Independent Australian news and analysis across politics, business, technology, world affairs and culture
Few stories from the 1960s still spark fascination like the tale of Frank Abagnale — a teenager who forged millions in checks, impersonated a pilot, lawyer, and doctor, and then somehow ended up lecturing at the FBI Academy. The 2002 film Catch Me If You Can turned his life into Hollywood gold, but the real … Read more
Having a rock legend for a father means your last name opens doors you never asked for. Frances Bean Cobain, the only child of Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain and Hole frontwoman Courtney Love, has spent her life balancing an immense inheritance with the weight of an iconic surname. Full name: Frances Bean Cobain · Born: August … Read more
The Dalai Lama is known worldwide as the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and a symbol of non-violence. But beyond the tranquil image, he also navigates complex political roles and has taken public stances on topics like LGBTQ rights, celibacy, and diplomatic relations with the Vatican. Here’s a grounded look at what he actually does, … Read more
It’s the quiet moments that often define us, and for Michael Madsen, the actor behind some of cinema’s most memorable tough guys, his death at age 67 from cardiac arrest brought a sudden, somber close to a career filled with intensity. Behind the stories of his iconic roles and his friendship with Quentin Tarantino lies … Read more
Few pieces of furniture pull double duty like a seating bench. It can anchor a dining table, squeeze extra seating into a kitchen island, or turn an empty entryway into a drop zone with storage. Whether you’re shopping for a ready-made bench or sizing lumber for a weekend build, this guide walks through dimensions, materials, … Read more
Ask anyone to name a filmmaker who changed how Hollywood talks about race, and Spike Lee’s name comes up fast. From the blistering heat of Do the Right Thing to his 2019 Oscar win for BlacKkKlansman, he has spent nearly four decades forcing uncomfortable conversations onto the big screen. This profile separates the well-documented biography … Read more
There’s something about watching two strangers gamble on love that keeps us hooked, season after season. Stella Mickunaite and Filip Gregov stunned viewers with a surprise Final Vows proposal, and their post-show story reveals a confirmed engagement, a shared home, and lingering questions about her background and career. Reality Show: Married at First Sight Australia … Read more
There’s a reason you see Toyota HiAces everywhere from construction sites to airport shuttles to campervan rentals: it has quietly become one of the most versatile vehicles on the road. First launched in 1967, the HiAce has evolved into a platform that can seat up to 17 people or carry a ton of cargo. First … Read more
If you’ve followed Tammy Slaton’s journey on 1000-lb Sisters, you know her story has never been just about the numbers on a scale. It’s about resilience through unimaginable loss — losing her husband Caleb Willingham in 2024 and her cousin Katie Slaton in the same year — while continuing a weight loss transformation that has … Read more
There are some artists whose quiet brilliance makes their life story even more haunting after they’re gone. Elliott Smith — the whisper-voiced songwriter behind “Miss Misery” and albums like Either/Or — left a musical legacy that’s still adored, yet the circumstances of his death on October 21, 2003 continue to stir debate. This article separates … Read more