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Simon Dorante-Day calls for "four-way paternity test" to prove royal lineage

<p>Simon Dorante-Day has called for a "four-way paternity test" to prove his royal lineage, while also casting doubt on if Prince William and Prince Harry are actually sons of the monarch. </p> <p>The Queensland man, who has been claiming to be the secret son of King Charles and Queen Camilla since 2005, has called for an official DNA test to prove his claims in a lengthy Facebook post. </p> <p>Dorante-Day's post highlights a photo comparison of himself, King Charles and William and Harry as evidence supporting his demand for answers from the royal family. </p> <p>“This comparison of William, Myself, Charles, and Harry demonstrates something very clearly, there is no consistency. The fact that the left side of my face identically matches Charles whilst neither William nor Harry’s does, raises the obvious question, just who are Charles’s real sons?”</p> <p>"This is why my wife, Dr. Elvianna, and I believe a 4-way Paternity test is the only way to resolve this issue once and for all. The truth of the game that has been played by the Monarchy, the Government, and the Establishment for 58 years needs to be exposed."</p> <p>"It's not just what happened to me as a child, and what I remember from growing up in England, but it’s also what’s happened since to myself, my wife, and my children in Australia that supports our argument. These covert and illegitimate activities that are targeted towards us constantly are an attempt to stop us on this journey, nothing more. They will not succeed. They will only strengthen our argument and provides us with evidence to demonstrate what has occurred, in a court room, to judges."</p> <p>"My question to all of you is how will you truly react when you hear the truth of what has occurred? Would you still want them on the throne?"</p> <p>Dorante-Day was born in Portsmouth in the UK in 1966, and was adopted at just eight months old. According to his claims, his adoptive mother, who worked for Queen Elizabeth II confessed on her death bed that he was the son of Charles and Camilla.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Highly-decorated conservationist dies aged 72

<p>British conservationist and presenter of <em>Wildlife SOS </em>Simon Cowell has died aged 72, following a battle with cancer. </p> <p>His charity, the Wildlife Aid Foundation, confirmed the sad news in a statement posted on their official website, saying that he died on June 9. </p> <p>"It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Simon Cowell MBE, conservationist, founder and CEO of the Wildlife Aid Foundation, and presenter of Wildlife SOS," the statement began.</p> <p>"Simon passed away on 9th June after a brave battle with cancer.</p> <p>"Simon was one of the UK's most respected conservationists and a passionate advocate for wildlife protection and environmental causes.</p> <p>"He dedicated his life to British wildlife and worked tirelessly to ensure countless injured and orphaned animals were given a second chance in the wild through rescue, clinical treatment, and rehabilitation," the statement continued. </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/C8CeCrzIEv2/?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/C8CeCrzIEv2/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Wildlife Aid Foundation (@wildlifeaid)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>They also said that "Simon believed that every animal matters," before ending their statement with: "His loss will be greatly felt by his loved ones, 2-legged and 4-legged, alike."</p> <p>Cowell started his foundation back in 1987. In 2005 he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his services to wildlife. </p> <p>The <em>Wildlife SOS </em>star shared his terminal lung cancer diagnosis back in July 2022, and the cancer soon spread to his other organs. </p> <p>Cowell passed away peacefully surrounded by his partner Stana, his daughters Louisa and Gemma, and two pet dogs. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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Paul Simon reveals sad health update

<p>At 82 years of age, the great Paul Simon – one half of the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel – has admitted to facing a new health challenge that could prove devastating to millions of fans worldwide: hearing loss.</p> <p>In a recent revelation, he spoke candidly about how this health issue has affected his performances, yet also how he's adapted in oder to continue pursuing his passion for music.</p> <p>Simon's discussion about his hearing loss comes ahead of the premiere of a two-part docuseries, <em>In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon</em>, set to air on MGM+ starting March 17. It's a timely revelation, shedding light on the personal struggles behind the legendary musician's enduring career.</p> <p>During a panel discussion, Simon disclosed the impact of his hearing loss on his recent stage experiences. While he's regained some comfort in singing and playing instruments, he noted difficulties when certain instruments overshadow his own voice.</p> <p>"If there's a drum or an electric guitar," he revealed, "it's too loud and I can't hear my voice. But when I first lost the hearing, I couldn't get – it threw me off."</p> <p>It's a frustration that resonates deeply with any performer reliant on auditory cues for their craft.</p> <p>Simon's journey with hearing loss began suddenly, with the loss predominantly affecting his left ear. In a previous interview, he described the initial frustration and annoyance at the unexplained condition, hoping it would eventually resolve itself.</p> <p>"Nobody has an explanation, so everything became more difficult," he said in a <em>Times</em> interview in May 2023. "My reaction to that was frustration and annoyance; not quite anger yet, because I thought it would pass, it would repair itself."</p> <p>Despite the challenges, he's found solace and creative expression through his daily guitar playing, using it as both a creative outlet and a source of comfort during trying times.</p> <p>Reflecting on his musical journey alongside Art Garfunkel, Simon highlighted the enduring impact of their collaboration. From their humble beginnings as schoolmates in New York to becoming one of the best-selling music acts of the 1960s and 1970s, Simon & Garfunkel's legacy is undeniable. Their timeless hits, including "The Sound of Silence," "Mrs Robinson," and "Bridge Over Troubled Water," continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.</p> <p>Despite occasional tensions and artistic differences that led to their split in 1970, Simon & Garfunkel's partnership endured, marked by intermittent reunions for select performances. Their ability to transcend personal conflicts in the pursuit of their shared musical vision speaks volumes about their dedication to their craft and the enduring power of their bond.</p> <p>While Simon's journey may have taken an unexpected turn, his musical legacy continues to shine brightly, resonating with generations past, present and future.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Hearing

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"I want answers": Simon Dorante-Day's cunning plan to prove royal connections

<p>The Queensland man claiming to be the son of King Charles and Queen Camilla has shared his new plan to prove once and for all that he has royal family connections. </p> <p>Simon Dorante-Day has long claimed through his 30 years of research, he discovered that he is the illegitimate son of the monarch, and has attempted to prove his theory through various means. </p> <p>Now, his new plan to get his hands on royal DNA to unequivocally prove his family heritage involves another member of the royal family. </p> <p>Speaking with <a href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/aussie-man-claiming-to-be-charles-son-drops-new-prince-harry-dna-bombshell-c-13488374" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>7News</em></a>, the 57-year-old said he and his wife have been told by a “trusted source” that Prince Harry could be amenable to helping them gather proof.</p> <p>“We got advice from a really good, really trusted source that we should approach Harry and make a connection there and ask for DNA,” Elvianna said.</p> <p>Simon added, “I was really taken aback when he said that. But it’s definitely something I’m going to do. I’ve long been a supporter of Harry and Meghan, I think it’s disgraceful the way they’ve been treated by the royal family."</p> <p>“The way they are treated on social media too, it’s just one big ‘Punch-Meghan-and-Harry-a-thon’, seriously. It’s really starting to annoy me."</p> <p>He said he is planning to "make contact with him and explore this as an opportunity," pointing out that the royal family's treatment of Harry could make him more willing to help.</p> <p>"At the end of the day, I feel like he just might be as keen as I am to expose what Charles and Camilla and the powers that be have done to me. The injustice."</p> <p>“It’s worth me pointing out that Charles and Camilla, Buckingham Palace, the entire royal family - not one of them has ever said my claims are not true. They’ve never denied what I believe, told me I’m wrong."</p> <p>Simon said “the wheels are in motion” in terms of making contact with Prince Harry, and that he’s hopeful of a positive outcome.</p> <p>“I want answers,” he said. “And I feel Prince Harry is the man to help me find them.”</p> <p>“And I think their silence speaks volumes.”</p> <p>Simon said “the wheels are in motion” in terms of making contact with Prince Harry, and that he’s hopeful of a positive outcome.</p> <p>“I want answers,” he said. “And I feel Prince Harry is the man to help me find them.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook / Getty Images </em></p>

Family & Pets

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He's back! Charles and Camilla's secret "son" drops DNA bombshell

<p>The Australian man who has long claimed to be the secret child of King Charles and Queen Camilla has shared the details of a wild plot to extract his DNA. </p> <p>The 57-year-old man from Queensland revealed he was tracked down by an American woman, who claimed she was the illegitimate child of the late Prince Philip, and attempted to get a DNA sample from the man. </p> <p>Simon Dorante-Day has made headline around the world with his claims that he is the son of Charles and Camilla, which he says are the results of decades worth of research. </p> <p>“My grandmother, who had worked for the Queen, told me outright that I was Camilla and Charles’ son many times,” he said.</p> <p>Now, in an interview with <a href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/aussie-man-who-claims-to-be-charles-and-camillas-son-drops-biggest-ever-dna-bombshell-c-12788618" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>7News</em></a>, Dorante-Day shared the story of how he was tracked down by the American woman, who knocked on his door in the early hours of the morning on December 2nd. </p> <p>The 57-year-old and his wife Elvianna were immediately skeptical of the woman, who said she used a private investigator to track him down. </p> <p>“This woman claimed that she was the secret illegitimate daughter of Prince Philip who lived in San Francisco,” Dorante-Day said.</p> <p>“She explained that she had travelled from the US after hiring an investigator to track me down in Queensland. The whole purpose of her visit was to ask me for a sample of my DNA."</p> <p>“She wanted to compare it to hers, to basically prove that we were both related to the royal family.”</p> <p>After humouring the woman and letting her share her evidence along with her elaborate story, Simon concluded that the whole thing was a scam, along with an illegal attempt to extract his DNA.</p> <p>“This woman had a lot of so-called proof to back up her claims, but the whole thing just seemed really fishy,” he said.</p> <p>He recalled how the woman shared her own adoption story, which resulted in her turning to the FBI for help, who allegedly handed her her original birth certificate, which listed Prince Philip as her father. </p> <p>“Of course my bulls*** meter is flying off the handle at this point. I know how hard it is to get any government authority to address these sorts of issues — I hardly think the Federal Bereau of Investigation would just offer up the fact that she was the daughter of the Queen’s late husband," Simon said. </p> <p>“It was all just wild.”</p> <p>The Queensland father and grandfather said it wasn’t long until the woman gave away her real reason for wanting his DNA: money.</p> <p>“She said that she’s already been given a large payout from the royal family after she proved she was the daughter of Prince Philip,” he said.</p> <p>“And she felt that if she was able to compare my DNA to her DNA, and prove we were both descendants of the royal family, then we could ask them for even more money."</p> <p>“Elvianna and I told her what we’ve said to everyone from day one — this isn’t about money for us, at all. This is about us finding out who my birth parents are and protecting my family. We have never wanted money.”</p> <p>After saying goodbye to the pair, Dorante-Day said he and his wife were left reeling.</p> <div> <p>“At the end of the day, this was an illegal attempt to procure my DNA,” he said. </p> <p>Despite the whole experience leaving Dorante-Day and his wife rattled, he said his stance on proving that he is Charles and Camilla's son has not changed. </p> <p>“It takes a lot of work, money and time to build a case like this, but I am confident I will get there,” he said.</p> <p>“I know Charles and Camilla are my parents and I’m ready to prove it.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Supplied</em></p> </div>

Family & Pets

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Simon Cowell opens up on secret health battle

<p>Renowned television personality and judge of <em>Britain's Got Talent</em>, Simon Cowell, has unveiled his personal journey battling mental health issues and his choice to finally seek treatment.</p> <p>Acknowledged for his acerbic demeanour, Simon Cowell has come forth to disclose a hidden confrontation with his mental well-being.</p> <p>The famous talent show judge conceded that he has grappled with depression throughout the years, though he once regarded it as an inherent aspect of his character – a challenge to be managed privately.</p> <p>While not professing medical expertise, Cowell, 63, shared during his conversation on the "Men In Mind" podcast with Tom Bryant that he has progressively come to realise his situation and embarked on self-directed endeavours to improve his mental health.</p> <p>The pandemic, as Cowell described, acted as a significant amplifier of his mental struggles. The outbreak of COVID-19, he revealed, served as a true catalyst for his introspection.</p> <p>"In the very, very, very early stages, some friends of mine got really ill and I'm talking about really ill," he said on the podcast. "So, I thought, 'God, if I catch this, maybe the same thing's going to happen to me, Eric and Lauren."</p> <p>Lauren, Cowell's partner of 14 years, and their son Eric, aged nine, joined him in navigating the lockdown, predominantly stationed in Los Angeles, USA. They conscientiously adhered to isolation measures and subjected themselves to regular testing.</p> <p>Cowell's apprehensions over his mental well-being were further compounded by the uncertainties surrounding the continuation of <em>Britain's Got Talent</em>. The lingering indecision about resuming filming for the show added an extra layer of strain to his internal battles.</p> <p>“When I see my friends, the first thing I talk about is how therapy has had this super positive effect on my life,” he now says. “I wish I had done this 10 or 20 years ago...it’s like a weight has lifted off my shoulders.” </p> <p><em>Images: Simon Cowell / Instagram</em></p>

Mind

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"Breakthrough moment": Charles and Camilla's "secret son" shares new pics

<p>Simon Dorante-Day, the Australian man who made headlines with his claim to be King Charles and Camilla’s son, has taken to social media to share a side-by-side comparison of himself and his would-be royal family. </p> <p>Simon initially posted a picture of himself at the age of 23 to celebrate his 57th birthday, with many in the comments telling him that he looked just like Prince William in the snap. </p> <p>A short while later, Simon posted the comparison of himself, Charles, and William, all appearing to be around the same age when their respective pictures were taken. </p> <p>As Simon told <em>7News.com.au</em>, “photo comparisons like this are so important to my case. It’s always a breakthrough moment.”</p> <p>It was more than enough proof for Simon’s supporters, with over a hundred comments soon piling onto the post, all celebrating the resemblance they found between the three.</p> <p>“As soon as I saw your post I couldn't believe how much you and William look alike,” one wrote. “I can't wait till the truth comes out and [you] take your rightful place. </p> <p>“Just remarkable,” said another. “Hopefully this is the year Charles acknowledges you and your dear brothers and their families know that you have always been out there in the world.</p> <p>“I actually thought it was an old photo of William!” confessed one. </p> <p>“When I saw your post earlier where you told us it was your birthday, I initially thought it was a photo of Prince William accompanying it!,” someone else agreed. </p> <p>“The resemblance speaks for itself,” came further belief in the father-of-nine’s claim. </p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FPrinceSimonCharles%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02qKTcpY1aT4Wu7vVSLNCifvzTUXPanmgM9FJ3QTginoABumpKe75q6fGjtyuF1w4al&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="256" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>Meanwhile, one follower’s thoughts turned to Camilla, and what must be going through her mind if Simon was actually correct, writing that she “wonder[s] how Camilla feels every year on your real birthday because only she can know how it felt.” </p> <p>It’s a thought that Simon seems to have had as well, with the Australian confessing that while his birthday is “just another one” for him, he often considers what they might be thinking on the big day.</p> <p>“Especially Camilla,” he said, “not like she doesn’t know.” </p> <p>He went on to explain that despite this, it was “their loss” in having nothing to do with him, his wife, or their nine children. However, it isn’t enough to stop him from getting to the bottom of his family tree ‘mystery’, with Simon telling <em>7News</em> that he has every intention of getting answers from a DNA test. </p> <p>“Supporters and visitors to my Facebook pages are always sending me comparisons,” he noted. ““But it’s important for people to know that my belief that Charles and Camilla are my parents isn’t based on photos.</p> <p>“I have a lot of research that backs up my claims, a lot of evidence. And I want people to remember that my case has spent a long time in the courts, trying to find a resolution, and my legal battles are still continuing.”</p> <p>And as he had admitted in the past, it was all about his desire to know who his real parents are. He believed it all stemmed from that search, and “the thought that it could be Charles and Camilla didn’t come into it until much later on - for years I was simply searching for my parents.</p> <p>“But then eventually, all the evidence just kept on coming back to Charles and Camilla.”</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

Family & Pets

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"I was aghast": Simon Dorante-Day's sister speaks out against his claims

<p>For several years, Simon Dorante-Day has been claiming to be the love child of King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla. </p> <p>Now, Simon's sister Amanda has spoken out about her adoptive brother's claims and how they devastated their family. </p> <p>Amanda said, "I was aghast when I read it and horrified at the lies, he was using as so-called evidence to support his fantastical claim."</p> <p>"I contacted several family members and friends who knew our family well and they were all as horrified, hurt and upset by his ridiculous claims, lies and allegations, as I was and still am."</p> <p>"Not one of these people believe Simon's story and most of them, once they have gotten over the initial shock of what he has said just laugh at the ridiculousness of it all."</p> <p>Simon has spoken to the press multiple times over the past years to explain how he is pursuing the royal family to get Charles to acknowledge his existence as his son, having never received any of the benefits that come with being the son of a royal.</p> <p>His efforts have stepped up since Charles became King, following Queen Elizabeth II's death in September 2022.</p> <p dir="ltr">Simon has previously detailed a series of medical procedures he claims were performed on him as a child, including changing his eye colour from blue to brown when he was eight and filing two of his teeth at age 15.</p> <p dir="ltr">“These actions I believe were undertaken to conceal my true identity,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">In response to these claims, Amanda spoke of how protective her parents were over their children's health, saying, "She thought that if we had so much as a sniffle, if we had hurt ourselves that it would be perceived by them that we were not being cared for properly."</p> <p data-mrf-recirculation="Links Párrafos">"I therefore pose the question - Why on earth does Simon think our parents would have allowed him to have a dangerous eye operation? The simple answer is - It did not happen! I have original family photos which clearly show, even as a very young child, with baby teeth, Simon had brown eyes! Everyone who knows us, knows that Simon's eyes are and always have been brown!"</p> <p data-mrf-recirculation="Links Párrafos">In response to Amanda's statement, Simon said, "Neither King Charles nor his Wife Queen Consort Camilla can take back what has been done in their name to my eyes, teeth, and the years of manipulation, suppression, abuse and lies."</p> <p data-mrf-recirculation="Links Párrafos"><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Man who claims to be King Charles’ son to share story with Netflix

<p dir="ltr">The Queensland man claiming to be King Charles’ son is looking to take his story to streaming website Netflix. </p> <p dir="ltr">Simon Dorante-Day is adamant that he is the son of the newly crowned King Charles III and Camilla and is even willing to contest the paternity claim in court. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 56-year-old says he has been approached by leading documentary makers from the US and UK to share his story. </p> <p dir="ltr">He is hoping that when he approaches Netflix and they accept to take on his story, it will force Buckingham Palace to acknowledge him as the son of King Charles III.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve been inundated in recent weeks with many documentary filmmakers and filmmaking companies keen to share my story,” he told <a href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/aussie-man-who-claims-to-be-king-charles-secret-son-announces-surprise-netflix-move-c-8452963" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I didn’t expect this to happen - but I’m glad it is. I’m considering their offers.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Ultimately I would like to see my story on Netflix, or a similar streaming platform, and will approach them about doing so. I am already speaking to one person, who I trust, and is happy to act on my behalf.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He said he is focusing on the legal requirements and hopes that this will see DNA tests done by him and King Charles and Camilla. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I want a DNA test from both of them, as ordered through proper legal means.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If sharing my story on Netflix or to a greater TV audience will help do that, then I say let’s do it.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Dorante-Day is also heading back to the UK for the first time since he came out announcing that he is the son of King Charles. </p> <p dir="ltr">He will also be interviewed at multiple outlets in Glasgow, Manchester, Dublin, and Portsmouth. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: 7News</em></p>

TV

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“It’s time for the world to read this”: Simon Dorante-Day shares last letter to the Queen

<p dir="ltr">Simon Dorante-Day, the Queensland man who claims he is the secret son of King Charles III and Camilla, has shared the final piece of correspondence he sent to Queen Elizabeth II.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 56-year-old took to social media on Australia’s National Day of Mourning with a full version of the letter he sent to the late monarch last November.</p> <p dir="ltr">In it, he explains that he wrote to the Queen after approaching Dr Jeanette Young, Queensland’s Governor General, about his case.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I take the liberty of approaching you via the Governor’s Office however, given the position with which my family and I find ourselves, we feel this action is justified,” he writes.</p> <p dir="ltr">He then details medical procedures he claims were performed on him as a child, including changing his eye colour from blue to brown when he was eight and filing two of his teeth at age 15.</p> <p dir="ltr">“These actions I believe were undertaken to conceal my true identity,” he continues.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Furthermore, over the years of residing with the Day family, my adopted grandparents Winifred and Earnest Bowlden often spoke about the time they worked for the Royal household.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-8af43e60-7fff-3a40-4cf0-282c5e25980b"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“Then on my last visit to the United Kingdom in 1998, my adopted grandmother Winifred told me herself, that my birth parents were your son Charles and his wife Camilla.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/dorante-day-letter.jpg" alt="" width="472" height="575" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Simon Dorante-Day has shared the contents of the letter he sent to Queen Elizabeth II. Image: Facebook</em></p> <p dir="ltr">After detailing his claims, Dorante-Day appeals for help from the Queen with his case.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It would be naive of me to think you are not aware of my claims. Nor that you have not been following events to date,” he writes.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Subsequently, you will all be aware of the actions I have recently commenced and the level of attention this has already received.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I am writing on behalf of my family and I to ask for your assistance in coming forward and resolving this issue and stopping this global assault.</p> <p dir="ltr">“May God give you the strength to come forward.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Speaking to <em><a href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/man-who-claims-to-be-charles-secret-son-shares-last-queen-letter-before-she-died-c-8382605" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a></em>, Dorante-Day said it was finally time for the world to see the contents of the letter.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I think it’s time - it’s time for the world to read this,” the father-of-nine said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve kept the contents of the letter confidential until now, but with her passing I think it’s appropriate to share my last correspondence with her.</p> <p dir="ltr">“When she passed away, I was disappointed that she had died without responding to my message. That was my first thing - just sad, because that window of opportunity has closed.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He added that he is looking forward to taking up his case directly with Charles.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It makes no difference to me whether that mountain in front of me is male or female. It makes no difference to me how high that mountain is,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve still got to climb it to prove what I know to be true. So from that regard, nothing has changed.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Along with the letter, Dorante-Day also shared a message to the Queen from his wife, Dr Elvianna Dorante-Day, including a “special thank you” for existing.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You and I knew we came from warring backgrounds, but we both loved something in common, your grandson Simon Charles, your first-born grandchild,” her message read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In loving him as much as we do, we had to put our differences aside and pursue peace, not only for you and I but for the whole of humanity. </p> <p dir="ltr">No-one understood the path we walked together on this planet, and our work isn’t over, as you and I know. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Through your grandchild Simon Charles and his children your legacy lives on in them.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-691361f0-7fff-5c22-b25e-e5a4dcb2bbde"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Facebook</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Queensland man who claims to be King Charles’ son drops new bombshell

<p dir="ltr">The Queensland man who claims to be the son of the newly crowned King Charles III and Camilla is ready to take the monarch to court over paternity claims.</p> <p dir="ltr">Simon Dorante-Day has regularly made headlines around the world after coming out and claiming that he was King Charles III and Camilla’s secret son. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 56-year-old now says he is willing to take the new King to court and prove once and for all that he is their son. </p> <p dir="ltr">He revealed that he has been in discussions with a judge and his barrister about whether or not Charles is above the law. </p> <p dir="ltr">“And the answer to that was no - they told me that we don’t see any reason why he is,” Mr Dorante-Day told <a href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/queensland-man-who-claims-to-be-charles-and-camillas-son-drops-dna-bombshell-after-queens-death-c-8211844" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a>. </p> <p dir="ltr">“And secondly, Camilla and her family are certainly not above the law. So that argument’s already been had and settled.</p> <p dir="ltr">“A lot of people were concerned that when Charles rose to be monarch that it would damage my case. But it’s not going to make any difference legally, it’s still pressing ahead the same way.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Dorante-Day was advised by the Family Court that if he were to come back with evidence “nice and neatly stamped” then the King and Camilla would have to take action. </p> <p dir="ltr">“…then there’s no reason to deny an application for a DNA test.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He confessed that before the Queen’s passing on September 8, he sent her a letter asking her to convince Charles to do the right thing.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, her death put a stop to his plan of getting the late Queen Elizabeth II involved but he said that that brought up some anger.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Her death brought up some different emotions, some anger. Because she’s been across all this and she’s been aware of all this, knows that it’s been going on. And she let that happen.</p> <p dir="ltr">“However, by that same token, now I’m looking to the future and I’m thinking - ‘Well I’m not dealing with her any more, I’m dealing with him.’ So there’s that element of it too.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite all the hurdles, Mr Dorante-Day said he won’t back down and knows the truth and will one day get his answer. </p> <p dir="ltr">“They owe me - as a ward of the state, as an adopted child - the truth about what happened and that primarily is the driving factor. That’s always what I wanted.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: 7News</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Two years on since the Beirut port explosion

<p dir="ltr">It’s been two years since the devastating port explosion that rocked Lebanon and saw the country slowly become even more poor. </p> <p dir="ltr">The terrifying explosion killed 218 people, wounded 7,000 and damaged 77,000 apartments, displacing more than 300,000 people in the already struggling country. </p> <p dir="ltr">Covid was well underway with hospitals already under pressure, but the explosion saw them suddenly overflowing with injured citizens desperate for help. </p> <p dir="ltr">People are saying that the country’s stay-at-home orders saved lives which would have otherwise seen hundreds of thousands on the roads, at work and at the beach near the exploded port.</p> <p dir="ltr">But two years on and the residents are still struggling through the worst economic crisis in 30 years.</p> <p dir="ltr">Electricity runs for an hour a day unless you have a deal with electricity companies, there is also no running water, no bread, no gas, and much more. </p> <p dir="ltr">And it’s only expected to get worse in winter when temperatures plummet and families struggle to keep their loved ones, particularly the elderly, warm. </p> <p dir="ltr">Even putting food on the table has become more difficult with grocery prices soaring exponentially – almost 10 times what they were back in 2019. Families are being forced to ration and even resort to basics. </p> <p dir="ltr">There have been several protests calling for an end to the widespread corruption and tax increases.</p> <p dir="ltr">Will the politicians listen? Probably not, as this has been a long-running issue for Lebanon. </p> <p dir="ltr">Despite all this heartache, Lebanon remains the Paris of the Middle East and is likened to a phoenix, a mythical bird that is born again from the ashes of its predecessor.</p> <p dir="ltr">But what can we do to help Lebanon? Go and visit. </p> <p dir="ltr">Lebanon’s economy continues to rely on tourism and is a stunning summer/spring destination.</p> <p dir="ltr">Travellers will be in awe at the beauty of the Middle Eastern country which is constantly bringing Aussie tourists in.</p> <p dir="ltr">From its capital city Beirut, to Byblos in the seaside of the north of the country, Tyre, also known as Sour (pronounced soor), Harissa and many more it is certainly the place to be. </p> <p dir="ltr">It comes as the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism launched a tourism campaign to bring in Lebanese expats to come to the country during the 2022 summer season. </p> <p dir="ltr">The campaign was dubbed “Ahla Bha Talle,” in reference to a song by late and prominent Lebanese singer Sabah.</p> <p dir="ltr">So in reference to that TikTok video “Yallah come to Lebanon habibi” (Come to Lebanon my love). </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Twitter</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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7 free activities to do at a port stop

<p>Having a fun during your port stops doesn’t mean you have to spend lots of money. Depending on where you have stopped, there are various activities that you can spend your time doing that will still allow you to soak up the country that you are in.</p> <p><strong>1. Beach</strong></p> <p>Beaches not only provide some of the most beautiful views on earth but they are an enjoyable activity that requires no money. You can spend your time taking in some Vitamin D, reading a book, searching for seashells or cooling off in the crystal waters.</p> <p><strong>2. Explore</strong></p> <p>Depending on where you are, you can choose to go on a nice walk to take in the outdoor views or explore the streets and local life. You will be able to stretch your legs, take in the views and you will also be bound to meet some friendly faces that might be willing to give you some insider tips to where to go next. If you prefer not to walk too much when you explore, research prior to your trip to see if there are any free bus rides where you are stopping. </p> <p><strong>3. Tour the city</strong></p> <p>If you have great navigation skills, don’t bother paying for a tour but visit the most prominent sites by yourself. From churches, to statutes and museums, you can explore the history of the location on your own terms. This will allow you to spend more time on the places you don’t want to rush or skip the attractions that don’t interest you at all.</p> <p><strong>4. Browse markets</strong></p> <p>Markets are often free and will definitely entertain you as you browse through the local handmade goods and food. If you find some cheap items you can also purchase them as souvenirs and save yourself from spending lots of money at the tourist trap shops. You will also be supporting locals who may need the money. The markets will also provide a lot of options to meet different people. Be sure to know the conversion rate before you go to the markets so you don’t get ripped off.</p> <p><strong>5. See live music</strong></p> <p>Live music is delightful to watch in another country and is a great way to see how the country’s culture and history has influenced the music. Live music can be found anywhere whether it be in front of prominent attractions, street corners or in bars. If you stumble upon an act that you enjoy, feel free to dance along or start clapping. Be aware of pickpocket thieves when you listen to live music as they love crowds.</p> <p><strong>6. People-watch</strong></p> <p>People-watching is a great way to learn about the culture of a country. If you feel like relaxing in a park or at a café, be sure to pick a spot that gives you a great view of the crowds. You will be easily entertained watching people going about their lives oblivious of your gaze.</p> <p><strong>7. Attend local events</strong></p> <p>There are so many local events on in all countries around the world, it is just a matter of being aware of where they are and what time they are occurring. Check out the events calendars for your cruise ports to see which events take your fancy.</p> <p>What free activities are your favourite in cruise ports? Let us know in the comments below. </p>

Cruising

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Simon Baker discusses his "difficult" relationship with his father

<p>Simon Baker has shared emotional family secrets and details of the strained relationship with his father on the SBS hit series <em>Who Do You Think You Are?</em></p> <p>The Aussie actor agreed to do the show after being approached for many years, “despite my mum, sister and kids saying ‘you should do it’.” </p> <p>Eventually he decided to take part in the show, saying “I thought, I’ll just see what kind of adventure it is and where it will all take me.”</p> <p>He discussed the early days of his life after he was born in Launceston in 1969 to his father Barry Baker and mother Elizabeth. </p> <p>“And soon after, my parents moved to the highlands of New Guinea, with two kids, to a remote area,” he says. </p> <p>In the show he summarises the family’s brief time there, saying “They went on this incredible adventure – and they didn’t come back together.” </p> <p>He explains how his young mother went on to remarry, but his father remained in his life under a different persona. </p> <p>“I didn’t know he was my dad. He was a family friend, Uncle Barry. I’ve struggled with that.”</p> <p>A reunion between the two finally took place when Baker was 18 years old, but in the meantime, the family moved to the northern NSW beach community of Lennox Head.</p> <p>“It was a small community and back then it was an idyllic place to live,” Baker says. “I felt a really strong sense of belonging in that place and still do. It was a phenomenal childhood in that regard – but the personal family life was difficult.”</p> <p>Before he appeared on <em>Who Do You Think You Are?,</em> Baker “looked back at my immediate family as this sort of mess,” he says. </p> <p>“But the truth is, families have many different forms and I think if you can look at your own past and the past of your ancestors with compassion, you can carry that forward with you with a little bit more wisdom.”</p> <p>He admitted that revealing the story of his parents was "challenging", and likened his difficult childhood to why he became an actor. </p> <p>“I’m pretty shy … But there is a kind of psychological reason in why I became an actor. The initial desire when I was young was about connecting with people, the idea of seeing someone in a story on a screen that you could identify with, and it could help you understand feelings inside you that you didn’t necessarily know how to articulate. When I watched certain episodes of <em>Who Do You Think You Are?</em>, I felt a connection to that person – and with that, you don’t feel as alone.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: SBS</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Man moves into office cubicle in protest

<p dir="ltr">A man who moved into his cubicle at work to protest his employer not paying him enough … has been fired. </p> <p dir="ltr">Simon Jackson shared a video to <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@calm.simon/video/7072608177031859502?is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1&amp;lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a> showing himself “moving into” his work cubicle. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Check out my new appt [apartment]”, he captioned the video which has since amassed 14 million views.</p> <p dir="ltr">The video shows Mr Jackson unpacking his belongings from multiple suitcases in the design and engineering consultancy firm Arcadis office.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m moving from my apartment into my cubicle at work,” Mr Jackson could be heard saying. </p> <p dir="ltr">“They do not pay me enough to do both, so as a matter of protest, I am just going to live at my job, and we’ll see how long I can get away with this.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Jackson confessed that he had to move out of his apartment because his lease was ending and the rent was going up.</p> <p dir="ltr">While waiting for approval for apartments to apply for, Mr Jackson made the decision to move into the downtown office.</p> <p dir="ltr">“When I found my company had an empty office downtown, this was the perfect solution as it was close to all of the venues I frequent and it would be free,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">He also explained that the reason he “walks around shirtless” is because most of the employees are working from home due to Covid.</p> <p dir="ltr">Four days later, he was “evicted” in what Mr Jackson says “happened way sooner than I thought”.</p> <p dir="ltr">He recorded himself packing his bags and then with the help of security was escorted out of the building.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This won’t be the last you’ll see of me,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Jackson was fired from his job with HR requesting he remove all TikTok videos documenting his adventure.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I wish they approached the TikToks differently and maybe had a conversation with me about whether there was something more serious going on in terms of money,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But do I understand their response? 100 per cent.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The videos remain on his channel, with Mr Jackson hoping to work on his romper brand before deciding whether or not he should go back to corporate.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Simon Baker confirms long-held rumour

<p dir="ltr">Aussie actor Simon Baker has had an awkward experience while being interviewed on<span> </span><em>Today Extra</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 52-year-old was asked by co-hosts David Campbell and Sylvia Jeffreys whether he’d ever watched the 2006 Oscar-nominated movie<span> </span><em>The Devil Wears Prada</em>, which he played a starring role in.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I need you to set the record straight on this, that you have never watched the film,” Jeffreys<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/morning-shows/simon-bakers-awkward-response-to-devil-wears-prada-question-on-today-extra/news-story/36e09e349ac0aa88802a6c2ba3fac991" target="_blank">began</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">After a long pause while looking away from the camera, Baker said, “No I haven’t. That’s true.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Without elaborating on his answer, a stunned Jeffreys responded, “Oh, it’s a cracker. You should definitely change that.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Again looking off camera, Baker added, “I’ve heard. It’s clearly been … quite successful.”</p> <p dir="ltr">When Jeffreys asked<span> </span><em>The Mentalist</em><span> </span>star why he hadn’t seen the film since it premiered 15 years ago, Baker simply said, “I haven’t gotten around to it.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The hosts burst into fits of laughter, and Jeffreys joked, “We’ve been under lockdown orders! There’s been nothing else to do.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Baker gave a longer explanation, saying, “Oh look I don’t know, you’ve got to get a bit of distance from films sometimes.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Since its release,<span> </span><em>The Devil Wears Prada</em><span> </span>has gained popularity among viewers and been labelled as a film that’s stood the test of time.</p> <p dir="ltr">In 2016, the film’s legacy was described by<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/07/july-4-weekend-box-office-flops-and-surprises" target="_blank"><em>Vanity Fair</em></a><span> </span>as more pervasive than other more profitable films such as<span> </span><em>Superman Returns</em>, which beat it at the box office on its opening weekend.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The degree to which<span> </span><em>The Devil Wears Prada</em><span> </span>has penetrated pop culture needs no explanation - as does the degree to which<span> </span><em>Superman Returns</em><span> </span>didn’t,” the publication wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">In total, the movie grossed $326 million against a $41 million budget, and saw Meryl Streep receive a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her starring role.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Channel 9</em></p>

Movies

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Simon Baker’s ex speaks for first time since split

<p dir="ltr">Simon Baker’s ex-girlfriend, Laura May Gibbs, fashion designer and founder of the Australian label Nagnata, has spoken publicly for the first time since Baker’s representatives confirmed the<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/simon-baker-quietly-splits-from-model-girlfriend" target="_blank">couple had split</a><span> </span>last week.</p> <p dir="ltr">There were rumours that Baker had decided to end things after Gibbs attended an anti-vaccine protest on November 7. In a video from the event that she uploaded to Instagram, a crowd can be seen dancing to ‘Power to the People’, while some hold signs with anti-vax messages and others hold Australian flags.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CV-D5MMDtdr/?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/tv/CV-D5MMDtdr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by LAURA MAY (@lauramay_)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Gibbs wrote a lengthy post explaining her justification for attending the protest, opposing vaccine mandates more generally, and seeking to quash the rumours that her anti-vax beliefs were the reason for the breakup.</p> <p dir="ltr">Gibbs wrote, “Last weekend, the Northern Rivers community gathered peacefully alongside the local police and around 10,000 others, including nurses, teachers and first responders who are being subject to unreasonable mandates, currently in place in NSW. There was a march, followed by speeches and conversation, music and hope from people across all walks of life coming together to question - what is happening in our beautiful Country?</p> <p dir="ltr">I care about these people. I care about my staff and community, without division or prejudice. Regardless of our differences we are moving through this time together. The decisions being made by those in power effect all of us, including our children and their future freedoms. I have always been here, standing up for Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Choice, despite the politics of the time or what is considered appropriately ‘trendy’.</p> <p dir="ltr">So, to the gossip columnists, who have slandered my name across their platforms and used a false narrative around the relationship I’ve been in this year - it’s simply not true. And to the tabloid media I want to say - try harder. Stop using lies and sloppy journalism to make an example out of me. I never discuss my private life, but I will say this - the friendship and respect I share with this person runs too deep for the media’s noise to have any true impact in our lives.</p> <p dir="ltr">Instead, while we’re here, let’s start talking about the REAL issues facing our country - the mental health crisis, the housing crisis and the very real health crisis. This is not just about me, or my “rights”, this is about Freedom for all. Our freedom is not something that the government gives or takes away. It is our right from the moment we are born. So I won’t apologise for voicing my concerns, when I see so many struggling, losing their livelihoods and being silenced, shamed and ridiculed for wanting to ask questions.</p> <p dir="ltr">Activism is important to me, I’ve attended numerous environmental rallies and Indigenous rights protests, and taken action in all of these areas. If the media is going to cover issues I make a stand on, then report the full scope of the matter - and while you’re at it, lead with my name.”</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/CWSNMJ4PBta/?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/CWSNMJ4PBta/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by LAURA MAY (@lauramay_)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Gibbs and her brand previously made headlines for their decision to<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CU1hl96lZTl/" target="_blank">close their Byron Bay store</a><span> </span>rather than require customers to wear masks and check in using QR codes, per the NSW government’s rules for retailers after NSW’s lockdown lifted last month.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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Simon Baker quietly splits from model girlfriend

<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Mentalist </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">star Simon Baker has </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://celebrity.nine.com.au/latest/simon-baker-girlfriend-laura-may-gibbs-breakup/eb897d82-0729-487f-8945-e517868ac3ba" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">reportedly</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> ended his relationship with girlfriend Laura May Gibbs.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The news was confirmed by a representative of the Aussie actor, who told </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Daily Mail</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that the pair went their separate ways a couple months ago.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though the rep didn’t want to reveal the reason behind the breakup, they noted that it was not because of Gibb’s anti-vaxxer stance.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 36-year-old fashion designer made headlines last month after her brand Nagnata announced that its Bryon Bay store would only reopen once both vaccinated and unvaccinated customers would be allowed to enter retail venues.</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-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUv4my_vZGg/?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/CUv4my_vZGg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by NAGNATA (@nagnata_)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a follow-up post on the store’s Instagram page, Gibbs addressed the “hate” that had been directed at the page and stated that “the majority of our Nagnata team are fully vaccinated”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The decision to close was in no way to support an ‘anti-vax’ mentality, as that is not where we stand as a team,” the caption read, accompanied by a photo of Gibbs and her sister and co-founder Hannah Gibbs.</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-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CU1hl96lZTl/?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/CU1hl96lZTl/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by NAGNATA (@nagnata_)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Gibbs was also recently spotted at a protest against mandatory vaccinations and vaccine passports held by ‘Reclaim the Line’.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 52-year-old actor was last seen with Gibbs in August, after they were initially seen together earlier this year in Byron Bay.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The sighting came two months after Baker separated from his wife of 23 years, Australian actress Rebecca Rigg.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rigg and Baker were together for 29 years and said they remained “close friends” in a joint statement at the time.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Images: @snappytoes / Instagram, @lauramay_ / Instagram</span></em></p>

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Paul Simon celebrates 80th birthday with new project

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On his 80th birthday, Paul Simon has announced his latest project, which comes in the form of an audiobook. </span></p> <p><a href="https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/paul-simon-new-music-audiobook-malcolm-gladwell-1235087435/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Variety reports</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that the five-hour audiobook titled </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Miracle and Wonder: Conversations With Paul Simon</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, will be available on November 16th. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The audiobook is named after a line in his track </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Boy in the Bubble</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and features a new song called </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em>Seven Psalm</em>s</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">: his first release since 2018. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It also features unreleased live versions of his classic songs including </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Boxer</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Sound of Silence</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Collaborating with Bruce Headlam and Malcolm Gladwell for </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Miracle and Wonder</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Paul recorded over 30 hours of interviews over nine sessions for the audiobook. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The autobiographical project documents Paul Simon’s upbringing in New York, the genesis of Simon and Garfunkel and the start of his solo career. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The audiobook also features several cameos, including </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sting, Jeff Tweedy, Herbie Hancock, Rosanne Cash, and more to chat about their experiences in the music industry together. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Over my career, I must have given hundreds of interviews on various projects, but speaking and collaborating with Malcolm on this was especially enjoyable,” Simon said in a statement. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Malcolm Gladwell added, “He’s the most un-rock-star rock star. Paul is surprisingly down to earth and approachable. Even if he wasn’t the most successful musician of his generation he’d be the same person.”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image credit: Getty Images</span></em></p>

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