Independent Australian news and analysis across politics, business, technology, world affairs and culture
James Mitchell Few actors have pivoted from a football pitch to the TARDIS, but Matt Smith’s path has been anything but predictable. Between commanding dragons in House of the Dragon and playing a young Prince Philip in The Crown, there’s a personal story that often stays off-screen: his relationship history, a hand condition called Dupuytren’s contracture, and … Read more
It’s easy to think of Snoop Dogg as just a hip-hop icon with a laid-back drawl and a weed-friendly grin, but the man born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. on October 20, 1971, has a life story that includes acquittal for murder, a 1990 cocaine conviction, and a 2024 family tragedy. Full name: Calvin Cordozar Broadus … Read more
If you’ve watched a Korean drama in the last five years, chances are you’ve seen Jung Hae‑In. He’s the actor with the gentle smile who plays characters that stay with you long after the credits roll — but what about the man behind the roles? Born: April 1, 1988 · Height: 178 cm · Agency: … Read more
Few people manage to reinvent themselves the way Ross Wilson has. From fronting two of Australia’s most iconic rock bands to calling the shots in Premier League recruitment, his career is a study in contrasts. Born: 4 May 1984 (age 40 years) · Birthplace: Falkirk, Scotland · Occupation: Football executive and former musician · Current … Read more
Flying with a flag carrier often feels like a safe bet, but when that airline has gone through a financial restructuring and still carries a five-star rating, the picture gets more interesting. Garuda Indonesia, the state-owned airline of Indonesia, is one of those carriers that prompts questions about safety, service, and whether it’s truly a … Read more
Few corporate collapses in Australia sparked as much public anger as the fall of Christopher Skase. The media tycoon who built the A$2 billion Qintex empire fled the country in 1989, leaving behind a trail of debt and criminal charges, and this article traces his journey from boardroom to beachfront exile and the decade-long hunt … Read more
Kim Basinger once owned a town; now she rarely leaves her house. The Oscar-winning actress who captivated audiences in L.A. Confidential and 9½ Weeks has stepped away from Hollywood to manage a private battle with agoraphobia and the aftermath of a financial collapse that wiped out much of her fortune. Born: December 8, 1953 · … Read more
The same two letters can stand for a woman’s title or a debilitating neurological disease—and confusing them can lead to awkward social blunders or dangerous medical misunderstandings. This guide separates the honorific “Ms.” from the abbreviation “MS” with clear rules, pronunciation, and context. First use of Ms. as a title: 1950s, popularized in 1970s Multiple … Read more
Maddison Inglis, a 28-year-old Australian tennis professional, balances a career that peaked at world No. 112 with a newly announced engagement to fellow player Jason Kubler. This dossier combines verified biographical data, current rankings, and the timeline of their relationship. Age: 28 (born 14 January 1998) • Height: 1.71 m (5 ft 7 in) • … Read more
There’s something quietly startling about a child actor who steps on screen with the kind of coiled intensity that makes you forget they’re 11 years old. Dafne Keen did exactly that in 2017’s Logan, delivering a feral, memorable performance as Laura Kinney, clone of Wolverine, that instantly marked her as a talent to watch. Here’s … Read more