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How to keep doing good once you’re gone

Most of us like to think that once we are no longer walking the Earth, we can still leave a legacy to mark our time here and contribute positively to those left behind. Doing so is not only possible but, as you’ll see below, fairly straightforward – providing you do some basic preparation beforehand. Seek the help of professional advice to ensure your plans can be enacted in full and deliver the best possible outcomes for everyone involved. Have your affairs in order Make things simpler for your grieving loved ones by having your wishes clearly outlined in writing, with specific instructions that leave no room for misinterpretation. Doing so makes your wishes easier to implement, faster to enact and reduces fights among your beneficiaries. Keep your will and other affairs updated as circumstances change too, so that everyone you want is included (such as kids and grandkids) and those you don’t, aren’t given an unexpected windfall (such as your ex or an adult child’s ex). Provide for everyone Providing for everyone is not necessarily straight forward, especially if you have a blended family. For instance, leaving your share of your home to your children from a previous relationship could lead to disagreements if your partner doesn’t want to leave. Instead, think about how your assets can be divided fairly without disadvantaging anyone. Children could be nominated beneficiaries of your superannuation and/or life insurance, leaving your home for your partner. Keep wealth flowing Certain structures can allow you to keep giving to your descendants long after you’re gone – offsetting their income and providing far greater wealth over time than any lump sum could achieve. A family or testamentary trust allows ongoing wealth creation through shared assets, with regular dividends paid out, creating a family legacy that can last for generations. Or a family company can allow a commercial entity to continue trading and growing as an asset. Manage tax impacts Implement tax-effective strategies that maximise how much your beneficiaries actually receive and minimise what the tax man pockets. While there isn’t an inheritance tax per se, beneficiaries can be hit with Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on asset sales plus transfer costs to put an asset into their own name – not to mention the ongoing maintenance and compliance costs of asset ownership. In some instances, your loved ones may benefit more if you sell assets now and leave them the proceeds, rather than leave them the asset – and its associated tax bill – once you’re gone. Ensure loved ones are home and housed Property is perhaps the biggest of all sources of wealth, yet it is increasingly difficult for younger people and singles to get (and stay) on the property ladder. Ensure everyone can reap the benefits of property ownership over their own lifetime, either by transferring ownership of properties in your name or contributing chunks of cash towards a deposit. However, it’s important to do so sustainably – gifting grandkids a large property they can’t afford to maintain isn’t going to work. Charitable donations Many people like to support charities and social causes once they are gone. Consider the end user here and what they stand to benefit from your donation – whether it be people, planet or both. It could be leaving a lump sum on your death, or regular ongoing donations from your estate. You may wish to do so anonymously, or include a message with your donation outlining your reasons why that particular charity/cause is important to you and what you hope the money will go towards. Donations may not necessarily be financial either – perhaps you have a valuable historic artefact that others could enjoy if donated to a museum? Organ donation The greatest gift of all is not money but life itself. So, consider whether organ donation is something you wish to do. While not suitable for everyone, and dependent on a range of factors including your age, health and religious beliefs, a single organ donor can save up to seven lives, as well as improve the quality of life of numerous others through eye and tissue donation. That is a lot of life you can give to others – and all without costing your own loved ones a cent! Helen Baker is a licensed Australian financial adviser and author of On Your Own Two Feet: The Essential Guide to Financial Independence for all Women. Helen is among the 1% of financial planners who hold a master’s degree in the field. Proceeds from book sales are donated to charities supporting disadvantaged women and children. Find out more at <a href="http://www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au/">www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au</a> Disclaimer: The information in this article is of a general nature only and does not constitute personal financial or product advice. Any opinions or views expressed are those of the authors and do not represent those of people, institutions or organisations the owner may be associated with in a professional or personal capacity unless explicitly stated. Helen Baker is an authorised representative of BPW Partners Pty Ltd AFSL 548754. Image credits: Shutterstock

Retirement Income

Soap star killed in robbery gone wrong

General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor has died at the age of 37. The soap star was killed in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday morning when he stumbled across three men allegedly breaking into his car, according to <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2024/05/26/general-hospital-actor-johnny-wactor-dead-shot-killed-robbery-attempt-car-catalytic-converter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TMZ</a>. His mother, Scarlett, told the outlet that he was with a co-worker when they “saw three men messing with Johnny’s car”, but he didn't attempt to confront or fight them. Unfortunately, he was shot as the group took off. Paramedics arrived at the scene around 3am and took Johnny to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. According to the outlet, the description matched a reported incident in the area where three men were attempting to steal a catalytic converter from a vehicle. The suspects have not yet been found, and police have yet to release descriptions of the alleged thieves. Johnny's agent, David Shaul, has paid tribute to the actor and remembered him as “a spectacular human being” in an interview with People. “Not just a talented actor who was committed to his craft but a real moral example to everyone who knew him,” Shaul said. “Standing for hard work, tenacity and a never give up attitude. In the highs and lows of a challenging profession he always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be. “Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone. He would literally give you the shirt off his back," he added. “After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever.” Johnny began his career in 2007 playing various roles on the show Army Wives. He most notably played Brando Corbin on General Hospital, appearing in almost 200 episodes of the show. He also appeared on hit shows like NCIS, Criminal Minds, Station 19, The OA and Westworld. Fans have taken also taken to social media to pay tribute to the actor. “How sad to learn of the death of Johnny Wactor so young and in such conditions! A star will shine brighter tonight [star] Condolences to his family and all the actor’s fans,” one tweeted. “RIP #JohnnyWactor. This world is such a cruel place. :(,” another added. “I am beyond words about Johnny Wactor, a life that was taken without cause. I hope whoever did this spend the rest of their life in prison," a third wrote. Johnny is survived by his mother and younger brothers Grant and Lance. Image: Ouzounova/ Shutterstock editorial

Caring

"Gone way too soon”: Neighbours star dead at 48

Neighbours star Troy Beckwith, who immortalised the infamous villain Michael Martin, has passed away at the age of 48. The news was confirmed by his former co-star, Kym Valentine, leaving the Neighbours community and fans around the world mourning the loss of a talented actor and cherished friend. Valentine took to social media to share the heartbreaking news, saying, “It pains me so much to have to say this. Our dear old friend Troy Beckwith has passed away.” The void left by his departure is felt deeply by those who knew him, with Valentine expressing sorrow over the untimely loss of another member of their TV family. “Another member of our TV family gone way too soon. There will be no funeral as per Troy’s request. Thanks for all the memories my cheeky mate and all my love to your friends and family.” Troy's character, "Sicko Micko", became an iconic figure in the world of Neighbours during his run from 1992 to 1998. Ausculture even likened him to "the Charles Manson of Ramsay Street" because of the profound impact he had on fans and the show's legacy. His portrayal of Michael Martin earned him a special place in the hearts of viewers, and he remains a fixture in lists ranking the best Neighbours characters of the 1990s. As the news spread, tributes poured in from fellow cast members and friends. Brett Stark actor Brett Blewitt, currently part of the Neighbours revival, shared his thoughts, describing Troy as a "lovely person" who was "deeply thoughtful and empathetic". The pain of the loss is palpable in Blewitt's words, echoing the sentiments of many who had the privilege of knowing Troy. Even as the Neighbours family grapples with the shock, Lucinda Cowden, who plays Melanie Pearson, expressed her sorrow through a series of broken heart emojis. The collective grief is evident, as the cast and crew mourn the departure of a talent gone too soon. Troy's friend Selina Laine Bonica reflected on the complexity of their relationship, saying, “Troy, you were a pain in my a**, but I loved you dearly. I’m just glad you’re free from pain.” Beckwith's impact extended beyond Neighbours, as evidenced by his role in the series Pugwall. Ricky Fleming, his co-star, paid tribute by remembering the mischievous adventures they shared, saying, “May you be in peace and still be the infectious joy of those who are in your presence now.” The absence of a cause of death only deepens the sense of loss, leaving fans to remember a talent that graced their screens and a person who touched the hearts of many. Images: Facebook

Caring

Missing Titanic sub: what are submersibles, how do they communicate, and what may have gone wrong?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/stefan-b-williams-1448728">Stefan B. Williams</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> An extensive <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65953872">search and rescue operation</a> is underway to locate a commercial submersible that went missing during a dive to the Titanic shipwreck. According to the US Coast Guard, contact with the submersible was lost about one hour and 45 minutes into the dive, with five people onboard. The vessel was <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/titanic-submersible-search-oceangate-expeditions-vessel-missing-as-us-coast-guard-launches-search/9d7352d8-6a6d-4dc1-afac-ce07dc63cea3">reported overdue</a> at 9.13pm local time on Sunday (12.13pm AEST, Monday). The expedition was being run by US company OceanGate as part of an eight-day trip with guests paying US$250,000 per head to visit the wreck site. As of <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/americas/live-news/titanic-submersible-missing-search-06-19-23/h_c2b5400daf8538d8717f50c619d762ac">Monday afternoon</a> (Tuesday morning in Australia), US Coast Guard Rear Admiral John Mauger said the watercraft likely had somewhere between 70 and the full 96 hours of oxygen available to the passengers. The Titanic’s wreck sits some 3,800 metres deep in the Atlantic, about 700km south of St John’s, Newfoundland. Finding an underwater vehicle the size of a small bus in this vast and remote expanse of ocean will be no small feat. Here’s what the search and rescue teams are up against. <h2>OceanGate’s Titan submersible goes missing</h2> Submersibles are manned watercraft that move in a similar fashion to submarines, but within a much more limited range. They’re often used for research and exploration purposes, including to search for shipwrecks and to document underwater environments. Unlike submarines, they usually have a viewport to allow passengers look outside, and outside cameras that provide a broader view around the submersible. The missing submersible in question is an OceanGate <a href="https://oceangate.com/our-subs/titan-submersible.html">Titan</a> watercraft, which can take five people to depths of up to 4,000m. The Titan is about 22 feet (6.7m) in length, with speeds of about 3 knots (or 5.5km per hour). Although submersibles are often connected to a surface vessel by a tether, video and photos suggest the Titan was likely operating independently of the surface ship. According to OceanGate’s website, the Titan is used “for site survey and inspection, research and data collection, film and media production, and deep-sea testing of hardware and software”. It also has a “real-time hull health monitoring (RTM) system”. This would likely include strain gauges to monitor the health of the Titan’s carbon fibre hull. A strain gauge is a kind of sensor that can measure applied force and small deformations in material resulting from changes in pressure, tension and weight. The Titan’s carbon fibre hull connects two domes made of composite titanium – a material that can withstand deep-sea pressures. At 3,800m below sea level (the depth of the Titanic) you can expect pressures about 380 times greater than the atmospheric pressure we’re used to on the surface of the earth. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532840/original/file-20230620-23-c6k9lo.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532840/original/file-20230620-23-c6k9lo.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532840/original/file-20230620-23-c6k9lo.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=413&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532840/original/file-20230620-23-c6k9lo.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=413&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532840/original/file-20230620-23-c6k9lo.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=413&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532840/original/file-20230620-23-c6k9lo.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=518&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532840/original/file-20230620-23-c6k9lo.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=518&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532840/original/file-20230620-23-c6k9lo.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=518&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Several tube like shapes on a rectangular concrete platform underwater" /></a><figcaption>Titan on the launch platform underwater, awaiting a signal to commence the dive. <a class="source" href="https://oceangate.com/gallery/gallery-titan.html#nanogallery/titangallery/0/4">OceanGate</a></figcaption></figure> <h2>Communication and rescue efforts</h2> The Titan would have had an acoustic link with its surface vessel, set up through a transponder (a device for receiving a sonar signal) on its end, and a transceiver (a device that can both transmit and receive communications) on the surface vessel. This link allows for underwater acoustic positioning, as well as for short text messages to be sent back and forth to the surface vessel – but the amount of data that can be shared is limited and usually includes basic telemetry and status information. The Titan is a battery-operated watercraft. Given it has lost all contact with its surface vessel, it may have suffered a power failure. Ideally, there would be an emergency backup power source (such as an independent battery) to maintain emergency and life support equipment – but it’s unclear if the missing vessel had any power backup on hand. According to reports, at least two aircraft, a submarine and sonar buoys were being used to search for the vessel. The sonar buoys will be listening for underwater noise, including any emergency distress beacons that may have gone off. One of the major challenges in the rescue effort will be contending with weather conditions, which will further shrink an already narrow search window. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532842/original/file-20230620-49349-cnzdk6.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532842/original/file-20230620-49349-cnzdk6.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532842/original/file-20230620-49349-cnzdk6.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=413&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532842/original/file-20230620-49349-cnzdk6.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=413&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532842/original/file-20230620-49349-cnzdk6.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=413&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532842/original/file-20230620-49349-cnzdk6.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=518&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532842/original/file-20230620-49349-cnzdk6.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=518&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532842/original/file-20230620-49349-cnzdk6.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=518&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="A dark blue image with a tube like shape floating in the lower third" /></a><figcaption>Titan commencing a dive to 4,000m underwater. <a class="source" href="https://oceangate.com/gallery/gallery-titan.html#nanogallery/titangallery/0/1">OceanGate</a></figcaption></figure> <h2>What might have happened?</h2> In a best case scenario, the Titan may have lost power and will have an inbuilt safety system that will help it return to the surface. For instance, it may be equipped with additional weights that can be dropped to instantly increase its buoyancy and bring it back to the surface. Alternatively, the vessel may have lost power and ended up at the bottom of the ocean. This would be a more problematic outcome. The worst case scenario is that it has suffered a catastrophic failure to its pressure housing. Although the Titan’s composite hull is built to withstand intense deep-sea pressures, any defect in its shape or build could compromise its integrity – in which case there’s a risk of implosion. Another possibility is that there may have been a fire onboard, such as from an electrical short circuit. This could compromise the vehicle’s electronic systems which are used for navigation and control of the vessel. Fires are a disastrous event in enclosed underwater environments, and can potentially incapacitate the crew and passengers. Time is of the essence. The search and rescue teams will need to find the vessel before its <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230331121053/https://oceangateexpeditions.com/tour/titanic-expedition/">limited supplies</a> of oxygen and water run out. There’s an ongoing debate in scientific circles regarding the relative merit of manned submersibles, wherein each deployment incurs a safety risk – and the safety of the crew and passengers is paramount. Currently, most underwater research and offshore industrial work is conducted using unmanned and robotic vehicles. A loss to one of these vehicles might compromise the work being done, but at least lives aren’t at stake. In light of these events, there will likely be intense discussion about the risks associated with using these systems to support deep-sea tourism.<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/208100/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/stefan-b-williams-1448728">Stefan B. Williams</a>, Professor, Australian Centre for Field Robotics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> 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/missing-titanic-sub-what-are-submersibles-how-do-they-communicate-and-what-may-have-gone-wrong-208100">original article</a>. Images: Getty

Technology

“Two of my best mates gone”: Rod Stewart opens up on double tragedy

Rod Stewart is in mourning after the loss of his two brothers just months apart. On Friday, the singer posted a short but sweet tribute on Instagram to his brother Bob, who passed away last November, just two months after the passing of his eldest brother Don. Sharing a photo of the program from Bob's funeral service at Islington Burial Chapel in London, he wrote, "I said Farewell to my Brother Bob today, with his coffin draped in a Rangers flag (life long Glasgow Rangers fan)." "We loved our game days up in Scotland together, " he wrote, reminiscing on their sweet memories together. Bob passed at the age of 87, just a day short from his 88th birthday. "Now he joins Brother Don, rest in peace boys. Two of my best mates gone within just a few months." <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/CnEx0ufN7b0/?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/CnEx0ufN7b0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sir Rod Stewart (@sirrodstewart)</a> </div> </blockquote> Several family members also expressed their love in the comments, with his wife and TV star Penny Lancaster sharing an inside joke, writing, "I loved that he called me Pencil instead of Pen." His daughter, Ruby Stewart, commented with a simple dove emoji, commonly used to symbolise peace, freedom, or love. In December, the British singer announced on Instagram that he was mourning the loss of his two brothers. “It’s with great sadness that I announce the loss of my brother Bob last night, who joins my brother Don on the great football pitch in the sky,” he captioned, with an image of a candle flame and the words “Rest in Peace”. The British singer is the youngest of five children, surviving his brothers along with two of his sisters, Mary and Peggy. Image Credits: Getty

Family & Pets

“I knew she was gone”: Melissa Caddick’s husband opens up

Anthony Koletti, the husband of missing scam artist Melissa Caddick, has opened up about life since she vanished in 2021, including how he knew she was dead. In an interview with <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11459481/Anthony-Koletti-interview-Melissa-Caddicks-husband-reveals-really-thinks-happened-her.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a>, Koletti said he knew his wife of ten years was dead when police told him they had found her severed foot in March 2021. “In your heart, you know if someone is no longer on the Earth,” he said. “When I spoke with police that day, I knew she was gone. I felt it inside my heart. “And as sad as it is, maybe not knowing what happened to her is more of a blessing in disguise. Do I feel like I'll ever get answers? No, I don't.” While the past two years had been difficult, Koletti said the realisation that he would never see his wife again was probably his darkest moment. Now, Koletti said he wants to restart his life but doesn’t believe he will find love again. “I still love Melissa, and I always will,” he said. “I highly doubt I'll find someone else, but that's OK.” Koletti told the outlet that he had struggled to find work in the two years since Caddick’s disappearance, with the constant scrutiny deterring employers from hiring him to avoid bad press. Despite the difficulties, including being described as a “failed DJ” and Caddick’s “boytoy”, the 40-year-old has returned to hairdressing and now looks after his wife’s teenage son. “It’s an honour to raise her son,” he said, adding that they hadn’t talked about Caddick’s $23 million theft from clients or her disappearance because “we don’t need to”. “We both had a terrible time, that's for sure, but we understand it because we lived it so there are no questions we have to ask each other,” Koletti said. “It takes a lot more care to look after a child who's been through that - a lot more care than is otherwise required. “Maybe that's the reason he's chosen to stay with me full time, he knows I can cater to that.” As for reports that claimed he relied on Caddick’s money to fund his lifestyle, Koletti said they were incorrect and that he had been working as a hairdresser four days a week throughout their marriage. But, Koletti stopped working when their life became the subject of headlines, instead taking on freelance clients and cutting their hair in their homes. While most of the claims were “water off a duck’s back”, he said he struggled with the “impact it’s had on my life in general”. His new boss, Deborah Bradshaw of The Hair Angel in Balmain, said she was warned against hiring Koletti but made her decision based on what she felt was right. “He's done nothing wrong. He deserves to get a job and earn money,” Ms Bradshaw said. “Of course I've read the news and I know the situation, but he's a good hairdresser and, when he came in, I realised he was really talented and really lovely and my clients love him. “His work is excellent, and that's what I'm judging him on.” Image: 7News

Legal

‘Gone Girl’ fans can get their fix on killer-themed cruise

For fans of the author Gillian Flynn, the mind behind the thrilling novel Gone Girl, this cruise is for you. Flynn’s award-winning book, about a woman faking her own murder to frame her husband, earned actors Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike a string of accolades for their roles in the blockbuster adaptation. For those who can’t get enough of her stories, which include Sharp Objects and Dark Places, Flynn will be joining passengers on an eight-day cruise down the Danube River. “I am very excited about this,” Flynn told Today Extra. “Along the way I will be telling some stories and doing readings and answering questions about writing, anything about writing in general. “I’m always up to talk about books.” Flynn marked the ten-year anniversary of Gone Girl’s release in May, sharing with fans what a sequel could look like. “Today is the ten-year anniversary of Gone Girl. What am I thinking about?” she wrote on Instagram. “In Gone Girl chronology, Nick and Amy’s child would be close to 16 years old now. I keep wondering what a teenager raised by Amazing Amy would be like… and I’m chilled… in a good way.” Along with spending time with the acclaimed author, passengers on the cruise will be able to take part in various activities and day trips, as the cruise makes stops in Budapest, Visegrad, Vienna, Krems and Grein. The cruise, set to depart on September 15, will set passengers back $4,238 ($NZD 4,723) each and includes seven servings of breakfast and dinner, and six lunches. It is one of Avalon Waterways’ series of Storyteller cruises, with upcoming trips featuring comical novelist <a href="https://www.avalonwaterways.com/river-cruise/storybook-scenery-sarcasm-satire/WZA-T2/?season=2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Christopher Moore</a> and musical group <a href="https://www.avalonwaterways.com/river-cruise/active-discovery-on-the-rhine-with-sister-hazel-northbound/WWA-T2/?season=2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sister Hazel</a>. To find out more about the killer cruise, head <a href="https://www.avalonwaterways.com.au/europe-river-cruises/active-discovery-on-the-danube-gillian-flynn-WBLT?season=2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Images: @thegillianflynn (Instagram)

Cruising

Surprise surprise: ScoMo crash-tackling a child has gone viral

Prime Minister Scott Morrison accidentally shoulder-charged a small child while playing soccer in Tasmania - and the internet has had plenty to say about it. Mr Morrison was playing a training game with the kids while campaigning in the seat of Braddon when he made a run towards the ball, not seeing the small child in his path, before colliding with them and becoming entangled on the ground. “I’m surprised he hasn’t been taken to hospital,” he joked. Luca Fauvette, the child in question, was fine. Both Mr Morrison and the soccer club made statements about the collision on Facebook, with the PM praising the boy for being “such a good sport”. “You may have seen we had a bit of a collision at club training tonight at the Devonport Strikers Football Club in Tasmania,” Mr Morrison wrote. “I spoke to Luca and his mum Ali tonight to check in on him and he was in good form. “Great to be able to have a good chat to him about his love of football and to hear he’s had three hat-tricks in his budding career already.” "Our club values are determination, effort and respect," the Strikers said on Facebook. "We think Luca showed plenty of determination and effort to stop the PM scoring at all costs! "The latest star of the election is ok and looking forward to being the star of the show at school tomorrow!" After footage of the incident emerged on social media, it quickly went viral and prompted jokes from all corners. “In ScoMo’s defence, the kid is a United fan. Play on,” tweeted Tim Barrow. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The chaser sums it up … <a href="https://t.co/dODQ5HfgXF">pic.twitter.com/dODQ5HfgXF</a> — Justin Brash 🏳️‍🌈🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇦🇺🍸📷🐱 (@just_brash) <a href="https://twitter.com/just_brash/status/1526846679366127622?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2022</a></blockquote> “I trip over small children, dogs, hoses and my own feet on the odd occasion. Happy to make my clumsiness a headline if required,” Catherine Wilcox added. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Won’t tackle the cost of living. Will tackle an actual child. — Australian Unions (@unionsaustralia) <a href="https://twitter.com/unionsaustralia/status/1526836955602104320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2022</a></blockquote> Even 14-year-old journalist Leonardo Puglisi - who made headlines for interviewing Mr Morrison - got in on the fun, joking that one of their “reporters” was injured in “retaliation” for their tough questions. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> BREAKING: <a href="https://twitter.com/6NewsAU?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@6NewsAU</a> is prepared to launch legal action against the PM after one of our reporters was injured tonight We understand it was retaliation from the PM for our tough questions during our interview with him <a href="https://t.co/hRb3JUPw3o">https://t.co/hRb3JUPw3o</a> — Leonardo Puglisi (@Leo_Puglisi6) <a href="https://twitter.com/Leo_Puglisi6/status/1526898992025460737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2022</a></blockquote> Others used it to make political points about the Liberal Party’s policies heading into this weekend’s federal election while others suggested that Mr Morrison wouldn’t fare well in the election as a result. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I mean if ever there was a visual representation for the LNP’s climate policy… <a href="https://t.co/syEzi4hOQo">pic.twitter.com/syEzi4hOQo</a> — Tosh Greenslade (@ToshGreenslade) <a href="https://twitter.com/ToshGreenslade/status/1526835259618529280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2022</a></blockquote> “Surely this bloke can’t survive after Saturday. He’s a national and international embarrassment,” Cody Murray wrote on Facebook. “Just got so sad thinking about how that kid that ScoMo hit will never grow up and use their super to pay for 6% of a house deposit,” journalist Cameron Wilson tweeted. To see footage of the incident, head <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDDLSAvOzIU&ab_channel=TheAge%26SydneyMorningHerald" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image: Getty Images

News

Gone too soon: Tributes flow for Andrew Symonds

The sporting world has been dealt yet another heavy blow following the sudden death of former Australian cricket legend Andrew Symonds in a car crash. The 46-year-old died on Saturday night just outside Townsville, Queensland, where he was spending his retirement years. <a href="https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/news/2022/05/15/fatal-single-vehicle-crash-hervey-range/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to police</a>, Symonds was driving shortly after 11pm when his car left the road and rolled. Emergency services attempted to revive him at the scene but were unsuccessful. Gavin Oates, the Acting Inspector of Townsville Police, said the cause of the crash was still unknown. “That’s still being investigated at this stage. Forensic Crash Unit officers have attended the scene and are conducting the investigation and they will prepare a report for the coroner,” he said. “The accident was actually heard by neighbours who are people who live nearby that were the first people on scene and alerted emergency services. “They provided the assistance they could at the time.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Tributes flow for the great Andrew Symonds. Our deepest condolences to all those who were lucky enough to enjoy the pleasure of his company ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/k5zacI4Jbl">pic.twitter.com/k5zacI4Jbl</a> — Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricketAus/status/1525707655737593856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2022</a></blockquote> Symonds’ wife Laura, who flew from Sydney to Townsville on Sunday morning, spoke to The Courier Mail and said her thoughts were focused on her and Symonds’ two children, Chloe and Billy. “We are still in shock - I’m just thinking of the two kids,” she told the publication. “He’s such a big person and there is just so much of him in his kids.” Since the news broke of Symond’s sudden passing, fellow cricketers - including teammates and opponents - have been among the many thousands who have shared tributes to him. “This really hurts,” Adam Gilchrist, a former teammate and wicketkeeper, wrote on Twitter. “Think of your most loyal, fun, loving friend who would do anything for you. That’s Roy.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Think of your most loyal, fun, loving friend who would do anything for you. That’s Roy. 💔😞 — Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) <a href="https://twitter.com/gilly381/status/1525635035751059456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2022</a></blockquote> Ricky Ponting, who captained Symonds at various points in his career, described him as “an extraordinary player and even better human being”. “If Roy shook your hand you had his word, that’s the sort of bloke he was and that’s why I always wanted him on my team,” Ponting wrote. “An extraordinary player and even better human being. Can’t believe he’s gone.” Cricketer and fast bowler Brett Lee, who knew Symonds since they were teenagers, shared a heartbreaking tribute to “one of the most gifted athletes”. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I knew Roy since the age of 17 from junior cricket. One of the most gifted athletes I’ve ever witnessed. He didn’t play for money or fame, these things were irrelevant to him. As long as he could afford to wet a line & have a cold beer, Roy was happy. First picked in any team 💔 <a href="https://t.co/l1JN3HHJdI">pic.twitter.com/l1JN3HHJdI</a> — Brett Lee (@BrettLee_58) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrettLee_58/status/1525954573898113024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2022</a></blockquote> “I knew Roy since the age of 17 from junior cricket. One of the most gifted athletes I’ve ever witnessed,” Lee began. “He didn’t play for money or fame, these things were irrelevant to him. As long as he could afford to wet a line & have a cold beer, Roy was happy. First picked in any team.” Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik even paid tribute by creating a huge, colourful sculpture in Odisha, eastern India, as reported by ANI. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik paid tribute to Australian cricket star <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndrewSymonds?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndrewSymonds</a> through his sand art at Puri beach in Odisha. The cricket legend died in a car crash on May 15. <a href="https://t.co/wDSOaph6LH">pic.twitter.com/wDSOaph6LH</a> — ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1525966852291465216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2022</a></blockquote> The Gold Coast Dolphins Cricket Club - the junior club where Symonds played as a 15-year-old - also shared they were “deeply saddened” by his death. "I think there's been a lot of tragedy in cricket this year and Andrew was just a bigger than life character and it's shocking to hear," club president Adam Daniels said. "He started playing at the club as a 15-year-old … he represents, probably in the history of the club, one of the first players to come through as a junior player to play for Australia." Daniels described him as the “ultimate teammate” who always gave “200 percent” to the game. "I think he's the ultimate teammate, he would do anything for you – on the field and off the field," he said. "He created an atmosphere in the change room that was fun. "He was a fun guy to be around, but as a team-mate he would go into battle for you. "I think he was ultimately one of the most talented players. He could do everything, from a batting point of view, (he bowled) medium pace, he bowled off spin, his athleticism in the field. He was just the ultimate athlete. "I think that probably what's forgotten is his work ethic. He was probably one of the hardest trainers and I think that's what led to him being a test cricketer." Image: Twitter

News

Teacher sacked for punching and kicking horse has gone into hiding

Content warning: This article contains mentions and depictions of animal abuse. A UK school teacher <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/science/animals/teacher-sacked-over-shocking-horse-video-in-the-uk/news-story/a098daeb99f46976d6e4363050ce4658" target="_blank">has been fired</a> after footage emerged of her seeming to kick and hit a distressed horse. The graphic footage shows Sarah Moulds striking the white pony after it ran out onto the road in the UK’s East Midlands, <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/17099018/rider-kicks-punches-horse-teacher-sacked/" target="_blank">The Sun</a> reports. Following the circulation of the footage, it was revealed that the 37-year-old woman from Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire was being probed by the RSPCA. The Mowbray Education Trust also said Ms Moulds has been suspended during a formal investigation. However, the trust has said the mother-of-two has officially been dismissed from her roles as a teacher at Somerby Primary School and as a director of the Knossington & Somerby Pre-School in Leicestershire. “I can confirm that Sarah Mould’s employment with the trust has been terminated,” Paul Maddox, chief operating officer of the trust, told the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leicestershire-59728476" target="_blank">BBC</a>. “As a trust we are committed to ensuring the best standard of education for all of our young people and we look forward to continuing this throughout the 2021/22 academic year and beyond.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Yesterday we filmed a <a href="https://twitter.com/CottesmoreHunt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CottesmoreHunt</a> rider kicking and punching her horse in the face. Watched on by lackeys Will Ashmore and son Ed. Violence running through their veins.<a href="https://twitter.com/RSPCA_official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RSPCA_official</a> <a href="https://t.co/s37BlR4Hv3">pic.twitter.com/s37BlR4Hv3</a> — Hertfordshire Hunt Saboteurs (@HertsHuntSabs) <a href="https://twitter.com/HertsHuntSabs/status/1457304240079228929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2021</a></blockquote> The footage was shared last month by Hertfordshire Hunt Saboteurs, an anti-hunting group, who were monitoring the hunting event at the time. The woman alleged to be Ms Moulds was seen acting aggressively towards the horse, after it ran towards her when another young rider lost control of it while trying to lead it onto a trailer. She was filmed kicking and hitting the horse before pulling it into the horse trailer. Ms Moulds is believed to belong to the Cottesmore Hunt, a foxhound hunting group based in Rutland. At the time, she was surrounded by other members. After the incident, Cottesmore Hunt reportedly said it did not condone the actions depicted in the video “under any circumstances”. <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/CWBYBdUKiaN/?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> <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/CWBYBdUKiaN/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by The Cottesmore Hunt (@cottesmorehuntofficial)</a> </div> </blockquote> The RSPCA was contacted by multiple people after the clip was posted online, and later issued a statement. “This footage is really upsetting. We will always look into complaints made to us about animal welfare.” A spokesman from the Hunting Office in the UK said: “The Hunting Office expects the highest level of animal welfare at all times - both on and off the hunting field - and condemns the actions taken by this individual, who is not a member of the hunting associations.” Members of the public also condemned the woman online, labelling her behaviour as unacceptable. “As a horsewoman myself, nothing makes me angrier than seeing such footage as this. It is shameful. There is absolutely no excuse for this behaviour,” one person wrote. “No matter how frustrated you are, no matter if you’ve had a bad day. Horses are so sensitive. What a way to make them head shy.” Image: @HertsHuntSabs (Twitter)

Legal

"It's blown up in our face": Estate agent's festive suggestion could NOT have gone worse

A real estate agent has been the subject of intense backlash, after asking his tenants whether they wished to buy their landlords a pricey Christmas gift. Michael Kanik of Brisbane’s Kanik and Co sent a letter to renters with the offer to send Christmas hampers to their landlords on their behalf. Prices started at $AUD 50 for a basic White Wine Grazing Box and peaked at $AUD 115 for the All Things Golden hamper. Alternatives included a $AUD 55 Festive Sweets, $AUD 70 Self Care and $AUD 99 Foodies Hamper. <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846338/brisbane-landlord-christmas-present-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c92bb31d954c4c4e85a8f12cdea4e451" /> Image: Reddit In a screenshot of the email, shared on <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/brisbane/comments/rej48y/local_real_estate_encouraging_rental_tenants_to/" target="_blank">Reddit</a>, the agency wrote: “This year has been particularly difficult for both our tenants and property owners alike and we understand some tenants would like to thank their property owners for everything in 2021. “Our team are happy to facilitate the purchasing of a gift and have it delivered to the property owner with a handwritten note to say thank you, directly from you.” The agent said tenants who wished to take part would be issued an invoice which would need to be paid within seven days. The letter <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.pedestrian.tv/news/real-estate-renter-landlord-christmas-gift/" target="_blank">sparked</a> a furious reaction online, especially as one-third of Australians relying on a national scheme reducing the costs of rental properties live in Queensland, as reported by <a rel="noopener" href="https://thewest.com.au/news/housing-advocates-warn-queensland-will-be-crunched-by-support-scheme-expiration-c-4167432" target="_blank">The West Australian</a>. One Twitter user who shared the screenshot on the platform wrote: “This agency is in Logan, where the average weekly rent has increased by 30 per cent in the last 5 years and the vacancy rate is 1 per cent”. Both tenants and landlords shared their disapproval of the gesture. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"> Capitalism finally flowering into full-blown feudalism. — Ancient Spoonbill (@AncientSpoonbil) <a href="https://twitter.com/AncientSpoonbil/status/1470177074379833347?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2021</a></blockquote> “As a property owner who reduced rent and upgraded the internet connection at the property during COVID lockdown, I say WTF??” one user shared. “As another who did similar (instigated a rent-free period of three months and then reduced the rent going forward on the next lease), I just cannot get my head around this agent’s gift collection. If I was the LL [landlord] I’d be taking my property elsewhere for management,” another commented. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Right!? I initially read it as the RE Agent giving *owners* a choice of hampers to gift to their *tenants*. I thought, oh that’s nice. When I realised it was backwards my mind blew 🤯 — Damon O’Hara (@hara_damon) <a href="https://twitter.com/hara_damon/status/1470527004772499459?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2021</a></blockquote> “Oh god real estate agents really are something else. Like do they not realise we actually like them LESS than we like our landlords?” a third said. “This is outrageous- it should be the other way around, thanking their loyal customers,” another added. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"> Thank you me lord and lady for allowing me to work the farm fields with me plough and beast. Please accept a bushel as a sign of my gratitude — righteous_bot (@BotRighteous) <a href="https://twitter.com/BotRighteous/status/1470214503564337154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2021</a></blockquote> On Monday, Mr Kanik admitted that he had made a mistake in sending the email out. However he insisted that he also sent a letter to landlords with the same offer directed to their tenants. “It was done with the best of intentions but it’s blown up in our face,” he told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10303311/Michael-Kanik-Queensland-real-estate-agent-asks-tenants-buy-landlords-Christmas-hampers.html" target="_blank">Daily Mail Australia</a>. “We thought it would be a nice gesture. “It’s quite disheartening. We’ve already had quite a few calls about it today. “We sent out that blanket email saying if you want to participate, but there’s no obligation at all. We were just purely trying to do a nice thing.” He added: “In hindsight, it was probably a mistake to send it to the tenants, but owners sending tenants a hamper is definitely a good thing. “All our landlords that come back to us are happy to do so. But some tenants have taken it the wrong way.” Image: Getty Images

Real Estate

Why a gazebo railing in Naples has gone viral

A photo of an unsuspecting hand railing in Naples, Italy, has gone viral for a very unexpected reason. The railing sits on top of a hill that is connected to the popular tourist destination St Elmo’s castle. Each year, thousands of people trek up the stairs to observe the picturesque view from the top that overlooks the Tyrrhenian sea and Italy’s Mount Vesuvius. However, instead of the view catching a Twitter user's attention, it was the detailed hand railing. The 92-foot-long piece of steel is etched with braille, describing the stunning view for the blind. The unique railing was installed in 2015 by artist Paolo Puddu and is titled “Follow the Shape”, which has been a permanent fixture of the castle ever since. Blind visitors are encouraged to run their hands along the railing to read verses from The Land and The Man: a poetry series from Italian author Giuseppe de Lorenzo. The inscription is carved in both Italian and English, as tourists are prompted to imagine the stunning view in front of them. Twitter user, Rob N Roll, shared the image online, which welcomed a flood of messages praising the unique art installation. He captioned his image, “This railing on a gazebo in Naples has braille describing the view for blind people. More of this please.” Image credit: Twitter - Rob N Roll

Art

“You’re f***ing gone”: Furious Tom Cruise lashes out on set of Mission Impossible

Furious Tom Cruise has ripped into workers who broke COVID rules on the set of Mission: Impossible, screaming: “If I see you doing it again, you’re f***ing gone.” The Hollywood superstar has gone the extra mile to make sure tight social-distancing rules were being implemented during the filming, which is taking place in Britain. And after coming across two of the crew members standing within two metres of each other, he quickly flew into a rage. The Sun published the audio recording, which heard Cruise shouting: “If I see you do it again, you’re f***ing gone. And if anyone in this crew does it, that’s it — and you too and you too. And you, don’t you ever f***ing do it again.” 50 staff members at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, Herts, were left shocked by the angry outburst. The 58-year-old was furious that his efforts to keep filming going during a pandemic could be at risk. He went on: “They’re back there in Hollywood making movies right now because of us. “We are creating thousands of jobs, you motherf***ers. “That’s it. No apologies. You can tell it to the people that are losing their f***ing homes because our industry is shut down. “ “We are not shutting this f***ing movie down. Is it understood? If I see it again, you’re f***ing gone.” A source said: “Tom has taken it upon himself, along with the health and safety department, to try to force the safety precautions, with a view to keeping the film running. “He does daily rounds to make sure that everything is set up appropriately, that people are behaving and working as safely as they can. He is very proactive when it comes to safety.” They added: “Everyone was wearing masks. It was purely that these people were standing under a metre away from each other. “It isn’t known whether he saw those guys breaking the rules before or whether this was the straw that broke the camel’s back. “People make mistakes and they slip up, but Tom is just on it.” Tom’s rant, in full: “We want the gold standard. They’re back there in Hollywood making movies right now because of us! Because they believe in us and what we’re doing! I’m on the phone with every f***ing studio at night, insurance companies, producers, and they’re looking at us and using us to make their movies. We are creating thousands of jobs you motherf***ers. I don’t ever want to see it again, ever! And if you don’t do it you’re fired, if I see you do it again you’re f***ing gone. And if anyone in this crew does it – that’s it, and you too and you too. And you, don’t you ever f***ing do it again. That’s it! No apologies. You can tell it to the people that are losing their f***ing homes because our industry is shut down. It’s not going to put food on their table or pay for their college education. That’s what I sleep with every night. The future of this f***ing industry! So I’m sorry I am beyond your apologies. I have told you and now I want it and if you don’t do it you’re out. We are not shutting this f***ing movie down! Is it understood? If I see it again you’re f***ing gone — and you are — so you’re going to cost him his job, if I see it on the set you’re gone and you’re gone. That’s it. Am I clear? Do you understand what I want? Do you understand the responsibility that you have? Because I will deal with your reason. And if you can’t be reasonable and I can’t deal with your logic, you’re fired. That’s it. That is it. I trust you guys to be here. That’s it. That’s it guys. Have a little think about it …[inaudible]. That’s what I think of Universal and Paramount. Warner Brothers. Movies are going because of us. If we shut down it’s going to cost people f***ing jobs, their home, their family. That’s what’s happening. All the way down the line. And I care about you guys, but if you’re not going to help me you’re gone. OK? Do you see that stick? How many metres is that? When people are standing around a f***ing computer and hanging out around here, what are you doing? And if they don’t comply then send their names to Matt Spooner. That’s it.”

Movies

Man accidentally burns house down in proposal gone wrong

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text " style="text-align: left;"> A man’s romantic candlelit proposal went completely south after he accidentally set his home on fire - leaving the couple’s house destroyed. Albert Ndreu spent two weeks carefully plotting the perfect proposal after buying a ring for his girlfriend of one year, Valerija Madevic. The 26-year-old used 100 tea lights and around 60 balloons to transform their Sheffield, UK home as he spelt “Marry Me?” with the candles. He even had a bottle of champagne and a “non-stop romance” playlist on loop, ready to surprise Valerija when she finished work. But disaster soon struck when Albert left home to collect Valerija, leaving the candles unattended. As they returned, they saw witnesses watching their home “burning down”. “I was planning the proposal for over two weeks – I kept struggling to find the right thing to do to mark the special moment,” Albert said. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fdreamweddingsmagazine%2Fposts%2F3313697575361378&width=500" width="500" height="789" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div> <div class="body_text ">“I wanted to do something from my heart even if it didn’t go exactly as planned.” Despite the moment going horribly wrong, it didn’t stop Albert from getting down on one knee and luckily for him, Valerija said “yes”. “I was so worried about everything going wrong I never imagined I could set the house on fire,” he said. “But it will always be an unforgettable day for us and a story which will be amazing to tell our children.” Speaking of the proposal, Valerija said she started the evening thinking her now fiancé had done something stupid after he came to her work with flowers. “When I got the flowers I thought he must have broken something or destroyed something in the house,” she said. “Little did I know he had destroyed our entire living room.” But she was even more stunned after Albert got down on one knee among the ashes of their belongings. “He pulled out a box from his pocket and I was just speechless. “He said that he messed up – our house was literally in flames – but asked me if I would marry him. “And I said yes.” After the dramatic proposal, three fire crews were able to extinguish the flames, leaving the home filled with ashes. </div> </div> </div>

Relationships

Gone With the Wind dropped for being racially unjust

The classic US film Gone With The Wind has been removed from HBO’s streaming platform due to mass protests worldwide against racism. The Oscar-winning US Civil War epic was released in 1939 and remains the highest-grossing movie of all time. However, its depiction of happy slaves and heroic slaveholders has garnered criticism. “’Gone With The Wind’ is a product of its time and depicts some of the ethnic and racial prejudices that have, unfortunately, been commonplace in American society,” an HBO Max spokesperson said in a statement. “These racist depictions were wrong then and are wrong today, and we felt that to keep this title up without an explanation and a denouncement of those depictions would be irresponsible.” “12 Years A Slave” writer John Ridley said in a Los Angeles Times op-ed Monday that “Gone with the Wind” must be removed as it “doesn’t just ‘fall short’ with regard to representation” but ignores the horrors of slavery and perpetuates “some of the most painful stereotypes of people of colour.” The film will return to the streaming platform at a later date, along with a discussion of its historical context. No edits will be made “because to do otherwise would be the same as claiming these prejudices never existed.” “If we are to create a more just, equitable and inclusive future, we must first acknowledge and understand our history.” It comes after Netflix has pulled British comedy series The Mighty Boosh and The League of Gentlemen for their use of blackface. Netflix also removed four popular Chris Lilley shows from its platform, which were We Can Be Heroes, Summer Heights High, Angry Boys and Jonah From Tonga. Netflix and Chris Lilley are yet to comment.

Movies

One doctor's frank COVID-19 post that's gone viral

A passionate doctor has made headlines around the globe after an emotional post regarding the mass panic of the coronavirus could create more damage than the disease itself. Doctor Abdu Sharkawy of the University of Toronto’s Division of Infectious Disease took to Facebook on March 6 to tell people he is not frightened of the virus, but rather the implications of mass panic. As a specialist in his field for more than 20 years, the medical expert explained that his profession has taken him across city hospitals in Toronto to the poorest towns of Africa where people are diagnosed with HIV-AIDS, Hepatitis, TB and SARS. He admitted there is not much he hasn’t been exposed to in his years of work. “And with notable exception of SARS, very little has left me feeling vulnerable, overwhelmed or downright scared,” he said in his post which has been shared nearly one million times. Dr Sharkawy also went on to admit that while he does worry about the “implications of a novel infectious agent” that continues to find new footholds in different soil — it’s more the world’s reaction that has got him worried The medical expert said what scares him the most about the disease is the “loss of reason and wave of fear that has induced the masses of society into a spellbinding spiral of panic” where people have begun to stockpile “obscene quantities of anything that could fill a bomb shelter adequately in a post-apocalyptic world”. “I am scared of the N95 masks that are stolen from hospitals and urgent care clinics where they are actually needed for front line healthcare providers and instead are being donned in airports, malls, and coffee lounges, perpetuating even more fear and suspicion of others. “I am scared that our hospitals will be overwhelmed with anyone who thinks they ‘probably don’t have it but may as well get checked out no matter what because you just never know …’” Dr Sharkawy's comments were referring to countries including the US, UK and Australia where stores have been left high and dry of the bare essential items such as toilet paper and hand sanitiser. He warned people to expect the virus to continue to spread, but that it would “not likely do much harm” and advised against panic. “I am scared that travel restrictions will become so far reaching that weddings will be cancelled, graduations missed and family reunions will not materialise. And well, even that big party called the Olympic Games … that could be kyboshed too. Can you even imagine?” he said. The Toronto doctor also went to express his worry over the “epidemic fears” which might limit trade, harm partnerships in multiple sectors, business “and otherwise and ultimately culminate in a global recession”. However, his biggest fear is the message we are telling our children when faced with a threat. “Instead of reason, rationality, openmindedness and altruism, we are telling them to panic, be fearful, suspicious, reactionary and self-interested.” Dr Sharkawy said Covid-19 is nowhere near over, adding that it will be coming to a city, a hospital, a friend, even a family member near you at some point. “Expect it. Stop waiting to be surprised further. The fact is the virus itself will not likely do much harm when it arrives. But our own behaviours and ‘fight for yourself above all else’ attitude could prove disastrous,” he said. “I implore you all. Temper fear with reason, panic with patience and uncertainty with education.” The medical expert explained our society has an opportunity to learn a great deal about health hygiene and limiting the spread of innumerable transmissible diseases. “Let’s meet this challenge together in the best spirit of compassion for others, patience, and above all, an unfailing effort to seek truth, facts and knowledge as opposed to conjecture, speculation and catastrophising.” “Facts not fear. Clean hands. Open hearts. Our children will thank us for it.”

News

The Gone With the Wind mansion could be yours - Can you guess for how much?

The beautiful antebellum property which inspired Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind is now up for grabs. Located in Covington, Georgia, the plantation-style property was featured in Twelve Oaks, where one of the key characters, Ashley Wilkes, lived. While Mitchell wanted little to do with the film adaption of her novel, she came across a mesmerising photograph of a mansion built in 1836 and immediately cut it out and posted it to then director David Selznick saying it was identical to the house she envisioned for Ashley Wilkes. The film went on to win numerous Oscars. The Greek-revival mansion could be yours - with the bid starting from US$1 million. After a full blown renovation on the 12-bedroom, 13-bathroom property, it looks much different to when Michell first accidentally came across it. With a massive, state-of-the-art kitchen, and a classy fresh feel, it is a home many could find solace in. The area in which the house is located has been dubbed the Hollywood of the South, with over 125 films being shot there to date. With beautiful hardwood floors, and soaring 11-foot ceilings - it is the ultimate home for entertaining. The home also boasts a large dining room, new kitchen, a formal parlour, and personal library. The home sits on over 3 acres of land, and includes Tesla charging station for cars and golf carts. Outside, is a swimming pool with a historic pergola, covered porches and an expansive deck which is the perfect entertaining space. For the last seven years, the special home has served as a bed and breakfast, and has also been an extremely popular venue for hosting weddings. Scroll through the gallery above to see the Gone With the Wind home.

International Travel

“It’s all gone”: The moment a building gets destroyed by mistake

A Sydney gym owner was left devastated after an excavator smashed through her building in a demolition mishap. The Booty Parlour in Balgowlah will now have to be flattened after an excavator working on the site next door slipped on a pile of rubble and crashed into the two-storey building, leaving a huge hole in the wall and a sagging roof. Surrounding buildings on Sydney Road were evacuated over fears that the gym could collapse. The Booty Parlour’s owner Jessica Zukowski said she had closed the studio to celebrate her birthday when the incident occurred on Tuesday. “I actually had had champagne with my husband because we were about to celebrate my birthday with my family,” she told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/sydney-traffic-building-collapse-leads-to-road-closures-in-balgowlah/b5eee493-8851-47fb-9340-0ddd56b94cce">9News</a>. “We got a couple of calls from friends – that’s how we found out.” She said she lost about $200,000 worth of gym equipment from the accident. “We’re not allowed in and we won’t be able to retrieve anything from inside, it’s all gone,” Zukowski told the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-04/sydney-booty-parlour-gym-destroyed-by-mistake/11476874">ABC</a>. In a Facebook post, Zukowski said it was a “super sad day”. “Our beautiful studio has been destroyed by the accident on Sydney Road in Balgowlah. Fortunately no one was in the studio when the accident occurred and everyone is safe,” she wrote on The Booty Parlour’s page. “We’re so sad to say goodbye to this space but so grateful for the memories. It’s been an amazing two-plus years of operation here.” <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fthebootyparlour%2Fposts%2F2100277710274961&width=500" width="500" height="821" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> Scroll through the gallery to see the pictures of the building. Photo credit: <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/manlysocialforlocals/" target="_blank">Manly Social</a>

Home & Garden

Why this photo of a politician feeding a baby in New Zealand has gone viral

A House Speaker from the New Zealand Parliament has been pictured feeding milk to a newborn toddler from his official chair while presiding over a debate. The image has since gone viral online, and pictures Trevor Mallard holding the baby of a fellow parliamentarian, Tāmati Coffey. “Normally the Speaker’s chair is only used by Presiding Officers but today a VIP took the chair with me,” Mr Mallard said in tweet with cute photos of baby Tūtānekai Smith-Coffey attached. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Normally the Speaker’s chair is only used by Presiding Officers but today a VIP took the chair with me. Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/tamaticoffey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tamaticoffey</a> and Tim on the newest member of your family. <a href="https://t.co/47ViKHsKkA">pic.twitter.com/47ViKHsKkA</a> — Trevor Mallard (@SpeakerTrevor) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerTrevor/status/1164026068078125057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2019</a></blockquote> “Congratulations [Tāmati Coffey] and Tim on the newest member of your family.” Mr Coffey, a Labour MP for the New Zealand seat of Waiariki and Smith, welcomed his son into the world last month - making him and his husband one of the only gay couples in the country to have found a surrogate and gained access to IVF. The images gained over 11,000 likes online with warm responses and a flurry of praise to both the speaker and the Kiwi parliament for supporting the new father. "Thank you for normalising the family unit," one person wrote. "We need to see more of this. Workplaces need to adapt to enable this behaviour." This is not the first time the New Zealand speaker has shared his important chair with a newborn. In November 2017, the three-month-old baby of Labour MP Willow-Jean Prime got to have a cuddle with Mr Mallard as well. New Zealand’s attitude towards babies in parliament is a stark contrast to those in other countries. Kenyan MP Zuleika Hassan was ordered to leave the parliament after she brought her five-month-old baby into the chamber.

Legal

Why this beautiful text message a soon-to-be husband sent his ex-girlfriend has gone viral

A text message sent from a soon-to-be husband to his ex-girlfriend a day before his wedding has gained worldwide attention, but for all the right reasons. Most messages sent from exes are usually a drunk slip up, but this time it’s different, as the groom chose to issue a sincere and sweet thank you, sent with his fiancée’s permission, for teaching him how to love. Taking to Twitter on Saturday, Alexsa Sanchez Aguilar shared the message she received from her ex-boyfriend and it didn’t take long for the exchange to go viral. People have responded by admiring the man’s emotional maturity, but there are others who are doubting his motives. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en-gb"> i- i’m speechless <a href="https://t.co/i2EAiER60z">pic.twitter.com/i2EAiER60z</a> — 𝙻𝚎𝚡 ♡ (@_xolexc) <a href="https://twitter.com/_xolexc/status/1152442724705918976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">20 July 2019</a></blockquote> The message starts off by letting her know that his fiancée is aware of the text, and that, “I’m getting married tomorrow. I wanted to send you this message.” He then thanked Aguilar for helping him during his journey through depression and for keeping him out of trouble. He wrote: “I know we were only kids when we dated but you taught me what love is.” “My point in all of this is, you are the reason why I know how to love someone. You taught me love, you taught me how to deal with my anger, how to deal with my depression and how to live life to the fullest and I’m grateful for you. I wish you love and happiness,” he said. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en-gb"> This has to be the most beautiful thing Ive read. Shout out to both of y'all for being such damn good people. — Nickolas Rey Tamez (@nickolas_rey) <a href="https://twitter.com/nickolas_rey/status/1152597271936229378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">20 July 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en-gb"> m a t u r i t y <a href="https://t.co/hwI5MgLRqe">pic.twitter.com/hwI5MgLRqe</a> — jossy 💛 (@josselynxoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/josselynxoo/status/1152642328621830144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">20 July 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en-gb"> Everyone comes into your life for a reason and each relationship you’re in, good/bad, should help teach and mold you to be a “perfect” partner for your future mate. I think this was sweet and I’m sure well deserved. Cheers to being adults and expressing emotions healthily. 💕 — Sasha Feliciano (@sashmophoto) <a href="https://twitter.com/sashmophoto/status/1152711795666313216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">20 July 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en-gb"> Idk man if I was the new girl I’d be a little weirded out that you wanted to send a paragraph to ur ex girlfriend & express your feelings.. in my opinion, that’s weird. — bratty at it’s finest (@masonrain_) <a href="https://twitter.com/masonrain_/status/1152596074625978368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">20 July 2019</a></blockquote> And thankfully Aguilar didn’t leave people hanging and shared her response to the message in a separate tweet. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en-gb"> for everyone asking me what i replied to, this is what i replied. i was literally speechless an didn’t know what to say but that’s what i said . <a href="https://t.co/Zwkh0iAr2i">pic.twitter.com/Zwkh0iAr2i</a> — 𝙻𝚎𝚡 ♡ (@_xolexc) <a href="https://twitter.com/_xolexc/status/1153091666242199552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">21 July 2019</a></blockquote> "First [off], congratulations on all your beautiful blessings that are coming your way," she began. "[I] am so unbelievably proud of you, you did everything you put your mind into... [I'm] happy you found the woman you want forever with... [Your] fiancé is such a beautiful soul, and you have such a beautiful daughter... [I] wish you and your beautiful family nothing but beautiful blessings." Speaking to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/" target="_blank">Buzzfeed</a>, Aguilar explained that there is no animosity between her and her ex who she says is a great man. Sometimes relationships don’t work out, but the two helped each other through a tough time when they were young, and she will forever appreciate the bond they shared. "We lost a best friend to suicide, and we helped each other heal," Aguilar said. "I feel like no matter what happens, he and I will forever have respect towards each other."

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Why this beautiful text message a soon-to-be husband sent his ex-girlfriend has gone viral