Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 52, 2024 i New Idea

Phil Collins has worried his family after opening up in a documentary about his life. In Phil Collins: Drummer First, the 73-year-old musician revealed how playing the drums has physically impacted him – saying his hands, feet and body have suffered. “If I wake up one day and I can hold a pair of drumsticks, then I’ll have a crack of it. But I just feel like I’ve used up my air miles,” he shared. Phil’s revelations in the two-hour documentary has left his 35-year-old daughter Lily, of Emily in Paris fame, concerned. “Lily’s so worried about her dad,” a source tells New Idea. “She wants him to prioritise his health and not worry about performing again.”…

Seventy-six years ago, Betty Gregory was told women couldn’t parachute out of aeroplanes. She was 17 years old and doing some aerial photography as part of her time in England’s Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. “I asked the pilot, ‘What’s the chance of a jump?’” ‘I had to get a doctor’s certificate’ Betty, now 93 and living in Surfers Paradise, QLD, tells New Idea. “He said ‘no chance.’ He didn’t think women were allowed to.” It stuck with Betty her whole life – but the greatgrandmother is having the last laugh with her current thrill-seeking hobby. “I started skydiving when I was 80,” she says. “I suppose I was a little bit nervous, but it was a piece of cake. “The instructor let me manoeuvre the parachute and the view was…

Notorious US group Heaven’s Gate is an example of the enormous power leaders can brandish over their followers. All 39 members died by mass suicide in a San Diego home in March 1997. This was orchestrated by leader Marshall Herff Applewhite Jr., who also died. The bodies were found neatly lined up in bunk beds, wearing matching outfits and Nike runners. “You have to remember that, once in a cult, the exit door is hard to find,” cult expert Raphael says. “Even if you work out what’s going on, you’ve likely cut ties with friends and family, signed out of medical treatment. It’s a one-way tunnel.” Video diaries explained the reason behind the group suicide. Applewhite convinced them that, in order to reach heaven, they must all abandon their human…

AUSTRALIAN ALAN MILLER REINVENTED HIMSELF He was previously a property manager and an IT specialist, married with two sons. But South Australian Alan John ‘A.J.’ Miller blew up his entire life after determining he is, in fact, Jesus Christ reincarnated. Miller was in his early thirties when he started wondering whether he might be Christ. He says he’d dealt with a series of inexplicable visions throughout his life, and holding them back was just getting harder and harder. “I had memories of somebody putting nails through my feet and through my wrists,” he told the media. “I remember being speared, being threatened, and being beaten on a number of occasions almost to the point of death.” It took almost a decade for Miller to finally reveal his ‘identity’ to the…

Chicken Schnitzel with Asian Cabbage Salad SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 40 MINS ■ 3 x 250g chicken breast fillets ■ ⅓ cup plain flour ■ 2 eggs, lightly beaten ■ 1 clove garlic, crushed ■ 1⅓ cups panko breadcrumbs ■ Vegetable oil, for shallow frying ■ Sliced avocado and Kewpie mayonnaise, to serve SALAD ■ 3 cups shredded Chinese cabbage ■ 1 large carrot, peeled, shredded ■ 2 green spring onions, thinly sliced ■ ¼ cup Japanese sesame soy dressing 1 Cut each chicken fillet horizontally through the side to give two thin pieces. Place each between two sheets of plastic wrap or baking paper. Gently pound with a meat mallet to flatten to about 1cm thick. 2 Dust chicken in flour seasoned with salt and…

The festive season is a time for celebration and gathering with loved ones. However, it can also bring financial stress as spending on gifts, events and travel piles up. This often leads to not just a festive hangover but a financial one, too. So how can you navigate the aftermath of holiday spending and regain control of your finances? Here are six practical tips: 1 RACK YOUR SPENDING Gather all your holiday receipts and statements to see where you may have exceeded your budget. Identify how much you overspent – this gives you a clear picture of where to focus. 2 IDENTIFY OVERSPENDING TRIGGERS Reflect on why you overspent. Was it irresistible sales, pressure to give perfect gifts, or trying to keep up with others? Understanding your triggers helps you…

Royal Caribbean’s latest night pre-cruise stay in the offering is the Utopia luxurious Loews Sapphire of the Seas – and I am Falls Resort at Universal among the first in Orlando (sign me up for all the world to get on board! those rides!), before we are My trip begins with a two transported to the ship for a three-night getaway, sailing between Port Canaveral and Royal Caribbean’s private island in The Bahamas, CocoCay. This huge cruise ship boasts two casinos, countless restaurants and bars, a wellness centre, park, and more pools than the days on board. There’s something for everyone, meaning you can tailor your holiday to tick all your boxes. I leave all my stress at the door as soon as I step on board. Enjoying a…

Aries MARCH 21 – APRIL 20 LOVE: As that nostalgic streak grows stronger, life’s simplest pleasures will reel you in – live entertainment, delicious food and engaging conversation. Connections will need to be deep, meaningful, and for romantics, surprisingly sensual as well. By late autumn, things could get hot and heavy. WEALTH: If you’re searching for more balance or satisfaction, 2025 could end up being a pivotal year. Your clever ideas could prove profitable, and as the sages say, ‘you make your own luck’. Plans may need tweaking (or a total overhaul) through autumn, but you’re setting yourself up for the future. HEALTH: Too much of the good life could see you paying as the weather cools. Link up with motivated friends, try a few dance classes,…

Kate Hudson and her mum Goldie Hawn share an incredibly close bond. Now, New Idea has learnt the pair could be teaming up together on the big screen – if Kate gets her way that is! Her iconic 2003 movie How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is set for a sequel, and Kate, 45, is convinced that Goldie, 79 is the perfect person to play her movie mum! “Kate’s been looking for a project to do with Goldie for years,” our source says. The hotly anticipated film would catch up with Kate’s character Andie and her partner Benjamin (played by Matthew McConaughey) as they preparee to finally tie the knot. Goldie would play Andie’s meddling mum. The catch, through, is Andie and her mum do not get on.…

Demi Moore and Kevin Costner have both enjoyed long and successful careers in Hollywood. They have also experienced their share of heartbreak, with five failed marriages between them. And while the A-list friends have run in the same circles for decades, New Idea has learnt they could soon be embarking on something more together – if their closest pals have their way that is! “All their mutual friends are urging them to finally give romance a try,” our Hollywood insider reveals. “They’re both single and they have so much in common. Kevin has always admired Demi and loves her company. He’s also a huge fan of her brain, her talent – and her stunning good looks.” Meanwhile, Demi’s pals are pointing out that when it comes to the star finding…

Only in New Idea For most, the thought of waking up to go to work on a Sunday while it’s still dark outside has us reaching for the snooze button. But David Woiwod is not like most people. Weekend Sunrise’s handsome new co-host practically leaps out of bed pre-dawn to head into ‘Brekky Central’, thanks to years of 5.30am swim squad training “conditioning” him. “I come from a long line of early risers, so I love mornings,” David tells New Idea exclusively. “It also means I come from a long line of people who go to bed early. Nothing makes me happier than when dinner plans are cancelled and I can be in bed by 9pm.” It’s almost one month since David, 40, joined Monique Wright on the Weekend…

IS THE ZODIAC KILLER RE AL? For nearly six decades, the identity of the elusive Zodiac Killer has remained a mystery, his taunting messages and ciphers helping publicise the infamous murders. However, some have started to ask if he is even real. And if he isn’t, who is the actual murderer? The notorious killer came to the spotlight during the late 1960s after he began sending cryptograms and puzzles to the police and local media. This followed a spate of homicides going unsolved in California’s Bay Area. While police were unable to decipher the messages at the time, it’s thought he was responsible for the deaths of at least five people between 1968 and 1969, including Betty Lou Jensen, David Faraday and Darlene Ferrin. He has never been found. While…

The holidays can be a time of joy, laughter and a bit of stress – especially when it comes to spending time with in-laws. While family gatherings are valuable, the unique dynamics of being around your partner's family can sometimes create tension. Here are some tips to help you navigate this season together, keeping your bond strong and stress levels low. 1 AGREE ON BOUNDARIES TOGETHER Before the festivities kick off, take some time with your partner to discuss any boundaries you both want to set. This might involve deciding how much time you’ll spend with family, identifying sensitive topics to avoid, or figuring out how to deal with certain relatives. When you’re both aligned, you’ll be less likely to feel blindsided or overwhelmed. 2 PRESENT A UNITED FRONT At…

Comeback queen How great to read in New Idea about Louise Philip making a big comeback! Of course, she was amazing in Bellbird and Cop Shop and was a trailblazer for women with a disability on Australian television. It would be welcome to see Louise return to television. I’m sure that she’s up for the challenge as much as the 91-year-old lady who drove across the Nullarbor. SUSAN SEYMOUR, TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN, QLD. PET OF THE WEEK Christmas is around the corner This is Indy in her Christmas gear, ready for the festive season. HELEN MORRIS, GLADSTONE, QLD. BEST OF THE WEEK WINS $100 This is a photo of our four generations. ROS BARBELER, KINGAROY, QLD. Send us a funny story about your children and family, a letter about…

FICTION WOULD YOU RATHER BY MAGGIE ALDERSON British food stylist Sophie Crommelin truly has a beautiful life. Now that her two sons are all grown-up, she and her husband, Matt, are relocating from London for the UK’s South Coast. But the day after their house is sold, a series of shock events leaves Sophie reeling. Suddenly, Sophie is heading off to the seaside town of Hastings all on her own. While new friends and opportunities are about to emerge, further scandal is also about to strike Sophie’s unsuspecting family… Sophie saw her the moment she lifted her eyes from the pages of the eulogy to look at the congregation. Standing at the back of the packed venue, looking straight at her, was a woman about twenty years or so younger…

Kyle Sandilands is set to return as a judge on Australian Idol, but the controversial star is reportedly being watched closely by Channel Seven. “[They] have asked for Kyle to be toned down in the edit,” a show source told Yahoo Lifestyle. “They want to ensure that the show remains family friendly.” Kyle judging style may change in 2025. The source added the network does not want the show to be “gazumped by his outrageous comments”. It’s been a tricky time for Kyle, 53. The Kyle & Jackie O Show expanded into the Melbourne radio market in 2024 – but it has been a flop. “Now Kyle’s having to behave himself on Idol,” a source tells New Idea.…

Bluey’s already a huge star in Australia, but now the loveable animated blue heeler puppy and her dad Bandit, mum Chilli and little sister Bingo are headed for Hollywood! A new Bluey film will hit cinemas in 2027 – and New Idea has heard that a host of A-List stars are barking mad about voicing a guest role! “With Disney backing the project, stars like Margot Robbie, Russell Crowe and even Paris Hilton, whose young children are huge Bluey fans, are making it clear that they’re keen to take part,” our source says. “Margot’s wanted to do a more kid-friendly movie for years. Now that she’s got her own baby boy to raise, she wants to be part of Bluey’s world if she can.” Our source adds, “Russell, as an…

As the head of the Church of England, King Charles has always been a spiritual man, and a noted scholar of many global religions. And it’s no secret among courtiers that as he continues to live with his cancer diagnosis, Charles is leaning heavily on his faith, especially since a Buckingham Palace source recently confirmed his cancer treatment will now continue well into 2025. His attendance at church has increased this year, and New Idea understands Charles is in constant counsel with Reverend Paul Williams. He is based at St Mary Magdalene Church on the fringes of the royal family’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk. In recent weeks, onlookers were startled to see the usually cheerful King appearing distressed while in conversation with Reverend Williams following a Sunday church service. “Charles…

While you might not have heard of it before having kids or going through menopause, there’s a lot hinging on the health of our pelvic floor. As the group of muscles that runs around the bladder, vaginal walls and anus, the pelvic floor is responsible for breathing, blood flow, reducing the risk of incontinence and even the intensity of our orgasms. So, what do we need to know about the pelvic floor to keep it healthy? Here, Core Restore (corerestore.co) founder Heather Foord debunks some common myths and misunderstandings. 1 The occasional leak isn’t an issue I hear this all the time – and according to the Royal Women’s Hospital, up to 50 per cent of women will experience a urine leak. But ladies (and gents!), please know that…

Basil helps to flavour many dishes, is the basis for pesto, and is one of Charlie Albone’s favourite herbs to grow in the garden. But without the right care, it has a short life span. Having basil in the garden is perfect for cooking dishes such as tomato pesto vegetable bake, a classic Caprese salad, or traditional Genovese pesto, so it’s safe to say it’s pretty versatile! For more gardening advice, head to bhg.com.au PERFECT PRUNING The trick to growing basil is regular pruning or harvesting, which encourages bushier growth and prolongs the plant’s lifespan – as long as you know where to prune it. “It all comes down to the pruning,” Charlie tells bhg.com.au. “So when pruning basil, you’re taking off the flowers and the seeds, which breaks the…

Q I’m in my fifties and feel alone and lost. Having had a bad accident many years ago, I lost my job, lifestyle and friends due to injuries disabling me. I want to find happiness, love and purpose. Do you see any possibilities? – CANCERIAN A You are a very artistic person, who likes to sit and dabble. I see you creating in some form. You may join a weekly class with other like-minded people where you will express your creativity. I also see there is an opportunity for you to do some form of training. I feel it is something you can do online or via the phone, and it will bring you a sense of fulfilment. I see your sister in spirit saying she is always with…

WE LIVE IN TIME MOVIE If you want to start the new year off with a good sob session, then mark this one down in your diary now. Steer clear of the internet until then though, as the film was released in the US in October, so spoilers abound! Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield play Almut and Tobias, two strangers who are brought together by a life-affirming accident. Told over the course of a decade, chef Almut and cereal salesman Tobias embark on a relationship, building a life and family together. But their love is tested when Almut falls ill. Florence says We Live in Time was “harder” than anything she’s done before: “There was nothing to hide behind,” she said. “I was playing someone who’s quite close to…