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30 years ago, Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction shook Hollywood and redefined ‘cool’ cinema

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ben-mccann-398197">Ben McCann</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a> What might be the most seismic moment in American cinema? Film “speaking” for the first time in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SzltpkGz0M">The Jazz Singer</a>? Dorothy <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4eQmTizTSo">entering</a> the Land of Oz? That <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yw_D3a2pZtk">menacing shark</a> that in 1975 invented the <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-history-of-the-blockbuster-movie/">summer blockbuster</a>? Or how about that moment when two hitmen on their way to a job began talking about the intricacies of European fast food while listening to Kool & The Gang? <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2j_A6e-VESk?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> Directed by Quentin Tarantino, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110912/">Pulp Fiction</a> (1994) celebrates its 30th birthday this month. Watching it now, this story of a motley crew of mobsters, drug dealers and lowlifes in sunny Los Angeles still feels startlingly new. Widely regarded as Tarantino’s masterpiece, the director’s dazzling second film was considered era-defining for its memorable dialogue, innovative narrative structure and unique blend of humour and violence. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards, made stars of Samuel L. Jackson and Uma Thurman, and revitalised John Travolta’s career. Pulp Fiction is dark, often poignant, and very funny. It is, as one critic <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/apr/13/my-favourite-cannes-winner-pulp-fiction">describes it</a>, an “intravenous jab of callous madness, black comedy and strange unwholesome euphoria”. <h2>A Möbius strip plot</h2> Famous for its non-linear narrative, Pulp Fiction weaves together <a href="https://thescriptlab.com/features/main/1457-structure-of-pulp-fiction-method-in-the-madness/">a trio of connected crime stories</a>. The three chapters – Vincent Vega and Marsellus Wallace’s Wife, The Gold Watch and The Bonnie Situation – loop, twist and intersect but, crucially, never confuse the viewer. Tarantino has often paid tribute to French filmmakers <a href="https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/jean-luc-godard-quentin-tarantino-ultimate-hero/">Jean-Luc Godard</a> and <a href="https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/director-deeply-inspired-quentin-tarantino/">Jean-Pierre Melville</a>, whose earlier films also presented their narratives out of chronological order and modified the rules of the crime genre. By inviting audiences to piece Pulp Fiction together like a puzzle, Tarantino laid the way for subsequent achronological films such as Memento (2000), Go (1999) and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998). <h2>Pop culture meets postmodernism</h2> In his influential essay Postmodernism, or the Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism, first published in 1984, political theorist Frederic Jameson coined the term “<a href="https://literariness.org/2016/04/04/fredric-jamesons-concept-of-depthlessness/">new depthlessness</a>” to describe postmodern culture. Jameson perceived a shift away from the depth, meaning and authenticity that characterised earlier forms of culture, towards a focus on surface and style. Pulp Fiction <a href="http://moviemezzanine.com/the-eyes-behind-the-mask-pulp-fiction-and-postmodernity-20-years-later/">fits</a> Jameson’s definition of depthlessness. It is stuffed with homages to popular culture and a vivid array of character types drawn from other B-movies – hitmen, molls, mob bosses, double-crossing boxers, traumatised war veterans and tuxedo-wearing “fixers”. It is a film of surfaces and <a href="https://wiki.tarantino.info/index.php/Pulp_Fiction_Movie_References_Guide">allusions</a>. Jackson, Travolta and Thurman feature alongside established 1990s box-office stars including Bruce Willis and industry stalwarts Harvey Keitel and Christopher Walken, both of whom have brief but memorable cameos. The film’s most iconic scene takes place at the retro 1950s-themed Jack Rabbit Slim’s diner. Thurman’s twist contest with Travolta fondly echoes Travolta’s earlier dancing in Saturday Night Fever (1977) and pays homage to other dance scenes in films such as 8 ½ (1963) and Band of Outsiders (1964). <h2>Words and music</h2> Film critic Roger Ebert <a href="https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-pulp-fiction-1994">once noted</a> how Tarantino’s characters “often speak at right angles to the action”, giving long speeches before getting on with the job at hand. Pulp Fiction is full of witty and quotable monologues and dialogue, ranging from the philosophical to the mundane. Conversations about foot massages and blueberry pie bump up against Bible verses and reflections on fate and redemption. The film’s 1995 Oscar for Best Original Screenplay was a fitting achievement for Tarantino, who many regard as <a href="https://medium.com/word-garden/tarantinos-conversations-are-the-best-in-movie-history-this-is-why-52e06de4f773">the snappiest writer</a> in film history. Countless other filmmakers have looked to replicate Pulp Fiction’s mashup of cool and coarse. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S6Vuj8tF-kk?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> Needle drops are <a href="https://medium.com/cuepoint/the-music-of-pulp-fiction-8a13a7cdb5a8">just as important</a> in establishing Pulp Fiction’s mood and tone. The film’s eclectic soundtrack pings between surf rock, soul and classic rock ‘n’ roll. The soundtrack peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard 200 in 1994 and stayed in the charts for <a href="https://www.grammy.com/news/how-pulp-fiction-reinvented-the-film-soundtrack-anniversary">more than a year</a>. <h2>Dividing the critics</h2> Though it was officially released in October 1994, Pulp Fiction had already made a stir earlier that by winning the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Many expected Krzysztof Kieślowski’s Three Colours: Red to take <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/nov/09/three-colours-red-cannes">the top prize</a>. Tarantino himself seemed stunned, telling the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnS5pXQQmR4&t=188s">Cannes audience</a>: “I don’t make the kind of movies that bring people together. I make movies that split people apart.” The film has divided critics ever since. Many adored Pulp Fiction for its intoxicating allure and sheer adrenaline-fuelled pleasure. To this day it maintains a 92% critic score on <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/pulp_fiction">Rotten Tomatoes</a>. Film critic Todd McCarthy <a href="https://variety.com/1994/film/reviews/pulp-fiction-1200437049/">called it</a> a film “bulging with boldness, humour and diabolical invention”. But the backlash was equally robust. <a href="https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2014/10/pulp-fiction-bad-film">Some</a> criticised the film for its excessive gore and irresponsible use of racial slurs. Screenwriting guru Syd Field <a href="https://sydfield.com/syd_resources/pulp-fiction/">felt</a> it was too shallow and too talky. Jean-Luc Godard, once one of Tarantino’s idol, apparently <a href="https://www.worldofreel.com/blog/2022/12/0eav5zg509ajlqjg9xc8em2m3xrorw">hated it</a>. Nonetheless, its financial success (a <a href="https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0110912/">box office return</a> of US$213 million from an $8 million budget) signalled the growing importance and cultural prestige of independent US films. Miramax, the studio that backed it, went on to <a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/Down_and_Dirty_Pictures/aXn_CwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=down+and+dirty+pictures,+biskind&printsec=frontcover">become</a> a major force in the industry. <h2>A lasting legacy</h2> Shortly after Pulp Fiction’s release, the word “Tarantinoesque” <a href="https://www.oed.com/dictionary/tarantinoesque_adj">appeared</a> in the Oxofrd English Dictionary. The entry reads: <blockquote> Resembling or imitative of the films of Quentin Tarantino; characteristic or reminiscent of these films Tarantino’s films are typically characterised by graphic and stylized violence, non-linear storylines, cineliterate references, satirical themes, and sharp dialogue. </blockquote> Pulp Fiction has since been parodied and knocked off countless times. Hollywood suddenly began <a href="http://www.tasteofcinema.com/2016/the-10-worst-copycat-films-of-pulp-fiction/">mass-producing low-budget crime thrillers</a> with witty, self-reflexive dialogue. Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead (1995), 2 Days In The Valley (1996) and Very Bad Things (1998) are just some example. Graffiti artist Bansky even <a href="https://banksyexplained.com/pulp-fiction-2004/">stencilled</a> the likeness of Jules and Vincent all over London, with bananas in place of guns. The Simpsons <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u6wR_2S4xQ">got in on the act</a> too. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4u6wR_2S4xQ?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> Tarantino <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/profile-hollywood-s-hitman-quentin-tarantino-a-sadist-or-just-a-stylist-david-thomson-on-the-boywonder-director-of-pulp-fiction-1444551.html">once summed up</a> his working method as follows: <blockquote> Ultimately all I’m trying to do is merge sophisticated storytelling with lurid subject matter. I reckon that makes for an entertaining night at the movies. </blockquote> I’d say there’s no better way to describe Pulp Fiction.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/236877/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ben-mccann-398197">Ben McCann</a>, Associate Professor of French Studies, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a> Image credits: Miramax This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/30-years-ago-tarantinos-pulp-fiction-shook-hollywood-and-redefined-cool-cinema-236877">original article</a>. </div>

Movies

5 ultimate tips before you schedule heating and cooling maintenance in Adelaide

<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In Adelaide's climate, a reliable heating and cooling system isn't just a luxury – it's a must-have! Beyond comfort, maintaining these lifesavers at peak efficiency helps you tackle the temperature swings. But how do you ensure they're up to snuff year-round? <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Walk about our <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.metropolitanheatingandcooling.com.au/blog/how-often-should-i-schedule-heating-and-cooling-maintenance/"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Maintenance and Routine Services Guide</a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. They'll arm you with everything from understanding your unique system, spotting trouble early on, the cleaning nitty-gritty, right to zeroing in on the best time for that crucial maintenance in Adelaide. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now, let’s dive into these handy pointers and get you sorted, shall we? <h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What You Need to Remember</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/12/HeatingCooling02.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Aside from air conditioner repairs and ducted gas heating repairs, diligently scheduling heating and cooling maintenance in Adelaide is just as important. Whether it's your first time scheduling one or you've done this before, these five tips can surely help you. <h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tip #1: Understand Your Air Conditioning System</h3> <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The kind of air conditioning unit you have can make a big difference to your maintenance schedule. Could be split systems, ducted gas heating systems, or the lot. Most Adelaide homes use evaporative coolers, and servicing these units is quite a different ball game compared to reverse-cycle systems. <h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tip #2: Recognise Signs of Trouble</h3> <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today's air conditioning units are excellent at giving you a heads-up about an upcoming hassle. If it's not putting out enough cool air, or it's not running as it should, it might be time to call someone for those heating and cooling repairs. Nipping these problems in the bud is what you should be aiming for. <h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tip #3: Regular Cleaning and Air Filter Changes</h3> <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keeping your air conditioners' filters clean and changing them regularly is a clever way to keep your air conditioning service in tip-top shape. The air filters, in particular, play a big role in this. Blocked air filters can lead to poor airflow and overworking of the system, which bumps your running costs up the wall. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, don't stop at just swapping out the generic filters. Give the other components like the coils and fins in your air conditioner system a good clean as well. <h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tip #4: Regular Cooling and Heating System Checks</h3> <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keeping up with regular air conditioning repair services makes sure your system is always raring to go. Your system needs to be a ripper, ready to go the minute you need it. Maintenance involves cleaning and checking big brands like Mitsubishi Electric, making sure any faults are out of the picture. <h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tip #5: Knuckling Down the Right Time for Check-up</h3> <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The best time to schedule air conditioning services or ducted gas, heating, and cooling systems repairs is before peak use - early autumn for heating systems and early spring for your cooling systems. This way, you're sorted with a climate-controlled environment just when you need it. <h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Importance of Scheduling Heating and Cooling Maintenance</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/12/HeatingCooling03.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We have our busy days, and there are times when scheduling maintenance for our heating and cooling unit is the last thing on our list. However, there are plenty of reasons why sticking to heating and cooling maintenance like glue is so important: <h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It Keeps Your Systems Efficient</h3> <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Routine maintenance keeps your system running efficiently. A well-maintained unit uses less energy to run and is therefore less likely to punch a hole in your wallet when the energy bill shows up. <h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It Helps Prevent Breakdowns</h3> <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Regular maintenance can spot potential problems and get them sorted before you're left stuck without climate control on a stinking hot day or a freezing cold night. It's a lot cheaper and less hassle to prevent problems than to fix them once they've happened. <h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It Prolongs the Life of Your Unit</h3> <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Frequent maintenance can extend the lifespan of your heating and cooling system. Like a meticulously serviced engine, it promises to function efficiently for a long haul. <h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It Keeps You in Warranty</h3> <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A lot of manufacturers require regular maintenance to keep the warranty valid. You'd want to avoid voiding your warranty for lack of looking after your investment well. <h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Choosing the Right Professionals</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/12/HeatingCooling04.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When it comes to air conditioning installation, repairs, and maintenance, make sure you're seeking out the right professionals. Some folks might be game for a bash at DIY, but trust us, most air conditioning repairs need the know-how of a trained pro. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whether it's regular <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.metropolitanheatingandcooling.com.au/locations/sa/heating-cooling-adelaide/"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">heating and cooling installation in Adelaide</a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, system updates, or tweaks for maximum efficiency, the role of the professionals is crucial. They ensure vital parts, such as your air conditioning unit, are installed well, functioning properly, and maintained to provide <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/retirement-life/5-reasons-to-check-on-your-elderly-neighbour-during-a-heatwave" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cool air in summers</a> and warm air in winters. That's precisely why heating and cooling installations in Adelaide should only be carried out by seasoned pros. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In Adelaide, you're in luck with professional, reliable air conditioning services. Keep an eye out for fully trained and licensed heating and cooling technicians who are accredited to work on big brands. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Look after your system well, and you'll be cool in the summer and cosy in the winter. Keep cool, Adelaide! Images: Supplied. This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Metropolitan Heating and Cooling.

Home & Garden

Big hair? Bald? How much difference your hair really makes to keep you cool or warm

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/theresa-larkin-952095">Theresa Larkin</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a> We have <a href="https://theconversation.com/health-check-why-does-womens-hair-thin-out-39126">millions</a> of hair follicles on our body, including around 100,000 on our scalp. This might sound like a lot of hair, yet humans are described as “hairless”. We have evolved to be the only mammals with a relatively hairless body, but still with scalp hair. So how does your hair affect your body temperature when it’s hot or cold? Compared with other animals, our hair does not have as much influence on keeping us warm or cool as you might think. <h2>Essential to our survival</h2> Our brain function and body’s metabolism depend on an optimal temperature of around 37℃. Thermoregulation maintains this body temperature, even when we are exposed to a hotter or colder external temperature. For non-human mammals, body hair or fur plays a role in protecting against environmental cold or heat. For instance, a heavy fur coat helps keep a polar bear <a href="https://polarbearsinternational.org/polar-bears-changing-arctic/polar-bear-facts/adaptions-characteristics/">warm</a> in the cold. But fur also keeps an animal cool in the heat because it can <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/25064866">absorb or reflect</a> radiant heat. Scientists think this is why humans have kept hair on our heads. Our heads are exposed to the most heat from the sun, and scalp hair keeps our heads cool. Research published just last week <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2301760120">suggests</a> curly hair provides the best heat protection. That’s because curly hair’s thicker layer of insulation reduces the amount of sun that reaches the scalp. <h2>But hair is not the only factor</h2> When humans moved from living in the jungle to the savannah, they needed to walk and run long distances in the sun. This meant they needed a way to handle the increased body temperature that comes with physical activity in the heat. Sweating is the best way to lose heat and cool down, but the presence of hair reduces sweating and heat loss from the skin. So humans evolved to <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1113915108">lose body hair</a> to be better adapted to exercising in the heat. Fewer hair follicles in our skin made room for more sweat glands. This made our skin optimal for sweat evaporation – and the <a href="https://theconversation.com/want-to-keep-cool-on-hot-summer-days-heres-how-34489">heat loss</a> that goes with it – to keep us cool. <h2>So what’s best in the heat?</h2> You might think removing body hair or having a bald head is best for sweating and keeping cool when exercising in the heat. However, it’s not that simple. Removing head hair would increase the <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2301760120">amount of sun</a> that reaches your scalp. This means you would need to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20683812/">sweat more</a> during exercise in the sun to reduce an increase in body temperature, but not by much. In fact, it’s the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4667044/#:%7E:text=The%20body%20hair%20is%20advantageous,heat%20removal%20during%20heat%20stress.">least hairy</a> areas of our body that have the highest sweat rates during exercise. These are our forehead, neck, feet and hands. So the best way to keep cool in the heat is to keep these areas uncovered (but still use sunscreen). Removing body hair will not have a large impact on your overall sweat rate. <h2>How about when it’s cold?</h2> Our body hair and head hair theoretically have a role in keeping us warm, but the effects are minimal. When we are cold, the muscles of the hair follicles on the body contract to cause the hairs to stand straight. This is an attempt to trap heat close to the body and we see this as goosebumps. However, because our body hair is so thin, this does not have a big effect in keeping us warm. Our head hair can prevent some heat loss from the head, but again this is limited. When it’s cold, heat can still be lost through the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4667044/#:%7E:text=The%20body%20hair%20is%20advantageous,heat%20removal%20during%20heat%20stress.">skin of the head</a> regardless of your hairstyle. The scalp also has only a very thin layer of fat compared to the rest of our skin, so our head has less insulation to protect against the cold. A warm hat or beanie is the only way to prevent too much heat lost from the head. <h2>In a nutshell</h2> Our head and body hair, or lack of it, does have a small role in how you maintain your body temperature. But overall, your hairstyle does not influence whether you feel warm or cool.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/201380/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/theresa-larkin-952095">Theresa Larkin</a>, Associate professor of Medical Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/big-hair-bald-how-much-difference-your-hair-really-makes-to-keep-you-cool-or-warm-201380">original article</a>.

Beauty & Style

Survival guide for cool-weather camping

Being comfortable is king to enjoying winter camping. Take a look at our suggestions to help you gear up and get out there when the weather is cold but the campfire is hot. Shelter It’s one of the most important aspects of camping in any season! Your bedding and shelter arrangement should be both comfortable and functional so you can always create a home away from home. Winter around the country can mean different things – for instance, some camp spots during winter are often covered in a blanket of snow where as at others the temperature is cool at night and moderate during the day. Depending on the type of winter you’ll be camping in, you’ll need to adjust the shelter and bedding options to suit but there are a few things every winter camper should be aware off. Make sure your tent pegs are suited to the type of ground where you’ll pitch your tent or shelter. For example in light sandy soil conditions a strong sand peg should work well however in snow covered ground or loose sand locations a longer sturdier peg will keep you tent and shelter firmly in place. Laying a ground sheet underneath your tent will help keep the dew and moisture away from your gear. Pitching your tent or shelter in a location that will take advantage of the morning sun is also a nice touch and one that your fellow campers will appreciate! If you’re likely to be camping in light snow or humid conditions, it’s a good idea to pitch a flysheet over your tent or even a tarpaulin. This will trap “dead air” between your tent and the cold air providing extra insulation and will also help reduce moisture and condensation from appearing in your tent. The same principle applies to your swag – a fly and ground sheet will help prevent condensation and creating a layer of dead air will help give you a comfy and warmer sleep. Hot Tip: Using a ground sheet underneath your tent or swag will help prevent moisture from entering your shelter from below. Sleeping What you sleep in or on can also affect your comfort level. In cold conditions the humble airbed isn’t the best insulator so it’s a good option to use a self-inflating or 4WD mattress. These bedding options also trap dead air and your body warmth will help to create a warmer bed of air to sleep on. Your choice of sleeping bag is also important so it’s a good idea to match the bag to the climate. Along with fill material and weight, sleeping bags are also rated on their insulation or temperature rating. Sleeping bags such as the Blackwolf Zambezie sleeping bag are suited to sub-zero temperatures where as less insulating sleeping bags will keep you comfortable in plus zero degree conditions. Some of us “feel the cold” more than others so it’s important to take this into consideration when deciding what sleeping bag you’ll need. We recommend using a sleeping bag rated to below the temperatures you’re expecting – it’s easier to make yourself cool than it is to add extra warmth. Hot Tip: Hot water bottles are great additions for a warm sleep. What to wear Dressing in layers is a great idea as this allows you to adjust your warmth to suit the conditions or activity. A base layer such as thermals will control your core body temperature. An insulating or middle layer such as a fleece jumper will create a micro-climate and trap warmth around your body. An outer or protective layer will protect you from the elements such as wind or rain. How To: As most of your body heat is lost through your extremities don’t forget your accessories such as beanies, scarves and gloves. Cooking Everyone loves a warming winter meal and we all have memories of a great winter stew or roast. Bringing these meals to the campsite in winter and sharing them with family and friends are easily some of the best pleasures of winter camping. Cooking over a fire is a great idea as the campers are able to enjoy the warmth provided by the fire whilst the meal is cooking. Options for cooking over a fire include the traditional cast iron cookware or fire grill and cast iron plate. Cooking options not needing a fire include thermal cookers such as the Dream Pot or a Cobb cooker. These options are perfect for cooking delicious stews, soups and roasts. Hot Tip: When cooking with cast iron, charcoal briquettes provide a long burning and consistent source of heat making cast iron cooking so easy! If firewood is your heat source, don’t forget to bring enough firewood for your heating and cooking needs! With a heap of easy cooking options available there’s no reason why you can’t be sharing a warm and hearty stew or sensational roast on your next winter camping trip. Winter warmers Comfort and warmth are key for enjoying your winter camping experience. Hot showers and gas heaters are just two options that will make your winter camping trip much easier and more comfortable. Gas heaters are great as they are portable and provide a constant source of heat. Water heaters such as the Coleman Hot Water on Demand system are popular options for winter campers – who can say no to an instant warm shower or hot cuppa? First appeared on the Ray’s Outdoors website. <a href="http://blog.raysoutdoors.com.au/expertadvice?category=Camping" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit them </a><a href="http://blog.raysoutdoors.com.au/expertadvice?category=Camping" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here for more camping advice</a>. Image credit: Shutterstock Related links: <a href="../lifestyle/caravan-camping/2015/05/4-campfire-recipes/">4 simple and delicious campfire recipes you should try</a> <a href="../lifestyle/caravan-camping/2015/05/outdoor-photography-tips/">Outdoor photography tips to help you take shots like a pro</a> <a href="../lifestyle/caravan-camping/2015/03/bush-damper-recipe/">How to make bush damper</a>

Domestic Travel

How to keep your pets cool in the heat

Now that the weather is warm, extra precautions in the sun are necessary not just for yourself, but for your furry companion. Try these useful tips to help keep Fido and Fluffy safe and cool in the heat all summer long. Give them a trim – If your pet has long hair, consider grooming them seasonally, as shorter hair makes a big difference in their overall temperature. Keep water handy – If you leave the house with your pet, always be sure to have water on you as well as a receptacle from which they can drink to keep your pet cool and hydrated. You can even set up a kiddy pool in your backyard for your dog to play in. Look for shade – If you’re out with your dog midday, try to avoid direct sunlight by locating a shady area for a rest. Follow their lead – If you dog or cat seems most content to stay indoors and enjoy the air conditioning, let them. They can tell if it’s too hot outside for them. Time it right – Avoid going out midday when possible, and take your dog for walks during the mornings and evenings instead. Never leave them in the car – Many animals die every year because irresponsible owners leave them in a car, leading to over-heating. Even if the day seems moderate in temperature, a car can still heat up drastically due to solar heat beaming in through the windows. If you’ll be leaving your car alone, leave your pet at home. Act according to breed – If your pet has a flat-shaped face, such as a pug or Persian cat, they are especially susceptible to the heat as they are unable to cool down through panting as effectively as other breeds can. If in doubt, bring them inside where it is cooler. Image credit: Shutterstock

Family & Pets

How to downsize without leaving the suburb you love

If you find yourself rattling around in a home that now has too many rooms to clean, and you’d prefer to spend more time doing things you love rather than household chores, it might be time to downsize. Not only can downsizing your property simplify your lifestyle, it has the potential to free up some funds as well. If you manage your ‘empty nester’ status well, it can become a profitable nest egg! But downsizing to a smaller home can be a daunting process. You may not be ready for the close proximity of a retirement village, nor are you keen to leave the neighbourhood you love. You have great neighbours, you’re close to family, and you have all the amenities you want nearby, but your house just doesn’t suit your lifestyle anymore. So, what are your options? There are in fact a couple of great alternatives to packing up and leaving everything you’ve known behind: building a dual occupancy home or a knockdown rebuild on your existing block of land. What is a dual occupancy development? A dual occupancy home design, also known as a ‘duplex’ or ‘multi-dwelling’, can come in a variety of layouts: either two attached dwellings side by side, where both properties have street frontage, or one behind the other, where there’s a driveway down one side of the property. A dual occupancy home is a great consideration for those who: <ul> <li>Want to remain in the same area but don’t need as big a house.</li> <li>Want a low maintenance lifestyle.</li> <li>Have a large block in an area where land prices are increasing.</li> <li>Want to realise some of the equity in the land.</li> <li>Want to create an ongoing income stream through an investment property.</li> </ul> Unlocking wealth with a dual occupancy home design The Australian property boom has made many people many millions. But the fact is that the wealth lies in the land not in the dwellings themselves. Many people who have owned a slice of the Aussie Dream for more than 10-15 years are sitting on potential gold, however all their equity is tied up in the land beneath their house. For empty nesters that are ready to downsize, this offers enormous opportunity. It’s no surprise that dual occupancy house designs are increasing in popularity. There are a number of ways you can capitalise on this opportunity: <ul> <li>Live in one house and sell the other.</li> <li>Live in one house, then rent the other one. This provides a potential income stream and is particularly great if your property is in an area where rental supply is low.</li> <li>Sell both houses and live somewhere else. This option works well in areas where housing stock is low and demand is high – and when you’re prepared to find somewhere else to live!</li> </ul> There are some design limitations when it comes to building a dual occupancy home due to the somewhat restricted footprint, and a number of things to consider such as the size of your block, street frontage, driveways and council approvals. Thankfully however, experienced homebuilders such as Metricon have the expertise and know-how to provide you the guidance you need to make the most of your asset. Knockdown rebuild – build a brand-new home, wherever suits your lifestyle “Don’t move your life, improve your life!” is a fitting motto for those looking to take advantage of their great location by building a more suitable home for their life stage. If you really love where you live but your home just isn’t right for you any more, then there are two likely options: a renovation or a knockdown rebuild. A knockdown rebuild is especially a great option when you are looking to downsize – such as replacing your double storey home with a more suitable single storey option. Perhaps you are weighing up the option of moving but also hoping to build new. Let’s explore your options. To renovate or rebuild? Before jumping on the renovation bandwagon, assuming it is an easier option, there are a few factors to consider that may ultimately influence your decision. These can include: the extent of your renovation, the comparable costs between renovating and rebuilding, and the expected increase in value of your property. Other factors such as the condition of your home (some old homes can’t cope with structural changes), and ongoing expense (a new home is typically cheaper to maintain than an older home), may preclude you from renovating. Renovating can often result in unforeseen cost blowouts and uncover previously hidden or undiscovered faults. There’s also the hassle of shifting furniture, isolating rooms, living in only part of your home or moving out completely during the renovation. A knockdown rebuild however, may be easier and deliver a more satisfying result than you think: a brand-new home where everything is clean and reliable, in a floorplan that matches your desired lifestyle perfectly. Re-locating and building new If you’re looking for a complete lifestyle change when downsizing, perhaps weighing up the options of a sea or tree change, you can have the best of both worlds and build your dream home to perfectly suit your new location. Images: Getty

Downsizing

Is Eurovision finally cool? That depends on your definition – ‘cool theory’ expert explain

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/vanessa-brown-142590">Vanessa Brown</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/nottingham-trent-university-1338">Nottingham Trent University</a> With an aesthetic dependent on novelty and spectacle, and a structure that’s both disjointed and drawn-out, Eurovision – for some – cannot fail to fail. In its “failed seriousness” (the phrase writer Susan Sontag <a href="https://www.artandobject.com/news/what-camp-met-tries-define-ineffable">used to describe “camp”</a>), the song contest has all the exaggerated expressiveness that audiences associate with kitsch. So, how could it possibly be cool? I’m interested in viewing the show through the lens of <a href="https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/45239/1/1507168_Brown.pdf">cool theory</a> (which identifies different kinds of cool and breaks those down into core qualities). “Coolness” itself is a <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14797585.2021.2000837">slippery and controversial term</a> that can mean almost opposing things. For some, “cool” is simply what is fashionable. It can also be a rebellion against what is fashionable. Or an anti-social attitude in which nothing and no one else matters beyond your own stylish persona. Indeed Sam Ryder – the UK’s near-win Eurovision act of 2022 whose high energy performance combined epic, earnest vocals with flowing natural locks, pearly teeth and a bejewelled one-piece – told the Guardian in 2022 that cool is “<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/may/19/cool-is-the-enemy-eurovision-hero-sam-ryder-on-how-he-ditched-his-ego-and-found-his-joy">the enemy</a>”. The profile of Ryder claimed he had no interest in the “detached rock star” exterior. This refers to the sense of unwillingness of “cool” musicians to have their dignity compromised by other people’s rules – an unwillingness to be caught making an effort. But Eurovision is all about effort. A publicised drama of rehearsals and heats, nervous waving and nail biting in the green room – the performers are just generally far too eager. Because whether it’s death metal or pared back electronica, being liked is what these musicians are here for. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RZ0hqX_92zI?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>Sam Ryder’s 2022 Eurovision performance.</figcaption></figure> On the other hand, it’s hard to imagine the uber-cool 1960s <a href="https://www.loudersound.com/features/krautrock-communism-and-chaos-the-anarchic-story-of-can">krautrock band Can</a> giving two hoots what a jury in Brussels would make of their genre-defining understated rock. Nor the jazz men Miles Davis, Charlie Parker or Lester Young, who set the parameters of cool performance with their sharp, formal attire and <a href="https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/cool-shades-9780857854643/">refusal to acknowledge the audience</a>. <h2>What kind of ‘cool’ is Eurovision?</h2> Although the performers of Eurovision aren’t detached, the audience can be. Sociologist Janna Michael’s <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1469540513493206?journalCode=joca">2015 study</a> of European urban hipsters revealed that the point of cool is not what is liked, so much as how it is liked. This goes some way to explaining Eurovision’s appeal. Since the 1980s, Eurovision has been presented (certainly in Britain) as something to enjoy in a specifically detached way, through irony. From 1973 to 2008, former commentator Terry Wogan’s flippant narration allowed the audience to collude in a knowing superiority over the event, finding its failed seriousness funny. The cult following of Eurovision among those with a camp sensibility was further endorsed by the appointment of comedian Graham Norton as Wogan’s more obviously camp successor. Do these fans love Eurovision because they enjoy the catharsis of the unabashed release of “bad taste”? Or because they enjoy feeling superior to those people (and nations) who genuinely engage with the drama of the competition? This is a side of <a href="https://www.abebooks.co.uk/9780719066153/Kitsch-Cultural-Politics-Taste-Ruth-0719066158/plp">cool’s ironic detachment that celebrates disdain for others</a>. However, many British fans now speak enthusiastically about the tolerance and openness of Eurovision. As <a href="https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/showbiz-news/eurovisions-rylan-clark-blown-away-26873868">host Rylan Clark said this year</a>: “Everyone is welcome.” In recent years Eurovision has become more obviously and consciously open to gender diversity and aligned to LGBTQ+ tastes. This was crystallised by bearded Austrian drag queen Conchita’s winning performance in 2014. The <a href="https://metro.co.uk/2023/05/11/eurovision-alesha-dixon-and-hannah-waddingham-turned-into-drag-queens-18770837/">drag makeovers given to all three semi-final hosts this year</a> confirmed the contest’s status as a space which endorses self-creation, individuality and tolerance – all aspects of the cool attitude. <h2>Becoming mainstream</h2> In the past, scholars of the theory of coolness have often focused too heavily on men and masculine, emotionally blank forms of “cool”, with composure and self-possession at their heart. Though this brand of cool is eloquently expressed in jazz, it is also visible in the consummate performer of drag. Thanks to the popularity of shows such as RuPaul’s Drag Race, drag – once enjoyed purely in LGBTQ+ subcultures – is now mainstream entertainment. This is perhaps one reason Eurovision has suddenly become perceived as “cool” <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120607180110.htm">by some</a>. But experiences of exclusion and marginalisation have historically been the conditions in which modern cool has been forged. The very fact that Eurovision has been viewed for decades as a cultural white elephant, a place of almost inconsequential melodrama, gives it the potential to be resurrected as cool. Liking Eurovision was once an anti-mainstream position. This gave the show the potential to become “cool”, through both its exaggeration of qualities seen as undesirable by dominant social tastes, and its willingness to push the boundaries of convention, despite the detractors. The concept of cool is complicated – and it is changing. Indeed, <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120607180110.htm">some recent studies</a> have shown that perception of coolness is connected to activism and pro-social traits. Eurovision may seem like sparkly fluff, but perhaps now more than ever, it is also a vehicle for promoting greater acceptance of other ways of life. It’s all cool.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/205600/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/vanessa-brown-142590">Vanessa Brown</a>, Course Leader MA Culture, Style and Fashion, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/nottingham-trent-university-1338">Nottingham Trent University</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-eurovision-finally-cool-that-depends-on-your-definition-cool-theory-expert-explains-205600">original article</a>.

Music

Top 10 tips to keep cool this summer while protecting your health and your budget

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ross-gordon-404681">Ross Gordon</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gordon-waitt-191636">Gordon Waitt</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/theresa-harada-128927">Theresa Harada</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a> With energy prices and temperatures both rising, keeping cool in summer is an increasingly costly challenge for many Australians. Energy bills are predicted to increase <a href="https://7news.com.au/politics/aussies-hit-with-another-cost-of-living-blow-as-power-prices-tipped-to-rise-by-50-per-cent-c-8657366">by 50%</a> over the next two years, adding to the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/nov/14/five-australians-managing-cost-of-living-crisis-housing-food-prices-inflation">cost-of-living crisis</a>. For some, this creates <a href="https://energyconsumersaustralia.com.au/news/putting-people-in-control-of-energy-use-is-our-most-urgent-national-energy-priority">stark choices</a> between paying energy bills or putting food on the table. Many households will have to contend with <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ahead/outlooks/">high temperatures</a> this summer, and it’s getting hotter by the year. Last summer Onslow, Western Australia, endured the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-01-15/wa-onslow-50-degrees-dangerous-temperature-australians-get-used/100757256">highest temperature</a> ever recorded in Australia at <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-01-15/wa-onslow-50-degrees-dangerous-temperature-australians-get-used/100757256">50.7℃</a>. <a href="https://www.science.org.au/supporting-science/science-policy-and-analysis/reports-and-publications/risks-australia-three-degrees-c-warmer-world">Research</a> suggests climate change will lead to summer temperatures as high as 50℃ becoming <a href="https://theconversation.com/seriously-ugly-heres-how-australia-will-look-if-the-world-heats-by-3-c-this-century-157875">common</a> in Sydney and Melbourne. Australians need to take the risks of heat seriously and do what they can to keep their homes cool. As the World Health Organization <a href="https://www.who.int/health-topics/energy-and-health#tab=tab_1">points out</a>, energy and health are inextricably linked. So, while <a href="https://www.energy.gov.au/government-priorities/australias-energy-strategies-and-frameworks">energy policy</a> often focuses on managing costs and reducing energy use in the name of climate action, we should not forget the <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hot-weather-risks-and-staying-cool">impacts of heat on health</a> and wellbeing. Fortunately, there are things Australians can do to keep cool this summer while managing their energy bills. <h2>So how do you keep cool on a budget?</h2> Based on our <a href="https://research.qut.edu.au/social-marketing-research-group/publications/">research</a> and the available evidence, our team has developed several resources including <a href="http://www.energyplusillawarra.com.au/?page_id=82">newsletters</a>, <a href="http://www.energyplusillawarra.com.au/?page_id=84">videos</a> and <a href="https://research.qut.edu.au/social-marketing-research-group/news-events/">brochures</a> on managing energy use while staying cool. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_bxSBPKDGAQ?wmode=transparent&start=91" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>A mix of approaches can help strike a balance between staying comfortable and keeping costs down.</figcaption></figure> Here are our top ten tips: 1. Insulate your home. <a href="https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/insulation">Insulation</a> is often the most practical and effective way to make a home more energy-efficient. It’s a barrier to heat gain in summer (and loss in winter). Sealing gaps around <a href="https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/energy-efficiency-and-reducing-emissions/building-or-renovating/key-principles-of-energy-efficient-design/planning-and-design/insulation/draught-proofing/seal-gaps-around-doors-and-windows">windows</a>, doors, walls and <a href="https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/energy-efficiency-and-reducing-emissions/building-or-renovating/key-principles-of-energy-efficient-design/planning-and-design/insulation/draught-proofing/seal-gaps-around-walls-and-floors">floors</a> can make a big difference. 2. Shade helps keep your home cool. External shading of windows can block up to 90% of unwanted heat gain. Awnings, adjustable shutters and trees (ideally deciduous so they don’t block winter sun) and vegetation around windows can help block out the summer sun. 3. Close windows, curtains and blinds during the day. Blocking the sunlight stops heat from getting into your home. Thermally insulated double-glazed or secondary-glazed windows also help, as do honeycomb/solar blinds and blackout curtains with white backing. 4. Open doors and windows when the air is cooler outside. Opening up the house at the right times helps cool it down when the building is retaining heat during a warm spell. The coolest part of the day is usually between 4am and 7am, so if you are an early riser this is a good time to open up and let cool air in. Cool breezes often occur in the late afternoon or early evening, providing another good opportunity to cool your home. 5. Stay hydrated. Hydration is important for health and wellbeing, especially during summer. If you don’t drink enough water, you can start to feel unwell including symptoms of tiredness and headaches. Women need about eight cups or 2 litres, and men need about ten cups or 2.5 litres of fluid <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/drinking-water-and-your-health">every day</a>. Beverages with alcohol, caffeine or sugar are not as good for keeping you hydrated – water is best! 6. Wear suitable clothing. Natural fabrics such as cotton and linen absorb sweat and allow air to circulate against your skin. These are much <a href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-keep-cool-heatwave">better</a> than synthetics, which can leave you feeling hot and uncomfortable. 7. Personal cooling practices can help. Using a <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hot-weather-risks-and-staying-cool">spray bottle</a> or a wet washcloth for your face and neck can help take the edge off the heat, as can a lukewarm bath or shower. <a href="https://www.intheknow.com/post/taking-naps-cools-body-heat-wave-tiktok/">Rest</a>, if possible, during the hottest part of the day – usually 11am-4pm. Vigorous physical activity at these times on hot days can be <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/how-to-cope-and-stay-safe-in-extreme-heat">damaging</a> for your health. 8. Visit <a href="https://youtu.be/qRV_8aH0dhk?t=257">cool public places</a>. When your home gets too hot, air-conditioned sanctuaries include shopping malls, libraries, galleries and eateries. 9. Switch on fans. Fans are a cheap and <a href="https://research.qut.edu.au/social-marketing-research-group/wp-content/uploads/sites/331/2022/06/Cooling.pdf">effective</a> way to keep cool. The air flow provides a similar improvement to comfort as reducing the air temperature by around 3℃. Direct the air flow to your face because the face has so many receptors on it. If the outside temperature is lower than in your home, place your fan next to an open window to draw in cool air. 10. Think twice about switching on air conditioners. An <a href="https://youtu.be/_bxSBPKDGAQ?t=120">air conditioner</a> typically uses ten times more energy than a fan. Try using a fan in combination with an air conditioner. This means you can set the air conditioner to a higher temperature in summer (add at least 3℃) and still benefit. The combined cost will be far lower than running the air conditioner alone set at a lower temperature. For efficient air conditioning, your home or room should be well sealed and well insulated, and windows should be shaded from the sun. <h2>Keeping cool can protect your health</h2> If, to save on energy costs, households don’t cool their homes, the consequences can be more serious than being a bit uncomfortable. Our <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0263775820961397">research</a> found energy consumption is important for families to care for children, cook and eat well, and live comfortably in the family home. We also <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S027795362200020X">found</a> that for older Australians energy is vital for preventing ill health and death, managing illness or disease, supporting good mental health and sustaining social relationships. But our research shows people <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301421515302093">worry</a> about the costs and need <a href="https://energyconsumersaustralia.com.au/great-grants/exploring-the-nexus-of-energy-use-ageing-and-health-and-wellbeing-among-older-australians">support</a> to use energy to maintain their health and well-being. Heat exposure can <a href="https://www.who.int/health-topics/heatwaves#tab=tab_1">cause</a> dehydration, heat exhaustion and stress. It can also worsen existing <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/climate/Pages/how-climate-can-affect-health.aspx">health problems</a> such as heart and lung disease. As a result, heatwaves <a href="https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12913-022-08341-3">significantly increase</a> hospital admissions and deaths, killing <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212420921006324">354 people</a> in Australia between 2000 and 2018. Hot nights can also cause <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/may/20/global-heating-cutting-sleep-study-health-impacts">poor sleep</a> and have <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0033350618302130?casa_token=myga3j6buToAAAAA:NW4Uv_qdbp7roLwcL4x-aGbzy6im8Gb3DKaD-9VZnAX6_T_GbdIJzKUWrOHue46iO1qiEhVdIQ">harmful impacts</a> on mental health. So, to protect your health, do what you can to keep cool this summer.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/193723/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ross-gordon-404681">Ross Gordon</a>, Professor, School of Advertising, Marketing & PR, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gordon-waitt-191636">Gordon Waitt</a>, Professor of Geography, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/theresa-harada-128927">Theresa Harada</a>, Research Fellow at Australian Centre for Culture, Environment, Society and Space, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/top-10-tips-to-keep-cool-this-summer-while-protecting-your-health-and-your-budget-193723">original article</a>. Image: Getty

Home Hints & Tips

World’s coolest neighbourhoods ranked

Travelling to a new destination gives us plenty to explore - from the tourist hotspots to the hidden gems found off the beaten track - and it’s these latter spots that have been ranked, with Time Out releasing its <a href="https://www.timeout.com/travel/coolest-neighbourhoods-in-the-world" target="_blank" rel="noopener">51 Coolest Neighbourhoods in the World</a> for 2022. The fifth annual listing, created after surveying 20,000 city-dwellers and relying on expert input, is made up of “incredible places to be right now”, according to Time Out editors. While we might not have cracked the top ten, there was still plenty of representation from Australia and New Zealand. Fitzroy, Melbourne, took out the highest spot in 27th place, earning the “distinction of the second coolest street in the world” thanks to the retail stores, galleries, pubs, bars and cafes lining Gertrude Street. Sydney’s Marrickville came in close behind at No. 33, garnering praise for its “healthy dose of creative colour”. Kingsland, Auckland, came in 43rd, followed by Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, which scraped in at No. 47. The top of the list featured spots in Portugal, Cambodia, the US, Japan and Canada, with Colonia Americana, in the western Mexico city of Guadalajara, being crowned the coolest of them all. Time Out travel editor James Manning said Guandalajara is an emerging “must-visit” spot, with Colonia Americana being “the place to be right now”. “It's home to a boundary-pushing creative community, a growing number of amazing places to eat, and some of the best nightlife in the western hemisphere. And the street life is unbeatable,” he said in a statement. Following in second place is Lisbon’s riverside Cais do Sodré, a long-time hub for nightlife that is becoming a foodie hotspot. Third place was claimed by Wat Bo Village in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Following a “serious glow-up” in the surrounding area over the past year, highlights include boutique hotels and the restaurant Tevy’s Place, which slings organic meals and works to empower local women. The first US entry, New York City’s suburb of Ridgewood, took fourth place, followed by Mile End in Montreal, Canada, at No. 5. Dave Calhoun, Time Out’s chief content officer for North America and the UK, said the goal of the annual list was to spotlight areas that aren’t “homogenised, corporate destinations” and have “an independent and welcoming vibe” instead. "You may be able to walk across them in half an hour or less but they are packed with enough experiences to spend days exploring," he said. The top ten list of Time Out’s coolest suburbs in the world are: 1. Colonia Americana - Guadalajara, Mexico 2. Cais do Sodré - Lisbon, Portugal 3. Wat Bo Village - Siem Reap, Cambodia 4. Ridgewood - New York City, USA 5. Mile End - Montreal, Canada 6. Barrio Logan - San Diego, USA 7. Shimokitazawa - Tokyo, Japan 8. Cliftonville - Margate, UK 9. Barrio Yungay - Santiago, Chile 10. Cours Julien - Marseille, France Image: Instagram

International Travel

Melbourne suburbs ordered to evacuate

Residents of several Melbourne suburbs have been ordered to evacuate while others across the state have been told it’s too late to leave as Victoria experiences “one of the most significant flood events” in recent history. As the Maribyrnong River in north-west Melbourne continues to rise, 42 suburbs across the city have been told to prepare for potential flooding. Those living in parts of Maribyrnong were urged to evacuate immediately by Vic Emergency as of 5.40am on Friday. Authorities have also warned residents in several suburbs in the riverine area to move to higher ground, with “flooding above floor level” in single-storey homes “likely to occur in many locations”. River levels are expected to peak above flood level on Friday morning, with levels in Keilor expected to peak at 8.7 metres and levels in Maribyrnong expected to hit 3.8 metres, according to an alert issued by the Bureau of Meteorology. The Bureau warned that flooding in the catchment of Deep River and the Maribyrnong River could result in “extensive inundation”, traffic disruptions and isolated properties. It comes as a total of 91 flood-related warnings have been issued across Victoria, ranging in severity from Flood Watch alerts near inundated catchments to orders to evacuate immediately. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Sullivans Road, Strathfieldsaye blocked by flood water <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/vicfloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#vicfloods</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/victoria?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#victoria</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bendigo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bendigo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/severeweather?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#severeweather</a> <a href="https://t.co/MLt0rCwtU0">pic.twitter.com/MLt0rCwtU0</a> — Nicholas Nakos (@nicholas_nakos) <a href="https://twitter.com/nicholas_nakos/status/1580477701575438336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2022</a></blockquote> Between Thursday morning and Friday, the Victoria State Emergency Service responded to over 2500 calls for help, as staff assist in evacuating residents and clearing roads. Premier Daniel Andrews told the ABC that the suburbs of Benalla, Wedderburn, the Maribyrnong, Carisbrook, Seymour and Rochester were his “chief concerns”. “The most important thing is just to say to people get the best information, please be aware of your circumstances,” he said. “If people are being called out driving through flood waters, that is dangerous for you and it is really dangerous for the emergency services (and the) volunteer or career staffer who has to come and save you.” As of 6.30am on Friday, residents in Rochester, Maribyrnong, Benalla, Carisbrook and the township of Seymour have been advised to leave immediately, with some Seymour residents told it was too late to leave just seven minutes later due to the rising Goulburn River flooding roads and bridges. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Some of the flooding at my sister’s farm outside of Bendigo, Victoria. There’s a bridge under the water somewhere. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/floods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#floods</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/australia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#australia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Campaspe?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Campaspe</a> <a href="https://t.co/qdpTHF4bmN">pic.twitter.com/qdpTHF4bmN</a> — Josh (@SladdenJosh) <a href="https://twitter.com/SladdenJosh/status/1580692557301809152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2022</a></blockquote> While the Bureau reports that the deluge is expected to clear from 6am on Friday, rainfall totals have peaked above 200mm in just 24 hours and broken historic October totals, including one dating back to 1863. ABC meteorologist Thomas Saunders <a href="https://twitter.com/TomSaundersABC/status/1580415225798758402" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that 76mm recorded in Mangalore exceeded records dating back to 1957, 71mm in Swan Hill is the highest total since 1884, and 66mm in Bendigo is the highest recorded since 1863. The biggest falls affected Victoria’s lower northeast, with Strathbogie North, Charnwood and Moroko Park reporting totals of 221.6mm, 209.4mm and 187mm respectively. On Thursday, Mr Andrews warned that the incoming weather event was “one of the most significant flood events” in recent history. “That will pose a real challenge over the coming days,” he said. Victoria’s soaking comes as widespread heavy rain and flash flooding continued to threaten northern Tasmania, central Victoria, and southern inland NSW, with the Bureau predicting that the weather event will finally move offshore on Friday. Image: The Today Show

News

5 ways to stay cool while camping

The temperature is beginning to soar and when you’re heading out on a camping adventure the last thing you want is to feel hot and bothered, especially if you’re living in a tent. Luckily there’s no need to forgo the adventure altogether if the forecast predicts stinking hot days, just follow these tips. 1. Position your campsite Before you set up camp, think ahead to position your tent where there will be the most afternoon shade. Remember what’s shady in the morning might not be the case as the day progresses. 2. Air the tent Try to set up your tent as late as possible to avoid heat building up inside. Leave the fly off and open up doors and windows so any breeze can cool the tent. 3. Wear light clothing Pack for the weather so bring plenty of light-coloured, loose-fitting and moisture-wicking cloths. Wear a hat and lather up with the sunscreen. This will help keep cool while you traversing the bushlands. 4. Plan suitable activities Seek out hot-weather activities like exploring caves or swimming in rivers or pools that will keep you cool in hot conditions. If you plan to do outdoor activities schedule them in for the morning or evening, when the sun is not so hot. 5. Hydrate and eat cold foods Load up on cold food you don’t need to cook like salads, fruits and ice blocks. And make sure you keep hydrated. Water is best over dehydrating drinks like alcohol, coffee and tea. Image: Shutterstock

Travel Tips

Readers Respond: What was considered ‘cool’ for a child to have when you were younger?

We all do it… sit there and reminisce about the good ol’ days. What we used to do for fun, how times were simpler back then and what was SO COOL to have as a child. We asked the OverSixty team what they considered COOL for a child while growing up and one said owning a Discman portable CD player, another said Heely shoes (the ones with a wheel) and another said scoobies (I am not explaining this). Now it’s your turn to tell us what you considered to be COOL for a child back when you were younger. Check out your responses below. Anne Smyth - A white ‘proper’ suitcase. God knows why because I didn’t go anywhere except my cousins in Frankston. I thought it was the bees knees! Deb Van Daal - A pump up scooter. Didn’t have one. Bless I got a hard tyred scooter from the tip done up instead. Oh dear, never let my mum and dad forget it. I survived by the way. Rae Scott - A sled to ride down the hill near our house. We made them ourselves out of timber we scrounged. Also I would have loved a pair of rubber thongs but our mother couldn’t afford six pairs. Julia Santos - I am the 9th of 11 children so having new clothes was waaaaaay cool. Also, having an outfit for every day of the week was cool. And shoes that actually fit. We were very poor. But very rich in love and family togetherness. Corinne Ridley - Roller skates was my dream, which I did eventually get, but in those days, anything you got was greatly appreciated! Jenny Robertson - My brother and I loved our scooters which we thought were really cool. Vicki Patterson - Slinkies, happy pants, hypercolour t-shirts, Super Mario, skateboards, and your own bike. I didn't have most of these though. Jo Dippel - A doll and doll’s pram, pedal car, scouter, bike, cowboy and girl outfits and a Davy Crockett hat Noelene O'Donnell - No matter what it was my mum couldn’t afford it but I never felt deprived and my best friend had everything so I still got to play with it all. Lynda Richardson - Mum and dad bought me a 3 wheeler for my 5th or 6th birthday, I still have it as is good condition, my younger sister used it all my nieces and nephews as well, and my children. Share your cool stories <a href="https://www.facebook.com/oversixtys/posts/3300929490137314" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image: Shutterstock

Retirement Life

Stunning Sydney property on sale for first time in 60 years

A jaw-dropping property in Sydney's inner-eastern suburb of Vaucluse has hit the market with a price guide of $55 million. 69 Fitzwilliam Road is a staggering, bordering on nonpareil estate, which backs onto the iconic Sydney Harbour. Spread over a 1057-square-metre block of the most prime waterfront real estate imaginable, the vast property spans from its tree-lined thoroughfare all the way to the beautiful Parsley Bay. Being listed for sale for the first time in over 60 years, the huge family home boasts six bedrooms, six bathrooms and garage parking for three cars. Features of the multi-storey main residence include a self-contained one-bedroom unit, gallery, reading room and wet bar, family retreat, rooftop terrace and a vast master suite replete with a dressing room, private balcony and ensuite. Outside, the abode benefits from a sizeable harbour-facing swimming pool and lounge area, two deepwater jetties, and, according to the property's listing, one of the largest slipways and private boathouses found anywhere on Sydney Harbour. If the home is sold for the $55 million-plus asking price, it will become one of the most expensive homes sold anywhere in Australia this year. Images: Domain

Real Estate

Aussie suburbs where house prices have doubled

Sydney has quickly become one of the most expensive cities in the world, where the value of homes across suburbs, both metro and regional, continues to rise. In fact, they have risen a staggering $1 million-plus in some areas in the space of two years since the pandemic hit. Houses in the celebrity hot-spot of Byron Bay have skyrocketed 114% between March 2020 and 2022. The beachside town saw the value of a typical house rise from $1.4 million to $3.02 million in the past two years, an increase of $1.6 million. In Sydney’s northwest, the suburb of Glenorie experienced an 88% increase in value. jumping from $1.27 million in 2020 up to $2.4 million – almost doubling. The waterfront suburb of Sylvania Waters in Sydney’s south saw house values soar by $1.13 million. Back in 2020, house prices were typically $1.6 million but that has now increased by 84% to $2.95 million in February. Another suburb that saw staggering increases was Bayview on Sydney’s northern beaches, with house prices increasing by 77% or $1.47 million in two years. A regular house in the suburb jumped from $1.92 million to $3.4 million. The suburb that recorded the most incredible jump in value was on the Central Coast, an area that has become increasingly popular as the opportunity to work from home became more common during the pandemic. The suburb of Wyee saw its house values increase a whopping 142%, taking it from $330,000 in 2020 to $797,500 this year. Coastal and regional areas in Australia experienced some of the highest jumps in value, said REA head of research Cameron Kusher, with the Central Coast in particular recording six suburbs in the top 20 growth areas in NSW. “People have realised that if they’re not going into the office every day, they can currently live by the beach on the Central Coast, or out around the Blue Mountains, get themselves a much larger property and live more like they would like to.” Austral in Sydney’s west was the second-best performing suburb out of the top 20 growth suburbs in NSW, with an incredible 132% increase, pushing typical house values from $439,400 to $1.01 million. Copacabana on the Central Coast boasted the third biggest increase at 106% with a rise of $981,500 in house values. A typical house rose from $923,500 back in March 2020 to now be worth a staggering $1.9 million. Mr Kushner said it was unusual for capital cities and regions around Australia to boom simultaneously, but the pandemic meant people were saving more but couldn’t spend it on typical things like travelling and entertainment, so turned to spending cash on property. Lockdown also made people realise that life had changed and they wanted a more comfortable place to live as they were spending so much time there, he said. “It’s very abnormal to be seeing everywhere growing rapidly at one point in time and I think that speaks to the fact that interest rates were cut so low,” he said. A huge shortage in available properties on the market also drove the boom. “We saw a real reluctance of people to bring properties to market and a lot of that was driven by the uncertainty around lockdowns and not knowing if you’re going to get the best price if you put your property on the market and no one could inspect it,” he said. However, Australia’s red hot property market has finally started to slow down according to recent data showing that the cost of property has only risen by 0.3% in March and has even fallen around cities like Melbourne and Perth. Image: Getty

Real Estate

"Selfie for the archives": Kate and William's hilarious Cool Runnings moment

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are continuing their tour in the Caribbean for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. After landing in Kingston on Tuesday, hundreds of locals turned out to meet the couple, despite them having arrived amid anti-monarchy protests on the island, as the government begins paperwork to remove the Queen as head of state. William and Kate even put their usual "no selfie" rule aside to pose for a pic with members of the Jamaica Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation, much to their delight. Enjoying their amazing Cool Runnings moment, Kate and William royals climbed into one of the history-making bobsleighs. "I had the honour of being introduced to the Duke and Duchess. It's great they came," Chris Stokes one of the men who competed at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics made famous in the movie, told reporters. After the federation shared the image on its social media, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's account re-shared the image on an Instagram Story, captioning the image: "Selfie for the archives". Both William and Kate were seen laughing as the Duchess appeared to make an impromptu decision to get into the back of the capsule, despite her outfit. The Duke spoke with members of the Winter Olympics team, who finished 28th in the recent Beijing Games, and was surprised to hear the bobsleighs can reach speeds of 150km/h. The Duke and Duchess also met with Jamaican-born footballers, two of whom now play in the English Premier League - Manchester City's Raheem Sterling and Aston Villa's Leon Bailey. When Prince William, who is president of the Football Association, met Sterling and Bailey, he reportedly said to his wife: "Two heroes of mine. These two are the fastest in the team". Images: Instagram/JBSFed and Getty

International Travel

Anti-racist street signs slammed in wealthy suburbs

Residents of some of Australia’s wealthiest suburbs <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/outrage-over-woke-anti-racist-street-signs-in-wealthy-sydney-suburbs/ar-AATR1gL?ocid=hplocalnews" target="_blank" rel="noopener">have called</a> for the removal of “woke” anti-racism street signs, despite residents in other areas with the signs having zero complaints.Red signs with the phrase “#RacismNOTWelcome” displayed in white text were erected in several wealthy eastern suburbs within the Woollahra Local Government Area (LGA), including Paddington, Rose Bay, Bellevue Hill and Double Bay.<blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF;border: 0;border-radius: 3px;margin: 1px;max-width: 540px;min-width: 326px;padding: 0;width: calc(100% - 2px)" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/COY25tALOnc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"><div style="padding: 16px"><div style="flex-direction: row;align-items: center"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 40px;margin-right: 14px;width: 40px"> </div><div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 100px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 60px"> </div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0"> </div><div style="height: 50px;margin: 0 auto 12px;width: 50px"> </div><div style="padding-top: 8px"><div style="color: #3897f0;font-family: Arial,sans-serif;font-size: 14px;font-style: normal;font-weight: 550;line-height: 18px">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0"> </div><div style="flex-direction: row;margin-bottom: 14px;align-items: center"><div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px;flex-grow: 0;margin-right: 14px;margin-left: 2px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"> </div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 20px;width: 20px"> </div><div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 2px solid transparent;border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom: 2px solid transparent"> </div></div><div style="margin-left: auto"><div style="width: 0px;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right: 8px solid transparent"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;flex-grow: 0;height: 12px;width: 16px"> </div><div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left: 8px solid transparent"> </div></div></div><div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center;margin-bottom: 24px"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 224px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 144px"> </div></div><a style="color: #c9c8cd;font-family: Arial,sans-serif;font-size: 14px;font-style: normal;font-weight: normal;line-height: 17px;text-decoration: none" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COY25tALOnc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Racism Not Welcome (@racismnotwelcome)</a></div></blockquote>The initiative started by Woollahra Council as part of a city-wide campaign last year to raise awareness of the issue.But, local residents have complained that the signs inadvertently make it seem like the suburb is racist, while Liberal councillors have demanded the signs be ripped down.“Locals say the signs give a false impression that Woollahra locals are racists, while there has been no evidence presented to that fact,” a motion before the local council read.“The signs do not properly represent our community and are simply an appropriation from some other community, or other local government area, where racism may be rife.”Appearing on 2GB radio on Tuesday, Woollahra councillor Mary-Lou Jarvis said, “Lecturing people with street signs is not going to cut it.“I was overwhelmed from people around the area when the signs went up. There was an incredible diversity in the people that contacted me.”Councillor Jarvis shared one example of a Jewish woman who reached out and asked for the signs to be taken down.“She was the first that said to me, ‘This is woke-ism gone mad.’“This is all about us taking personal responsibility.”Three Liberal councillors initially proposed for all 12 signs to be removed from the LGA, which was followed by a compromise to move the signs from residential streets to public areas such as parks and transport hubs.However, the compromise failed after Councillor Jarvis insisted the signs be removed from the area entirely.“This has divided the council, it’s divided the community,” she said. “It’s wokeism writ large and has created division where there wasn’t any before. This is all about making people feel good rather than taking actions to reduce racism.”<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Now having to argue to keep Racism Not Welcome signs because some people don’t like them on their street 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️ <a href="https://t.co/LHv7Ng9pcE">pic.twitter.com/LHv7Ng9pcE</a>— Nicola Grieve (@nicolagrieve) <a href="https://twitter.com/nicolagrieve/status/1493173119162658819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2022</a></blockquote>Greens councillor Nicola Grieve said she was “flabbergasted” by the opposition to the signs and that there was definitely racism in the area.“I think it’s completely obscene and absurd. There is clearly racism in this electorate: I’ve heard it,” she said.“These signs send a message that we are standing up for people of colour and don’t tolerate racism.”When the issue was debated on Monday night, Woollahra Municipal Council <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/nsw/push-to-remove-woke-anti-racist-street-signs-from-woollahra-fails-20220215-p59wkk.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">voted 8-7</a> to keep the signs in their current locations.The #RacismNOTWelcome street sign campaign, spearheaded by former Socceroo player Craig Foster, began in Sydney’s inner west before spreading to other council areas, including Woollahra.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I asked <a href="https://twitter.com/Craig_Foster?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Craig_Foster</a> today if opposing the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/racismNOTwelcome?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#racismNOTwelcome</a> road signs in <a href="https://twitter.com/woollahramc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@woollahramc</a> indicates to him that racism does exist? This is what he had to say: "Some or all councillors here say there is NO racism here...well...we should beg to differ"<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Woollahra?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Woollahra</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sydney?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sydney</a> <a href="https://t.co/GJFaJfLnsS">pic.twitter.com/GJFaJfLnsS</a>— Nabil Al Nashar (@NabilAlNashar) <a href="https://twitter.com/NabilAlNashar/status/1493521809509351427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2022</a></blockquote>Foster shared his disappointment at the backlash with <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/woollahra-councillors-push-to-remove-anti-racism-signs-20220214-p59w7n.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sydney Morning Herald</a>, telling the publication that the signs send a powerful message to everyone entering a council area that racism won’t be tolerated.“A minority saying they feel confronted by the very word ‘racism’ is as old as Australia itself,” he said.“It is a disappointment for our whole community when any LGA demonstrates an unwillingness to commit to a more truthful conversation.”Image: @racismnotwelcome (Instagram)

Real Estate

Five Aussie swimming spots to cool down in

Though Australia might be known as a sunburnt country, it is home to plenty of idyllic spots where you can beat the heat.Whether you’re looking to plan your next summer holiday or a short day trip, these five locations are perfect candidates to add to your trip itinerary.1. Greens Pools, William Bay National Park, Western Australia<img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/green-pools.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />Image: Tourism Western AustraliaFound on the edge of Williams Bay National Park and just 15 kilometres west of the town of Denmark, Greens Pools is famed for its white sands and turquoise green waters.The pool is protected from the Southern Ocean by surrounding granite boulders, and is especially popular during summer.2. Kingfisher Pool, Heathcote National Park, New South Wales<img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/kingfisher-pool.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />Image: NSW National Parks and Wildlife ServiceKingfisher Pool is one of the closest natural pools to Sydney, located at the end of a 1.5 kilometre walk through Heathcote National Park.The freshwater stream is lined with Gymea lilies, tea trees and waxflowers, and is a prime spot for enjoying a dip or even birdwatching.3. Millaa Millaa Falls, Queensland<img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/millaa-millaa.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />Image: Atherton TablelandsCascading into a pristine waterhole surrounded by lush rainforest, Millaa Milla Falls is a perfectly serene spot to enjoy a refreshing swim.Located on the Waterfalls Circuit in the Atherton Tablelands Area in tropical northern Queensland, the falls are just over 1.5 hours away from Cairns.4. Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park, Tasmania<img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/wineglass-bay.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />Image: Tourism TasmaniaThough you’ll have to hike through the Hazards, a mountain range in the Freycinet National Park, to get there, the pristine beach of Wineglass Bay is well-worth the effort.Surrounded by pink granite cliffs within the Freycinet Peninsula, its beach is considered one of the best beaches in the world.5. Ormiston Gorge, West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, Northern Territory<img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/orniston-gorge.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />Image: @westmacdonnellnationalpark (Instagram)Located 135 kilometres west of Alice Springs, the Ormiston Gorge boasts a waterhole that is accessible year-round and perfect for swimming, especially in the warmer months.The national park is also home to a plethora of native plants and animals, and the waterhole is surrounded by walking tracks where visitors can soak up the views.Image: Parks Tasmania

Domestic Travel

A VERY cool problem to have

We’ve already enjoyed the pleasures of spring, and now as the weather warms up we should be asking ourselves if we need to upgrade our air-conditioners.We can all remember how hot it was during the last few summers. So it’s best to be prepared and have a reliable, easy-to-use air-conditioning unit with all the features we need.The first place you should look is at the air-conditioning units from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners Australia (MHIAA). The air conditioners they produce have won a such a vast range and number of awards that it’s fair to say Mitsubishi Heavy Industries would be the most-awarded air-conditioning company in Australia.The fact that Mitsubishi Heavy Industries continue to win the same awards year after year means the company is delivering products the Australian public appreciates and enjoys using.Not only have these air-conditioners won a pile of awards, air-conditioning is also a sustainable way to cool down or warm up your house, apartment or office. It’s far more energy efficient to use an air-conditioner for a short time to make your air temperature more comfortable, and other appliances can use up a lot of power and not deliver the results you’re after.<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-54946" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/Women-on-Couch-with-Remote-and-MHIAA-Unit_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />Want to know more?Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has won an astonishing range of awards – from <a href="https://www.choice.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CHOICE®</a> awards to <a href="https://mhiaa.com.au/canstar-blue-most-satisfied-customers-air-conditioners-2020-landing-page/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Canstar Blue</a> awards – as well as <a href="https://www.productreview.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ProductReview</a> awards, <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Finder</a> awards and many more.Not only has MHIAA won these awards – the company has often won them consecutively for a number of years. For example, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was found to be the best air conditioner brand by CHOICE® four years in a row.When you see how consistently the MHIAA air-conditioners take home these coveted awards, it only goes to show how effectively these air-conditioning systems must be delivering what the Australian public wants and needs.Here’s the lowdown on the awards Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has won and why…CHOICE AwardsMitsubishi Heavy Industries has been the winner of the best air-conditioner brand by CHOICE for four years in a row – something no other air-conditioning brand has done before. The company is proud of this amazing achievement and the staff pride themselves on delivering award-winning, reliable and high-quality air-conditioners to Aussies. It’s what they do and they simply love doing it!For the 2021 Best Brand result, MHIAA once again scored exceptionally well to outperform all other brands with a reliability score of 90% and a satisfaction score of 94% for an overall Best Brand Score of 74%, therefore taking out the award once again in 2021.Managing Director for MHIAA, Mr Yuji Ito, said that winning this award again was a significant honour for the company, which is dedicated to the delivery of high-quality products to Australian communities.“Here at MHIAA we are extremely honoured to be awarded the Best Brand of Air Conditioners for the fourth year in a row. The acknowledgement from leading consumer group CHOICE® and their independent testing highlights for us the opinion of consumers who are using our products and the way they have highly rated our products,” Mr Ito said.“In each of the four years that MHIAA has received this award, it’s become clear that our consumers continue to value the performance of our products as seen through the excellent scores they have awarded us for reliability and satisfaction in each of the tests. We would like to take this opportunity to thank both CHOICE® and their members for this exceptional honour and rating of our products for the fourth year in a row,” he added.Canstar Blue AwardsBut that’s not all. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has also been named by Canstar Blue as having the most satisfied customers of any air-conditioner brand in Australia for the third year in a row.In 2019, 2020 and 2021, MHIAA won the Canstar Blue Most Satisfied customer award for the air-conditioner category. Canstar Blue uses independent customer satisfaction research and ratings to deliver an annual review that helps Australians pick the best air-conditioner for their needs. Brands are rated on:<ul><li>Functionality</li><li>Features</li><li>Noise</li><li>Ease of use</li><li>Reliability</li><li>Value for money</li><li>Overall customer satisfaction</li></ul>In 2020, MHIAA was the only brand to receive a five-star rating for five out of the six customer satisfaction ratings, highlighting just how satisfied their customers were.<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-54943" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/Bronte_Lifestyle_Artwork_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />ProductReview AwardsThis year, both the company’s Avanti® and Bronte® split systems were named as <a href="https://mhiaa.com.au/avanti-and-bronte-win-2021-productreview-awards-split-system-category/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australia’s best split system air-conditioners by ProductReview.</a>The 2021 ProductReview Awards highlight products and services that have been well regarded by the <a href="https://www.productreview.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ProductReview</a> community. In 2021 these awards had more than 75,000 eligible nominations and they were judged against several criteria, including:<ul><li>The products being listed in a category on the ProductReview website</li><li>Full retail availability to the Australian public in 2020</li><li>Have a minimum Star Score of 4.1 stars on 1 October 2020</li><li>Have 10 or more approved reviews written in the last 12 months</li><li>Have a higher proportion of 5-star reviews in the last 12 months</li></ul>This award is largely based on reviews by customers who have these units in their homes and this highlights just how much of a customer favourite both the Avanti® or Bronte® split systems are!<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-54944" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/Avanti-PLUS-Lifestyle-Man-on-Couch_1280.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />Finder AwardsWell, that’s not all! Recently, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was rated as the best split system brand in Australia by <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Finder.</a>In their <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/split-system-air-conditioners#awards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2020/21 Customer Satisfaction Awards</a>, Finder surveyed more than 3,000 Aussies across 150 product categories. Respondents were asked to give an overall satisfaction score of the product and rate if they would recommend the product to their friends. Respondents were also asked to rate key pillars of durability, performance, design or value for money.Mitsubishi Heavy Industries split systems once again outperformed all other air-conditioning brands with top scores across the board to achieve a total score of 8.6. This meant they won the 2020/21 Retail Awards. Another one to add to the trophy cabinet!As you can see from this broad range of awards, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is rated incredibly highly by the Australian public. So, as summer settles in, what better time could there be to <a href="https://mhiaa.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">check out what’s available?</a>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with <a href="https://mhiaa.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners Australia (MHIAA</a><a href="https://mhiaa.com.au/">)</a>.

Home & Garden

Jacinda Ardern’s cool response to car chase by anti-vaxxers

Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand, appeared unbothered by a car chase she was involved in that saw anti-vaxxers pursuing the van she was in, forcing it onto a kerb. Footage of the chase has recently gone viral online, showing a group of anti-vaccination activists use their own vehicles to attempt to block Ardern in the Bay of Islands. The group can be heard shouting abuse at Ardern’s vehicle as officers with the Diplomatic Protection Service stood guard. One shouted, “Shame on you!” while another shouted, “We do not consent”. Another protestor claimed Ardern was “hiding in the van”, calling her a “wussy” and a “Nazi”. The video also shows the vehicle attempting to pull on to the main road, taking to the footpath to avoid a car attempting to block it in. A woman in one of the cars pursuing it can be heard saying, “Oh this is fun! We‘re on a chase”, while a man says that the group just wanted “a few words” with Ardern. They joked, “We’re in pursuit for the Prime Minister”. Ardern described it as “just another day”, telling reporters, “at no point was I worried about my safety or the safety of anyone that was with me.” She added, “Every day is faced with new and different experiences in this job … We are in an environment at the moment that does have an intensity to it that is unusual for New Zealand. I do also believe that with time it will pass.” She said, “I see that as just being a reflection of the fact that we are the decision makers. And if people don’t like the decisions that are being made, then it’s us that of course will hear the feedback about that.” The chase comes amid a small but notable rise in threats towards public officials involved in New Zealand’s pandemic response, according to police data released to 1News this week. Threats to politicians reached a three-year high in one month last year. Most of the reports, which at times spiked to as many as 16 per month, involved threats aimed at Prime Minister Ardern. Lance Burdett, who protected former Prime Minister Helen Clark, said COVID-19 vaccinations had become a sticking point with a small minority. While close to 95% of adults in New Zealand are now fully vaccinated, some have strongly resisted getting the jab or the mandates that have come with the country’s pandemic response. Image: Mark Mitchell-Pool/Getty Images

Travel Trouble

REVEALED: The suburbs expecting plunging property prices

Despite Australia’s property market being worth more than $9 trillion as of Thursday, property owners in 10 suburbs may miss out on the profits. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/real-estate/buying/suburbs-in-nsw-vic-wa-sa-and-qld-where-property-prices-will-plunge/news-story/555745269846ecc8e570849ee452d44c" target="_blank">New market research</a> conducted by RiskWise Property Research and BuyersBuyers identified 10 suburbs across Australia that are the worst places to invest due to an oversupply of apartments. The suburbs have been identified as being in the “danger zone” for property owners looking to make a profit in a joint report released on Tuesday. “There has been a ‘race for space’ over the past 18 months, sending house prices higher, but unit prices in some high-supply areas look riskier,” the report said. <img style="width: 500px; height:375px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844703/national-house-value.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/323df4c2d7b54c9996d2e0b8020c1afe" /> The ten suburbs are seeing huge growth in the next two years, which will drive down prices. Image: RiskWise Property Research and BuyersBuyers In New South Wales, Schofields came in first place as the riskiest area to invest in an apartment, with 3397 apartments being built in the next two years that amounts to a 115.7 percent increase in existing stock. Coming in second was the Melbourne suburb of Box Hill, which is expected to see an increase of 1833 apartments in the next two years and a 25.5 percent increase in stock. Next in the list is the Western Australian suburb Subiaco, followed by Gosford, NSW, and Victoria’s Footscray. <img style="width: 0px; height:0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844702/sydney-house-value.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/08fe49c1b1f4402dbc5c89f7538843e4" /> Seven Sydney suburbs have been deemed ‘at risk’. Image: RiskWise Property Research and BuyersBuyers The research group also compiled lists of the top ten ‘danger zone’ suburbs in NSW and Victoria, which make up the two biggest property markets in the country. <img style="width: 0px; height:0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844701/melbourne-house-value.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/cb174dc8c1e24a758b5acc7d313b8c01" /> A separate list identified the ten riskiest areas in Victoria alone. Image: RiskWise Property Research and BuyersBuyers The report came out two days before CoreLogic released an estimate of the total value of Australian residential real estate that exceeded $9.1 trillion. “Most housing markets (are) now beyond their peak,” CoreLogic noted. In September, national house values reached $719,209 while unit values reached $586,993. Image: Getty Images

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