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July 2, 2012

Kate Middleton mocked as a ‘gold-digger’ in bizarre ad

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A still of the royal lookalikes in the strange ad.

The Duchess of Cambridge has been portrayed as a workshy gold-digger in a bizarre video promoting Chinese tourism.

The two-minute clip — which stars lookalikes playing Catherine, Prince William and the Queen — has caused outrage in the UK for its unashamed mockery of the royal family.

The Queen is lampooned as a doddery, forgetful old fool, while William is ridiculed for being a doormat.

In pictures: First Pippa, now Kate – Flirty Harry strikes again

Ironically it is Catherine — the most widely beloved member of the royal family — who receives the worst treatment.

As the trio of actors stand outside Buckingham Palace waiting for a taxi, Catherine lookalike Colette Mularkey is seen rolling her eyes and complaining that she “didn’t marry royalty to schlep around in a taxi”.

Later in the video, the “Queen” makes a cutting remark about “Catherine” being workshy.

After William lookalike Simon Watkinson tells his wife that “commoners” expect royals to tighten their belts, Catherine replies: “Rubbish. People want to see that they can be like us if they just work hard.”

At this, Queen lookalike Amanda Bellamy scoffs: “Like you did?”

The comment is in reference to the belief that Catherine should have worked harder prior to her marriage to William. Before she became the nation’s darling the duchess was frequently criticised for not having a “proper job”.

She worked as an assistant fashion buyer for retail chain Jigsaw, before quitting to work part-time for her parent’s party supplies business Party Pieces.

The royal family has not commented on the video but a spokesman for its creators, the Chengdu Association, said it was just “harmless fun”.

The Chengdu Association made the clip to promote its fleet of 50 London taxis painted with pictures of pandas to promote Chengdu, the homeland of the giant panda.

Your say: Do you think the clip is funny or in poor taste?

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Rare photos of Kate Middleton when she was young!

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July 2, 2012

What happened to the first Mrs Tom Cruise, Mimi Rogers?

Before Tom and Katie and Our Nic, there was Mimi Rogers. But where is she now?

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Before TomKat and Our Nic, there was Mimi Rogers.

Mimi Rogers was Tom Cruise’s first wife, the woman that those who grew up in the 1980s thought was the luckiest in the world.

This was pre-Scientology, when there had been no couch-jumping, and Tom Cruise was a the Next Big Thing and jumping from hit to hit — from The Outsiders to Risky Business to Top Gun.

During the 1980s Tom lived with actress Rebecca De Mornay and had an affair with Cher (according to Cher herself).

Rogers was six years his senior, a divorcée and a professional poker player. It is rumoured she introduced him to Scientology.

In 1987, they married in a top secret ceremony; the tiny group of attendees included Tom’s mother and his best man, Emilio Estevez, his co-star in The Outsiders.

The marriage quickly became rocky and the couple split in 1989, divorcing in February 1990.

Tom married Nicole Kidman later that year. Reportedly, Rogers was not too upset. She told one interviewer that their sexual chemistry had disappeared.

“Tom was seriously thinking of becoming a monk,” she said. “He thought he had to become celibate.”

As Mimi and Nicole show, there is life beyond being Mrs Tom Cruise. Nicole went on to become one of the most famous actresses in the world, marry and have two daughters.

Mimi’s career was not so lustrous — she appeared in movies such as Austin Powers in the 1990s, posed for Playboy, and starred in a few television shows.

Despite this, her personal life is just as happy as Nicole’s. She has been living happily with Chris Ciaffa for 10 years, and they have two children.

She doesn’t like being reminded of her marriage to Tom. In 1995, she told People magazine: “I’m waiting for the moment when I don’t have to talk about that … name any more.”

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July 2, 2012

Partners of gay knights could be given titles

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Sir Elton John and David Furnish.

Sir Elton John’s husband David Furnish and other partners of gay knights could soon receive honorary titles under reforms being considered by the UK Parliament.

Under the current system, wives of men who are made sirs or lords automatically become ‘ladies’.

The partners of gay knights however, receive no title, nor do the husbands of women who are made dames.

Conservative MP Oliver Colville will unveil an Equality of Titles for Partners Bill in Parliament tomorrow.

“The current system is uneven and rather out-dated,” Colville told the Sunday Times.

“If you are made a peer or a knight, your wife automatically gets the title lady, but if you are gay or are a woman and become a dame your partner gets nothing.”

If the bill passes, it would give gay partners and the husbands of women equal rights in the honours system.

Your say: Do you think all people, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, should receive equal titles?

Video: Elton John on being a dad

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An image of a map of the north east coast of Australia with inset images of three women - Rose Howell, Susan Kiely and Narell Cox. There is also photographic imagery of a beach and the ocean.

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Anthony Koletti is sitting on a bench with the ocean behind him. There is a smaller inset image of Anthony next to his wife Melissa Caddick.

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Cost of Caring: They do it out of love, but what is the true price of that love?

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July 2, 2012

How to keep your puppy’s health in check

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If you’ve recently brought home a new puppy, you’ve probably stocked up on chew toys, a dog bed, bones and other treats. But have you thought about your furry friend’s health? There are several important steps you should take when your dog is young to ensure it stays free from diseases and other health problems.

Dr David Neck, president of the Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association, gives his top tips for keeping your puppy healthy.

What vaccines does my puppy need?

The most important vaccinations are against distemper, infectious canine hepatitis and parvovirus. These are known as the “core” vaccines and should be given at six to eight weeks, 10 to 12 weeks and 14 to 16 weeks.

Non-core vaccines include those against two agents that can cause kennel cough — parainfluenza virus and a bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica — as well as coronavirus and leptospirosis. They can be given at the same time as the core vaccines. Most vets will consider the puppy’s lifestyle and geographic location to decide if they’re warranted.

The first annual booster is given around 15 months of age. There are now “triennial” vaccines against the core diseases that provide three years of protection. However, non-core vaccines need to be given annually and vets still recommend an annual health check-up for all dogs.

How can I protect my puppy from fleas and other parasites?

Heartworm prevention needs to start from 12 weeks of age. There are products that are given daily or monthly, or an injection that’s given yearly. Some southern regions of Australia don’t have heartworm, but prevention in the tropical areas is essential.

Flea prevention usually starts from 12 weeks as well, although it isn’t uncommon to see puppies crawling in fleas from birth. Different products can be used at different ages, but most are registered from 12 weeks onwards.

Gastrointestinal worms are different to heartworm. The standard recommendations are to give a tummy allwormer every two weeks until 12 weeks, then monthly until six months, then every three months for life. These recommendations change depending on the environment; tropical areas have a greater problem with worms.

We might also recommend different worming intervals if young children are in close contact with the dog. We never want dog worms to end up in us! Your vet clinic and their staff are experts at recommending the best flea, worm and heartworm products for your puppy.

When should my puppy be desexed?

The Australian Veterinary Association doesn’t have a specific policy on this. Some vets will advocate desexing as young as eight weeks, while others recommend allowing the dog to develop more and suggest waiting until five or six months of age. You should determine the best time for desexing your puppy by discussing it with your vet.

What should and shouldn’t I feed my puppy?

Puppies have higher calcium and energy requirements, and the easiest way to satisfy them is with a complete and balanced puppy food. Dogs should never get onions, chocolate, grapes or sultanas as they’re all potentially poisonous.

How much exercise does my puppy need?

Playtime is important, but we don’t recommend disciplined “exercise” such as taking them for a run on a lead until they’re at least one year old. Their skeletons need to mature first. You can almost never play with your puppy too much. But when they’re sleepy, give them time out!

What else should I do to ensure my puppy is healthy and happy?

Socialising your puppy is one of the most important things — the early weeks are when they learn to “talk” to other dogs. I recommend puppy preschool for everyone, even experienced dog owners, as the dog gets to interact with others in a safe way.

I love it when the preschool is held at the vet clinic as the dogs love coming to the vet for the rest of their lives. If the only reason they come to the vet is for needles or surgery, it’s little wonder they don’t like us later in life!

Related Video: Cutest dog on the Internet.

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July 2, 2012

What went wrong? The details of Katie and Tom’s split

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Katie Holmes’ decision to split from Tom Cruise after five years of marriage was a shock to some. But for those who had been following the ups and downs of the celebrity couple, the relationship was a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.

Holmes, 33, reportedly filed for divorce in New York on Friday, June 29, under “anonymous v anonymous”, stating “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their split. She is also seeking sole legal custody and “primary residential custody” of their six-year-old daughter, Suri. Like any mother, Holmes’ focal concern is the happiness and care of her daughter.

With Cruise, 49, away filming for much of the year, Holmes was often left alone to care for Suri. There were numerous sightings of the pair walking together, shopping in glamorous stores or playing in the park, with Cruise nowhere to be seen.

There are countless reports and opinions about the split of one of the world’s most high-profile couples. Even media mogul Rupert Murdoch had something to say about the split.

“Watch Katie Holmes and Scientology story develop,” he tweeted. “Something creepy, maybe even evil, about these people.”

In a separate tweet he posted: “Since Scientology tweet hundreds of attacks. Expect they will increase and get worse and maybe threatening. Still stick to my story.”

There has been much speculation about the fact that all three of Cruises ex-wives including Mimi Rogers, Nicole Kidman and now Katie Holmes, have seperated from him when they reach the age of 33.

Numerology research states that the number 33 is significant to Scientology, meaning “master teacher” and the progression toward spiritual improvement.

Regardless of religious intent or the emotional reasons behind the split, Holmes was recently snapped out with Suri in matching black and white ensembles, looking noticeably happier.

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“I would give up every gold medal I’ve ever won to have a child”: Ariarne Titmus sheds light on her ovarian tumour surgery

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July 1, 2012

Shelley Craft: Meet baby Eadie

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The TV host and her cameraman hubby pause to show Clare Rigden their latest exciting project.

They’ve been The Three Musketeers for almost two years, travelling Australia as a little family unit. But if 22-month-old Milla is having trouble sharing her mum Shelley Craft and dad Christian Sergiacomi with a new addition, she’s not letting on. “Come, look – it’s a baby!” she says excitedly as we step inside Shelley’s gorgeous Byron Bay home. “Hello little Cheekypots!”

“Little Cheekypots” is beautiful baby daughter Eadie Rose, born to Shelley and her cameraman hubbie ‘Serge’ on June 12. Snoozing contentedly in her bassinet, not even her big sister’s sloppy kisses are enough to rouse her. “She’s been a great baby,” says Shelley. “She’s feeding really well and very regularly, and she sleeps all the time. We’ve been really lucky.”

It’s a good thing too – it’s a busy time for the young family. Shelley and Christian are not only juggling their commitments on The Block – he’s also a cameraman on the show – but the start-up of their own business venture, The Builder App, which featured regularly on the series. The day after we visit, the family are heading to Sydney for The Block Live home show, then on to Melbourne for the live auctions. Add to that Shelley’s Funniest Home Videos filming and you have the potential for one frazzled mother-of-two!

“It’s certainly a busy time,” laughs a relaxed Shelley. “But we’re used to travelling with lots of camera equipment – now we’re trading it for baby equipment! We’ve got the pram and the cot and the toys – you name it, we’re carrying it!” Shelley and Christian say from day one it’s been “one in, all in”. “We’re conscious that, as a family, we’re all in it together,” Christian says. “So if we go crazy, we all go crazy together! If something is filming in Melbourne, we’re all there. As much as we can, we stay together.”

Read more about Shelley Craft’s baby joy in this week’s Woman’s Day on sale Monday July 2, 2012.

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“It was our church”: 50 years of legendary show Countdown

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July 1, 2012

Tom’s lapdance shame

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Acting or not, friends wonder if Tom and Katie’s marriage breakdown had anything to do with a very sexy scandal.

It’s a confrontation no wife should ever be forced to endure, and Katie Holmes couldn’t help but tearfully ask Tom Cruise, “How am I supposed to feel seeing a 20-something blonde stripping and giving you a lap dance?” It’s just the latest showdown in what may have contributed to the marriage breakdown of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.

Katie filed for divorce against Cruise over the weekend seeking sole-custody of the pair’s six-year-old daughter Suri. The 33-year-old star has become increasingly isolated, with Tom away in New Orleans filming his new sci-fi thriller Oblivion for much of the year and her own career more or less nonexistent. So when Tom, 49, confessed that Julianne Hough, 23, had given him a lap dance, he surely can’t have been surprised that it proved to be the final straw for his soon-to-be ex-wife.

“She couldn’t believe what she was hearing,” a friend of Katie’s tells Woman’s Day. “She felt sick. When Tom took the part in Rock Of Ages he swore there wouldn’t be loads of sex scenes.” But unfortunately for Katie, it was a promise Tom couldn’t keep when it came time to front up for the cameras in the musical, which portrays the hedonistic 1980s music scene. “When Julianne was stripping for him and giving him a lap dance, he must have known Katie would be upset,” continues the friend. “I don’t understand why he did it.”

In a bid to earn Katie’s forgiveness Tom pulled out all the stops to get the scene cut from the final product. When asked about the raunchy scene, producer Adam Shankman said, “I cut it because [Tom and Julianne] were too good at it. It was incredibly sexy.” While Katie was pacified by the last-minute change, Julianne — who’s being lauded as Hollywood’s next big thing – is said to be furious that what could have been a career-launching role has been watered down.

Read more in this week’s Woman’s Day on sale Monday July 2, 2012.

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July 1, 2012

Jennifer Aniston and Juston Theroux’s wedding countdown

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With her dad’s health failing, the actress fast-tracks her wedding plans so he can share her big day.

Their blissful weeks strolling the streets of Paris and getting steamy by the water’s edge in sunny Italy left Jennifer Aniston with no doubt in her mind – she’ll spend the rest of her life with her gorgeous man Justin Theroux. And when the actress, 43, confided her joy to her beloved dad John Aniston, his answer was typical of the soap actor’s larger-than-life personality.

“You tell Justin to make sure he treats you right, because I can still throw a left hook if he steps out of line!” a friend says John teased, after first shedding a few tears of joy. Unlike Jen’s turbulent relationship with her mother Nancy, her relationship with 78-year-old John is especially close. Last week when John broke it to Jen that he was at “very high risk” of a second heart attack, Jen and Justin, 40, reacted by immediately putting their loose wedding plans into top gear, says the friend.

“Jen wants her dad to walk her down the aisle, and she has promised him that day will come ASAP,” the member of Jennifer’s inner circle, who has known her for 12 years, tells Woman’s Day. “When Justin and Jen began talking about getting married, they considered doing it in September. But over the last month she pushed things back to next April. Now she has put her plans for a September wedding back on track.”

Six years ago John Aniston narrowly survived a massive heart attack, and in the years since he has been living on a cocktail of prescription drugs to try to negate the effects of his lifestyle. “John is not one for salads and cranberry juice,” our source says. “When he met Justin last July, they went to his favourite restaurant, Delmonico’s Steak and Lobster House – and John had the surf and turf, five glasses of red, a tiramisu and most of a cheese board! He lives by the saying, ‘There’s no point living if you don’t feel alive’.”

Read more about Jen and Justin’s wedding countdown in this week’s Woman’s Day on sale Monday July 2, 2012.

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“I would give up every gold medal I’ve ever won to have a child”: Ariarne Titmus sheds light on her ovarian tumour surgery

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July 1, 2012

Young royals at war

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She’s won the hearts of the adoring public but behind the scenes Kate is earning more enemies than friends..

They’ve weathered decades of scandal and whispers of in-fighting, but to the casual observer it appears the House of Windsor is finally a united and happy family unit. And it’s thanks in no small part to fresh-faced and popular Kate Middleton marrying into the monarchy. The Duchess of Cambridge, 30, has taken so well to her new royal status that she’s become the Queen’s right-hand woman and her choice of companion at royal engagements.

In private, it’s believed Kate has even been invited to call her “Grandmama”. Which is why long-time royal watchers were floored when a memo was leaked from Clarence House last week that stated Kate was to be pushed further down the pecking order, firmly below Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, who are fifth and sixth in line to the throne. Despite being the future queen, the private document states that Kate, a commoner, must curtsey to blood royals – both publicly and in private – unless her husband Prince William is present.

Insiders say it’s less about protocol and more a case of a couple of noses being put out of joint by Kate’s newfound superstar status. Beatrice and Eugenie – daughters of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson – were unceremoniously swept aside during the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations to make way for Kate. According to UK newspaper Daily Mail, “anxious” Beatrice, 23, even appealed to her cousin William, asking for “official roles” for her and her sister in the Jubilee.

When she and Eugenie, 22, were noticeably absent from the group of family members flanking their grandmother for her historic balcony wave, it was clear her plea went unnoticed. “Beatrice and Eugenie have a tough role. They don’t have the clout of senior royals like William,” respected royal expert Bill Coles tells Woman’s Day.

Read more in this week’s Woman’s Day on sale Monday July 2, 2012.

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July 1, 2012

Raelene Boyle’s health scare

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The Olympic legend has finally learned what’s behind her debilitating dizzy spells..

Much-loved athlete Raelene Boyle will miss her first Olympic Games in two decades to undergo lifesaving surgery this week following a major health scare. The breast and ovarian cancer survivor reveals exclusively to Woman’s Day that she has lived a heartbeat away from death for the past 12 years. “I was a walking time bomb. I could have had a stroke at any moment and yet until a few months ago, I had no idea of the black cloud I was under. It’s a very scary thing to look back on when you think of the consequences,” says Raelene, 61, who began to suffer heart-related dizzy spells – misdiagnosed as panic attacks – as far back as 2000.

“The attacks were awful, lasting up to 25 minutes, and I would go pale and black out unless I lay down – it didn’t matter if I was walking, driving, or sitting at home reading the paper. Because I’d had them so often I knew when and how to react, but sometimes it was embarrassing – once, in the middle of a walk, I had to stop and lie on the footpath, and this sweet lady stopped her car and wanted to drive me home!”

It was only last year that Raelene, who had travelled from her home on the Sunshine Coast to Adelaide for fellow Olympian Marjorie Jackson-Nelson’s 80th birthday, discovered the danger she was in. World-renowned cardiac specialist Professor Prash Sanders, at Royal Adelaide Hospital, identified the attacks as symptoms of her existing heart condition, atrial fibrillation with flutter – which she’d been told was under control after operations in 2002 and 2007.

He immediately put her on medication and recommended urgent ablation – an operation to correct the electrical impulses of her heart, after which she must remain flat on her back for three days, then recuperate for weeks.

Read more about Raelene’s health scare in this week’s Woman’s Day on sale Monday July 2, 2012.

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