Independent Australian news and analysis across politics, business, technology, world affairs and culture
James Mitchell Anyone who’s spent a night propped up on pillows trying to ease a partner’s snoring or quiet a sore back has probably wondered: is there a better way? Adjustable beds, once confined to hospital rooms, are now a common home purchase, but separating genuine health benefits from marketing claims requires a careful look at the … Read more
Few novels have shaped the survival-adventure genre quite like Robinson Crusoe, Daniel Defoe’s 1719 tale of a castaway’s 28-year ordeal on a desert island that still captures readers, blending realistic detail with a moral arc that sparked debates about colonialism, providence, and self-reliance. Here’s what you need to know about the story, its origins, and … Read more
Shane Warne’s sudden death at 52 left cricket fans around the world in disbelief. The official cause—coronary artery disease—was quickly established by Thai authorities (CNN), but many details about his estate, his last words, and his relationship with Elizabeth Hurley remain subjects of intense curiosity. Below, the verified facts are separated from lingering speculation across … Read more
If you’ve ever felt the sting of shame or the pull to hide your true self, you’re not alone. For decades, Brené Brown has been the researcher and storyteller helping millions understand that vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s the birthplace of courage. Her viral TED talk, “The Power of Vulnerability,” has been viewed over 60 million times, … Read more
It’s hard to think of a comedian whose career hit pause so abruptly after a single news story. In January 2018, a first-person account on Babe.net described a date with Aziz Ansari that the author called the “worst night” of her life. Full Name: Aziz Ismail Ansari · Born: February 25, 1983 (age 41) · … Read more
It started with a dream that turned out to be eerily accurate. Mark Ruffalo woke up convinced he had a brain tumor — and after visiting a doctor, scans confirmed it. Born: November 22, 1967 · Profession: Actor, Activist · Marvel Role: Bruce Banner / Hulk · Oscar Nominations: 4 · Spouse: Sunrise Coigney · … Read more
Bruce Reville’s journey from an abattoir floor to the AFL’s biggest stage (AFL.com.au) is the kind of story that makes footy fans stop and pay attention; a Category B rookie with a gritty past, he’s become one of Brisbane’s most talked-about players — sometimes for his own football, sometimes for the strange chorus of booze … Read more
Few celebrity health stories unfold quite like LeAnn Rimes’ — part medical mystery, part raw honesty, and entirely public. The Grammy-winning singer has spent years navigating an autoimmune condition that started in childhood, then shocked fans when her teeth fell out mid-concert in a moment that went viral — here’s what’s known, what’s not, and … Read more
Anyone who has ever stared at a half‑finished crossword grid knows the feeling: one clue refuses to give way, and the whole puzzle stalls. Whether it is a tricky bit of wordplay in the New York Times or an obscure trivia reference in a daily puzzle, this guide walks through the most reliable crossword clue … Read more
Most AFL fans remember Dyson Heppell as the long-time Essendon captain with the blonde hair and the left foot. After 253 games and six years as skipper, he hung up the boots at the end of 2024, then surprised many by moving to arch-rival Collingwood as a development coach, marrying long-term partner Kate Turner, and … Read more