Placeholder Content Image

Radio host reveals "ridiculous" amount he was offered for I'm a Celeb

<p>Beau Ryan has revealed the "ridiculous" amount of money he was offered to appear on <em>I'm a Celebrity... Get Me out of Here!</em></p> <p>The radio presenter and former NRL player has appeared on a plethora of reality TV programs since retiring from NRL in 2014, including <em>Dancing with the Stars</em>, <em>Top Gear Australia</em>, <em>Gladiators</em> and <em>The Amazing Race.</em></p> <p>While speaking with <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/radio/beau-ryan-offered-ridiculous-amount-for-tv-show/news-story/9726320fdc4af29266cb5ca462c8ce59" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> </em>to promote his new radio gig on Triple M, the 39-year-old opened up about his showbiz career and revealed he actually turned down his most lucrative offer.</p> <p>“I got asked to do the first six (seasons) of <em>I’m a Celeb</em>,” Ryan said. “The money for the second season, it was more than I’ve ever seen.”</p> <p>Ryan admitted that the offer, which was worth more than $500,000, came at a time when Network 10 was keen to attract big names for the relatively unknown show in its early seasons.</p> <p>“The money was big … because everyone didn’t know how the show was going to pan out,” he said. “Back then it was a lot more money and it was a ridiculous amount.”</p> <p>He revealed that he turned down the offer because he was contracted to work with Nine at the time, and it wasn't until 2022 that he jumped ship to Network Ten that he agreed to appear on the show for far less money.</p> <p>“I said (to Ten), ‘do you still have that offer from 2015 or 16?’ and they said, ‘no, we don’t,’” he laughed.</p> <p>Ryan was in the jungle for two weeks, quitting the show with just a few days to go because he was “mentally cooked and physically drained”.</p> <p>Beau also candidly shared that he’s rejected a number of other TV offers over the years, including <em>Celebrity Apprentice</em>,<em> The Masked Singer</em> and <em>SAS Australia</em>.</p> <p>“My kids love <em>The Masked Singer</em> … and were filthy when I said no to that,” Ryan laughed. “(But) I couldn’t do it because of timing and because I can’t sing.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Ten / Instagram </em></p>

Money & Banking

Placeholder Content Image

Dancing with the Stars 2025 cast revealed

<p>The full cast for the upcoming season of <em>Dancing with the Stars</em> has been revealed. </p> <p>The highly-anticipated announcement comes after weeks of speculation on who would be joining the show, after a few select names had already been confirmed. </p> <p>Rebecca Gibney was the first celebrity to announce she would be joining the cast, after admitting to turning down many reality TV offers in years past, but accepting the <em>Dancing with the Stars</em> invitation just after her 60th birthday.</p> <p>"I want to say yes more than no," she said. "I want to do things that frighten and challenge me, and hopefully that will give me a little bit extra longevity."</p> <p>Channel Seven's Chief Content Officer Brook Hall says that the show has been chasing Gibney for some time, telling <em><a href="https://tvtonight.com.au/2025/02/rebecca-gibney-joins-dancing-with-the-stars.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TV Tonight</a></em>, "She's probably been asked like 52 times. It must be a timing thing."</p> <p>"To grab some of the names we've got is a big relief," he continued. </p> <p>Joining the show alongside Gibney will be podcast and radio host Brittany Hockley, comedian Felicity Ward, Olympic boxer Harry Garside, 7News presenter Karina Carvalho, <em>Home and Away</em> star Kyle Shilling, influencer and model Mia Fevola, 7News presenter Michael Usher, TV host Osher Günsberg, TV host and comedian Shaun Micallef, Olympic legend Susie O’Neill and AFL champion Trent Cotchin. </p> <p>Sonia Kruger and Dr Chris Brown return as hosts, alongside judges Craig Revel Horwood, Sharna Burgess, Helen Richey, and Mark Wilson.</p> <p>Filming of the show is set to kick off next month, and will air on Channel Seven later this year. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Sunrise / Seven </em></p>

TV

Placeholder Content Image

Hollywood legend's cause of death revealed

<p>Renowned filmmaker David Lynch, best known for directing <em>Dune</em>, <em>Blue Velvet</em>, <em>Mulholland Drive </em>and the unforgettable <em>Twin Peaks</em> series passed away on January 16 at the age of 78. Now, his cause of death has been officially confirmed.</p> <p>According to TMZ, which obtained Lynch’s death certificate from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the legendary director died from cardiac arrest due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Dehydration was also listed as a significant contributing factor.</p> <p>Lynch’s family shared the news of his passing on social media last month: “It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch,” the family’s statement on Facebook read. “There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the doughnut and not on the hole.’”</p> <p>In the days leading up to his death, Lynch had been affected by the deadly wildfires near Laurel Canyon Boulevard in Los Angeles. However, his longtime producer, Sabrina Sutherland, confirmed that he had safely evacuated his home at the time.</p> <p>Lynch had been battling health issues for years, having been diagnosed with emphysema in 2020. In a November 2024 interview with <em>People</em>, the filmmaker admitted that he relied on supplemental oxygen for daily activities. He also reflected on his decades-long smoking habit, which began at the age of eight and ended in 2022.</p> <p>“What you sow is what you reap,” Lynch said at the time. “You’re literally playing with fire. It can bite you. I took a chance, and I got bit.”</p> <p>His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from Hollywood stars, including actor Kyle MacLachlan, who worked with Lynch on <em>Dune, Blue Velvet </em>and <em>Twin Peaks</em>.</p> <p>“Forty-two years ago, for reasons beyond my comprehension, David Lynch plucked me out of obscurity to star in his first and last big-budget movie,” MacLachlan wrote on Instagram. “While the world has lost a remarkable artist, I’ve lost a dear friend who imagined a future for me and allowed me to travel in worlds I could never have conceived on my own.”</p> <p>Naomi Watts, who starred in <em>Mulholland Drive</em>, also paid tribute, sharing her heartbreak over Lynch’s passing: “My heart is broken. My Buddy Dave… The world will not be the same without him,” she wrote on Instagram. She praised his “exquisite storytelling, which elevated cinema and inspired generations of filmmakers across the globe.”</p> <p>While Lynch will be dearly missed, his legacy as an innovative and visionary filmmaker will continue to influence the world of cinema for years to come.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Tiger Woods reveals sad family tragedy

<p>Tiger Woods announced on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT) that his mother Kultida Woods had passed away at the age of 81. </p> <p>"It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning," the legendary golfer began his tribute shared on social media. </p> <p>"My Mum was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable," he continued.</p> <p>"She was quick with the needle and a laugh. She was my biggest fan, greatest supporter, without her none of my personal achievements would have been possible."</p> <p>The athlete added: "She was loved by so many, but especially by her two grandchildren, Sam and Charlie," Tiger's children with ex-wife Elin Nordegren, before thanking everyone for their "support, prayers and privacy at this difficult time".</p> <p>He signed off the message with: "Love you Mum," and a photo of his mum smiling. </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/DFqGymgRsnY/?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/DFqGymgRsnY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tiger Woods (@tigerwoods)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Her cause of death has not been revealed. </p> <p>Tiger's post was flooded with messages of condolences from stars in the sporting world, including NFL great Tom Brady, and A-List stars including Justin Timberlake and Mark Wahlberg. </p> <p>"So sorry for your loss. I send you a big hug ❤️" former tennis champion Rafael Nadal wrote.</p> <p>"We're so sorry for your loss, Tiger," the official United States Golf Association said.</p> <p>Woods once described his mother as the "enforcer" who was very "tough" on him in a 2017 interview. </p> <p>“My dad was always the person who would plant seeds and give me encouragement but also would say things that would fester inside me that wouldn’t come to fruition for a while,” Woods said.</p> <p>“He was very worldly and deep in his thinking. My mom was the enforcer. My dad may have been in the Special Forces, but I was never afraid of him.</p> <p>“My mom’s still here and I’m still deathly afraid of her. She’s a very tough, tough old lady, very demanding. She was the hand, she was the one, I love her so much, but she was tough."</p> <p>Over the years Kultida has supported her son through his golfing achievements and career milestone, including in 2019 when he was awarded a Medal Of Freedom in Washington by President Donald Trump. </p> <p>In 2022, she attended his World Golf Hall of Fame Induction, and up until last week she reportedly attended her son's TGL match in Florida. </p> <p><em>Image: SHAWN THEW/EPA-EFE/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Matt Doran's next move revealed after quitting Weekend Sunrise

<p>Matt Doran's next move has been revealed, two months after his <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/weekend-sunrise-star-s-emotional-farewell" target="_blank" rel="noopener">departure</a> from <em>Weekend Sunrise</em>. </p> <p>The TV journalist is set to relocate to the United States with his wife Kendall Bora, who is leaving her role as executive producer of <em>Today</em> on Channel Nine to become the network’s US bureau chief.</p> <p>According to reports from the <em>Daily Mail</em>, Kendall shared the news with staff on Tuesday, explaining that her and Matt would be moving to Los Angeles for her new role. </p> <p>Fiona Dear, Nine's director of news and current affairs, also confirmed the news and told the publication that she’s looking forward to seeing Kendall take on the position.</p> <p>“Kendall has had a stellar run at <em>Today Show</em> as EP and has spearheaded a number of transformative projects, including the streamlining of the entire Today Show team,” she said.</p> <p>“I'm excited about what she can achieve as head of Nine's famed US bureau.”</p> <p>It’s unknown exactly what Matt will be doing in LA, however, it's believed he is hoping to make documentaries.</p> <p>During his farewell announcement in November, Doran admitted he has felt the pull back to being an investigative reporter and wants to focus more on crime stories and documentaries.</p> <p>“It is my unshakeable belief that this role — specifically, being entrusted with the telling of people’s most intimate, most personal stories — is one of the more privileged positions on the planet," he said. </p> <p>“And actually, storytelling is probably at the heart of this decision – finding ways to tell stories that break the mould. I came to the Seven Network eight years ago with a background in crime and documentaries, and I’m being pulled back in that direction again now.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram / Sunrise </em></p>

TV

Placeholder Content Image

Anthony Albanese's rental income revealed

<p>Anthony Albanese has rented out his luxury home on the NSW Central Coast that he bought for $4 million last year. </p> <p>The Prime Minister updated his official register of interests in January to list for the first time unspecified “rental income” for the clifftop Copacabana retirement home. </p> <p>While his real estate agent declined to reveal how much rent he is charging, online estimators suggested he could ask for $1,000 a week or about $52,000 a year.</p> <p>On top of the Central Coast home, Albanese is now also renting out his Sydney home, a mortgage-free federation bungalow with a pool for $1,350 a week while he lives rent-free at the Lodge.</p> <p>Between the two properties, the prime minster's rental income is around $2,350 a week or $9,400 a month.</p> <p>His annual rental income on top of his salary is an estimated $122,200 and his salary is $564,356 a year.</p> <p>Greens housing spokesman Max Chandler-Mather has previously taken aim at Mr Albanese for owning investment properties as he stepped up his campaign to scrap negative gearing laws.</p> <p>“Let’s be real, if Labor wants to deal with housing affordability then it’s time to phase out the billions of dollars in tax concessions property investors get every year in the form of negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions,” Mr Chandler-Mather said.</p> <p>“We could be investing that money in building public housing but instead it is going to people like the Prime Minister with his three investment properties.”</p> <p>He went on to question why Australia has a “property investor as a prime minister” during the “worst housing crisis we’ve seen in a generation”, adding, “I think what they’ve got to realise on the politics of this in the course of this year a lot of renters are going to start asking the question.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: realestate.com.au/RICHARD WAINWRIGHT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Money & Banking

Placeholder Content Image

Sam Kerr's defence in harassment trial revealed

<p>Sam Kerr has appeared in a London court for the first day of her racial harassment trial. </p> <p>The Matildas striker has been accused of calling a police officer “stupid and white” as he attempted to defuse a dispute over a taxi fare in southwest London on January 30th 2023.</p> <p>The all-time leading Australian international scorer has pleaded not guilty to the racially aggravated harassment of a police officer.</p> <p>In court on Monday it was claimed that Kerr and her partner, fellow footballer Kristie Mewis, believed they were being kidnapped when the taxi they were travelling in diverted off route during a dispute over the fare.</p> <p>Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones told jurors that the women had been on a night out and were travelling home in the taxi when Kerr was allegedly sick. </p> <p>The pair and the taxi driver then engaged in an argument over a cleaning fee of the vehicle, which caused the driver to divert the trip to Twickenham Police Station. </p> <p>When the pair realised they were no longer heading to Kerr's house, Mewis kicked out the rear window fearing she was being kidnapped.</p> <p>“The cabbie ended up phoning the police to complain about their behaviour, reporting that they were trying to smash a window,” Emlyn Jones said.</p> <p>In footage from a police body-worn camera, the pair were visibly shaken on arrival at the station and Kerr said they were “both very afraid” and they “were begging to get out of there.”</p> <p>Prosecutors said Kerr then allegedly became verbally abusive towards police officer Stephen Lovell, and insulted him “by reference to his ethnicity” when he recalled the driver’s version of events.</p> <p>“You guys are stupid and white. You guys are f****** stupid and white,” Kerr said. “I’m looking you in the eyes, you guys are f****** stupid. I’m f****** over this shit.”</p> <p>Emlyn Jones said there was no dispute over what was said, instead, jurors must decide what she meant and how it made Lovell feel.</p> <p>Kerr’s lawyer Grace Forbes said, “When you look past the headline, and you look at the evidence, Samantha Kerr did not feel hostile towards the officer because he is white”.</p> <p>“The words were a comment – however poorly expressed – about positions of power, about privilege and about how those things might colour perception.”</p> <p>The officer told the court he felt Kerr’s behaviour was “quite abusive”.</p> <p><em>Image credits: ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

Kyle Sandilands reveals major health diagnosis live on air

<p>Kyle Sandilands has shared his shocking health diagnosis live on air, telling his listeners he is due to undergo emergency brain surgery. </p> <p>The radio shock jock shared the news on Monday morning, saying he would be stepping back from the KIIS FM hosting role to look after his health and recover from the major operation. </p> <p>“On Friday, I was told by my medical team, which sounds like I’m already very sick - to have a medical team - that I have a brain aneurysm and it requires immediate attention, brain surgery,” Sandilands told listeners.</p> <p>“If you just tuned in to us after all these years, lap it up. And if you’re in Melbourne ... you’re coming to the party too late. You may get your wish. I may be dead.”</p> <p>After being away on Friday, Sandilands shared that he received his diagnosis after a difficult period of difficult headaches. </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/reel/DFlTXUwo5w6/?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/reel/DFlTXUwo5w6/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Kyle and Jackie O (@kyleandjackieo)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"It's not a blockage. It's like, imagine your blood vessel is the garden hose, and the garden hose is weak and it blisters out like a big bubble, you know, like a puncture in it. (It's) like a bike tyre with a big bubble - that bubble's the aneurysm, so it's not blocked," he explained.</p> <p>"It's expanded and if it bursts, (I will become) either a vegetable, in the wheelchair, or dead instantly"</p> <p>Sandilands expects to take eight weeks off from his hit show, <em>The Kyle and Jackie O Show,</em> to recover. </p> <p>“My wife, every time I look at her, her eyes well up with tears. She is already counting down the days.”</p> <p>“The facts are a life of cocaine abuse and partying are not the way to go,” he said.</p> <p>Sandilands then used his condition as a warning to others, saying, "If anyone is having persistent headaches or any of those recurring issues, get a brain scan. It could save your life."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Sinead O’Connor’s final wish revealed

<p>Almost two years after the Sinead O'Connor's tragic death, the legacy she left behind for her children has been revealed. </p> <p>According to Irish probate records obtained by <em>The Sun</em>, O'Connor left her £1.7 million (AUD 3.38 million) estate to her three surviving children, with ex-husband John Reynolds named executor of her estate. </p> <p>After debts, legal fees, and funeral costs, the estate was reduced to £1.4 million (AUD 2.78 million). </p> <p>The document also contained specific instructions for her children to ensure they get their money's worth out of any unreleased music that she has recorded. </p> <p>“I direct that after my death, and at the discretion of any of my children who are then over 18, my albums are to be released to ‘milk it for what it’s worth’,” she wrote. </p> <p>Signed in 2013 ahead of her conversion to Islam in 2018, the document also outlined her burial requests, where she noted her children may “dispense my ashes as they see fit” and to be buried in priest's robes with a copy of the Hebrew bible and her album, <em>Theology.</em></p> <p>The singer's youngest son Yeshua was given her collection of guitars. </p> <p>O’Connor passed away in July 2023 at the age of 56, after she was found unresponsive at her London home by first responders.</p> <p>Her <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/coroner-finally-reveals-sinead-o-connor-s-cause-of-death" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cause of death</a> was later confirmed to be chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, after a a copy of her death certificate was obtained by the <em>Irish Independent</em> newspaper. </p> <p><em>Image: Co/ZUMA Press Wire/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Money & Banking

Placeholder Content Image

Husband reveals final text from wife on board doomed flight

<p>The husband of a woman on board American Airlines flight 5342 has revealed the final text he received from his wife just minutes before her flight collided with a US Army helicopter at around 9pm on Wednesday night. </p> <p>Hamaad Raza told <em> WUSA9 </em> that his wife had been texting him while she was on board the flight from Wichita, Kansas to Washington DC before the plane collided with the military helicopter and plunged into the river. </p> <p>She had texted him:  “Landing in 20 minutes” but when his replies failed to send, he realised that something was wrong. </p> <p>“That’s when I realized something might be up”, Raza shared.</p> <p>Raza's wife, who was only 26-years-old, was travelling to Wichita for work had “always had a fear of flying and that she never really was comfortable”. </p> <p>Aviation officials have yet to provide and explanation for the crash, as commercial airlines are supposed to receive a warning  of potential collisions through a Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS).</p> <p>Emergency services have been deployed throughout the night in freezing and icy conditions in attempt to find bodies among the wreckage, with dozens already recovered from the water. </p> <p>“I'm just praying that somebody's pulling her out of the river right now, as we speak," Raza told WUSA9 in the early hours of Wednesday.</p> <p>“That's all I can pray for, I'm just praying to God.”</p> <p>Raza is waiting for answers from officials but has been left in the dark on any information about his wife. </p> <p><em>Image: WUSA9 </em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Kyle and Jackie O's $200 million contract death clause revealed

<p>Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson have revealed the grim death clause in their individual contracts.</p> <p>In November 2023, the longtime KIISFM hosts signed a monster $200 million deal with Australian Radio Network (ARN)  that will see them remain on airwaves until 2034, each pocketing a minimum of $10 million per year.</p> <p>However, added to the whopping sum come a series of unique clauses.</p> <p>Speaking candidly on Thursday morning's show, Kyle and Jackie O opened up about what would happen to the show if one of them were to die, and they each had different stipulations.</p> <p>“They [lawyers] did ring me when they were doing this new deal and said ‘Jackie wants this [death] clause’,” Sandilands said. “I said, ‘I’ve had this for years.’”</p> <p>As part of Henderson’s contract, the host specified she’d want the option to leave the show if Sandilands passed away.</p> <p>“I don’t know if I would want to do it with someone else,” Henderson told her co-host.</p> <p>“Aw, bless you,” Sandilands said, before savagely responding, "We drop your name. I get your income.”</p> <p>“I’d just soldier on without you. I wouldn’t like it, [but] I wouldn’t want to let that great bit of content die on the vine. I’d rather be on-air crying.”</p> <p>Elsewhere, Sandilands said it was stated in his contract he would only fly via private jet or first class if he was required to work overseas, while admitting that many of their contract clauses are "beyond belief”.</p> <p><em>Image credits: KIISFM</em></p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

The Voice Australia 2025 coaches revealed

<p>Two new international superstars are joining the cast of <em>The Voice</em> for the upcoming 2025 season. </p> <p>Richard Marx and Spice Girl Mel C will join Ronan Keating and Kate Miller-Heidke on the coaches panel this year, replacing last year's judges Guy Sebastian and LeAnn Rimes. </p> <p>This will be the first time Marx, the Grammy award-winning singer who first shot to fame in the 1980s classic Right Here Waiting and Mel C, who found global notoriety as part of the hugely successful 1990s girl band The Spice Girls, have appeared as coaches on the Australian version of the show.</p> <p>The Seven Network made the announcement of the new judges on Wednesday ahead of production commencing for the reality singing contest, set to hit TV screens later in the year.</p> <p>Sharing her excitement over joining the judges panel, Melanie C said, “I am so incredibly excited to be joining <em>The Voice Australia</em> in 2025! I have always cherished my trips down under over the years, so to be there with such a super line up of coaches in one of my favourite countries is a real honour.”</p> <p>Richard Marx said he was looking forward to returning to Australia, a place he first visited in 1977 aged 13 with his parents.</p> <p>“After many more visits on tour playing to thousands and thousands of Aussie fans, it’s become a home away from home. This will be an unforgettable experience and I’m so ready to get started!” he said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Seven Network</em></p>

TV

Placeholder Content Image

Man reveals what it's like to spend 25 years at sea

<p>Mario Salcedo has mastered life at sea, living on cruise ships for 25 years and completing his 1,000th voyage with Royal Caribbean. </p> <p>Salcedo, also known as "Super Mario" in cruise circles revealed that he spends around  $101,000 on on cruises per year for a cabin with a balcony. </p> <p>The senior funds his ocean-bound lifestyle through investment management work. </p> <p>His loyalty to Royal Caribbean has earned him some recognition among the crew, with some ships creating makeshift offices for him on deck, complete with cordoned-off tables, chairs and signs reading "Super Mario's Office".</p> <p>Salcedo spoke about his love for cruising in an interview with <em>allthingscruise.com. </em></p> <p>"Cruising never gets old," he began. </p> <p>"I'm so used to being on ships that it feels more comfortable to me than being on land."</p> <p>The full-time cruiser began his life at sea after "tiring of the suit-and-tie business world and the long flights to international clients."</p> <p>The Cuban-born businessman went on his first cruise in 1997 and became hooked since then. </p> <p>In 2000 he began living on Royal Caribbean ships, spending only a few days per year on land, and taking a short 15 month break during the Covid pandemic. </p> <p>Salcedo said he spends about five hours a day working and "has fun" for the rest of it. </p> <p>"It's zero stress," he said. "The best lifestyle I can find."</p> <p><em>Image: Wayleebird / Shutterstock.com</em></p> <p> </p>

International Travel

Placeholder Content Image

Expert reveals how to cope with flight anxiety

<p dir="ltr">While thousands of Aussies travel by plane everyday, not everyone is so relaxed about air travel. </p> <p dir="ltr">According to recent Google data, searches for advice on flight anxiety are on the rise by more than 5000 per cent. </p> <p dir="ltr">Thankfully, there is help out there for those who struggle with anxious thoughts around flying. </p> <p dir="ltr">Researcher and neuroscientist Dr Brian Ramos from <a href="https://simplynootropics.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Simply Nootropics</a> explained why some people are impacted more than others.</p> <p dir="ltr">"People's past experiences, personality traits, and levels of general anxiety all play a role in how intensely they experience flying anxiety, making some individuals more prone to it than others," he told <em><a href="https://travel.nine.com.au/latest/how-to-get-over-flight-anxiety-before-holiday-expert-tips/72ff01bd-8245-4ba9-a440-8a5fa6fa74db">9Travel</a></em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">He went on to offer four ways to combat flight anxiety on your next trip. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Reframe your anxiety as excitement </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Dr Ramos believes that by redefining the physical signs of anxiety as excitement for your holiday, you can fool your brain into thinking differently. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Reframing anxiety as excitement can trick your brain into receiving your nervous system's response more positively," Brian said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Both anxiety and excitement trigger similar physical responses, like a racing heart and butterflies, but the key difference lies in how we interpret them.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"Instead of viewing these sensations as signs of danger, you can remind yourself they signal anticipation and energy."</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Think about the facts </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Looking at your situation practically can help calm your anxious mind when on a plane, according to Dr Ramos. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Look around you - is anyone else freaking out? Aeroplanes are one of the safest modes of transportation," Brian said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Statistically, the odds of an accident are extremely low, with air travel being far safer than driving in a car - something we all do regularly and don't bat an eyelid at."</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Keep yourself busy </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">By tapping into mindful activities can help push anxious thoughts to the back of your mind. </p> <p dir="ltr">As Brian says, "Distracting your mind with a good podcast or book is a great way to manage flight anxiety by redirecting your focus away from fear-inducing thoughts."</p> <p dir="ltr">"Engaging with a story or interesting conversation can keep your brain occupied.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Re-centre your brain if you feel yourself spiralling </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">"To calm an anxiety attack during a flight, first, focus on your breathing," Brian said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Practice deep, slow breaths; inhaling through your nose for four counts, holding for four, and exhaling through your mouth for four.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"Second, ground yourself using the 5-4-3-2-1 technique: identify five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"Finally, use positive self-talk."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Travel Tips

Placeholder Content Image

2025 Oscar nominations revealed

<p>The nominations for the 97th Academy Awards have been announced after being postponed twice due to the devastating wildfires in LA. </p> <p>Aussie actor Guy Pearce has picked up a best supporting actor nomination for his role in The Brutalist. </p> <p>A few other Aussies who were nominated include Adam Elliot,  an Oscar-winning animator, who is up for best animated feature for <em>Memoir of a Snail,</em> and Greig Fraser for his cinematography in<em> Dune: Part Two</em>. </p> <p>This year's early star is Spanish-language Netflix film<em> Emilia Pérez</em>, with 13 nominations, followed by <em>The Brutalist </em>and <em>Wicked</em> on 10 each.</p> <p><em>Emilia Pérez </em>dominated the nominations picking up best picture, as well as best actress for Karla Sofía Gascón, the first openly trans actor ever nominated for an Oscar.</p> <p>The film also landed nominations for directing, original screenplay, two of its songs, and for supporting actress Zoe Saldaña.</p> <p>The Broadway adaptation of <em>Wicked</em> picked up 10 nominations including best picture and acting nods for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.</p> <p><em>The Brutalist </em>also scored 10 nominations including best picture, best director, and nominations for actor Adrien Brody, Guy Pearce, and Felicity Jones. </p> <p>The 97th Academy Awards will take place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, which will be around 10am AEDT on March 3. </p> <h3><strong>Here is the full list of nominees</strong></h3> <p><strong>Best Picture</strong></p> <ul> <li>Anora</li> <li>The Brutalist</li> <li>A Complete Unknown</li> <li>Conclave</li> <li>Dune: Part Two</li> <li>Emilia Pérez</li> <li>I'm Still Here</li> <li>Nickel Boys</li> <li>The Substance</li> <li>Wicked</li> </ul> <p><strong>Director</strong></p> <ul> <li>Anora — Sean Baker</li> <li>The Brutalist — Brady Corbet</li> <li>A Complete Unknown — James Mangold</li> <li>Emilia Pérez — Jacques Audiard</li> <li>The Substance — Coralie Fargeat</li> </ul> <p><strong>Leading Actor</strong></p> <ul> <li>Adrien Brody in The Brutalist</li> <li>Timothee Chalamet in A Complete Unknown</li> <li>Colman Domingo in Sing Sing</li> <li>Ralph Fiennes in Conclave</li> <li>Sebastian Stan in The Apprentice</li> </ul> <p><strong>Leading Actress</strong></p> <ul> <li>Cynthia Erivo in Wicked</li> <li>Karla Sofia Gascon in Emilia Perez</li> <li>Mikey Madison in Anora</li> <li>Demi Moore in The Substance</li> <li>Fernanda Torres in I'm Still Here<span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"><br /></span></li> </ul> <p><strong>Supporting Actor</strong></p> <ul> <li>Yura Borisov in Anora</li> <li>Keiran Culkin in A Real Pain</li> <li>Edward Norton in A Complete Unknown</li> <li>Guy Pearce in The Brutalist</li> <li>Jeremy Strong in The Apprentice</li> </ul> <p><strong>Supporting Actress</strong></p> <ul> <li>Monica Barbaro in A Complete Unknown</li> <li>Ariana Grande in Wicked</li> <li>Felicity Jones in The Brutalist</li> <li>Isabella Rossellini in Conclave</li> <li>Zoe Saldana in Emilia Perez</li> </ul> <p><strong>Animated Feature Film</strong></p> <ul> <li>Flow</li> <li>Inside Out 2</li> <li>Memoir of a Snail</li> <li>Wallace &amp; Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl</li> <li>The Wild Robot</li> </ul> <p><strong>Cinematography</strong></p> <ul> <li>The Brutalist — Lol Crawley</li> <li>Dune: Part Two — Greig Fraser</li> <li>Emilia Perez — Paul Guilhaume</li> <li>Maria — Ed Lachman</li> <li>Nosferatu — Jarin Blaschke</li> </ul> <p><strong>Costume design</strong></p> <ul> <li>A Complete Unknown — Arianne Phillips</li> <li>Conclave — Lisy Christl</li> <li>Gladiator II — Janty Yates and Dave Crossman</li> <li>Nosferatu — Linda Muir</li> <li>Wicked —  Paul Tazewell</li> </ul> <p><strong>Documentary feature film</strong></p> <ul> <li>Black Box Diaries</li> <li>No Other Land</li> <li>Porcelain War</li> <li>Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat</li> <li>Sugarcane</li> </ul> <p><strong>Documentary short film</strong></p> <ul> <li>Death by Numbers</li> <li>I Am Ready, Warden</li> <li>Incident</li> <li>Instruments of a Beating Heart</li> <li>The Only Girl in the Orchestra</li> </ul> <p><strong>Film editing</strong></p> <ul> <li>Anora — Sean Baker</li> <li>The Brutalist — David Jancso</li> <li>Conclave — Nick Emerson</li> <li>Emilia Pérez — Juliette Welfling</li> <li>Wicked — Myron Kerstein</li> </ul> <p><strong>International feature film</strong></p> <ul> <li>Brazil: I'm Still Here</li> <li>Denmark: The Girl with the Needle</li> <li>France: Emilia Pérez</li> <li>Germany: The Seed of the Sacred Fig</li> <li>Latvia: Flow</li> </ul> <p><strong>Makeup and hairstyling</strong></p> <ul> <li>A Different Man — Mike Marino, David Presto and Crystal Jurado</li> <li>Emilia Pérez — Julia Floch Carbonel, Emmanuel Janvier and Jean-Christophe Spadaccini</li> <li>Nosferatu — David White, Traci Loader and Suzanne Stokes-Munton</li> <li>The Substance — Pierre-Olivier Persin, Stéphanie Guillon and Marilyne Scarselli</li> <li>Wicked — Frances Hannon, Laura Blount and Sarah Nuth</li> </ul> <p><strong>Music (original score)</strong></p> <ul> <li>The Brutalist — Daniel Blumberg</li> <li>Conclave — Volker Bertelmann</li> <li>Emilia Pérez — Clément Ducol and Camille</li> <li>Wicked — John Powell and Stephen Schwartz</li> <li>The Wild Robot — Kris Bowers</li> </ul> <p><strong>Music (original song)</strong></p> <ul> <li>El Mal from Emilia Pérez; Music by Clément Ducol and Camille; Lyric by Clément Ducol, Camille and Jacques Audiard</li> <li>The Journey from The Six Triple Eight; Music and Lyric by Diane Warren</li> <li>Like A Bird from Sing Sing; Music and Lyric by Abraham Alexander and Adrian Quesada</li> <li>Mi Camino from Emilia Pérez; Music and Lyric by Camille and Clément Ducol</li> <li>Never Too Late from Elton John: Never Too Late; Music and Lyric by Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Andrew Watt and Bernie Taupin</li> </ul> <p><strong>Production design</strong></p> <ul> <li>The Brutalist — Production Design: Judy Becker; Set Decoration: Patricia Cuccia</li> <li>Conclave — Production Design: Suzie Davies; Set Decoration: Cynthia Sleiter</li> <li>Dune: Part Two — Production Design: Patrice Vermette; Set Decoration: Shane Vieau</li> <li>Nosferatu — Production Design: Craig Lathrop; Set Decoration: Beatrice Brentnerová</li> <li>Wicked — Production Design: Nathan Crowley; Set Decoration: Lee Sandales</li> </ul> <p><strong>Short film (animated)</strong></p> <ul> <li>Beautiful Men</li> <li>In the Shadow of the Cypress</li> <li>Magic Candles</li> <li>Wander to Wonder</li> <li>Yuck!</li> </ul> <p><strong>Short film (live action)</strong></p> <ul> <li>A Lien</li> <li>Anuja</li> <li>I'm Not a Robot</li> <li>The Last Ranger</li> <li>The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent</li> </ul> <p><strong>Sound</strong></p> <ul> <li>A Complete Unknown — Tod A. Maitland, Donald Sylvester, Ted Caplan, Paul Massey and David Giammarco</li> <li>Dune: Part Two — Gareth John, Richard King, Ron Bartlett and Doug Hemphill</li> <li>Emilia Pérez — Erwan Kerzanet, Aymeric Devoldère, Maxence Dussère, Cyril Holtz and Niels Barletta</li> <li>Wicked — Simon Hayes, Nancy Nugent Title, Jack Dolman, Andy Nelson and John Marquis</li> <li>The Wild Robot — Randy Thom, Brian Chumney, Gary A. Rizzo and Leff Lefferts</li> </ul> <p><strong>Visual effects</strong></p> <ul> <li>Alien: Romulus — Eric Barba, Nelson Sepulveda-Fauser, Daniel Macarin and Shane Mahan</li> <li>Better Man — Luke Millar, David Clayton, Keith Herft and Peter Stubbs</li> <li>Dune: Part Two — Paul Lambert, Stephen James, Rhys Salcombe and Gerd Nefzer</li> <li>Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes — Erik Winquist, Stephen Unterfranz, Paul Story and Rodney Burke</li> <li>Wicked — Pablo Helman, Jonathan Fawkner, David Shirk and Paul Corbould</li> </ul> <p><strong>Adapted screenplay</strong></p> <ul> <li>A Complete Unknown — Screenplay by James Mangold and Jay Cocks</li> <li>Conclave — Screenplay by Peter Straughan</li> <li>Emilia Pérez — Screenplay by Jacques Audiard; In collaboration with Thomas Bidegain, Léa Mysius and Nicolas Livecchi</li> <li>Nickel Boys — Screenplay by RaMell Ross &amp; Joslyn Barnes</li> <li>Sing Sing — Screenplay by Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar; Story by Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar, Clarence Maclin, John "Divine G" Whitfield</li> </ul> <p><strong>Original screenplay</strong></p> <ul> <li>Anora — Written by Sean Baker</li> <li>The Brutalist — Written by Brady Corbet, Mona Fastvold</li> <li>A Real Pain — Written by Jesse Eisenberg</li> <li>September 5 — Written by Moritz Binder, Tim Fehlbaum; Co-Written by Alex David</li> <li>The Substance — Written by Coralie Fargeat</li> </ul> <p><em>Image: Al Seib/AMPAS/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

Movies

Placeholder Content Image

Best travel destinations for 2025 revealed

<p dir="ltr">For those setting their sights on travelling abroad in 2025, TripAdvisor has named their best destinations for holidays this year. </p> <p dir="ltr">The winners of the <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/TravelersChoice-Destinations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tripadvisor</a> Travellers' Choice Awards were identified based on the quality and quantity of global Tripadvisor reviews specific to several award subcategories, from accommodation to restaurants. </p> <p dir="ltr">For 2025, London has been named the top destination in the world, taking the title from Dubai, which had held first place since 2022.</p> <p dir="ltr">Commenting on the announcement, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said, “London is, without doubt, the best city in the world to visit, attracting millions of tourists every year who are amazed with everything that our great city has to offer.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“With our unrivalled mix of cultural attractions, renowned food scene and a sporting calendar that cannot be beaten, I am delighted that Tripadvisor agrees that London is the top destination in the world.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Dubai was bumped down to the third spot on the list, while the tropical paradise of Bali in Indonesia slid into second place. </p> <p dir="ltr">Check out the top 10 list of the most popular international destinations for 2025 below. </p> <p dir="ltr">1. London, UK</p> <p dir="ltr">2. Bali, Indonesia</p> <p dir="ltr">3. Dubai, UAE</p> <p dir="ltr">4. Sicily, Italy</p> <p dir="ltr">5. Paris, France</p> <p dir="ltr">6. Rome, Italy</p> <p dir="ltr">7. Hanoi, Vietnam</p> <p dir="ltr">8. Marrakech, Morocco</p> <p dir="ltr">9. Crete, Greece</p> <p dir="ltr">10. Bangkok, Thailand</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

International Travel

Placeholder Content Image

Does ‘made with love’ sell? Research reveals who values handmade products the most

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/tuba-degirmenci-2291455">Tuba Degirmenci</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/frank-mathmann-703900">Frank Mathmann</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gary-mortimer-1322">Gary Mortimer</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a></em></p> <p>We’ve all seen the marketing message “handmade with love”. It’s designed to tug at our heartstrings, suggesting extra care and affection went into crafting a product.</p> <p>As Valentine’s Day approaches, many businesses will ramp up such messaging in their advertising.</p> <p>Handmade gifts are often cast as more thoughtful, special options than their mass-produced, machine-made alternatives.</p> <p>But does “love” actually sell? Our new <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cb.2455">research</a>, published in the Journal of Consumer Behaviour, reveals not everyone feels the same way about these labels.</p> <p>Why do some people feel handmade products are made with love, while others don’t really care? We found it’s all about how they approach purchase decisions.</p> <h2>A deeper, human connection</h2> <p>Why do businesses market products as handmade? Previous research has shown handmade labels can lead to higher positive emotions. This tendency is known as the “<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1509/jm.14.0018">handmade effect</a>”.</p> <p>In a world of seemingly perfect and polished products, <a href="https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/09590551211267593/full/html">research</a> shows consumers increasingly prefer human (as opposed to machine) interactions, including in their shopping experiences.</p> <p>It’s also been shown that giving handmade gifts can <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11002-024-09722-w">promote social relationships</a>.</p> <p>We often associated handmade products with smaller “cottage” retailers. But many major global retailers – including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&amp;node=120955898011">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://www.ikea.com/au/en/new/handcrafted-textiles-for-a-better-future-pub6fc26570/">IKEA</a> – have strategically introduced handmade products, aiming to connect on a deeper emotional level with their consumers.</p> <p>Our research found not all consumers respond in the same way to these marketing messages.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kYn-xUjv_qs?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption><span class="caption">IKEA has previously run a dedicated handmade marketing campaign.</span></figcaption></figure> <h2>Who cares about love?</h2> <p>Across two studies, we found that the response to marketing products as “handmade” depends on a consumer’s locomotion orientation – put simply, how they approach decisions and other actions.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022435917300155">Low-locomotion individuals</a> take things more slowly. They take their time and can thoroughly consider their purchase decisions. Think of them as the “mindful”.</p> <p>In contrast, high-locomotion individuals are “doers”. They like to get things done quickly without getting stuck in the details. They are the “grab-and-go” shopper.</p> <p>When the way they perform an action – such as making a purchase – matches their fast-paced mindset, something remarkable happens: they experience what’s called “<a href="https://myscp.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jcpy.1317">regulatory fit</a>”.</p> <p>This fit boosts their emotions and engagement.</p> <h2>Our first study</h2> <p>In our first study, participants imagined buying a gift for a loved one. They were split into three groups and presented with a photo of the same mug.</p> <p>One group was informed that the mug was “handmade”, one group informed it was “machine-made”, and the last group was not offered any “production cue”.</p> <p>We also asked and measured how much “love” they felt the mug contained – and how much they would pay for it.</p> <p>The handmade mug evoked more love and led to a higher willingness to pay – but only for those with a “low-locomotion” orientation.</p> <p>High-locomotion individuals didn’t react in the same way. For these “doers”, the backstory of how the mug had been made wasn’t as important as just getting a product they needed.</p> <p>For the “doers”, the benefits of marketing the mug as handmade actually backfired.</p> <p>They felt more love for the mug if it had no label at all.</p> <h2>Our second study</h2> <p>By communicating with consumers on social media, marketers can trigger a mindset called “regulatory locomotion mode”. Put simply, this is the mode where we take action and make progress toward goals.</p> <p>Marketers can do this by using <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2F0022-3514.79.5.793">locomotion-activating</a> words such as “move” and “go” to encourage active decision-making.</p> <p>To borrow one famous example from Nike: “<a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2F0022-3514.79.5.793">Just Do It</a>”.</p> <p>Our second study examined the marketer-generated content of over 9,000 Facebook posts from the verified <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Etsy">Etsy</a> Facebook page.</p> <p>We analysed how locomotion-activating words in social media posts for handmade products influence consumer engagement.</p> <p>In other words, we wanted to understand how these words affected social media engagement with the potential consumers reading them, particularly in terms of social media shares.</p> <p>We found the higher an individual’s locomotion orientation was, the fewer social media “shares” for handmade products occurred.</p> <h2>So, does handmade really matter?</h2> <p>As we get closer to Valentine’s Day, understanding these differences can help retailers tailor their marketing strategies.</p> <p>For “mindful” customers, retailers should highlight the story of the craftsmanship, care, and love behind a handmade product for Valentine’s Day. Use emotional language such as “made with love”.</p> <p>But be aware this mightn’t work on everyone. For a customer base of “doers”, keep it simple, leaving out unnecessary details about production methods.</p> <p>There are a range of <a href="https://marketingplatform.google.com/about/">website analytical tools</a> that can help retailers identify how their customers approach their purchase decision-making.</p> <p>Do they browse quickly, hopping from one product to the next, opting for “<a href="https://www.business.com/articles/one-click-purchasing-how-click-to-buy-is-revolutionizing-ecommerce/">one-click</a>” purchasing? Or do they take their time, browsing slowly and considering their product selection?</p> <p>Personalised marketing messages can then be crafted to emphasise the aspects – love or efficiency – that matter most to each group. The key lies in knowing who you’re speaking to.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/247351/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/tuba-degirmenci-2291455">T<em>uba Degirmenci</em></a><em>, PhD Candidate School of Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/frank-mathmann-703900">Frank Mathmann</a>, Lecturer (Assistant Professor), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gary-mortimer-1322">Gary Mortimer</a>, Professor of Marketing and Consumer Behaviour, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/does-made-with-love-sell-research-reveals-who-values-handmade-products-the-most-247351">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Money & Banking

Placeholder Content Image

The most turbulent flights in the world revealed

<p dir="ltr">While many travellers have experienced a bumpy ride while on a plane, there are some routes that are rougher than others. </p> <p dir="ltr">Thanks to <a href="https://turbli.com/historical-data/most-turbulent-flight-routes-of-2024/">Turbli research</a>, the most turbulent flight routes in the world for 2025 have been announced for worried flyers to avoid when booking their holidays. </p> <p dir="ltr">All destinations are situated in just two continents and four countries, and all involve flying over high altitudes.</p> <p dir="ltr">Turbulence is measured in Eddy Dissipation Rate (EDR), which describes turbulence levels without regard to aircraft characteristics, meaning the same levels of turbulence may be experienced differently depending on the size and build of the aircraft.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dramatic changes in land altitude, particularly mountain ranges, create eddies, or swirls of disrupted airflow all create turbulence. </p> <p dir="ltr">With 0-20 on the EDR scale is considered light turbulence, these flight paths measure double digits in their levels of severity. </p> <p dir="ltr">Most of these destinations are located in South America, so if you’re particularly adverse to a bumpy flight, maybe take these stats into account before booking your next holiday. </p> <p dir="ltr">Check out the list of the 10 most turbulent flights in the world below. </p> <p dir="ltr">10. San Carlos de Bariloche (Argentina) to Santiago (Chile). 18.475 average EDR.</p> <p dir="ltr">9. Chengdu (China) to Xining (China). 18.482 average EDR.</p> <p dir="ltr">8. Kathmandu (Nepal) to Paro (Bhutan). 18.563 average EDR.</p> <p dir="ltr">7. Santa Cruz (Bolivia) to Santiago (Chile). 18.598 average EDR.</p> <p dir="ltr">6. Chengdu (China) to Lhasa (China). 18.644 average EDR.</p> <p dir="ltr">5. Kathmandu to Lhasa. 18.817 average EDR. </p> <p dir="ltr">4. Mendoza (Argentina) to San Carlos de Bariloche. 19.252 average EDR. </p> <p dir="ltr">3. Mendoza to Salta (Argentina). 19.825 average EDR.</p> <p dir="ltr">2. Córdoba to Santiago. 20.214 average EDR</p> <p dir="ltr">1. Mendoza to Santiago. 24.684 average EDR.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Travel Trouble

Placeholder Content Image

The Project reveals which star is not returning for 2025

<p><em>The Project</em> has revealed which major star of the panel show will not be returning for the 2025. </p> <p>According Network Ten, comedian Michael Hing will be leaving the program in 2025 after first joining the cast in 2023. </p> <p>Ten confirmed his departure in a statement, saying, "For the last two years, we have loved Michael Hing’s quick wit and hosting hijinks as a regular on <em>The Project.</em>"</p> <p>"We wish Michael every success for his nationwide stand-up tour and look forward to welcoming him back to the desk between gigs in 2025."</p> <p>Hing also shared the news on social media, explaining that he is leaving <em>The Project</em> in order to focus on his stand-up comedy tour of Australia, which runs from February to July.</p> <p>He wrote, “Unlike last year (when I didn’t do a tour), this year I’m not eagerly (terrifiedly) awaiting the birth of our first child. And now that we have said child, I’m embarking on the biggest tour I’ve ever done: Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Gold Coast Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney (not exactly a big effort) and Newcastle."</p> <p>“I should mention as well, with the size of the tour, and my ongoing commitment to not being entirely absent from the baby’s life, I’m going to take a step back from being on <em>The Project</em> next year.”</p> <p>The network also revealed that <em>The Project</em> panel would be reduced to three co-panelists on Fridays, commencing from February.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p> <p class="mol-para-with-font" style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px; min-height: 0px; letter-spacing: -0.16px; font-family: Inter, sans-serif;"> </p>

TV

Our Partners