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Maccas aren’t lovin’ the over 60s

<p dir="ltr">A McDonald’s in Auckland Central has landed itself in hot water after posting a job ad that wanted nothing to do with the over 60 workforce. </p> <p dir="ltr">The post, shared to the establishment’s Facebook page and since removed, sought new staff to cover the 10pm to 6am ‘graveyard’ shift. The usual benefits and various position criteria were listed, but it was one line at the bottom that caught the attention - and ire - of the masses.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Any age from 16 to 60,” the listing read.</p> <p dir="ltr">Feedback came fast and furious, with many outraged by the blatant ageism the fast food giant was peddling. And while McDonald’s tried to pass it off as the fault of a franchisee, the store’s manager instead said that their head office was at fault.</p> <p dir="ltr">Social media users were vocal about what they thought of the ad, and it wasn’t long before legal experts and union representatives got involved in the ongoing uproar - and even the big wigs over at McDonald’s. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We’ve been made aware that a job ad by one of our franchisees has created some debate on social media like Reddit, as it references an age range of 16-60,” company spokesperson Simon Kenny said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The reference in the copy was intended to illustrate that people of all ages are welcome. We’ve asked the franchisee to update the copy to avoid any potential confusion.”</p> <p dir="ltr">As Joe Carolan from New Zealand’s Unite Union told the <em>New Zealand Herald</em>, “contrary to the myth that most McDonald’s jobs are [ideal for] part-time students, improvements made by the union throughout the years have seen many workers stay in these jobs into their 50s. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Older workers bring experience, stability and maturity to a workplace and we call on McDonald's to end this discriminatory ageism.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Employment law expert Max Whitehead added that the pay - $22.80 per hour - combined with the age restrictions, were a “blatant” breach of the Human Rights Act. </p> <p dir="ltr">And for those who thought the line had just been an ill-advised marketing move, Whitehead noted “if it really is to get a catchy cliche going, it’s a stupid thing to do.” </p> <p dir="ltr">Whitehead’s fellow expert, Professor Bill Hodge, had more to say on the matter of ageism too, noting that The Human Rights Act actually bans discrimination against people over the age of 60, though he saw no issue with the teenage half of the equation. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We discriminate against people 14 or 15 all the time and it’s justifiable to say ‘no, you can’t drive a car, you can’t leave school’,” he said. “On the face of it I see no obvious requirement that would exclude people over 60.”</p> <p dir="ltr">As a spokesperson for the Humans Right Campaign informed the <em>New Zealand Herald</em>, The Human Rights Act 1993 had rendered it unlawful for people to be treated differently for their age during the employment process. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It is unlawful to discriminate against employees, job applicants, voluntary workers, people seeking work through an employment agency and contract workers because of age,” the spokesperson explained. “The only exception is where, for reasons of authenticity, being of a particular age is a genuine occupational qualification for the position or employment.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Shutterstock, Facebook</em></p>

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"I'm lovin' it": McDonald's face public outcry over unfortunately placed ad

<p>McDonald's has faced the wrath of angry locals in Cornwall, UK, after a poorly placed advertisement was called out for being "tasteless". </p> <p>The advertisement in question was for the fast food franchise's new McCrispy burger, which was placed in a prime position on the side of a bus stop. </p> <p>However, what the company didn't realise was that the sign right next to it pointed to Penmount Crematorium across the road, in an unfortunate yet humorous coincidence.</p> <p>Local media outlet <a href="https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/mcdonalds-remove-tasteless-sign-opposite-8133444" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>CornwallLive</em></a> was the first to report on the poorly placed ad, and asked local residents if they thought the sign should stay or go. </p> <p>"Fell off the chair laughing," one commenter who saw the picture online said.</p> <p>"I'm lovin' it," wrote another, in reference to the popular McDonald's slogan.</p> <p>"I only recently lost 2 loved ones &amp; to be honest if I'd seen that sign near the crematorium I would have smiled. I don't find it offensive at all," said another.</p> <p>"My parents are in this crematorium. My old man had a brilliant sense of humour, so I'm sure he would have chuckled at this!" another added.</p> <p>One concerned local said, "I think how funny it is will probably depend on how long ago you followed the crematorium sign wearing a black tie."</p> <p>One woman, who's mother-in-law was cremated at the crematorium, said, "Although I can see the funny side, it is tasteless and I'm sure some grieving family members won't like to see it when visiting Penmount for the funeral and cremation of a loved one."</p> <p>Cornwall Council, who are in charge of both the crematorium and the bus shelter, have yet to comment on the matter, while McDonald's are taking the concerns about the ad seriously. </p> <p>A spokesperson told <em>CornwallLive</em>, "We were unaware of the road sign in the vicinity of this bus stop. However, in light of the concerns raised by CornwallLive, we have asked for our advertisement to be removed."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Twitter</em></p>

Caring

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Family of four! Tennis champ Mark Philippoussis and wife welcome second child

<p>Australian tennis star Mark Philippoussis and his wife Silvana Philippoussis have announced the happy news that they have welcomed their second child into the world.</p> <p>The 41-year-old athlete shared a photo of his family while announcing the name of their baby daughter, Maia Maria Philippoussis.</p> <p>"So incredibly happy, grateful and blessed to announce the birth of our little girl Maia Maria Philippoussis, born August 12th at 9:05pm, weighing 6.9lbs," he posted.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bmb1Np7hwaH/?utm_source=ig_embed" data-instgrm-version="9"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bmb1Np7hwaH/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank">A post shared by Mark Philippoussis (@mark_philippoussis)</a> on Aug 13, 2018 at 2:53pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Mark and Silvana are already parents to their four-year-old son, Nicholas.</p> <p>In an interview with <a href="https://www.nowtolove.com.au/womansday"><strong><em style="font-weight: inherit;"><u>Woman’s Day</u></em></strong></a><u>,</u> Silvana shared how important it was to teach Nicholas his parents' family values.</p> <p>The model mum said: "Number one, I want to instill strong family values. I tend to believe that a strong foundation can help you deal with whatever life has to throw at you.</p> <p>"As long as he [Nicholas] feels love, he'll be able to open up and talk to me and Mark."</p> <p>Days before she went into labour, Silvana shared a photo playing with Nicholas.</p> <p>"Take time to tickle, To kiss and to hug; Take time to giggle, To talk and to love. Perhaps there's a lot That needs done today, But take just a minute To stop and to play..." she wrote.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmXM95Hlgni/?utm_source=ig_embed" data-instgrm-version="9"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 55.18518518518518% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmXM95Hlgni/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank">A post shared by SILVANA PHILIPPOUSSIS (@sphilippoussis)</a> on Aug 11, 2018 at 7:45pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>This week is full of celebrations for the family, with Mark and Silvana also celebrating their five-year wedding anniversary.</p> <p>"Happy Anniversary my love, 5 years! Words can't describe how much I love you and what you mean to me, thank you for your love and support, thank you for the mother you are to Nicholas and soon to be daughter, we are all so incredibly lucky and grateful," Mark shared. </p>

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Aussie tennis champ Mark Philippoussis’ exciting news

<p>Aussie tennis champ and former world No. 8 Mark Philippoussis has announced he is expecting his second child with his wife, model Silvana Philippoussis (<span>née </span>Lovin).</p> <p>The couple, who already have one son together, four-year-old Nicholas, revealed their exciting news via their respective Instagram accounts.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 32.96875% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><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/Be32ueFBde9/" target="_blank">A post shared by Mark Philippoussis (@mark_philippoussis)</a> on Feb 6, 2018 at 2:54pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><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/Be4S3BuluIp/" target="_blank">A post shared by SILVANA PHILIPPOUSSIS (@sphilippoussis)</a> on Feb 6, 2018 at 7:00pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“Our family is getting bigger,” Philippoussis captioned the photo.</p> <p>In town for the Australian open last month, Silvana gave an interview to <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/philippoussis-family-back-for-australian-open/news-story/91f0894f8ebb17b926df549c99d3db12" target="_blank"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Herald Sun</span></em></strong></a> in which she hinted that she and her growing family might be considering moving back to Melbourne from their current US base of San Diego, California, to be closer to their relatives in Oz.</p> <p>“I do value and pride myself in having quality family time, and at the same time, it’s good to have a balance,” she said.</p> <p>“[Nicholas] has started preschool and he misses his family here too, and he’s always asking questions.”</p> <p>Congratulations to the happy couple!</p> <p><em>Image credit: Silvana Philippoussis/Instagram.</em></p>

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