organisation has announced the winners in the prestigious Sony World Photography Awards 2022.</p> <p dir="ltr">Acclaimed photographer Adam Ferguson from Australia won the Photographer of the Year title along with $25,000 (USD) cash prize and a range of Sony digital imaging kit.</p> <p dir="ltr">His series titled <em>Migrantes</em> is a series of black and white portraits of migrants in Mexico, as they wait to cross the border into the United States.</p> <p dir="ltr">"By giving his subjects the shutter release, Adam hands a certain power to the sitter to make that decision on how to be perceived. These photographs are beautiful, meaningful and kind," said Mike Trow, chairman of the Professional competition.</p> <p dir="ltr">Winners were revealed in a celebratory announcement video featuring interviews and reactions from the winning photographers. </p> <p dir="ltr">Winners will also go on to see their work exhibited at Somerset House, London, from April 13 to May 2, 2022, displayed alongside other winning and shortlisted photographers.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: World Photography Organisation</em></p>

International Travel

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Kirk Douglas’ home hits the market for eye-watering price

<p dir="ltr">The Beverly Hills home belonging to the late Kirk Douglas has<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/805-N-Rexford-Dr_Beverly-Hills_CA_90210_M12177-91742" target="_blank">hit the market</a><span> </span>with a hefty $USD 7.495 million ($AUD 10.55 million) price tag.</p> <p dir="ltr">Douglas lived at the Hollywood home with his wife, Anne Douglas until his death at 103 in 2020. Anne died the following April, at the age of 102.</p> <p dir="ltr">Their longtime home comes with a star-studded history, including autographed outdoor tiles signed by Hollywood royalty, including Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, Roger Moore, Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Fonda, who left their marks while attending dinner parties hosted by the couple.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Kirk and Anne loved to entertain, and they would host dinner parties with Hollywood icons,”<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/beverly-hills-home-late-kirk-douglas-comes-with-memorabilia/" target="_blank">said</a><span> </span>Rochelle Atlas Maize, the listing agent from Nourmand &amp; Associates.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Each dinner guest personally signed stepping stones that are now displayed in the backyard. These stones make this a truly one-of-a-kind property that is rich in history and unlike any other on the market right now.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Along with the signed pavers, the four-bedroom, five-bedroom home boasts a resort-style pool and spa, and a two-storey guesthouse.</p> <p dir="ltr">Inside, the house offers large living and dining areas, including a living room with a fireplace and French doors that spill out onto a brick-paved courtyard.</p> <p dir="ltr">The rooms feature decorative ceiling designs, built-ins, ensuites, and natural light coming in through multiple windows and skylights.</p> <p dir="ltr">The home, known as “The Stars of Beverly Hills”, was originally built in 1921.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty Images, Realtor</em></p>

Real Estate

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Sneak peek inside Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel's mega mansion up for sale

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Star couple Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dirt.com/gallery/entertainers/musicians/justin-timberlake-house-hollywood-hills-1203428497/justintimb-erlakehouse_hh14/" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">have listed</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> their swanky Hollywood Hills home for sale with the eye-watering price tag of $USD 35 million ($AUD 48 million).</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Timberlake first bought the sprawling Los Angeles property from actress Helen Hunt 20 years ago, dropping $USD 8.3 million at the time.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Since then, Biel and Timberlake have undertaken a complete renovation of the 10.2-acre property, with LA designer Estee Stanley designing the new rustic-modern interiors.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Inside, the home includes nine bedrooms and eleven bathrooms, as well as four fireplaces, a master bedroom with its own dressing room and bathroom, a gym, and an indoor cinema.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">An outdoor living area wraps around the outside of the house, offering views of the San Fernando Valley skyline.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 13,500-square-feet home initially sat on a 3-acre lot, until the pop star acquired a vacant 7-acre lot behind the main residence for extra privacy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The expanded grounds include a sweeping lawn, an 85-foot swimming pool and plunge pool, a lighted sports court, a vegetable garden, and a guesthouse.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Timberlake and Biel own several other properties across New York City, Nashville, and Montana.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Justin Paul Huchel and Drew Fenton of Hilton &amp; Hyland are the listing agents for the property, with the </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.hiltonhyland.com/property/3100-torreyson-pl-los-angeles-ca-90046/" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">listing</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> describing the home as a “one of a kind stately residence”.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Images: @jessicabiel / Instagram, Hilton &amp; Hyland</span></em></p>

Real Estate

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Shannen Doherty opens up about her cancer battle

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Shannen Doherty made an appearance on Good Morning America on Monday, and was incredibly candid about her battle with stage four breast cancer. The actor had previously revealed that her cancer returned last year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’m living life, I’m spending a lot of time with friends and family and working. I think work was always very fulfilling to me but in a way, it’s become even more fulfilling,” Doherty told the GMA hosts over Zoom.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“A lot of people who get diagnosed with stage four, they sort of get written off. It’s assumed that they cannot work or that they cannot work at their full capacity. That is not true and that is something that I would really like the people to stop assuming and give us a chance to prove them wrong.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In an interview with GMA last year, Doherty revealed her cancer had returned after she had been in remission for five years. After being asked if she wanted to own her cancer story, Doherty said through tears, “Yeah, I’d rather people hear it from me.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Doherty has been owning her story throughout her battle, sharing the highs and lows with her fans on Instagram, including her first day of radiation treatment and a photo of her hair loss after starting chemotherapy.</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/BNXguq-j8fk/?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/BNXguq-j8fk/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by ShannenDoherty (@theshando)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p> </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/BaJ48S7BTU4/?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/BaJ48S7BTU4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by ShannenDoherty (@theshando)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The actor is still on her first treatment schedule, also known as a protocol. She told GMA, “You want to last on your protocols as long as possible so that you don’t run out of protocols. You really have to dig deep to face cancer and in that, you find all the stuff that you had hidden away and it’s beautiful things that you find. You find the vulnerability, you find your trust in people again, you find forgiveness.” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She added that she doesn’t believe in bucket lists, and instead is “going to keep fighting to stay alive”. “I’d like to say that those are goals, because a bucket list almost feels like those things that you check off before you die and I never want to operate like that,” she said.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Hallmark Channel</span></em></p>

Caring

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Ellen DeGeneres adds Beverly Hills mansion to $94.5 million portfolio

<p>Ellen DeGeneres has dropped $11.5 million on a brilliantly curated Beverly Hills home.</p> <p>The embattled talk show host has built a $94.5 million property portfolio.</p> <p>DeGeneres and wife Portia de Rossie have bought and sold $450 million in property over the past 17 years.</p> <p>The new five-bedroom home is centred in the Hidden Valley Estates and was built in 1961 by famed architect Robert Skinner.</p> <p>Since its construction, the property has been completely restored by architect John Bertram with the designer Sarah Shetter.</p> <p>The abode is as dreamy as it sounds, with glass walls, Douglas fir cabinets, Calcutta Gold and salt marble countertops, and a state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen.</p> <p>The new house can be found by going past Adele’s new $US9.95m home, which formerly belonged to Nicole Richie.</p> <p>Katy Perry also owns a $7.47m house at the end of the street, real estate records show.</p>

Real Estate

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Adam Goodes to release first picture book

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Former footy player Adam Goodes is set to release his first picture book this year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Titled </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/somebody-s-land-welcome-to-our-country-adam-goodes/book/9781760526726.html?irclickid=2MXT8RXVdxyLRd8ztDxgm11DUkByTbxdtyxlxo0&amp;bk_source=1426251&amp;bk_source_id=1426251&amp;irgwc=1&amp;utm_campaign=Good%20Reading%20Magazine&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_source=Impact" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Somebody’s Land</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Goodes co-authored the book with journalist and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Speaker of NSW Parliament Ellie Laing, illustrated by Barkinjill artist David Hardy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Goodes said fatherhood inspired his debut book.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I love reading to my daughter Adelaide,” he said. “I hope the series gives readers the opportunity to learn something new and have more conversations because of it. This book is a reflection of me. I’m incredibly hopeful. I choose to be positive, to help us heal as a nation.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The first in a five-part book series called </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Welcome to Country</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> published by Allen &amp; Unwin Children’s Books, the picture books aim to educate young readers between four to eight-years-old about </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">terra nullius</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and Indigenous sovereignty.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Somebody’s Land</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> will be available in November 2021, and can now be pre-ordered.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Booktopia / Twitter</span></em></p>

Books

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See inside Naomi Osaka’s $7 million Beverly Hills pad

<p>Naomi Osaka bought her Beverly Hills pad back in 2019, and now it seems like she has truly made the place her personal piece of paradise.</p> <p>The tennis star spent $7 million on the U.S. homestead after she infamously defeated the great Serena Williams during the 2018 Open and was crowned the champion.</p> <p>The Japanese sportswoman has racked up an incredible $38 million from prize money and endorsements in just the past year, making her the highest paid female athlete, as reported by Forbes.</p> <p>Osaka bought the grand three-bedroom, four-bathroom architectural haven from singer Nick Jonas,</p> <p>Sitting among some of the world’s most expensive homes, high in the mountains, is the star’s private home, which spans over 4,100 square feet.</p> <p>With almost everything except small spaces, the elevated ceilings and sky-high ceilings add to the grandeur design of the home and allows for an abundance of natural light.</p> <p>The amenities of the home including an incredibly beautiful floating guesthouse and a terrace with an infinity pool and private courtyard.</p> <p>If that were not enough to entice any eager buyer, the glorious oasis also includes a Miele chefs kitchen with a wine refrigerator and built-in espresso machine.</p> <p>Even Osaka’s bathroom is a sight to behold with a freestanding Agape Spoon tub.</p>

Real Estate

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Rod Stewart's "hidden track" inside his Beverly Hills home

<p>He has long been known as a railway enthusiast, even if at times he chose not to talk about it. But Sir Rod Stewart's legendary choo-choo layout -–26 years in the making – just has to be seen to be believed.</p> <p>The rocker's astonishingly detailed 124ft long x 23ft wide model depicting an American city and its industrial hinterland in the 1940s contains hundreds of buildings, from trackside switchman shanties to vast factories and skyscrapers.</p> <p>Called Grand Street And Three Rivers City, it also features a railway station crossed by numerous bridges at rush hour.</p> <p>Also featured in the landscape are period cars and lorries, driving alongside the train tracks.</p> <p>Everything is dramatically lit in the colours of late afternoon sunshine.</p> <p>Sir Rod told<span> </span><em>Railway Modeller</em><span> </span>magazine that scenery and structure modelling, rather than locomotives, trackwork or electrics, are his forte.</p> <p>"It's the landscape I like. Attention to detail, extreme detail, is paramount. There shouldn't be any unsightly gaps or pavements that are too clean," he said.</p> <p>Sir Rod was inspired by American Railways because that is where we has living when he began creating the model in 1993.</p> <p>At the time, he had recently built a new house in Los Angeles and included an attic room specifically for the layout.</p> <p>While Sir Rod acknowledged it took a while for him to publicly admit he was a railway enthusiast, he agreed in his interview with the magazine that attitudes now appear to be changing towards model railway making.</p> <p>But he added that he was still wary about answering questions on TV about it because "it's hard to talk about something so all-encompassing" if he was meant to be discussing his music.</p> <p>His passion was first inflamed when he was "eight or nine" on a family holiday in Bognor Regis where he saw a "marvellous" railway layout in a model shop.</p> <p>He said his father had once given him the advice that "every man needs a hobby".</p> <p>"Mine's model railway," said Sir Rod, who had a toy railway as a child. When he wanted a station for it, his dad bought him a guitar instead, which many might think turned out to be a shrewd move.</p> <p>His fortune stands at £190 million, according to the Sunday Times' UK Musicians' Rich List, and he has had nine No 1 albums and 62 hit singles in the UK.</p> <p>Sir Rod said guests are stunned by his magnificent model railway when he runs it for them at his LA home. He said: 'When I take on something creative like this, I have to give it 110 per cent. For me, it's addictive. I started, so I just had to finish.</p> <p>"I'm lucky I had the room. If I'd realised at the start it would have taken so long, I'd have probably said No! No! Nah!"</p> <p><span>Photos: Facebook and Model Railroader Magazine</span></p>

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