Search

Second Bee Gees member dies within four days

<p>Drummer Byron Dennis, who played a pivotal role in the success of The Bee Gees, has died just days after one of the original band members also <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/original-bee-gees-star-passes-away-aged-78" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passed away</a>. </p> <p>Touring drummer Dennis Bryon died aged 76 in Nashville on November 14th, just four days before original Bee Gees drummer Colin “Smiley” Petersen.</p> <p>The news of Bryon’s death was confirmed by his former bandmate, Blue Weaver, who performed alongside him in another band before he joined the Bee Gees.</p> <p>“I am lost for words at the moment. Dennis has passed away,” Weaver wrote in a heartfelt social media post.</p> <p>“Dennis has been my friend since we were in our first band together aged 15. His great drumming will always Stay Alive.”</p> <p>Bryon was the group's drummer between 1973 and 1981, and played on some of the Bee Gees’ most iconic disco hits, including <em>Stayin’ Alive</em> and <em>Night Fever</em>.</p> <p>Just days before Dennis's tragic death, the Bee Gees original drummer Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen, as the band confirmed the news of his passing with a post on social media. </p> <p>“It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen,” the post read.</p> <p>“He enriched our lives and bound our group with love, care and respect."</p> <p>“Not sure how we can go on without his glowing smile and deep friendship. We love you Col. Rest in Peace.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Mediapunch/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Caring

Trump escapes second assassination attempt

<p>Former president Donald Trump has escaped a second assassination attempt while playing golf at his private club in Florida. </p> <p>According to local authorities, a Secret Service agent was one hole ahead of Trump when he spotted a rifle barrel sticking out of the fence, which was later found to be an AK-47 with a scope, at the Trump International Golf Club, West Palm Beach on Sunday. </p> <p>The Secret Service opened fire on the suspect, who fled the scene only to later be pulled over on the highway and taken into custody. </p> <p>The FBI said Trump had been the subject of “an apparent assassination attempt” at his Florida golf club.</p> <p>Officials at a media briefing after the incident said a witness took a photo of the suspect's car as he fled the scene, helping authorities track him down. </p> <p>The Secret Service officer who was on the course and spotted the weapon was praised for doing a “fantastic job”.</p> <p>“What they do is they have an agent that jumps one hole ahead of time towards where the [former] president was at, and he was able to spot this rifle barrel sticking out of the fence and immediately engaged that individual, at which time the individual took off,” the Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said.</p> <p>“In the bushes where this guy was is an AK-47 style rifle with a scope, two backpacks – which were hung on the fence that had ceramic tile in them and a GoPro, which he was going to take pictures with.” </p> <p>Trump posted an update on his social media platform to assure his supporters he was unharmed in the attempted assassination. </p> <p>“There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumours start spiralling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!” he wrote.</p> <p>“Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER! I will always love you for supporting me.”</p> <p>The attempted shooting comes just months after Trump was injured during another assassination attempt in July while speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock/CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

News

World's second largest diamond unearthed

<p>A massive diamond, believed to be the second largest in the world, has been unearthed in Botswana according to a mining company. </p> <p>The huge stone is thought to be the biggest found since the 3106-carat Cullinan Diamond was discovered in South Africa in 1905.</p> <p>Canadian mining company Lucara Diamond Corp. announced that the "exceptional" gem, at 2492-carats, was found intact in its Karowe mine.</p> <p>The company celebrated the find as "one of the largest rough diamonds ever unearthed," calling the discovery "remarkable". </p> <p>William Lamb, president and CEO of Lucara, said in the release: "We are ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary 2492 carat diamond."</p> <p>Prior to the latest announcement, the second largest discovery was thought to be the Lesedi La Rona, a 1109-carat stone also found by Lucara at the Karowe mine in 2015. </p> <p>The diamond was sold to luxury jeweller Graff for $53 million USD two years later.</p> <p>Lucara's spokeswoman said the company had found six of the top 10 diamonds ever discovered.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Lucara Diamond Corp</em></p>

Money & Banking

Woman “bullied” on plane over budget seating trick

<p dir="ltr">A young woman has recalled a flight from hell when she was “bullied” by a couple who were trying to utilise a seating hack that went viral on TikTok. </p> <p dir="ltr">The solo traveller took to Reddit to recount the story and ask social media users if she was in the wrong for her action. </p> <p dir="ltr">The woman began by saying she usually pays more to select her plane seat ahead of time, but a medical emergency on another plane had her waiting on standby and left with no option other than to sit in a middle seat.</p> <p dir="ltr">When she was finally able to board, she was greeted by a couple who had purchased both the window and aisle seats in a bid to have more space, utilising a travel “trick” that has been popular on TikTok.</p> <p dir="ltr">The method, which has been dubbed the 'poor man's business class', usually leaves travellers with an empty middle seat and more space, and few travellers opt to pick a middle seat. </p> <p dir="ltr">“When I got to my row the man and woman were chatting and sharing a snack... it was obvious they were together. I mentioned to the man that I'm in the middle, and he got up to let me in,” the unsuspecting traveller wrote on Reddit. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I asked them if they would prefer to sit together, I said I was totally okay with that. The woman reacted rudely to this and said ‘you're not supposed to be sitting here anyway’.”</p> <p dir="ltr">After noticing how the plane was full, she offered to show the pair her new ticket with the correct seat number on it.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She flicked her hand at my ticket and made a disgusted sound. I offered again if they wanted to sit together to which she didn't reply, her partner said it's okay and... made some small talk,” she continued. </p> <p dir="ltr">The man’s girlfriend then interrupted their conversation to ask,”'Did you use one of those third party websites to book your flight? It's so frustrating when people cheap out to inconvenience others.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The American woman explained that she had booked her flight directly and she had been placed on standby like everyone else and didn't choose the middle seat - she was assigned it.</p> <p dir="ltr">She then tried to keep the peace by refusing to engage with the furious woman. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I was so done with her attitude, I put my headphones on and attempted to do my own thing,” she explained.</p> <p dir="ltr">But the “entitled” girlfriend wasn't letting it go, as the woman explained, “This woman kept reaching over me and tapping her partner and trying to talk to him in a way that was super intrusive.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“I could tell even her partner was trying to engage her less so that she would hopefully stop, but she didn't.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“I think they tried to pull that tactic where they don't sit together on purpose...hoping no one will sit between them. But on full flights it doesn't work. And even so - it's not the other person's fault.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The traveller's post was met with hundreds of comments slamming the girlfriend’s behaviour, as one person wrote, “It's like a toddler having a tantrum.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“She was disappointed and a total a**hole. Gross entitled people,” another added. </p> <p dir="ltr">Another person applauded the traveller’s level-headed behaviour, writing, “Wow! You are my hero for keeping it classy - I’m afraid I would not have been as kind as you.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Travel Trouble

Second marriage asset protection: What you need to know

<p>Of paramount importance for many people in a second marriage is how to protect their assets if their relationship breaks down, or in the event of their death. Although second marriages bring a level of complexity, there are a number of strategies that you can implement to ensure that your assets are protected. </p> <p>Let’s explore some of the options available to you and what you need to know to protect your assets.</p> <p><strong>Binding Financial Agreement</strong></p> <p>A Binding Financial Agreement, often referred to as a pre-nup, allows you and your spouse to put in place a legal agreement which outlines how your assets will be dealt with in the event that your relationship breaks down. Should you wish, it can also extend to the provision of financial support for either party. The intention is for each party to protect their own assets, and such agreements can be put in place prior to a marriage or during a marriage if both parties consent. </p> <p>Like any legal document, a Binding Financial Agreement needs to be well drafted to ensure that it encompasses all relevant information, and it is important that you seek the advice of a family lawyer to assist you with putting this important document in place.</p> <p><strong>Joint Assets v Individual Assets</strong></p> <p>The manner in which you hold your assets is of paramount importance. All joint assets pass to the surviving party. If you and your spouse own a property as joint proprietors upon your death this property will automatically pass to your spouse. By changing the manner in which you hold the property from joint proprietors to tenants in common allows you and your spouse to deal with your individual interest in the property in your respective Wills. </p> <p>Additionally, you need to be mindful of any bank accounts or other investments that you hold jointly with your spouse as these are not individual assets that you can make provision for and will pass to your spouse upon your death.</p> <p><strong>Your Will</strong></p> <p>It is imperative that you put a Will in place that is reflective of your current circumstances and adequately provides for both your spouse and your children from a previous relationship in the manner that you desire. For many parents in second marriages with children from a previous relationship, protecting their children’s inheritance is of paramount importance. </p> <p>Discretionary Testamentary Trusts which are created in accordance with the provisions of your Will, can make provision for your spouse during their lifetime, whilst also ensuring that most of your assets go to your children. </p> <p>If you are the sole registered proprietor of your residence in which you and your spouse reside you may make provision in your Will providing a life interest in your residence to your spouse subject to some conditions being adhered to. This will allow your spouse to reside in your residence for the duration of their life then subsequent to their death the property may then pass to your children. </p> <p>Dying without a valid Will in place deems that you died intestate, and your assets will be distributed in accordance with a government formula and may not end up with the people who you would like to receive them. Your spouse would be entitled to a share of your assets, however this may not have been your intention, or the share that they would receive may be significantly more than you would like them to receive. </p> <p>It is therefore crucial that you take the time to put a well drafted Will in place so that your assets pass to those who you would like to receive them upon your death.</p> <p><strong>Mutual Wills Agreement</strong></p> <p>A Mutual Wills Agreement is a separate document to your Will and essentially is an agreement between you and your spouse that both of you will not change your Will without the consent of the your spouse or their legal personal representative upon their death. </p> <p>This document is intended to prevent the remaining spouse from altering their Will and disinheriting step-children or making other adverse changes to their Will.</p> <p><strong>The Right People in Key Roles</strong></p> <p>The roles of executor of your Will and your attorney in respect to your Power of Attorney documents are important roles and it is paramount that you appoint trusted people to undertake these roles as essentially you are handing control of your assets to those who assume these roles. </p> <p>Your attorney is entrusted to look after your finances and provide the best care for you in the event that you become incapacitated so you need to choose wisely.</p> <p><strong>Communication is Crucial</strong></p> <p>It is important that there is transparency for you and your family. By having important conversations with your spouse and children you can openly discuss your intentions and expectations so that all parties are relevantly informed and fully understand what your wishes are and what you have put in place. </p> <p>In order to evaluate the best options for you it is important that you obtain the appropriate professional advice to determine which is the best strategy for your own individual circumstances so that the relevant documents are put in place which offer you the best asset protection possible.</p> <p><em><strong>Melisa Sloan is principal of Madison Sloan Lawyers and author of Big Moments: Expert Advice for Conquering those moments that define us. www.melisasloan.com.au</strong></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Money & Banking

Announcing Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis should have been simple. But the palace let it get out of hand

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/victoria-fielding-236389">Victoria Fielding</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/saira-ali-1522239">Saira Ali</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a></em></p> <p>The British royal family is famous for its carefully curated media image. That’s why it was a surprise to see them lose control of the narrative in the wake of what we now know is a serious health crisis befalling Catherine, Princess of Wales (or Kate Middleton as she’s popularly known).</p> <p>It is clear the nearly 1,000-year-old institution of the monarchy and its tradition of “<a href="https://news.northeastern.edu/2024/03/14/kate-middleton-photo-pr-crisis/">never complain, never explain</a>” is being tested by social media and its power to spread rumours and misinformation. The palace’s public relations team has underestimated how difficult it is to manage relationships with social media audiences. Their reactive attempts to rein in speculation has turned Catherine’s health challenge into a PR disaster.</p> <p>Social media, with its lax regulations and freer environment, offers a more open forum for users to say whatever they like about the royals. It’s served as a hotbed for Catherine conspiracies, particularly on TikTok. These theories are as wild as they are ridiculous, from Catherine being a prisoner in the palace to her hiding in <a href="https://www.prdaily.com/kate-middleton-stanley-alabama-retail/">Taylor Swift’s London home</a>.</p> <p>What should have been a simple announcement to a sympathetic public about a popular royal having cancer turned into a spider’s web of competing conspiracy theories across social media. How did it all go so terribly wrong?</p> <h2>I’ve lost track, what happened?</h2> <p>All was well with the Prince and Princess of Wales when they were filmed attending church on Christmas Day. As usual when royals are out in public, the scene was picture perfect with everyone dutifully smiling for the cameras in “<a href="https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a46227698/kate-middleton-royal-blue-christmas-day-church-service-prince-william-kids/">co-ordinated</a>” outfits.</p> <p>Two weeks later, Kensington Palace announced Catherine had undergone planned abdominal surgery, with <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/princess-kate-hospitalized-after-planned-abdominal-surgery-palace/story?id=106441561">palace sources</a> telling media the surgery had been “successful” and she would need two weeks to recover.</p> <p>On January 29, the palace announced Catherine had returned home to recuperate. <a href="https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a46569739/king-charles-discharged-from-hospital/">Unlike King Charles</a> when he released news of his cancer diagnosis on February 5, Catherine was not photographed leaving hospital. This was the first PR misstep. She had appeared outside hospital soon after giving birth to her three children, but this time she remained uncharacteristically out of the public eye.</p> <p>Almost a month later, when Prince William <a href="https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/prince-william-pulls-memorial-godfather-211406977.html?amp;guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAG6tOzuXsqZXP6G2nLLd-lnWzZhYKHVJ5TJ-w5XCCfgMjerRrR8v1R8unjtcoQTbvPDsVt3mtTcZ_g0os6zwOuEFfMKCh0kfEExvz-dB2FG0uqcy6-GoryjvG99TEhMli66hNZLjLENmMhq1mwoV7GmM0AYezMDsZtZVtONH9C1b&guccounter=2">unexpectedly withdrew</a> from his godfather’s memorial citing “personal reasons”, social media users started asking “Where is Princess Kate?”.</p> <p>Used to a steady stream of content about the royal family, the public were unsurprisingly questioning if there was more to Catherine’s abdominal surgery than they were being told.</p> <p>In a rare reactive move, the palace tried to quell questions about Catherine’s whereabouts by releasing a <a href="https://people.com/palace-responds-kate-middleton-conspiracy-theories-online-surgery-recovery-rare-statement-8602191">statement</a> reiterating that she would not be returning to public duties until Easter.</p> <p>On March 4, US outlet <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2024/03/04/kate-middleton-seen-spotted-public-first-time-mystery-hospitalization/">TMZ published</a> a paparazzi photo of Catherine driving with her mother. Social media audiences asked if it really was Catherine.</p> <p>Over the next week, conspiracy theories about Catherine’s absence reached frenzied levels. To show everything was fine, Kensington Palace released a <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1766750995445387393?s=20">Mother’s Day photo</a> of Catherine and her children on their social media accounts. Social media users spotted apparently edited flaws and global news agencies announced “<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kate-princess-photo-surgery-ca91acf667c87c6c70a7838347d6d4fb">kill orders</a>”, saying the image had been manipulated. The next day, Catherine <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1767135566645092616">apologised</a> on social media for editing the photo.</p> <p>Although royals have been <a href="https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a60191061/royal-photoshop-history/">editing their pictures</a> for centuries, it seems particularly digitally naive of the palace’s PR team to release such an obviously edited image into an already cynical social media environment, creating fodder for more conspiracy theories.</p> <p>Mainstream news outlets then joined social media users in asking questions about Catherine’s absence. Although this media attention did not legitimise wild conspiracies, in some ways it fuelled them.</p> <p>Days later, TMZ <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erWJNmbrECs">published footage</a> of Catherine and William shopping. At this point in the media chaos, many social media users claimed it was fake.</p> <p>This intense public speculation finally ended on March 23, when Catherine <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1771235267837321694?s=20">released a video</a> explaining her extended absence after abdominal surgery was caused by the surgeons discovering cancer.</p> <p>During a crisis, the public crave transparency, authenticity, honesty and reassurance. These elements were missing in the royal PR team’s carefully worded statements made directly to mainstream media along with reactive, overly curated social media posts.</p> <p>By providing scant details, the palace seemed to believe they could control public perception. But public image is increasingly difficult to control.</p> <h2>The double-edged sword of social media</h2> <p>After Princess Diana’s death in a paparazzi-chase car accident, privacy laws and <a href="https://time.com/4914324/princess-diana-anniversary-paparazzi-tabloid-media/">media regulations</a> forbade the most invasive breaches of the royal family’s privacy, particularly for her children, princes William and Harry. However, tabloid appetite for uncontrolled access soon returned once the princes became adults.</p> <p>Recently, Harry and his wife Meghan have been involved in <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/prince-harry-his-many-lawsuits-against-press-2023-12-15/">several lawsuits</a> against media companies over breaches of privacy, including phone hacking.</p> <p>The rise of social media has typically been viewed as a tool that gives royals more control over their image through the curation of their own personal content. Previously, the fact Catherine was the one <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kate-middleton-cutest-family-photos-2018-5">taking photos</a> of her children was seen as a sign of authenticity and being down to earth (as much as a princess could be).</p> <p>Yet, social media is both a blessing and a curse for the management of public reputations.</p> <p>The perpetuation of contested facts and theories on social media in the wake of Princess Catherine’s unexplained absence shows how difficult it is to curate a controlled image using social media. Lack of verified information in mainstream media helps fuel speculative flames.</p> <p>While <a href="https://www.thedrum.com/news/2024/03/22/where-the-palace-lost-the-plot-and-what-we-can-learn-about-pr-and-empathy-kategate">PR experts</a> believe it is understandable and appropriate for Catherine and her family to have privacy during this time, more timely, direct and honest communication would have gone a long way to prevent relentless gossip.</p> <p>Once rumours and conspiracies gained momentum, the palace perhaps thought the less information provided, the better. However, silence during a crisis just fuels more speculation because the lack of information makes it look like there is something to hide.</p> <p>Catherine’s personal video announcing her cancer diagnosis helped end the social media frenzy. This shows a simple, clear statement posted by Kensington Palace to social media weeks ago would likely have avoided the PR disaster and provided Catherine the privacy she so clearly needs.</p> <p>The palace is now <a href="https://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/2986509/kate-middleton-cancer-pr-disaster/">being criticised</a> for complicating a situation that was relatively simple in retrospect. Many social media users are also upset Catherine took public blame for the photoshopping incident.</p> <p>Any organisation that deals with the media to maintain positive reputations, including the British monarchy, has no choice but to adapt to all kinds of media, including social media. The long-time practice of keeping calm and carrying on amid controversy and the 24-hour gossip cycle doesn’t work in the era of TikTok, X and YouTube.</p> <p>In the absence of trusted information, social media will do what it does best: take mostly innocuous online chatter and amplify it until it goes viral.<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/226490/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/victoria-fielding-236389">Victoria Fielding</a>, Lecturer, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/saira-ali-1522239">Saira Ali</a>, Senior Lecturer in Media, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/announcing-kate-middletons-cancer-diagnosis-should-have-been-simple-but-the-palace-let-it-get-out-of-hand-226490">original article</a>.</em></p>

Caring

Fergie breaks silence amid second cancer battle

<p>Sarah Ferguson has broken her silence after it was revealed that she had been diagnosed with <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/fergie-reveals-second-cancer-diagnosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">skin cancer</a> on Monday, her second form of cancer in just 12 months. </p> <p>The Duchess of York said she was in “good spirits” and thanked everyone for their support, in a post shared to Instagram. </p> <p>This comes just six months after Fergie had to undergo a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery for her breast cancer. </p> <p>“I have been taking some time to myself as I have been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer, my second cancer diagnosis within a year after I was diagnosed with breast cancer this summer and underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery," she began in her post. </p> <p>“It was thanks to the great vigilance of my dermatologist that the melanoma was detected when it was.</p> <p>“Naturally another cancer diagnosis has been a shock but I’m in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support.</p> <p>“I believe my experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, colour and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma and urge anyone who is reading this to be diligent," she 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/C2ZZI3AO-vt/?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/C2ZZI3AO-vt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sarah Ferguson (Fergie) (@sarahferguson15)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>She then shared her gratitude for the medical teams and her family for their support. </p> <p>“I am incredibly thankful to the medical teams that have supported me through both of these experiences with cancer and to the Mayrlife Clinic for taking gentle care of me in the past weeks, allowing me time for recuperation.</p> <p>“I am resting with family at home now, feeling blessed to have their love and support.”</p> <p>Dermatologists raised the alarm regarding her melanoma after removing several moles from her body during reconstructive breast surgery. </p> <p>Just days after Christmas, the Duchess received her shock diagnosis that one of the moles was malignant. </p> <p>She has since been recuperating in Austria for the last few weeks.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Fergie reveals second cancer diagnosis

<p dir="ltr">Sarah Ferguson has been diagnosed with skin cancer, just six months after undergoing treatment for breast cancer. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Duchess of York shared the health news via her spokesperson, while also urging people to undergo regular skin checks. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma," the statement read.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Her dermatologist asked that several moles were removed and analysed at the same time as the duchess was undergoing reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy, and one of these has been identified as cancerous.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The representative shared that Fergie was "undergoing further investigations to ensure that this has been caught in the early stages."</p> <p dir="ltr">"The Duchess wants to thank the entire medical team which has supported her, particularly her dermatologist whose vigilance ensured the illness was detected when it was," the representative added.</p> <p dir="ltr">"She believes her experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, colour and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma."</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite being “distressed” by a second cancer diagnosis, the Duchess “remains in good spirits” throughout her recovery. </p> <p dir="ltr">The discovery of the skin cancer comes after Fergie revealed she had been diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer in June 2023.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Duchess of York announced a tumour had been found during a routine mammogram, for which she underwent a single mastectomy.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a 2023 wrap-up Instagram post, Fergie opened up about her breast cancer battle, confirming she had "beat" it after undergoing chemotherapy. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

Second “royal racist” accidentally named in new book

<p>A second member of the royal family has been accused of being "racist", after the bombshell royal exposé implied them in the scandal over baby Archie's skin colour. </p> <p>In Omid Scobie's new book <em>Endgame</em>, he discusses the comments that members of the royal family made to Meghan Markle when she was pregnant with baby Archie. </p> <p>Markle first shared the bombshell allegations in her tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, but she refused to name the royal family member who made the comments, saying, “I think that would be very damaging to them.”</p> <p>On Wednesday, reports emerged that copies of the book were being <a href="https://oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/books/new-royal-book-pulled-from-shelves-over-huge-legal-blunder" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pulled from shelves</a> as the Dutch translation of the book accidentally named the person involved in the scandal.</p> <p>Omid Scobie admitted he does know who made the comments, but UK libel laws prevented him from naming them in the book. </p> <p>Now, as copies of the tell-all book have been flying off shelves, it seems another member of the royal family has been implicated in the book, which is now said to be frantically being pulled from shelves.</p> <p>It comes after Mr Scobie denied responsibility for the Dutch translation of his new book “accidentally naming” a member of the Royal Family.</p> <p>Publishers Xander Uitgevers yesterday said they were seeking to remove Mr Scobie’s work from bookshelves saying there had been an “error”.</p> <p>Speaking to Dutch TV on Wednesday night, Mr Scobie defended his book, saying, “The book is in several languages, and unfortunately I do not speak Dutch”.</p> <p>“But if there are translation errors, I’m sure the publishers will have it under control."</p> <p>“I wrote and edited the English version. There’s never been no version that I’ve produced that has names in it.”</p> <p>In the English version, Mr Scobie writes, “In the pages of these private letters [given to Oprah by Markle], two identities were revealed. UK laws prevent me from reporting who they were”.</p> <p>But the Dutch version reads, “In those private letters, an identity was revealed and confirmed” — before going on to name a senior royal.</p> <p>Dutch royal reporter Rick Evers says he was one of only two journalists to be given a manuscript of <em>Endgame</em> last Wednesday.</p> <p>Mr Evers said, “I was shocked that no one else in the world mentioned the fact that a member of the royals was named in the book as the racist”.</p> <p>“That was the main accusation in the book that I noticed and what I put in my (review) article, which was published with a photo of that royal."</p> <p>“I began to question if it was only my manuscript that had the name in it. I went to get the book from a store and it was exactly the same,” Mr Evers said.</p> <p>“A woman called from the publisher saying there was a legal problem and my article had to be removed.”</p> <p>It is unclear how the error occurred, but Mr Scobie confirmed that the first royal family member named in the book is not the one stated in the letters from Meghan Markle. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Legal

Dying husband and wife spend their final days holding hands

<p>A married couple have spent their final days holding hands in hospital, after their beds were pushed next to each other so they could be side-by-side as they both passed away. </p> <p>The couple from Tennessee, Tommy and Virginia Stevens, both 91, were both admitted to the Vanderbilt hospital for unrelated medical issues. </p> <p>Tommy, who was suffering with Alzheimer’s disease, had been struck down with aspiration pneumonia and sepsis, and was transferred to the hospital's palliative care unit. </p> <p>The same morning, Virginia suffered a fall as she sustained six broken ribs, a spinal fracture, and a hip injury, and was admitted to the hospital's trauma unit. </p> <p>As Tommy and Virginia's family were struggling to split time between the two wards, hospital staff were able to pull strings for the longtime lovebirds to be roomed side-by-side.</p> <p>Virginia was moved into a room near Tommy’s in the Palliative Care Unit, and her hospital bed was scooted against his so she could comfort him as his health continued to get worse, the hospital said.</p> <p>“He was awake when she came in,” their daughter Karen Kreager said. </p> <p>“His eyes were open. He wasn’t communicating a lot — just in small whispers. But he knew that she was there and that she was going to be right beside him. They haven’t stopped holding hands the whole time. She won’t let go of him.” </p> <p>“It reminds me of why we do this work,” Mohana Karlekar, MD, medical director of VUMC’s adult Palliative Care Program told local news station <em><a href="https://www.wsmv.com/2023/09/19/she-wont-let-go-him-vanderbilt-helps-hospitalized-wife-comfort-dying-husband/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WSMV</a></em>. </p> <p>“We take care of people — husbands, wives, mothers, fathers — not patients. We brought this family together during one of their most difficult times with little effort on our part. It involved a call, seeing an extra patient that day and some conversations.”</p> <p>“From the time we brought Mrs. Stevens over, she held her husband’s hand and fussed in a very loving way with him,” Karlekar said. </p> <p>“She was able to tell me Monday that she was at peace with what was going on, and she wanted to be there until the end.”</p> <p>Tommy died on September 8th, just a day before the couple’s 69th anniversary, and Virginia died a few days later on September 17th.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Vanderbilt University Medical Center and The Stevens Family</em></p>

Caring

What your hands say about your health

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adam-taylor-283950">Adam Taylor</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/lancaster-university-1176">Lancaster University</a></em></p> <p>Your hands reveal a lot about the state of your health. This is something that has been recognised since at least the time of Hippocrates – the father of modern medicine.</p> <p>The ancient Greek physician <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/1150736">first described “clubbing”</a> in a patient with empyema (where pus fills the space between the lungs and the membrane around it) in the fifth century BC. Clubbing is where the nail looks like an upside-down spoon, and it is still recognised as a sign of disease. Although nowadays, clubbing is linked to more than just empyema. It is also <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24474-nail-clubbing">linked to</a> cystic fibrosis, cirrhosis of the liver and thyroid conditions.</p> <p>Another nail change that can signal disease is Lindsay’s nails. This is where one or more nails are half white and half reddish brown. Around <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ccr3.4426#ccr34426-bib-0007">50%</a> of people with <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmicm1406572">chronic kidney disease</a> have nails like this. But it can also be a sign of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8183706/">cirrhosis of the liver</a> and <a href="https://journal.chestnet.org/article/S0012-3692(15)41065-7/fulltext">Behcet’s disease</a>, a rare condition that causes inflammation of the blood vessels.</p> <p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/13153107/">Terry’s nails</a>, where <a href="https://www.ccjm.org/content/ccjom/81/10/603.full.pdf">one or more fingernails</a> have a ground-glass appearance, can also be a sign of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025669/">cirrhosis of the liver</a>, but they are also associated with type 2 diabetes, kidney failure and HIV.</p> <p>And sounding a bit more medical and a bit less like a high street nail bar is <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559136/">Muehrcke’s nails</a>, which is where one or more horizontal lines run across the fingernails. This nail pattern indicates a decrease in the most abundant protein in the blood: <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459198/">albumin</a>. These nail markings can be an indicator of <a href="https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(10)00297-4/fulltext">kidney disease</a>.</p> <p>But sometimes changes in nail colour and pattern are not sinister and are merely signs of ageing. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3038811/">Neapolitan nails</a>, so called because of their three distinct colour zones, are often seen in people over the age of 70 and are nothing to worry about.</p> <h2>Palms</h2> <p>Nails aren’t the only part of the hand that can reveal ill health, though. The palms can tell a story too.</p> <p>If you find your palms are becoming sweaty in the absence of nervousness, hot temperatures or exercise, it could be down to faulty nerve signals causing the sweat glands to become active. This can be benign, in which case it is called primary hyperhidrosis. But unexplained sweaty palms – and face, neck and armpits – can be a sign of thyroid problems.</p> <p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279480/">Hyperthyroidism</a> is where the thyroid gland in the neck produces too much <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500006/">thyroxine</a>. Excess of this hormone causes bodily processes to speed up and can be the cause of sweaty palms. Thankfully, this condition is easily treated with the right drugs.</p> <p>A more concerning palm change is the appearance of small areas of red or purple discolouration on the palms of the hands and fingers. This can be a sign of bacterial <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/endocarditis/">endocarditis</a> (inflammation of the inside lining of the heart), which has a high <a href="https://bmccardiovascdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12872-021-01853-6">mortality rate</a>.</p> <p>These discolourations come in two forms: <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3603816/">Osler’s nodes</a> and <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.112.127787">Janeway lesions</a>. Osler’s nodes are typically painful <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11739-014-1063-x">red 1mm-10mm</a> coloured nodules on the fingers appearing for hours to days, whereas Janeway lesions are <a href="https://heart.bmj.com/content/91/4/516">irregular shaped with varying sizes</a> and typically seen on the palms and are not painful, lasting few days up to a few weeks.</p> <p>Both these palm patterns are very serious and urgent medical attention should be sought.</p> <h2>Pins and needles</h2> <p>If you experience pins and needles in your hand that you can’t shake off, it might be a sign that you have <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/">carpal tunnel syndrome</a>. This is where a major nerve (the median nerve) in the wrist is being compressed, causing numbness, tingling or pain.</p> <p>It usually gets better without treatment, but a wrist splint can help to relieve pressure on the nerve. People who are overweight or pregnant are at greater risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.</p> <p>Pins and needles in the hand can also be a sign of diabetes. Raised blood sugar in diabetes causes <a href="https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/peripheral-neuropathy-risk-factors-symptoms">nerve damage</a> that manifests as <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41572-019-0092-1">tingling or numbness</a> in the extremities, such as the hands. This condition is called “diabetic neuropathy”.</p> <p>Everyone experiences pins and needles at some point, but if you get it a lot or it lasts a long time, you should see your doctor.</p> <h2>Finger length</h2> <p>The length of your fingers can give you some indication of your risk of developing certain diseases in later life.</p> <p>The length of the index versus ring finger varies in men and women. In women, they are fairly equal in length, but in men, the ring finger is typically longer than the index finger. This is believed to be due to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5296424/">exposure to hormones in the womb</a>.</p> <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/539916/original/file-20230728-21-ku5ia8.jpg?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/539916/original/file-20230728-21-ku5ia8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=343&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/539916/original/file-20230728-21-ku5ia8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=343&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/539916/original/file-20230728-21-ku5ia8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=343&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/539916/original/file-20230728-21-ku5ia8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=431&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/539916/original/file-20230728-21-ku5ia8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=431&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/539916/original/file-20230728-21-ku5ia8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=431&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Finger length comparison" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Your finger length can reveal how much testosterone you were exposed to in the womb.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/different-length-finger-index-ring-2132603433">logika600/Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure> <p>This longer ring than index finger relationship is associated with better performance in a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16403410/">number of sports</a> in men and women, but also a risk of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18163515/">developing knee and hip osteoarthritis</a> in women.</p> <p>There is nothing you can do to change your finger length, but you can help stave off osteoarthritis by keeping a healthy weight, staying active and controlling your blood sugar levels. In fact, if you stick to that advice, you can stave off most illness.<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/209704/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adam-taylor-283950">Adam Taylor</a>, Professor and Director of the Clinical Anatomy Learning Centre, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/lancaster-university-1176">Lancaster University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-your-hands-say-about-your-health-209704">original article</a>.</em></p>

Body

"Beautiful angel": Serena Williams welcomes second child

<p>Serena Williams and her tech entrepreneur husband, Alexis Ohanian, have welcomed their second baby girl! </p> <p>The couple took to Instagram and TikTok to announce the birth of their "beautiful angel" Adira River Ohanian in a series of family photos and a video. </p> <p>"I'm grateful to report our house is teaming with love: a happy & healthy newborn girl and happy & healthy mama. Feeling grateful," proud dad Ohanian captioned the photo of his wife and first-born Olympia meeting her baby sister for the first time. </p> <p>"@serenawilliams you've now given me another incomparable gift — you're the GMOAT," he said referring to her as a the greatest mum of all time. </p> <p>"Thanks to all the amazing medical staff who took care of my wife & our daughter 🙏 I'll never forget the moment I introduced @olympiaohanian to her baby sister."</p> <p>"Your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea."</p> <p>Williams also made her own special announcement in a TikTok video. </p> <p>In the clip Williams takes a seat next to Ohanian and her first-born Olympia, before getting up and grabbing Adira and sitting back down to make their family complete. </p> <p>"Welcome my beautiful angel," she captioned the photo. </p> <p>The couple <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/serena-williams-unveils-exciting-family-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener">first announced</a> their pregnancy at the 2023 Met Gala in a TikTok with the caption: "Was so excited when Anna Wintour invited all three of us to the Met Gala." </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

"Not my King": Second coronation marred by protestors

<p>King Charles has celebrated his coronation a second time during a ceremony in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, just two months after being crowned King in London. </p> <p>The monarch was joined by Queen Camilla, and Prince and Princess of Wales, who are known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland, for a Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication held in his honour. </p> <p>During the service inside St Giles Cathedral, the monarch was presented with the symbols of his authority in Scotland – the Crown, the Sceptre and the Sword of State.</p> <p>The new Elizabeth Sword, named in honour of the late monarch, was commissioned to replace the previous Sword of State as it had become too fragile, having been given to James IV by Pope Julius in 1507.</p> <p>The sword was carried into the cathedral by Olympic rower Dame Katherine Grainger.</p> <p>Despite the grand and emotional service, the ceremony was slightly marred by anti-monarch protestors outside.</p> <p>The protestors stood chanting "not my King" for hours on end so loudly, that the voices could be heard from inside the church during the quieter moments of the ceremony. </p> <p>Four protestors were later arrested for their disruption. </p> <p>Prior to the ceremony, Grant McKenzie from the Republic anti-monarchy pressure group, told the BBC's <em>Good Morning Scotland</em> programme that his group would be vocal at the event.</p> <p>"It's being forced upon us," McKenzie said. "We've got an unprecedented cost of living crisis. I don't think the public in the UK are particularly interested in their tax payer money being put towards a parade up and down the Royal Mile in Edinburgh - it's tone deaf.</p> <p>"Of course people are going to be able to enjoy it if that's what they want to do. Protests by their very nature are disruptive, we will be making ourselves visible and heard."</p> <p>The King and Queen didn't let the demonstrators get in the way of the proceedings, which was strengthened by the thousands of crowds who lined the streets of Edinburgh in support of the royal family. </p> <p>The tradition of a second coronation taking place in Scotland dates back over 400 years, with the late Queen Elizabeth also celebrating the event just weeks after her coronation in 1953. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Travel Trouble

What your hands reveal about your health

<p>A weak grip predicts a higher risk of heart attack or stroke and lower chances of survival, according to a new Lancet study of more than 140,000 adults in 17 countries.</p> <p><strong>Finger length: Arthritis risk</strong></p> <p>Women with ring fingers that are longer than their index fingers, typically a male trait, are twice as likely to have osteoarthritis in the knees, according to an Arthritis & Rheumatism study.</p> <p>Low oestrogen levels may be a factor.</p> <p>The same feature has been linked to higher athletic ability and verbal aggression in both genders.</p> <p>In men, a significantly longer ring finger (indicating an in-utero testosterone surge during the second trimester) is associated with having more children and better relationships with women – but a higher risk of prostate cancer.</p> <p><strong>Shaky hands: Parkinson’s disease</strong></p> <p>Trembling hands could be the result of too much caffeine or a side effect of certain medications like antidepressants.</p> <p>But it’s a good idea to see your doctor if the issue recurs.</p> <p>A tremor in just one hand can be a first symptom of Parkinson’s disease, or it can indicate essential tremor, a treatable disorder that causes uncontrollable shaking.</p> <p><strong>Nail colour: Kidney disease</strong></p> <p>When Indian researchers studied 100 patients with chronic kidney disease, they found that 36 per cent had half-and-half nails (the bottom of a nail is white, and the top is brown).</p> <p>The nail condition may be caused by an increased concentration of certain hormones and chronic anaemia, both traits of chronic kidney disease.</p> <p>See your doctor right away if you notice half-and-half nails or a dark, vertical stripe beneath the nail bed – this can be hidden melanoma, a skin cancer.</p> <p><strong>Grip strength: Heart health</strong></p> <p>A weak grip predicts a higher risk of heart attack or stroke and lower chances of survival, according to a new Lancet study of more than 140,000 adults in 17 countries.</p> <p>Grip strength was a better predictor of death than was blood pressure.</p> <p>Researchers say grip strength is a marker of overall muscle strength and fitness, and they recommend whole-body strength training and aerobic exercise to reduce heart disease risk.</p> <p><strong>Sweaty palms: Hyperhidrosis</strong></p> <p>Overly clammy hands may be a symptom of menopause or thyroid conditions, as well as hyperhidrosis, in which overactive sweat glands cause far more perspiration than necessary.</p> <p>Most people with the condition sweat from only one or two parts of the body, such as the armpits, palms, or feet.</p> <p>A doctor may prescribe a strong antiperspirant to decrease sweat production.</p> <p><strong>Fingerprints: High blood pressure</strong></p> <p>When UK researchers studied 139 fingerprints, they found that people with a whorl (spiral) pattern on one or more fingers were more likely to have high blood pressure than people with arches or loops.</p> <p>The more fingers with whorls a participant had, the higher his or her blood pressure was.</p> <p><em>This article first appeared in Reader’s Digest. </em></p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Body

11 garage sale finds you should never pass up

<h2>Vintage furniture</h2> <p>Want to snag the biggest bargain on vintage furniture at a garage sale? The key is to wait until the end of the day. By then, the sellers are wondering how they are going to get that heavy old sofa off of the grass and back into the living room – and they’ll be more likely to take your initial offer. Be careful with upholstered items (bed bug alert!), but once you’re confident it’s clean, try to look past garishly coloured fabric and eye-popping patterns: you can always reupholster a piece of furniture to better suit your sense of style.</p> <h2>Artwork</h2> <p>Garage sale artwork is a great way to add some colour to your home. It’s fun to pick up art for two reasons: you might learn about interesting local artists, or, even if you don’t like the image, you can always repurpose the frame. This is key for larger paintings and drawings, because big frames can be so expensive. Haggle if you want, since art is subjective and the sellers might not have too many interested buyers. Also, odds are that they’re tired of looking at it and just want it gone.</p> <h2>Vintage jewellery</h2> <p>Not to sound old-fashioned, but they don’t make jewellery like they used to – costume jewellery included. Since the popularity of items like brooches has declined over the years, you can usually get a deal on these accessories, and if you like, the possibilities for upgrading them are endless. Give tarnished silver a good polish with a paste of baking soda and warm water. For gold, paying a few bucks for solid pieces should pay off – you can always sell them for scrap or have them melted down to create something new.</p> <h2>Kitchenware</h2> <p>When you see pots and pans at a garage sale, look for rust, non-stick surfaces that are scratched or flaking, and chemical coatings that might leach out into your food. Cast-iron ware, on the other hand, can be salvaged and restored no matter what the condition – and it’ll last forever.</p> <p>Also, if you find the following items in good working condition, snap them up: stainless steel baking items, kitchen timers, serving utensils, Pyrex or ovenproof glass baking dishes, and quality knives (you can always take them in to be sharpened). Just make sure to wash these great garage sale finds well before use.</p> <h2>Small kitchen appliances</h2> <p>If you’re in the market for an ice cream maker, single-serve smoothie blender, or rotisserie, consider scouring garage sales first. People hold sales to sell off unused items that take up space on their benchtops, and bulky, highly-specialised small appliances are often priced to move. You’ll usually be able to scoop them up for a fraction of their retail price – even if they’ve only been used once or twice.</p> <h2>Jackets</h2> <p>When it comes to apparel, jackets can be among the best garage sale finds. Since sellers spring-clean before their sales, bulky or unworn winter coats and vests are some of the first things to hit the to-go pile. Check for holes and wear before purchasing, and dry clean or give a good washing before putting in the wardrobe for next year. For children, buy the next size(s) up and store in a cupboard for future seasons.</p> <h2>Tools</h2> <p>Tools like drills, saws, nail guns and compressors can be great garage sale finds. As long as the seller can prove that they’re in good working condition, snap them up. Ask how old the product is and how much it has been used over the years. Always keep an eye out for rust, which usually means the integrity of the metal is compromised, making the tool more dangerous to work with.</p> <h2>Silverware</h2> <p>Odds are you can pick up a stylish silverware set for cheaper than what you can find new at most stores, plus you’re likely to hear a cool back-story to boot. There’s also a chance that what you’ve got is actual silver. How can you tell? On the back of silver-plated items there will be markings that can include the company name, the country in which it was made, a product number, and the electroplate marking. Don’t miss this garage sale find!</p> <h2>Bicycles</h2> <p>Bikes can be a great garage sale find, but it’s important to take them for a test drive before you commit to the purchase. Hardcore bargain-hunters might consider bringing a wrench to adjust the seat and get a real feel for how it rides, paying particular attention to the condition of the brakes and tyres. (Although tyres can always be filled with more air, check the treads for wear and the sidewalls for cracking.) For kids’ bikes, the owner’s children might not have used the item much before they outgrew it, but ask.</p> <h2>Exercise equipment</h2> <p>This is one of the best garage sale finds! A lot of people lose interest in their fitness gear quickly, which means you can get the equipment you’ve been looking for at half the price or better. Look for big-ticket items (elliptical machines, treadmills) as well as other indoor merch like hand weights in autumn/winter, when New Year’s resolutions are long forgotten. Research the equipment first: it’s important to know where certain machines tend to wear out the most.</p> <h2>Books</h2> <p>Bulk up your home library with new favourite reads, especially children’s books (kids outgrow their books quickly as their reading comprehension increases) and hardcover classics.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/11-garage-sale-finds-you-should-never-pass-up" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Home & Garden

Princess Eugenie welcomes her second child

<p>Princess Eugenie has expanded the ranks of the royals with the arrival of her second child - another son with husband Jack Brooksbank. </p> <p>To celebrate, the princess took to her official Instagram account, sharing two pictures of their new bundle of joy - one of the baby by himself, and another with his proud big brother, August. </p> <p>“Jack and I wanted to share the news that we had our little boy,” she captioned the pics, “Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank on 30th May 2023 at 8.49 weighing 7.1lbs.”</p> <p>Eugenie then made the touching explanation that little Ernest’s name was more than regal, but also meant a lot to the history of their family, too. </p> <p>“He is named after his great great great Grandfather George,” she said, “his Grandpa George and my Grandpa Ronald.”</p> <p>And last but certainly not least, she shared that “Augie is loving being a big brother already.” </p> <p>Some have speculated that Eugenie could be referring to either King George V - who would actually be Ernest’s great-great-great grandfather - or King George VI, while others have noted that the name also honours Jack’s father George, and Sarah Ferguson’s father Ronald.</p> <p>Either way, fans were delighted to hear the happy news, whether from Eugenie or from Buckingham Palace.</p> <p>“Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank are delighted to announce the safe arrival of their son, Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank," a palace statement read. "Ernest was born on Tuesday, 30th May, and weighed 7lbs 1oz."</p> <p>And it was in response to Eugenie’s photos that they came out in droves to celebrate, showering the family in their love and congratulations for the first royal baby since the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and coronation of King Charles III. </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/CtHP0o6o6oi/?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/CtHP0o6o6oi/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Princess Eugenie (@princesseugenie)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“Congratulations Eugenie,” one wrote. “Your heavenly grandma Lilibet and grandpa Philip would have been so proud and thrilled after hearing the news of the arrival of another great-grandchild”.</p> <p>“Huge congratulations to you both!!!” another gushed. “To a lot of great memories as a family of four now. Your grandma as well as your grandpa are looking down on you with a lot of love!!”</p> <p>“Congratulations with the birth of your son Ernest … August is a big brother now and have someone to play with for later,” one declared. </p> <p>Meanwhile, a few took the opportunity to note that young August bore a striking resemblance to his cousin, Archie.</p> <p>“Congratulations!” someone shared. “August looks so much his CA cousin in that second photo.” </p> <p>“Is it just me or does Augie look just like Archie?” another asked. </p> <p>“Auggie looks like Archie! Congratulations on your new baby boy!” one more shared. </p> <p>And if there was one thing they could all agree on, it was that the new royal - 13th in line to the throne - was a “beautiful” addition to the family. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

Dog lovers rejoice after "greedy" serial puppy farmer handed life ban

<p dir="ltr">A serial puppy offender has faced sentencing over 17 charges of animal cruelty, with both a lifetime ban and thousands of dollars in fees included in her punishment. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 51-year-old woman from Bullsbrook, a northern suburb in Perth, had been breeding sick dogs in squalid conditions while charging their potential new owners thousands of dollars, and has now been banned from owning or breeding any more dogs for the rest of her life. </p> <p dir="ltr">For her cruel actions, the Perth Magistrates Court handed her a “10-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, $25,000 in fines and an 18-month Intensive Supervision Order.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Additionally, the repeat offender - who has been in custody since April 14 after breaching the conditions of her bail - was also ordered to pay $24,279.11 in legal costs, as well as care and treatment costs totalling $18,241.01.</p> <p dir="ltr">The charges were in relation to 23 dogs who were seized from her property in June 2020 - with sought-after breeds including the likes of Maltese, shih-tzus, poodles, and cavalier King Charles spaniels among them.</p> <p dir="ltr">It wasn’t her first offence - instead her fourth - but her most recent was in 2014 when the RSPCA found 50 dogs at her former home, with 12 of the animals “hidden in a bunker three metres underground”. </p> <p dir="ltr">This time around, she had been trying to conceal her crimes. As the court heard in December, she has been moving the dogs between three different Bullbrook addresses in a bid to avoid detection.</p> <p dir="ltr">It was a display of “callous disregard or at least wilful blindness,” Magistrate Janie Gibbs said. </p> <p dir="ltr">RSPCA WA had launched their investigation into her after a member of the public reported their concerns - they had been trying to purchase a puppy through Gumtree, and had grown suspicious when they were informed they couldn’t visit the dog at home. </p> <p dir="ltr">From there, RSPCA WA seized 32 dogs from the woman’s property - of which there were four adult males, 19 adult females, and nine puppies - with the majority of them showing signs of being “underweight, unkempt, or unwell”, and nearly all of them suffering from “ear infections and/or dental disease and … matted, overgrown hair”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Two did not survive, and five of them were pregnant, giving birth to 22 more puppies in the weeks to follow. All have been in the foster care of RSPCA WA while the case went on. </p> <p dir="ltr">As RSPCA WA Executive Manager Animal and Enforcement Operations Hannah Dreaver explained, the woman responsible had been operating a profit-driven business, and had been placing her income well above the welfare of the dogs in her care.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This included using several locations to hide this operation from both authorities and potential puppy buyers,” she added.</p> <p dir="ltr">“All were popular breeds selling for thousands of dollars. These dogs were making her a fortune and she was treating them as nothing more than money-making machines, having litter after litter without proper care.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Please, if you want to get a dog, consider adoption from the RSPCA or another reputable rescue organisation first. If you do decide to buy a puppy, never buy online and never buy sight unseen. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Always meet your new puppy and its mum in the home where it’s being raised.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: RSPCA WA</em></p>

Family & Pets

77-year-old woman takes a happy marriage into her own hands

<p>When it came time to walk down the aisle on her big day, Dorothy ‘Dottie’ Fideli had every box checked - except one. </p> <p>No partner stood waiting at the end to exchange vows with her, and that was just the way she wanted things. </p> <p>The 77 year old was, after all, marrying herself in an emotional ceremony at her O’Bannon Terrace Retirement Community, surrounded by her loved ones for her big day. </p> <p>Her reasoning was very simple, as she told <em>Today,</em> “I said, ‘you know what, I’ve done everything else. Why not? I’m going to marry myself’.”</p> <p>She wasn’t entirely alone at the altar, of course, needing someone there to oversee her all-important vows. And she had just the person in mind, turning to her home’s property manager, Rob Geiger, to do the honours. </p> <p>“I came in here and I told Rob,” she explained. “I said, ‘Rob, you’re going to marry me’.”</p> <p>He was surprised at first, but after Dottie explained what it was she was setting out to do, he was all too happy to step in and lend a hand.</p> <p>“She is a very incredible woman and she is full of life,” he said. “She has always thought of others.”</p> <p>Dottie’s daughter, Donna Pennington, was possibly her mum’s biggest fan, and eager to make her mum’s big solo dream come true.</p> <p>As Dottie explained, Donna had been right onboard from the very beginning, offering to get whatever was required, including Dottie’s dress. </p> <p>Donna even made sure that the wedding was properly catered and decorated, seeing to both aspects by herself, from doing all of the cooking to putting up a balloon arch in the home’s community room. </p> <p>As all good weddings should, Dottie had a cake - two-tired and covered with red roses - and heart-shaped cookies, as well as finger sandwiches shaped like wedding bells.</p> <p>When it came to the day itself, Dottie admitted to feeling nervous, but ultimately “really happy”.</p> <p>Initially, she’d intended for it to be something her nearest and dearest had come to expect from her in her quest to make sure everyone else was smiling - though things had taken an emotional turn as the significance of her message of self-love sunk in. </p> <p>As she explained it, “I do some crazy things around here just to make people laugh. When I see them all down in the dumps, I go get one of my outfits on and dress up and come down, and they smile.”</p> <p>It wasn’t Dottie’s first wedding, with her first occurring back in 1965, though the former hadn’t exactly been what she’d consider “formal”. </p> <p>She and her then-husband had exchanged their vows, before dashing off to home and work respectively. Dottie even noted that they’d been “doomed” from the start, as she’d opted to wear a black dress that day. </p> <p>She’d gone on believing that it was too late for her to experience her big dream wedding, until her daughter proved her wrong, to Dottie’s eternal gratitude.</p> <p>And now, Dottie plans on continuing on her journey of self-love, telling <em>Today</em>, “I’m at the point in my life where it’s about me now.</p> <p>“My kids are all good, and my grandkids, one of them’s going to have a baby … and I have a set of triplets that have all graduated from college. </p> <p>“So, it’s my turn to do what I want to do.”</p> <p><em>Images: Today</em></p>

Relationships

Rod Stewart’s second grandchild in just three days!

<p>It’s been an exciting week for British icon Rod Stewart as he’s been blessed with a second grandchild just three days after the <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/rod-stewart-s-son-gives-touching-nod-to-dad-in-new-baby-s-name" target="_blank" rel="noopener">birth of his grandson</a> Louie.</p> <p>The singer’s daughter has just welcomed a baby boy into the world.</p> <p>Ruby, 35, is the rocker’s daughter, who he shares with ex Kelly Emberg.</p> <p>The new mum announced the news on Instagram, revealing she and fiancé Jake Kalick had welcomed a boy named Otis Stewart Kalick.</p> <p>"This love… unlike any other love I've ever known," Ruby wrote alongside a sweet series of snaps of her new bub.</p> <p>"I am only a mirror of what I feel from you… I can't remember what life was like before you…. But nothing else matters now that you're here… Your arrival into the world marks the beginning of our family… it all started with you Otis."</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/CsOr_dCM6XX/?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/CsOr_dCM6XX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by 𝐑 𝐔 𝐁 𝐘 𝐒 𝐓 𝐄 𝐖 𝐀 𝐑 𝐓 (@rubystewart)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Ruby’s sister Renee Stewart commented, “Love you so much… can’t wait to meet you Otis! Aunty Nay Nay x”</p> <p>While the singer's ex-wife Rachel Hunter wrote, “Beautiful. Love you"</p> <p>Ruby announced the exciting news on Mother’s Day after the arrival of Otis on May 9.</p> <p>Kalick also took to Instagram to share photos of his newborn, writing, "Otis Stewart Kalick showed up, 12 days late for his reservation, happy and healthy. Otis' Mom is incredible. Happy first Mother's Day <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rubystewart/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@rubystewart</a>."</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/CsOwvtqLIFq/?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/CsOwvtqLIFq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jake Kalick (@itsjakeyouguys)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Stewart, 77, has eight children and Otis' birth marks his third grandchild.</p> <p>Ruby is Stewart’s only child with ex Emberg. The couple dated in the late 1980s and split in 1990.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

Second MAS*H star to pass away in just one month

<p dir="ltr">Actress Eileen Saki, best known for her role as bar owner Rosie in the hit series <em>M*A*S*H</em> has died.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 79-year-old had been fighting pancreatic cancer, and “passed away peacefully in Los Angeles” on May 1, according to <em>PEOPLE</em>. Eileen’s <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/tv/m-a-s-h-star-passes-away" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fellow <em>M*A*S*H</em> star, Judy Farrell, had died</a> just one month prior on April 2. </p> <p dir="ltr">Eileen’s manager, Camilla Fluxman Pines confirmed the devastating news in a statement to the publication, writing that “she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January. </p> <p dir="ltr">"She was a lung cancer survivor in 2004.She got a second chance at auditioning and working in the industry that she loved so much - she shot a couple big commercials shortly before her diagnosis.</p> <p dir="ltr">"She was often recognized by face or even just voice by people who knew they knew her 'from somewhere' - and loved talking to young actors about the journey."</p> <p dir="ltr">Suki’s former co-star Jeff Maxwell, who brought the character Igor Straminsky to life on <em>M*A*S*H</em>, honoured his late friend with a social media post, sharing the news of her passing on the official page for his <em>MASH Matters </em>podcast.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Our sweet Eileen. Our sassy Rosie,” he wrote, before going on to extend his appreciation - as well as that of her husband, Bob - to Eileen’s devoted fans and followers who offered her their love and their support in her final days, before promising to share more on Eileen as the day went on, and encouraging others to do the same. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Our sweet, sweet Eileen. How we love you,” he concluded. “How we will miss you.”</p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmashmatterspodcast%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0LmjyFaQF6dHNoWfZKNqRpBEqzgyNKSsf41AZxkg9kjKCuSJaisowUawFowusyacyl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="719" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p dir="ltr">True to his word, Jeff went on to post a few favourite Eileen moments, from her most recent work in advertisements, to time on screen with the likes of Mickey Rooney and Dom Deluise, and last - but certainly not least - as “a scene with a certain sassy bartender”. </p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmashmatterspodcast%2Fvideos%2F1531503437375801%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p dir="ltr">Saki had actually been the third actress to portray Rosie, having taken over from Frances Fong and Shizuko Hoshi for her eight episode stint. In the end, she was the final and longest-running owner of Rosie’s Bar, and remains dear to her co-workers and fans for it. </p> <p dir="ltr">“You will forever be in our hearts!” one commented, in a sentiment shared by many. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Sorry to hear of her passing. Great memories at Rosie’s,” said another. </p> <p dir="ltr">“She was the best Rosie of them all and such a great actress,” one declared. “So sorry to hear she passed on.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“One of the finest roles ever played,” someone agreed, before requesting that she “say hello to Col. Blake, Trapper, Major Burns”. </p> <p dir="ltr">And as one said on behalf of them all, “you fought the great fight, Eileen. Now, rest easy, for your burdens and struggles are behind you. Love and strength to the entire family during these hard days ahead.”</p> <p> </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

Caring

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Property

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Second Bee Gees member dies within four days