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William writes to nurse prank family

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 07 Desember 2014 | 23.08

Shocked ... Prince William and wife Kate depart St Mary's Hospital with their newborn son Prince George of Cambridge on July 23, 2013. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images Source: Supplied

PRINCE William wrote to the family of a nurse at a London hospital treating his wife after the woman's death following a prank call by two Australian radio DJs.

The family of Jacintha Saldanha revealed the Duke of Cambridge's handwritten note in their first interview since her inquest concluded in which her husband Ben Barboza said he still could not forgive DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian who made the hoax call.

Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, Mr Barboza said: "I am just really angry, why did they do that? Just a matter of three or four seconds changed our whole life. They were making some kind of mockery saying, 'OK we fooled them'.

"I can't forgive the people who broadcast that."

Prince William sent a handwritten note to the family of nurse Jacintha Saldanha. Picture: AFP/Ian Gavan Source: AFP

Nurse Jacintha Saldanha, who took the hoax call to King Edward VII hospital. Picture: AP/Saldanha Family Source: Supplied

Indian-born Saldanha was found dead in nursing accommodation on December 7 2012, after Greig and Christian broadcast the call on Sydney's 2Day FM on December 4. The coroner returned a suicide verdict.

Greig posed as the Queen while the Duchess of Cambridge was being treated for morning sickness at the King Edward VII Hospital.

Saldanha's only role was to answer the phone to the DJs and, believing the call was from the Queen, put them through to a nurse who revealed details of Kate's condition.

Her inquest heard she bore responsibility, despite the hospital's support. Mr Barboza told the paper he believed she felt humiliated by the episode.

Still angry ... Benedict Barboza (centre), wipes away a tear as he and his son Junal and daughter Lisha leave the Westminster Cathedral in London after a memorial service for nurse Jacintha Saldanha. Picture: AP /Sang Tan Source: AP

"It was the humiliation she felt, and the guilt. I go over that in my mind, over and over. She didn't want me to know, to share that humiliation," he said.

In William's note, dated New Year's Day 2013, he wrote: "It is unbelievably sad and (Kate I) both extend to and your family our deepest condolences.

"We were both very shocked to hear about Jacintha and have been thinking about her a lot recently. Many of the nurses spoke highly of her and I'm sure you know how great a nurse she was.

"Jacintha and her colleagues looked after us extremely well and I am just so sorry that someone who cared for others so much found themselves in such a desperate situation."

Greig has since apologised in public to the family and said she was "disgusted with herself".

If you or someone you know may be at risk of suicide contact Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36, or Salvo Care Line 1300 36 36 22.


23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

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23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

N Korea denies Sony hack attack

Infuriating Pyongyang ... The Interview stars Seth Rogen and James Franco as two journalists recruited by the CIA to assassinate Kim Jong-un. Source: Supplied

NORTH Korea has denied involvement in a brazen cyber attack on Sony Pictures, but praised it as a "righteous deed" potentially orchestrated by supporters furious over a Hollywood comedy depicting a fictional CIA plot to assassinate leader Kim Jong-un.

"The hacking into the Sony Pictures might be a righteous deed of the supporters and sympathisers with the (North) in response to its appeal," the North's top military body, the National Defence Commission, told the state-run KCNA news agency.

Sympathisers ... a cyber attack on Sony Pictures may have been orchestrated by supporters of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Picture: AFP/KCNA via KNS Source: AFP

The Interview, starring Seth Rogen and James Franco as two journalists recruited by the CIA to assassinate Kim, has infuriated Pyongyang, which earlier warned of "merciless retaliation" against what it called a "wanton act of terror".

The hacking attack on the US movie studio late last month is known to have included the leaking of sensitive personal information on some 47,000 individuals, including celebrities. The attack also made unreleased Sony films available on illegal file-sharing websites, with media reports indicating the pattern matches past attacks carried out by the isolated state.

The NDC rejected the media reports as "false rumour", but went on to slam Sony for producing the film, which it said was "hurting the dignity of the supreme leadership".

Threatened with 'collapse' ... Sony Pictures Studios denounced a cyber attack it said netted a 'large amount' of confidential information. Picture: AFP/Frederic J Brown Source: AFP

"We do not know where in America the Sony Pictures is situated and for what wrongdoings it became the target of the attack nor we feel the need to know about it," the NDC spokesman said.

"But what we clearly know is that the Sony Pictures is the very one which was going to produce a film abetting a terrorist act while hurting the dignity of the supreme leadership of the (North)," he said.

The isolated state has "a great number of supporters and sympathisers ... all over the world", including those behind the attack on Sony, he warned.

On Friday, in the latest cyber threat, Sony Pictures staff received an email claiming to be from the same hackers who earlier breached the firm's computer network, reportedly with warnings that they and their families were "in danger." The email from a group calling itself Guardians of Peace (GOP) also warned that "all hope will leave you and Sony Pictures will collapse", according to the industry journal Variety.


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‘Grief is stopping me from singing’

Natalie Bassingthwaighte, one of the many Australian singers featured on a new charity recording raising money for two children with Sanfilippo Syndrome. Natalie in Brighton. Picture: Brendan Francis. Source: News Corp Australia

NATALIE Bassingthwaighte has revealed the shock death of her manager has stalled her music career.

For most of the year the popular X Factor judge had been working on her first new songs since 2011 with long-term mentor and manager Mark Byrne at her side.

Byrne suddenly died in September after a heart attack.

"I was due to go into the studio the day he passed," Bassingthwaighte said. "Since he passed I just haven't been able to sing. I just couldn't go there. He was my life."

`He was my life' ... Bassingthwaighte with Byrne. Source: Facebook

Bassingthwaighte was lured back into the studio two weeks ago to sing on charity single This Woman's Work, raising money for Sydney children Isla and Jude, both siblings suffering from the rare and fatal Sanfilippo Syndrome.

"When this came up I said yes and I had a beautiful time recording it, because it's not about me, it's about someone else, it's a gift for someone else," she said. "I had a lot of fun that day, I felt very free. But then after that I felt stuck again, I haven't felt good about it.

SAD LOSS: Nat Bass' tribute to manager and friend Mark Byrne

"It has been a long time since I've released anything, going back to 2011. For ages after I had my kids I didn't want to do anything. Then I got the mojo back at the start of this year, I was getting back into music.

"But then with everything that's happened I'm taking a step back to reassess. It's not like I won't do music again. When you're a singer it's always there, but it has to be the right thing at the right time. I don't want to do a track that's not me."

Bassingthwaighte has recently signed to powerful agents RGM, making her a stable mate with the likes of Cate Blanchett and Rose Byrne.

"It took me a while," she admitted. "At first it was really hard to talk to anyone. But they've been very proactive, especially with acting, so watch this space. There's a few things on the table — music, acting. I'm always thinking of the next thing, you have to always know you're replaceable, you just do a good job and keep moving forward."

Bassingthwaighte politely declined an offer to reprise her role of bad-girl Izzy Hoyland on Neighbours for the show's 30th anniversary next year.

Losing her voice ... Natalie Bassingthwaighte says she's been unable to restart her singing career after the sudden death of her manager Mark Byrne. Picture: Brendan Francis. Source: News Corp Australia

She played the home-wrecking schemer from 2003 to 2006, leaving the show after becoming pregnant to Dr Karl Kennedy.

"My good friends are still on the show, I did want to go back to see them and for nostalgic reasons, but the timing wasn't right. It would have been fun.

"I've done the documentary though. Neighbours was a massive part of my life. I'd done musical theatre before the show but that is what made me known across the country, getting yelled and abused at for Izzy's behaviour!"

Bassingthwaighte said her mate and fellow judge Dannii Minogue helped her continue to work on X Factor during her grief.

"Dannii would mentor me, the way Mark would have had he been there. She'd say 'Come on you can do this' and I needed that. I knew I'd probably fall into a hole if I didn't keep working and I knew that wouldn't be great for my husband or my kids.

"The show never pressured me once and I appreciated that so much. There were days I didn't even know if I could do it, but I did and it was really difficult but I had all the love and support in the world."

Home wrecker ... Stefan Dennis and Natalie Bassingthwaighte as the villainous Izzy in Neighbours Source: News Corp Australia

The star is unsure if she'll be on the Channel 7 show's judging panel next year, with rumours Redfoo and Ronan Keating won't return.

"We don't find out until February or March. We're used to waiting to know if we have a job, but I've got a few things I have to decide on which would potentially mean I couldn't do X Factor.

"But I love the show. At some point you have to say 'OK, that's enough' but I'd definitely be up for it next year, I don't feel like I've run out of steam yet."

Bassingthwaighte still hasn't listened to judge Redfoo's controversial Literally I Can't song, containing unpleasant lyrics which have led to some to call for the American to be sacked from the G-rated TV show.

Future uncertain ... Bassingthwaighte, with her fellow X Factor judges Redfoo, Dannii Minogue and Ronan Keating, isn't sure the show will back next year. Picture: Ian Currie. Source: News Corp Australia

"When he's on stage he's wild, but backstage he's a quiet guy. It's not like we all hung out that much this season.''

The singer also touched on her on-screen screaming, which became a hot Twitter topic this year.

"If people out there thought it was loud imagine being Dannii or Ronan or me. It hurts my ears too. I get too excited. Anyone who knows me knows that's me. I know it's annoying. I annoy myself. Sorry!"


23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

‘Clarke’s word is enough’: Hussey

Australian captain Michael Clarke is on track to play the first Test against India in Adelaide after training for a second straight day.

Michael Clarke after completing a net session in his bid to be fit for Tuesday's first Test. Photo by Michael Dodge. Source: Getty Images

FORMER Australian Test batsman Mike Hussey says it's a gamble, but Michael Clarke must be selected for the first Test against India on Tuesday.

It will be an emotion-charged atmosphere for the series-opener before a packed house as the Australian players seek to honour their former teammate Phillip Hughes who was farewelled last week in his home town of Macksville in NSW.

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Hussey says skipper Clarke's word should be good enough on his fitness.

The 33-year-old Clarke has trained strongly in the past two days in a bid to show Australia's four-man selection panel that he has overcome his latest hamstring injury.

Australia's coach Darren Lehmann talks to captain Michael Clarke during a training session at the Adelaide Oval. Photo by Michael Dodge. Source: Getty Images

Hussey says he has been overwhelmed by Clarke's leadership qualities in the past couple of weeks since Hughes' tragic death aged 25 following a hit to the head in a Sheffield Shield game at the SCG.

"He has really stepped up to the plate in tough times," Hussey told the Herald Sun from Perth.

"He was very close to Hughesy. He has referred to him as his little brother.

"He has been phenomenal really to show support to the Hughes family.

"It just goes to show that life and friendships and relationships are more important than any game of cricket.

"If he says he's fit and the physios say he's fit, he has to be picked.

"But it is a gamble. If you're done your hammy three times in three months then it's certainly a gamble to take him into a five-day Test.

"You've got to trust his word and if he says he's fine, you've got to back him in.

"He's the captain and the best batsman in the team."

Australia and India have taken to the nets in preparation for an emotional first Test in Adelaide on Tuesday.

Shaun Marsh has been called up on standby for Clarke in addition to the original 12-man squad.

Apart from Clarke, whose determination to play has been obvious in his efforts at training, Australia must also decide on uncapped NSW quick Josh Hazlewood or Victoria's workhorse Peter Siddle for their third-seamer option, behind Ryan Harris and Mitchell Johnson.

Siddle had a poor two-Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in October/November, claiming two wickets for 217 runs.

However the 30-year-old Siddle, a veteran of 55 Tests, hit form with a second-innings haul of 5/31 in last month's Shield win over South Australia.

"As far as Peter Siddle and Josh Hazlewood goes, Peter Siddle is the incumbent," Hussey said.

"He has done the job over many years.

"He has got five-for against South Australia in the Sheffield Shield match at Adelaide Oval.

"He certainly deserves first crack at it."

Hussey who retired in January 2013, played in Hughes' debut Test series in South Africa in 2009.

Michael Clarke stretches during a training session at the Adelaide Oval. Pic: Tait Schmaal. Source: News Corp Australia

He says the grief felt by Clarke's men will make getting through the first Test, or even just tomorrow's first session of play, a huge challenge.

"It has been an amazing couple of weeks, really sad and really emotional," Hussey said.

"Everyone has been in shock really. I certainly have.

"I'm sure there'll be certain times that they will be thinking about Hughesy.

"Hopefully most of the other times they are just concentrating on the job they have to do out in the middle.

"But I'm sure he'll come into their minds at stages during the Test."

Hussey says for a player like opening batsman David Warner, the key will be to keep his mind on the job despite what are likely to be emotional scenes in the minutes leading up to the match.

"Possibly. Davey Warner, if Australia is batting first, he was very good mates with Phillip Hughes," Hussey said.

"I'm sure there'll be emotions bubbling away. It's something they're going to have to deal with.

"It might go one of two ways.

"Will they come out and be really fired up or will they be a bit flat? I don't know.

"It comes down to the individual, how he prepares and trying to keep control of your emotions."

Originally published as 'Clarke's word is enough': Hussey
23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blues to select brave Abbott in Shield

There are a number of tributes planned to honour the late Phillip Hughes in first Test against India in Adelaide on Tuesday.

Sean Abbott is expected to return to cricket on Tuesday night. Photo by Robert Cianflone. Source: Getty Images

SEAN Abbott is poised to make a brave cricket comeback on Tuesday after confiding in New South Wales teammates that he wants to return to the pitch.

It will be on same SCG ground that he left as a shattered man after the Phillip Hughes tragedy.

There were initial fears Abbott may never be able to play high-level cricket again after the psychological trauma of delivering the bouncer which felled Hughes.

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However Blues officials and teammates have been heartened by the strong and courageous manner in which the young cricketer has dealt with the harrowing experience.

The Blues are on Monday set to name the 22-year-old fast bowling all-rounder in their squad for the Sheffield Shield match against the Queensland Bulls starting tomorrow at the SCG.

Abbott and his NSW teammates will still have until match morning to make a final call on whether they are ready to play, with the Blues to name a supersized squad to cover all contingencies.

It is understood that while Abbott wants to play on Tuesday, several of his teammates who were extremely close to Hughes may be still too emotionally fragile to take the field.

Shane Watson has spoken about inner demons and a great deal of apprehension heading into the first Test against India following the shocking death of Phillip Hughes.

Blues players had meetings with Cricket NSW officials on Sunday and were asked whether they thought they would feel ready to play.

There has been an outpouring of support for Abbott and concern for his welfare after he sent down the bouncer which struck Hughes in a freak accident.

The Hughes family has helped the healing process by trying to ensure the young cricketer feels no unnecessary guilt.

Megan Hughes spent some time with Abbott at St Vincent's Hospital during the hours before her brother died.

Yesterday, NSW all-rounder Moises Henriques said he felt Abbott was "coping pretty well''.

"He is coping pretty well and I guess from our point of view as fellow players we are trying to expel his name from the tragedy a little bit,'' Henriques said on Sydney's Sky Sports Radio.

"In my opinion, I don't think he is any more at fault than any fast bowler that has ever bowled a bouncer in his career.

"We are trying to remove his name from everything that has happened and just treat him like another one of the players. That's how he wants to be treated.''

Sean Abbott and his girlfriend Brier after Phillip Hughes' funeral. Pic Nathan Edwards Source: News Corp Australia

On the advice of counsellors, Cricket Australia urged national and state fast bowlers to return to the nets as soon as they felt ready.

Some bowlers felt returning to their natural environment on the cricket field was beneficial. All have had different emotional responses.

Former Test paceman Peter George bowled a bouncer on his first delivery in Brisbane club cricket but only after taking the extraordinary step of warning the batsman he was about to send down a short ball.

No bowler faces a more difficult challenge than Abbott but there have already been some promising signs such as him returning to net sessions with NSW last week.

Henriques says it remains likely several Blues players will not play against Queensland tomorrow.

"I think myself and a few of the other guys are still in a bit of denial of everything that has happened and the extraordinary circumstances,'' Henriques said

"With such a unique situation with someone actually passing away on a cricket pitch, it is quite hard to quite wrap your head around that as a cricketer.''

Originally published as Blues to select brave Abbott in Shield
23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Greenday guitarist in cancer battle

Good vibes...Pop punk icons Greenday have asked fans to send "good vibes" to guitarist Jason White. Picture: Supplied Source: News Corp Australia

GREENDAY guitarist Jason White has undergone surgery for tonsil cancer, the band has revealed.

"We have some news to report regarding our brother Jason White, and wanted you to hear it from us before word spread," the band wrote in a statement to fans.

"Jason recently underwent a routine tonsillectomy, and his doctors discovered a treatable form of tonsil cancer. Thankfully they caught it early and he should make a full and speedy recovery. Please join us in sending him love and positive healing vibes during this time."

Lead singer...Billy Joe Armstrong on stage at Boondall Enteretainment Centre. Source: News Limited

White first played with Greenday singer Billie Joe Armstrong in a side project in the 90s, before becoming the band's second guitarist on tour to promote their album warning.

He became a fulltime member of the band in 2012.


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Think before you click

Shoppers should ensure they allow for additional time when purchasing items to be delivered Source: News Corp Australia

Shopping online is meant to be easy or is it? when it comes to checking out online.

ONLINE shopping for Christmas has moved into the mainstream but there are a few spending traps that can catch inexperienced users.

The Australian National Retailers' Association forecasts shoppers will spend about $4.6 billion online in the 30 days to Christmas, about 15 per cent of the total seasonal spend of $32.6 billion.

Three quarters of our online spending will be with Australian-based retailers, ANRA says, and consumers trying to bag a Christmas bargain from overseas may already have missed the boat, as delivery times vary widely and make it touch-and-go as to whether items will get delivered in time.

DELIVERY DRAMAS

Make sure you understand the delivery time frames and costs. It's no fun if a smiling delivery man arrives at your front door loaded with Christmas presents on December 29.

Free delivery is becoming more common, particularly for larger orders or pre-Christmas promotions, but typically the faster you want something, the more money you'll pay.

ANRA chief executive Anna McPhee says retailers have a range of delivery options "including click and collect".

"As it is a busy time of year for postal and courier services, I would urge shoppers to ensure they allow for additional time when purchasing items to be delivered," she says.

RETURNS AND REFUNDS

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says your usual consumer rights around refunds and replacements apply when shopping online with Australian retailers.

But it warns that anyone buying from an overseas-based online retailer "may experience practical difficulties obtaining a remedy from them".

McPhee says 14 per cent of shoppers it has surveyed say they will return gifts, so "shopping with Australian online sites makes returns a whole lot easier".

SPENDING TRAPS

Centre for Social Economics director Ross Honeywill says online spending records will continue to be broken. "The early adopters of technology have been doing this for a decade but now it's becoming a mass culture," he says.

Understand exchange rates when buying from overseas, Honeywill says. "People may see something in America and think it's a pretty good deal, but when they get the bill they get a terrible shock because it's 15 per cent more with the exchange rate the way it is."

Another trap is when consumers accidentally lock themselves into long-term payments. "We just press 'agree' these days without reading the terms and conditions, automatic payments continue to be made, and we forget about it."

Beware of websites that you don't know or trust, and make sure you are dealing with a legitimate business, Honeywill says.

WEIGH UP OPTIONS

Major retailers usually offer the same deals for items bought in-store, online or via a mobile phone. This makes the internet a brilliant research tool to find the best price, and try to get retailers to price-match if you're in the mood for haggling.

Online research will save you money on petrol, parking and perhaps the impulse buying you might make in a shopping centre, but always weigh up the costs and benefits. Paying a $10 delivery fee for a $15 item means you're paying an extra 170 per cent for your purchase.

THINK BEFORE CLICKING

Treat online shopping just like visiting a store and make a list, set a spending limit, and try to avoid overspending on a whim.

Online retailers can offer special discounts for new subscribers, so now is a good time to hunt for bargains.

If buying things from a home-based seller, you can often get a bigger discount if you collect the goods yourself.

Keep copies of all records of auction bids, emails, item descriptions and receipts in case a problem develops.

THIS WEEK ...

News Corporation personal finance expert Anthony Keane gives his tips on lowering your energy bills during summer.

— Use a ceiling fan instead of an airconditioner to save $28-$88 this summer.

— If you use an airconditioner only turn it on when the outside temperature is at least 30 degrees to cut energy and costs.

— If you do use airconditioner use a 5kW two room unit instead of a 12kW whole house system and save $127 — $404.

— Air dry clothes instead of using a dryer and save $16 — $22.

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ANTHONY KEANE

MONEYSAVERHQ


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