Film producer David Lynch has died aged 78.

David Lynch has died aged 78. David Lynch was a renowned film director, screenwriter, and artist, rather than just a producer. He's known for his surrealist and often unconventional style, which has captivated audiences and inspired generations of filmmakers.

Some of his most famous works include:

• - Eraserhead (1977)
• - Blue Velvet (1986)
• - Wild at Heart (1990)
• - Twin Peaks (1990-1991, 2017)
• - Mulholland Drive (2001)
• - Inland Empire (2006)

Lynch's films often explore themes of identity, trauma, and the human condition, frequently incorporating elements of mystery, horror, and dark humour. He's also known for his collaborations with actors like Kyle MacLachlan, Naomi Watts, and Isabella Rossellini.

Throughout his career, Lynch has received numerous awards and nominations, including several Academy Award nominations. He's widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential filmmakers of his generation.

Where is Spitbank Fort and what was it used for?

 

Spitbank Fort played a significant role during World War II, primarily serving as part of the coastal artillery defense system. Its strategic location in the Solent, near Portsmouth, allowed it to contribute to the protection of the vital naval base and dockyards ¹.

Spitbank Fort was built in the 1860s and 1870s as part of the Palmerston Forts, a series of coastal defense fortifications constructed in the United Kingdom during the 19th century.

The primary reason for building Spitbank Fort was to protect the strategic naval base and dockyards at Portsmouth from potential enemy attacks, particularly from France. The fort was designed to defend the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour and prevent enemy ships from passing through the Solent Strait.

Spitbank Fort was one of several forts built in the area, including Horse Sand Fort, No Man's Land Fort, and St Helens Fort. Together, these forts formed a strong defensive line to safeguard the naval base and surrounding area.

The fort was equipped with anti-aircraft guns and radar installations to detect and counter enemy aircraft, adapting to the new threats of aerial warfare ². Its garrison remained on high alert throughout the war, operating the artillery and anti-aircraft defenses.

Interestingly, the soldiers stationed at Spitbank Fort were deliberately chosen for their inability to swim, to prevent any attempts to escape ¹. Life on the fort was grim, but its presence helped secure the area and provided a sense of security for naval operations conducted from Portsmouth.

John Farnham narrates his audiobook

 The legendary John Farnham AO will narrate the audiobook edition of his highly anticipated memoir, The Voice Inside, co-written with Poppy Stockell. In a special touch, two chapters written by John’s wife, Jill Farnham, will be narrated by Jill herself.

 John Farnham says: ‘I’ve just finished narrating my audiobook. It was a bit of a roller-coaster ride. There were more than a few laughs, and some tears, but it made me realise how lucky I’ve been.’

 Vanessa Radnidge, Head of Literary at Hachette Australia, says: ‘Earlier this year when we announced John Farnham was writing his memoir with the help of Poppy Stockell, many fans eagerly asked if he would record the audiobook himself. At the time, we could not provide an answer, and I honestly did not think it would be possible. But John is a born entertainer, and he never wants to disappoint his fans. Despite the challenges posed by surgery and radiation, John dedicated many hours in the studio to record his book in his own voice. Now, I cannot imagine anyone else narrating it. Listening to him is such a delight - the heart, emotion, and showmanship are all there. So are the laughs, the giggles, and the tears. John feels lucky to have lived the life he has, and I know we are all incredibly lucky to have John Farnham share the voice inside with all of us.’

The audiobook edition of The Voice Inside, narrated by John Farnham with Jill Farnham, will be available on 30 October 2024.

LISTEN TO A SAMPLE

About John Farnham:  

JOHN FARNHAM is an Australian national treasure, one of Australia’s top performing artists and the greatest singer Australia has ever produced.  His career spans more than five decades.  

Born in London, John immigrated to Australia with his family in 1959 at the age of ten. From high school he played in local bands around  Melbourne and in 1967 John left a plumbing apprenticeship to pursue a full-time career in entertainment. And what a career it has been.  

For five years, from 1969 to 1973, John was voted the King of Pop, and his success brought him screaming fans and recording contracts, won him  starring roles in stage shows and musicals and delivered twelve singles and six albums that all achieved gold status. The fickle nature of pop saw  his pop career wane in the late seventies, but John’s talent continued to develop. In 1980 he formed his own band and with them he performed  the Beatles classic ‘Help’ to critical acclaim. In 1982, he was invited to front the Little River Band (LRB) and he toured extensively with the band in  the US. But it was after leaving LRB that John truly came into his own. In 1986 he released his first solo album in six years, called Whispering Jack.  This phenomenal album was No. 1 on the Australian music charts for 25 weeks and topped the charts throughout Europe, England and Canada. It  

is still Australia’s highest-selling album of all time by a local artist and the album won John numerous ARIA awards. More chart-topping albums  would follow. Throughout his career John has regularly toured both Australian and overseas markets. At home, his tours are renowned for  breaking attendance records at major entertainment venues.  

There are so many accolades to list so here are just a few. In 1987 John Farnham was named Australian of the Year and on Australia Day in 1996  he was honoured with the Order of Australia for Services to Music and Charity. In 1997 he was recognised as the Most Broadcast Australian  Recording Artist of all time by the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia. ln 1999, he toured East Timor for the ‘Tour of Duty – Concert  for the INTERFET Troops’. In 2000, John performed with Olivia Newton-John for the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games. In 2003,  John was inducted into the Australian music industry’s ARIA Hall of Fame. John continued to record and tour and has collaborated and toured  with some of Australia’s and the world’s best performers. He is acknowledged by artists like Celine Dion, Tom Jones, Chris Martin and Jimmy  Barnes as ‘the Voice’.  

Post cancer surgery (Source: news.com.au)

In August 2022, John was diagnosed with mouth cancer and retreated with his wife of over fifty years, Jill, to fight this cancer battle. In 2023 the  documentary called Finding the Voice, that looked at John’s career and the creation of Whispering Jack, was released. It became the highest grossing  Australian-made film in 2023. The soundtrack received an ARIA Award, and it was awarded an ACCTA Award for Best Documentary.  Following the release of the documentary John had three albums in the ARIA Charts. Over his career he has won twenty ARIA Awards. Twelve  months on from his diagnosis and subsequent surgery John remains cancer free. Whilst he continues on the road to recovery, he is writing his  memoir, which will be released by Hachette Australia in November 2024.  

Was US Army Gen. George S. Patton assassinated?

 

General George S. Patton died on December 21, 1945, due to complications from injuries sustained in a car accident in Mannheim, Germany, on December 9, 1945.

The famous topless duel between two aristocratic princesses

 

"The Scandalous Duel of the Aristocratic Divas!"

Vienna, 1892 – High society was left reeling this week as news spread of an extraordinary duel between two of the most glamorous women of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Princess Pauline von Metternich, a fiery aristocrat known for her sharp wit and sharper temper, clashed in a sword fight with Countess Anastasia Kielmannsegg, a rival noblewoman with an equally fearsome reputation. The reason? A petty feud over floral arrangements at a charity gala spiralled into a matter of honour that only blood could resolve!

The scandalous event took place in a secluded grove near Vaduz. Attendees—yes, there were witnesses to this shocking spectacle—included other society ladies who dared not intervene. Most shocking of all, the duel was conducted topless, a detail that has tongues wagging from Vienna to Paris. Sources claim this bizarre arrangement was at the insistence of their seconds, women themselves, who feared clothing might infect any wounds.

Under the watchful eye of Baroness Lubinska, a renowned advocate of women’s rights and, it seems sword duels, the combatants squared off. The Princess, her hair swept back into a severe bun, wielded her blade with the precision of an artist, while the Countess, younger and reportedly more athletic, displayed raw aggression. Spectators described the clash as “more savage than genteel,” with both women sustaining cuts and drawing blood.

Though the Countess lunged with dramatic flair, Princess Pauline ultimately triumphed, slashing her opponent across the forearm and forcing her to yield. Both women, bloodied but unbroken, reportedly embraced after the duel, declaring the matter resolved. Society insiders speculate the real tension between the two stemmed not from flowers but whispers of jealousy and competition in Vienna’s glittering ballrooms.

Predictably, the duel has sent shockwaves through the Empire. Critics have decried it as a disgrace to nobility, while feminists hail it as a bold statement of women’s independence. The scandal has only boosted Princess Pauline’s infamy, with some already calling her “the Swordswoman of Vienna.”

What’s next for the fierce princess and her vanquished rival? Will Countess Anastasia seek revenge, or has the sword settled the score? One thing is certain: high society will never forget this daring display of aristocratic vengeance.

The face of the Statue of Liberty

 Isabella Eugenie Boyer was a French woman who lived a life of luxury and tragedy. Here's a brief overview of her life story:

Nuclear submarine strikes underwater mountain

 The USS San Francisco (SSN-711) was involved in a major underwater collision on January 8, 2005, while operating in the Pacific Ocean. Here are some details about the incident:

Collision Details:

1. Location: The incident occurred approximately 350 miles southwest of Guam.

2. Depth: The submarine was operating at a depth of around 525 feet.

3. Speed: The USS San Francisco was traveling at a speed of about 20-25 knots.

4. Impact: The submarine struck an underwater mountain, which caused significant damage to its bow.

The USS San Francisco's collision with an underwater mountain on January 8, 2005, had severe consequences. The impact was so intense that the vessel almost sank, and the crew fought desperately to maintain positive buoyancy and surface. Unfortunately, Machinist's Mate Second Class Joseph Allen Ashley, 24, lost his life due to head injuries sustained during the collision.

Ninety-eight crew members were injured, with some suffering broken bones, spinal injuries, and lacerations. The submarine itself suffered significant damage, with ruptured forward ballast tanks and a severely damaged sonar dome. However, fortunately, the pressure hull and nuclear reactor remained intact.

The incident led to a thorough investigation, which revealed that critical navigational and voyage planning procedures were not followed. This oversight resulted in the captain being relieved of his command and six crew members receiving non-judicial punishment hearings. The investigation also highlighted the need for improved charting and navigation procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Damage and Repairs:

1. Extent of damage: The collision damaged the submarine's bow, sonar dome, and forward ballast tanks.

2. Repair cost: Estimates suggested a repair cost of around $100-150 million.

3. Repair duration: The repairs took approximately 2 years to complete.

Investigation and Findings:

1. Investigation: The US Navy conducted an investigation into the incident.

2. Causes: The investigation found that inadequate navigation and charting procedures contributed to the collision.

3. Recommendations: The Navy implemented changes to its navigation procedures to prevent similar incidents.

Awards and Recognition:

1. Heroism: The crew's prompt response and damage control efforts prevented more severe consequences.

2. Awards: The crew received several awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation.

The USS San Francisco returned to service after repairs and continues to serve as a vital asset in the US Navy's submarine fleet and is currently a moored training ship at the Nuclear Power School.¹ After a storied career spanning over four decades, the submarine was decommissioned on May 15, 2022.

Its journey to this point was marked by a significant incident in 2005, where it collided with an underwater mountain while operating at flank speed, resulting in the loss of one life and injuries to 98 crew members. The submarine underwent extensive repairs, including a bow replacement, and returned to service in 2009.

Key Milestones:

- Decommissioning: May 15, 2022

- Conversion to Moored Training Ship: Completed in mid-2021

- Final Deployment: Returned to Point Loma in October 2016

- Collision Incident: January 8, 2005