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Sweet reason why Olympian ditched Closing Ceremony

Aussie medallist Matthew Denny has explained the sweet reason why he missed the Paris 2024 closing ceremony after winning a bronze medal in the men's discus throw event. The athlete spoke with Today Extra and explained the romantic reason why he missed the special event. "I feel bad, but I didn't end up going to the Closing; I decided [my wife] Mia was going to be by herself, and I need to give back some time to her because ... it's been a pretty brutal 12 months for her," he said. "So I thought it was really important that we had a nice dinner, and we obviously watched the Closing Ceremony, but I just wanted to give her some time." After flying back from Paris to Australia, the athlete said that he had a training session to attend so that he can "finish the year off strong." Denny won third place in the men's discuss throw event, throwing for 69.31 metres on his second attempt of the final. "I'm just thankful that people always back me. To those who didn't think I was going to do it... eat it!" he said to Wide World of Sports following his win. "It's something I'm so proud of, what I do, I get to live an amazing life. I have a great family and support team. "Before I went into this competition, I watched back the Qantas ad we did. I just want to see those people again before I went in here. "I know that's who I'm doing it for. So... yeah, thank you to you guys for supporting me." Despite his win, the athlete is aiming for gold as he hopes to compete again in the Brisbane Olympics. "I can't not be proud of my performance, but the inner critic wants more, and I know there's more there," he said. "To get a medal is amazing but the critic is still there in me. We'll go again. My goal is to get to Brisbane in 2032." Image: Xinhua News Agency/ Shutterstock Editorial

International Travel

Pitch to ditch the King from Aussie coins

Bob Katter is calling for a major overhaul of Australian coins, saying King Charles' image should be scrapped from the currency. The federal MP touted an alternative design for the national coins, suggesting it could feature a Kalkadoon warrior or distinguished Australian soldier Ralph Honner. “Surely you’d put Kokoda hero Ralph Honner on your coin, not some British monarch, demonstrating that you don’t believe that all people are born free and equal and that you don’t believe you’re a separate country, that you’re a nationalistic Australian,” Katter said on Monday. The Queensland MP plans to move an amendment to the Crown References Amendment Bill to omit references to the monarchy and substitute the words “sovereign people of Australia”. “For heaven’s sake, get rid of the affirmation that we believe that all people are free and equal,” Katter said. “If you’ve got a monarch on your coin, you do not believe that all people are free and equal.” Katter's pitch comes just weeks after the Royal Australian Mint last month unveiled the effigy of King Charles III, which will be seen on Australian coins by Christmas. For decades, the country’s coins have carried an image of Queen Elizabeth II, who died in 2022. The Royal Mint also recently announced the production of a <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/new-commemorative-queen-coin-worth-serious-cash" target="_blank" rel="noopener">commemorative coin</a> in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth, which is already in high demand among royal fans and avid coin collectors. Image credits: Getty Images

Money & Banking

60-plus women are ditching the hair dye

Susan Krauss Whitbourne is a professor of Psychology and Brain Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She writes the Fulfilment at Any Age blog for Psychology Today. If you’re tired of those monthly visits to the salon, or even your own sessions over the sink, you’re not alone. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/23/fashion/shes-done-with-washing-it-away.html?_r=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leah Rozen</a>, writing in the New York Times, announced to the world that she’s grey, 57, and loving it, proudly announcing that “Blondes may have more fun, but we grey gals have it made in our shade.” How about you? Are you battling those tell-tale roots, or revelling in the glory of your own grey locks? If so, perhaps you share Rozen’s feeling of liberation. If not, you might ask yourself whether looking young is really worth all that expense and effort. There are plenty of reasons to cover up our signs of a maturing scalp. In fact, as Rozen herself acknowledges, she’s definitely got the “old lady” look going for her. In our youth-oriented society, showing your age may preclude you from certain opportunities. Despite legislation, ageism still exists and can take many forms, ranging from biases against the abilities of older workers to stereotyped beliefs about their personalities and work attitudes. As their self-image and abilities change, older workers can begin to doubt their self-efficacy. A self-fulfilling prophecy can develop, resulting in their further losing the ability to perform up to par. To prevent this outcome, many older women and men take the preventative action of keeping up their youthful personas. Ageism may take many forms outside the workplace. One way is for younger adults just to avoid you altogether. They may not be openly hostile but instead make older adults “invisible” — that is, not worthy of any attention at all. Perhaps they’re afraid of being tainted by the aging vibes you give off. Risking the wrath, visible or not, of ageism can make going grey a dangerous proposition. However, thinking about how and why you’re trying to maintain your youthful image for as long as possible can give you important insights into understanding yourself and your feelings about life changes. You might ask yourself to what lengths you go, and are willing to go, to remain young-looking. Of course it would be ludicrous to suggest that women, and men should give up all attempts to look good. But looking good doesn’t have to mean looking young. You can get out of the youth trap and still feel great about the persona you present to the world, if not your own inner sense of self. Take an honest look at yourself right now. What is working and what isn’t? Which aspects of your hair, makeup and clothing reflect how you really feel about yourself, and which reflect your desire to blend in with the young crowd? If you don’t trust yourself to give the right answer, you might want to consult someone who’s objective to get a second opinion (NOT your children). It’s hard to find someone whose opinion you can trust, because virtually anyone working in clothing, makeup counters or hair salons benefits from selling you their youth-oriented products. (Just think about how much those skin creams are costing you.) If you feel that these people aren’t being honest, you might consider talking to a friend, co-worker or family member (again, not the children) who pulls off an age-appropriate look. Thinking about the image you try to present to the world can give you great insight into your own identity and feelings about how you are changing -and improving- over time. As we cross each aging threshold, including the changes in our hair, skin and bodily functions and appearance, there’s an opportunity to reflect on the deeper meaning of these changes to our sense of who we are. Many people try to put off the inevitable as long as possible, but eventually bounce back as they incorporate this new view of themselves into their identities. Whether grey or not, by bringing your outer image in line with your inner self, you’ll be better prepared to negotiate whatever changes come your way in the years ahead. Images: Getty

Beauty & Style

Want an easy $400 a year? Ditch the gas heater in your home for an electric split system

Earlier this month, regulators <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-are-electricity-prices-going-up-again-and-will-it-ever-end-201869">flagged</a> power price rises in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. Like many people, you’re probably wondering how you can minimise the financial pain. Getting rid of gas and electrifying everything in your home can save you money. <a href="https://renew.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Report-Limiting-energy-bills-by-getting-off-gas.pdf">Modelling</a> by not-for-profit organisation Renew showed annual bills last year for a <a href="https://www.nathers.gov.au/owners-and-builders/home-energy-star-ratings">seven-star</a> all-electric home with solar power were between 69% (Western Sydney) and 83% (Hobart) cheaper than bills for a three-star home with gas appliances and no solar. There are other reasons to kick the gas habit, too. As renewables form an ever-growing part of Australia’s energy mix, electrifying the home increasingly helps tackle climate change. What’s more, there are sound <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/news/2023/02/a-heated-debate--how-safe-are-gas-stoves--">health</a> reasons to get rid of gas appliances. But where do you start? And how do you get the best bang for your buck? Here, I offer a few tips. <h2>A quick guide to home energy use</h2> Australian home energy use can be separated into a few categories: <ul> <li>space heating and cooling</li> <li>water heating</li> <li>cooking</li> <li>vehicles </li> <li>other appliances (many of which are largely already electric). </li> </ul> Of the appliances that typically depend on gas, the <a href="https://www.rewiringaustralia.org/report/castles-and-cars-discussion-paper">largest component</a> (37%) is space heating, followed by hot water (24%) and cooking (6%). This varies between states. Victoria, for example, is particularly dependent on gas. But the breakdown above gives some insight into the largest contributors to energy costs in the average Australian home – particularly in the cooler southern regions. While both gas and electricity costs are rising, as they are now in most states, all-electric homes can expect lower overall increases. <a href="https://renew.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Report-Limiting-energy-bills-by-getting-off-gas.pdf">Analysis</a> by Renew has shown ditching the old gas heater in favour of a split system/reverse cycle air-conditioner (without solar panels) can lead to average savings of A$546 each year in Canberra, $440 in Adelaide, $409 in Melbourne and $256 in Perth. Heating a space with a reverse-cycle air conditioner is about four times more efficient than using natural gas. And when the electricity is generated by renewables, it can be done with zero greenhouse gas emissions. And what about heating water? Using the existing electricity grid, the cost of using an electric heat pump is around half that of using a natural gas water heater. The costs fall even lower if a household shifts to solar panels subsidised or financed by government, backed by a home battery providing the energy. In this case, heating costs are around a third of using gas. <h2>So what’s the payback?</h2> Buying new appliances costs money. So it’s important to examine the “payback” period - in other words, the length of time it takes for energy bill savings to equal the cost of the initial investment in a new appliance. The payback period can vary depending on: <ul> <li>cost and quality of the appliance</li> <li>an appliance’s energy rating</li> <li>size of the system</li> <li>for space heating, whether a split system is replacing an existing ducted system or being added on externally.</li> </ul> A <a href="https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/CC_MVSA0323-CC-Report-Gas-vs-Electricity_V4-Single.pdf">report</a> last year by the Climate Council calculated the approximate cost differences between higher and lower-end electric appliances. Lower-end hot water heat pumps, reverse-cycle air conditioner and induction stoves were priced around $7,818 all together, while higher-end appliances cost around $14,936 together. Both scenarios included installation costs and $3,000 for electrical upgrades and other costs. The payback period for low-priced appliances ranged from five years in Hobart and Canberra to 15 years in Perth and Sydney. Higher-priced appliances were in the order of eight to ten years for most cities and 12, 16 and 19 years for Melbourne, Perth and Sydney respectively. Rolled out at scale, household electrification is also a feasible way to reduce gas demand. It may be the only practical option available to decarbonise residential energy. As research <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0196890422013802#b0130">recently suggested</a>, so-called “green” hydrogen – made by using low-carbon electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen – is unlikely to emerge as a cheap replacement for gas boilers. And why look for a technological solution to a problem we already know how to solve? Modelling by <a href="https://environmentvictoria.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Vic-Gas-Market-Demand-Side-Study-Final-Report-1.pdf">Environment Victoria</a> has shown installing heat pumps for heating and cooling would reduce statewide gas use by 48 petajoules a year, compared to the relatively minimal 0.5 petajoules saved by installing induction cooktops. At the same scale – and using a similar technology – replacing gas hot water with heat pump hot water reduces household gas use by 10 petajoules each year. That’s an enormous saving of gas. <h2>The bigger picture for all-electric homes</h2> Existing homes can benefit from a combination of electrification, rooftop solar and batteries. They can also benefit from energy efficiency measures such as installing insulation, stopping draughts, closing off rooms and wearing the right clothing for the season. We can work together to speed up the transition to renewable energy and reduce the demand for gas. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/want-an-easy-400-a-year-ditch-the-gas-heater-in-your-home-for-an-electric-split-system-201941" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Home Hints & Tips

Man ditches date without a word

A French actor has confessed to leaving his date without saying a word after she said she doesn’t eat gluten or drink wine. Renan Pacheco went out with a woman named Kimberely in Los Angeles who then proceeded to shock him from the beginning of what should have been a lovely dinner. “I arrive at the restaurant, first of all her name’s Kimberley, it’s not my favourite name but it’s fine, she’s pretty, so we sit down and we take the menu and she looks me in the eyes and she tells me doesn’t eat gluten,” he said in a TikTok video. “You don’t eat gluten? But how can you not eat gluten? “Gluten is my life, Kimberley. Gluten is croissant, gluten is baguette, how can you not eat gluten? “So I’m starting to be confused, I’m not going to lie.” Renan wanted to calm down after what he had heard and proceeded to order a glass of wine before he was shocked again when Kimberely confessed to not drinking. “How can you not drink alcohol in your life, Kimberley?” he questioned. “Alcohol is joy … so I’m sorry, I’m sorry if I left. I left the restaurant without saying goodbye. “I couldn’t stay there. I’m sorry, but I couldn’t have a love relationship with someone who doesn’t eat gluten and doesn’t drink wine. I’m sorry, Kimberley.” Viewers were left questioning the date and said Renan did the right thing of leaving. “I can understand [not eating] gluten but alcohol … no, no, no … red flag,” someone wrote. “I’m probably gluten intolerant just like I’m lactose [intolerant] but I eat it anyway because you’re right … it’s life,” another commented. “And then she says she’s lactose intolerant and don’t eat cheese,” someone else commented. Images: TikTok

Relationships

This New Year, why not resolve to ditch your dodgy old passwords?

Most of the classic New Year resolutions revolve around improving your health and lifestyle. But this year, why not consider cleaning up your passwords too? We all know the habits to avoid, yet so many of us do them anyway: using predictable passwords, never changing them, or writing them on sticky notes on our monitor. We routinely ignore the <a href="https://theconversation.com/choose-better-passwords-with-the-help-of-science-82361">recommendations for good passwords</a> in the name of convenience. Choosing short passwords containing common names or words is likely to lead to trouble. Hackers can often guess a person’s passwords simply by using a computer to work through a long list of commonly used words. The <a href="https://nordpass.com/most-common-passwords-list/">most popular choices</a> have changed very little over time, and include numerical combinations such as “123456” (the most common password for five years in a row), “love”, keyboard patterns such as “qwerty” and, perhaps most ludicrously, “password” (or its Portuguese translation, “senha”). Experts have long advised against using words, places or names in passwords, although you can strengthen this type of password by jumbling the components into sequences with a mixture of upper- and lowercase characters, as long as you do it thoroughly. Complex rules often lead users to choose a word or phrase and then substitute letters with numbers and symbols (such as “Pa33w9rd!”), or add digits to a familiar password (“password12”). But so many people do this that these techniques don’t actually make passwords stronger. It’s better to start with a word or two that isn’t so common, and make sure you mix things up with symbols and special characters in the middle. For example, “wincing giraffe” could be adapted to “W1nc1ng_!G1raff3” These secure passwords can be harder to remember, to the extent you might end up having to write them down. That’s OK, as long as you keep the note somewhere secure (and definitely not stuck to your monitor). Reusing passwords is another common error – and one of the biggest. Past data leaks, such as that suffered by <a href="https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/blog-post/linkedin-2012-hack-what-you-need-know">LinkedIn in 2012</a>, mean billions of old passwords are now circulating among cyber criminals. This has given rise to a practice called “<a href="https://www.wired.com/story/what-is-credential-stuffing/">credential stuffing</a>” – taking a leaked password from one source and trying it on other sites. If you’re still using the same old password for multiple email, social media or financial accounts, you’re at risk of being compromised. <h2>Pro tip: use a password manager</h2> The simplest and most effective route to good password hygiene is to use a <a href="https://www.choice.com.au/electronics-and-technology/internet/internet-privacy-and-safety/buying-guides/password-managers">password manager</a>. This lets you use unique strong passwords for all your various logins, without having to remember them yourself. Password managers allow you to store all of your passwords in one place and to “lock” them away with a strong level of protection. This can be a single (strong) password, but can also include face or fingerprint recognition, depending on the device you are using. Although there is some risk associated with storing your passwords in one place, experts consider this much less risky than using the same password for multiple accounts. The password manager can automatically create strong, randomised passwords for each different service you use. This means your LinkedIn, Gmail and eBay accounts can no longer be accessed by someone who happens to guess the name of your childhood pet dog. If one password is leaked, you only have to change that one – none of the others are compromised. There are <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_password_managers">many password managers</a> to choose from. Some are free (such as Keepass) or “freemium” (offering the option to upgrade for more functionality like Nordpass), while others charge a one-off fee or recurring subscription (such as 1Password). Most allow you to securely sync your passwords across all your devices, and some let you safely share passwords between family members or work groups. You can also use the password managers built into most web browsers or operating systems (with many phones offering this functionality in the browser or natively). These tend to have fewer features and may pose compatibility issues if you want to access your password from different browsers or platforms. Password managers take a bit of getting used to, but don’t be too daunted. When creating a new account on a website, you let the password manager create a unique (complex) password and store it straight away – there’s no need to think of one yourself! Later, when you want to access that account again, the password manager fills it in automatically. This is either through direct integration with the browser (typically on computers) or through a separate application on your mobile device. Most password managers will automatically “lock” after a period of time, prompting for the master password (or face/finger verification) before allowing access again. <h2>Protect your most important passwords</h2> If you don’t like the sound of a password manager, at the very least change your “critical” account passwords so each one is strong and unique. Financial services, email accounts, government services, and work systems should each have a separate, strong password. Even if you write them down in a book (kept safely locked away) you will significantly reduce your risk in the event of a data breach on any of those platforms. Remember, however, that some sites provide delegated access to others. Many e-commerce websites, for example, give you the option of logging in with your Facebook, Google or Apple account. This doesn’t expose your password to greater risk, because the password itself is not shared. But if the password is compromised, using it would grant access to those delegated sites. It is usually best to create unique accounts - and use your password manager to keep them safe. Adopting a better approach to passwords is a simple way to reduce your cyber-security risks. Ideally that means using a password manager, but if you’re not quite ready for that yet, at least make 2022 the year you ditch the sticky notes and pets’ names. Image credits: Getty Images This article first appeared on <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/this-new-year-why-not-resolve-to-ditch-your-dodgy-old-passwords-172598" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>.

Technology

Wildlife advocates call for Bunnings to ditch bird-killing poisons

BirdLife Australia, the country’s largest bird conservation group, has called on Bunnings Warehouse to stop the sale of certain poisons used to kill rats and mice, claiming that native birds are being killed after eating the poisoned pests. The group has launched a <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.actforbirds.org/ratpoison" target="_blank">petition</a> imploring Bunnings, the largest hardware chain in Australia and New Zealand, to “Take bird-killing poisons off [their] shelves!” The petition explains that Bunnings controls about half of Australia’s DIY hardware market share, and sells a larger variety of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide products (also known as SGARs) than any other major outlet. SGARs are the poisons that work most effectively on rodents, and sales of such products have increased dramatically as a result of the plague of mice that swept eastern Australia this year, leaving shelves at stores around the country completely bare. BirdLife Australia says that native birds of prey, including wedge-tailed eagles, southern boobooks and possibly even powerful owls are dying after eating rodents that have been poisoned by SGARs. As the group explains in the petition, there are alternative products that are “just as effective that don't poison our natural foodchains”. SGARs have been restricted for sale in many parts of the world, including the US, Canada, and parts of Europe. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GdAQPiC2dsA" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> SGARs work by causing internal bleeding, but when pests like rats and mice eat bait that has been poisoned, they become poisonous themselves, harming and even killing animals that eat them. BirdLife’s petition states that studies have already shown how southern boobooks and wedge-tailed eagles have been affected by the increased use of SGARs, and they are currently researching the impact on powerful owls. BirdLife argues that first generation anticoagulant rodenticide products have active ingredients like warfarin and work just as well as SGARs, but do not have the same impact on non-target species. In addition, the group recommends snap traps as the most humane option for dealing with pests. A Bunnings spokesperson <a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/take-your-bird-killing-poisons-off-your-shelves-bird-lovers-call-for-ban-on-popular-buy-at-bunnings-c-4297277" target="_blank">told 7News</a> that it offers many rodent control products that are safe for wildlife, and that it was working with suppliers to help shoppers make informed purchases. “We always respect community feedback and we recently met with BirdLife Australia to understand their views and to explain the steps we are taking to educate customers about rodent control products,” Bunnings general manager, merchandise, Adrian Pearce said. Pearce went on to say that Bunnings understands there are risks associated with the use of SGARs, and that they “proactively promote the safe use of these products and support customers in making informed purchasing decisions.” He added that the retailer offers a range of rodent control products that are not poisonous, including repellers, live catch traps, regular rat traps, and natural bait pellets. Pearce explained Bunnings’ next steps, saying, “In addition, we are creating further training for our team members to help improve their knowledge about this topic. We are also in the process of implementing the separation of first generation and second generation rat poison varieties, along with naturally-derived rodenticides on our shelves to further assist with easier customer product selection. “We will continue to closely follow the advice of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), and work with our suppliers to innovate in this area.” Image: Ken Griffiths/Getty Images

Family & Pets

Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan to ditch their royal titles

Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan are making their TV debut soon, and they won’t be using their royal titles when we do see them. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will go by just Harry and Meghan when they make their TV debut to celebrate Time magazine’s annual list of the world’s most influential people. In a new promo shared by E! News, the pair were introduced by their first names. <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/CFQmLf1FUA_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; 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="display: flex; 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="display: block; 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> <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/CFQmLf1FUA_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Cantante Kattia Rizor (@cantantekattiarizor)</a> on Sep 17, 2020 at 6:23pm PDT </div> </blockquote> Notably, in the credits they were listed as “the Duke and Duchess of Sussex Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.” This follows as the Sussexes were said to be unhappy with the final conditions of quitting from their royal duties. The main one includes the Queen banning the couple from using the word “royal” in any of their branding. The TIME event will be held on September 22 in the US. <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/CFQPPb8nqlB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; 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="display: flex; 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="display: block; 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> <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/CFQPPb8nqlB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (@loveprinceharry1)</a> on Sep 17, 2020 at 3:03pm PDT </div> </blockquote> It is the first time ever TIME 100 Most Influential People will be broadcast on television, rather than exclusively in its magazine. Other guests on the show will be Trevor Noah, Sandra Oh, Kumail Nanjiani and John Legend. There will also be performances by Halsey, Jennifer Hudson and The Weeknd. It seems Taylor Swift is among those who will be on the coveted list. <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/CFPm5fSju0n/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; 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="display: flex; 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="display: block; 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> <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/CFPm5fSju0n/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Storm⛈ (@storm_watchh)</a> on Sep 17, 2020 at 9:10am PDT </div> </blockquote> “In a year in which we are unfortunately unable to convene the TIME100 community together in person, we are excited to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of the members of this year’s list with a brand-new experience on ABC that will allow more people to participate than ever before,” TIME studios president Ian Orefice wrote in a statement.

Relationships

Seniors are ditching their cars for car share apps

New research from car share company GoGet is seeing a trend of older people ditching their own vehicles in favour of car sharing, according to <a href="https://www.moneymag.com.au/seniors-opting-carshare">MoneyMag</a>. According to GoGet research, the number of seniors in Victoria signing up to the car share company has surged by 43 per cent last year, particularly in areas like the CBD. A total of 4,750 seniors were using a variety of vehicles, including vans, hatchbacks and convertibles. GoGet is seeing this trend across Australia. In NSW, there was a 32.6 per cent increase, Queensland rose by a shocking 60.5 per cent, South Australia by 33.3 per cent and ACT by 32.4 per cent. The car share company thinks that the cost of owning a private vehicle is a reason for the surge in use by seniors. With the cost of owning a private vehicle averaging $6,000 per year between registration, fuel, insurance, payments and maintenance is a marked expense. Justin Passaportis, GoGet General Manager, says that the cost of owning a vehicle is tough to justify for some people. "Vehicles are your second most expensive asset after your home," Passaportis says. "For an asset that's unused most of the time it's an expense many are looking to shed. "Increasingly, we're seeing a trend of seniors joining GoGet as they seek to cut costs without sacrificing independence. "As people approach retirement age, budgets tighten and many look to cut back on non-essentials. With the high ongoing cost of owning a vehicle, it is often one of the first things to go." Bruce Sims, 71, of Victoria, agrees. "It was relatively new and we found it worked very, very well. We have a car about a block away from us and the cost is certainly well below owning a car," Sims says. "The primary reason we started using a car share service 12-13 years ago was because we live in the inner city and the parking is very difficult. Public transport is so good that you rarely need to use a car except for shopping or going away for the weekend. "I was finding that when we had a car I'd have to go out and start the engine in the middle of the week to make sure the battery didn't go flat." Other car share options include Popcar, Flexicar, Car Next Door and DriveMyCar.

Money & Banking

Why ditching junk food improves your mood

Worldwide, more than <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression">300 million people</a> live with depression. Without effective treatment, the condition can make it difficult to work and maintain relationships with family and friends. Depression can cause sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, and a lack of interest in activities that are usually pleasurable. At its most extreme, it can lead to suicide. Depression has long been treated with medication and talking therapies – and they’re not going anywhere just yet. But we’re beginning to understand that increasing <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-physical-activity-in-australian-schools-can-help-prevent-depression-in-young-people-107889">how much exercise we get</a> and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28242200">switching to a healthy diet</a> can also play an important role in treating – and even preventing – depression. So what should you eat more of, and avoid, for the sake of your mood? <h2>Ditch junk food</h2> Research suggests that while healthy diets can reduce the risk or severity of depression, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28431261">unhealthy diets</a> may increase the risk. Of course, we all indulge from time to time but <a href="https://academic.oup.com/advances/article/7/3/445/4558132">unhealthy diets</a> are those that contain lots of foods that are high in energy (kilojoules) and low on nutrition. This means too much of the foods we should limit: <ul> <li>processed and takeaway foods</li> <li>processed meats</li> <li>fried food</li> <li>butter</li> <li>salt</li> <li>potatoes</li> <li>refined grains, such as those in white bread, pasta, cakes and pastries</li> <li>sugary drinks and snacks.</li> </ul> The average Australian consumes <a href="https://www.totalwellbeingdiet.com/media/1194/2016-csiro-healthy-diet-score.pdf">19 serves of junk food</a> a week, and <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(14)00051-0/fulltext">far fewer serves</a> of fibre-rich fresh food and wholegrains than recommended. This leaves us overfed, undernourished and <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(14)00051-0/fulltext">mentally worse off</a>. <h2>Here’s what to eat instead</h2> Having a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5372901/">healthy diet</a> means consuming a <a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/guidelines/australian-dietary-guidelines-1-5">wide variety of nutritious foods</a> every day, including: <ul> <li>fruit (two serves per day)</li> <li>vegetables (five serves)</li> <li>wholegrains</li> <li>nuts</li> <li>legumes</li> <li>oily fish</li> <li>dairy products</li> <li>small quantities of meat</li> <li>small quantities of olive oil</li> <li>water.</li> </ul> This way of eating is common in <a href="https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-015-0428-y">Mediterranean countries</a>, where people have been identified as having lower rates of cognitive decline, depression and dementia. In <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29469019">Japan</a>, a diet low in processed foods and high in fresh fruit, vegetables, green tea and soy products is recognised for its protective role in mental health. <h2>How does healthy food help?</h2> A healthy diet is naturally high in five food types that boost our mental health in different ways: Complex carbohydrates found in fruits, vegetables and wholegrains help <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26109579">fuel our brain cells</a>. Complex carbohydrates release glucose slowly into our system, unlike simple carbohydrates (found in sugary snacks and drinks), which create energy highs and lows throughout the day. These peaks and troughs decrease feelings of happiness and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12415536">negatively affect our psychological well-being</a>. Antioxidants in brightly coloured fruit and vegetables scavenge free radicals, eliminate <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4290164/">oxidative stress</a> and decrease inflammation in the brain. This in turn increases the feelgood chemicals in the brain that <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29339318">elevate our mood</a>. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29215971">Omega 3</a> found in oily fish and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22251911">B vitamins</a> found in some vegetables increase the production of the brain’s happiness chemicals and have been known to protect against both <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4019002/">dementia</a> and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30127751">depression</a>. Pro and prebiotics found in yoghurt, cheese and fermented products boost the <a href="https://jphysiolanthropol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40101-016-0101-y">millions of bacteria</a> living in our gut. These bacteria produce <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27466606">chemical messengers</a> from the gut to the brain that influence our emotions and reactions to stressful situations. Research suggests pro- and prebiotics could work on the same neurological pathways that antidepressants do, thereby <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24888394">decreasing depressed and anxious states</a> and <a href="https://jphysiolanthropol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40101-016-0101-y">elevating happy emotions</a>. <h2>What happens when you switch to a healthy diet?</h2> An Australian research team recently undertook the <a href="https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-017-0791-y">first randomised control trial</a> studying 56 individuals with depression. Over a 12-week period, 31 participants were given nutritional consulting sessions and asked to change from their unhealthy diets to a healthy diet. The other 25 attended social support sessions and continued their usual eating patterns. The participants continued their existing antidepressant and talking therapies during the trial. At the end of the trial, the depressive symptoms of the group that maintained a healthier diet significantly improved. Some 32% of participants had scores so low they no longer met the criteria for depression, compared with 8% of the control group. The trial was replicated by another <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29215971">research team</a>, which found similar results, and supported by a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30254236">recent review of all studies</a> on dietary patterns and depression. The review found that across 41 studies, people who stuck to a healthy diet had a 24-35% lower risk of depressive symptoms than those who ate more unhealthy foods. These findings suggest improving your diet <a href="https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-244X-14-132">could be a cost-effective complementary treatment</a> for depression and could reduce your risk of developing a mental illness.<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; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/107358/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/megan-lee-490875">Megan Lee</a>, Academic Tutor and Lecturer, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/southern-cross-university-1160">Southern Cross University</a> This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/want-to-improve-your-mood-its-time-to-ditch-the-junk-food-107358">original article</a>.

Mind

Thousands of Aussies ditching big energy companies for cheaper, local alternatives

Affordable energy continues to be a top concern for many seniors and cost-wary Aussie battlers, with most households feeling the pressure of rising energy costs for a number of years now. Recent changes to retailer pricing and advertising came into effect on July 1st 2019. These reforms had two main objectives: 1. Reduce the rising costs for standing offers, which are the default electricity plans for consumers who don’t compare and save with market offers. 2. Improve the ability for consumers to compare prices and identify the best deals across all market offers, which are contracts that can include discounts, sign-up incentives, and more competitive rates. For consumers, this means that shopping around can potentially result in significant savings, especially with smaller energy companies. That’s why last month alone over 40,000 Aussies have used <a rel="noopener" href="https://electricityandgas.com.au/form/stepn-tw-ab/?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=sponsoredarticle&utm_campaign=eng-december&utm_content=ditching-big-companies-for-cheaper-local" target="_blank">ElectricityandGas.com.au</a><a rel="noopener" href="https://electricityandgas.com.au/form/stepn-tw-ab/?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=sponsoredarticle&utm_campaign=eng-december&utm_content=ditching-big-companies-for-cheaper-local" target="_blank"> </a>to compare and save on their energy costs. With these new changes, some Aussies are finding that their costs have decreased by as much as $430. Step 1: Select your State below. Step 2: After answering a few questions, you will have the opportunity to compare quotes in your area and could be eligible for significant savings. <a rel="noopener" href="https://electricityandgas.com.au/form/stepn-tw-ab/?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=sponsoredarticle&utm_campaign=eng-december&utm_content=ditching-big-companies-for-cheaper-local" target="_blank"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7833002/life-comparison-insurance-6.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/bf8f300fcd0743d48312e94df8455c71" /></a> Customers who do <a rel="noopener" href="https://electricityandgas.com.au/form/stepn-tw-ab/?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=sponsoredarticle&utm_campaign=eng-december&utm_content=ditching-big-companies-for-cheaper-local" target="_blank">shop around and compare</a><a rel="noopener" href="https://electricityandgas.com.au/form/stepn-tw-ab/?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=sponsoredarticle&utm_campaign=eng-december&utm_content=ditching-big-companies-for-cheaper-local" target="_blank"> </a>should consider looking at smaller energy companies. A recent report by the ACCC found that these smaller electricity companies are providing some of the best deals available. Almost a million Aussies have already seen some savings to their electricity bills, but the ACCC suggests that most people can receive additional savings by shopping around and comparing market offers with smaller electricity retailers. If you’re not on a market offer energy plan, it’s likely that you may be paying the maximum a retailer can charge you for electricity. With these new changes, there’s no reason to keep overpaying on your energy bill due to the “loyalty tax” a lot of Aussies face by not comparing services. Last year almost 400,000 Aussies chose <a href="https://electricityandgas.com.au/form/stepn-tw-ab/?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=sponsoredarticle&utm_campaign=eng-december&utm_content=ditching-big-companies-for-cheaper-local">ElectricityandGas.com.au</a><a href="https://electricityandgas.com.au/form/stepn-tw-ab/?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=sponsoredarticle&utm_campaign=eng-december&utm_content=ditching-big-companies-for-cheaper-local"> </a>to help them compare, switch and save. Now it’s your turn — your savings are only a few clicks away. Get Started Now: Step 1: Select your state below. Step 2: After answering a few questions, you will have the opportunity to compare quotes in your area and could be eligible for significant savings. <a rel="noopener" href="https://electricityandgas.com.au/form/stepn-tw-ab/?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=sponsoredarticle&utm_campaign=eng-december&utm_content=ditching-big-companies-for-cheaper-local" target="_blank"></a> <a rel="noopener" href="https://electricityandgas.com.au/form/stepn-tw-ab/?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=sponsoredarticle&utm_campaign=eng-december&utm_conte" target="_blank"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7833025/cta.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/868cc0a786484ce6bf747bed824a85d4" /></a> This article is opinion only and should not be taken as financial advice.

Money & Banking

Why Duchess Meghan ditched her engagement ring for the royal tour

As Harry and Meghan kicked off their 10-day royal tour in South Africa, their PR team could finally let out a sigh of relief after a tumultuous few weeks. A lot is dependant on this visit, due to negative press surrounding the couple from their spending habits to the penchant for private jets, the Sussexes definitely needed a PR win. As they smiled and hugged their way through their numerous engagements, it was evident that the two were professionals. Meghan’s powerful speech quickly made headlines and her moving words gained traction for all the right reasons. But the one decision that was the smartest of all was the Duchess of Sussex choosing to not wear her engagement ring. Instead, she opted for her gold Welsh wedding band and another dainty gold ring. While this may seem like an unimportant detail, it was far from it. The ring, which is valued at $295,000, was designed by Harry by the Queen’s preferred jewellers, Cleave and Company. Her choice to forgo this expensive item reflected the royal values at its core. Which is, you may have plenty of money to go around, but you are never meant to flaunt that wealth. In order to win over royal fans, it’s important to remain humble even if you do live in an extravagant castle and have a vault filled with priceless jewels. The 37-year-old knew that the ring on her finger is worth more money than many of the people of Nyanga would ever see in their lives. Which would take away her message of caring and would emphasise on the class difference between the royals and citizens.

Cruising

Ditch the cotton wool and let kids travel independently

If you grew up in the 1970s or before, you probably have fond memories of traipsing around the neighbourhood with your friends and siblings, going to the shops or the park, and walking to and from school – without a parent in sight. Things <a href="http://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/Publications/Physical-Activity/Active-transport/Active-Transport-Literature-Review.aspx">couldn’t be more different</a> for children today. With our increasing urbanisation, dependence on cars, and parental concerns about traffic or strangers, busy parents run an elaborate schedule of pick-ups and drop-offs to schools, sports and social events. Children’s lack of independent mobility is not only a concern for their levels of physical activity, it also impacts on their broader personal, spatial and social skills. The benefits of children’s everyday mobility range from learning to navigate local streets, to interacting with people in public, to gaining a sense of citizenship. New research we conducted with colleagues at the University of Melbourne and with international collaborators as part of the <a href="http://mccaugheycentre.unimelb.edu.au/research/brockhoff">Jack Brockhoff Child Health and Wellbeing Program</a> suggests we ought to have more faith in children’s ability to travel independently and, as parents, help them make this transition in late primary school. Melbourne snapshot Our study, <a href="http://newsroom.melbourne.edu/news/stepping-out-children-negotiating-independent-travel">Stepping Out</a>, was funded by VicHealth to explore children’s perspectives in the local government area of Moreland in Victoria, during 2011 and 2012. By walking and talking with children across three schools as they negotiated daily travel journeys – as well as speaking with class groups, parents and teachers – we examined the factors that enable children’s mobility. The 48 children in the study were aged 10 to 12 and had a relatively high degree of freedom to travel to school, parks or shops unaccompanied by parents. The late stages of primary school are a critical period for developing children’s confidence and independence to travel without their parents. This period helps prepare children for the transition to secondary school, and the common need to travel further from home using varied modes of transport such as buses and trains. Children are initially nervous about travelling unaccompanied by a parent but quickly come to enjoy the feeling of freedom and actively seek greater opportunities for mobility. In the study, children’s mobile skills and confidence were developed through gradual progression. Early on, parents walked with children to local destinations and practised new routes together. They then allowed them to walk or ride ahead, to travel part of the way by themselves, before eventually letting them walk all the way alone. Parents also provided children with a mobile phone to carry and encouraged children to favour routes where there were plenty of other people around, and to travel with siblings or neighbourhood friends. Ultimately, we found that mobile children were supported through a kind of mobile scaffolding in which they were resourced through various kinds of companions: travel companions such as friends, companion devices such as phones, and ambient companions such as people along busier routes. Scaffolding children with a range of interdependent resources to support their mobility helps to challenge an implied dichotomy faced by parents between child dependence and independence. Putting it into practice Parents must always make individual judgements about their child’s capacity for increased independence in travel, as well as navigate options available in their local environment. Different geographical locations can have a large influence on options for child travel, and the participants in our study enjoyed the benefits – as well as risks – associated with living in an inner urban area. Nevertheless, by providing children with opportunities to experience and practice mobility wherever possible, children are able to develop their skills and confidence to become an active participant in their local community before venturing out into the wider world. Schools and local governments are assisting in developing children’s mobility by addressing infrastructure, safety measures, or formal active travel programs. Yet clearly there remain further opportunities for families and communities to build the interdependent scaffolding that supports children’s mobility through more local and informal organisation. Written by Lisa Gibbs and Bjorn Nansen. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/ditch-the-cotton-wool-and-let-kids-travel-independently-17038">The Conversation</a>.

Travel Tips

New hair alert: Judge Judy ditches signature bob for stunning new look

We have watched her on our TV screens for years, and this time she has come back with a new hairdo – and it is drastically different to her signature short, neat bob many are used to. Judge Judy Sheindlin showed up to the Daytime Emmy Awards on Sunday with a modern look as she swept away the red carpet. Her long running courtroom television show, Judge Judy, has never seen her waver from her signature short hairstyle for more than 30 years. However, that hairdo was switched out for a combed-back low ponytail for the event, where she took out the Lifetime Achievement Award. The 76-year-old TV star told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.etonline.com/media/videos/judge-judy-shares-what-inspired-her-to-try-a-new-hairdo-exclusive-124659" target="_blank">Entertainment Tonight</a> the change of style was inspired by wanting to lead a “simpler” life. “It used to take me an hour to get ready for work … or even to go out for dinner,” she said. “Hair, curling, blowing.” However, the new 'do hasn’t just been warmly accepted by fans, but herself as well. “I like it,” she said. “It’s comfortable and easy.” Her on-screen buddy and bailiff, Petri Hawkins Byrd, took to social media to share which look he liked best though. “I tried to stay out of this, y'all won't let me!” the co-star wrote in a caption. “I prefer my boss with the old 'do' (left) More sophisticated and 'Judy'cial.” While accepting her coveted honour at the 46th annual award show, Sheindlin said: “I have a profession that’s always been my passion. And tonight, I have this lovely honor which says I’ve done my job well. “Life has a beginning, a middle and an end. As most of us, I don’t remember the very beginning, I’m having an absolute blast in the middle, and if my luck holds, I won’t be around for the end.” Judge Judy first premiered on September 16, 1996 and is currently in its 23rd season. Scroll through the gallery above to see Judge Judy’s new stunning, sleek hairstyle here.

Legal

Stranded couple reveal “nightmare” moment their cruise ship ditched them

Newlyweds Maria Gonzalez Roesch and Alessandro Di Palma didn’t think for one moment that their honeymoon would become a headline around the world, but that was before they were spotted running after their Royal Caribbean ship which left without them – and their passport and bank cards. Speaking to the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/8561251/honeymoon-couple-royal-caribbean-cruise-passports/" target="_blank">T</a><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/8561251/honeymoon-couple-royal-caribbean-cruise-passports/" target="_blank">he Sun</a>, actress Maria described the moment the couple realised that they were left stranded after hearing the ship's horn blast as it sailed away. <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/BuHMn58ls9S/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; 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="display: flex; 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="display: block; 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> <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/BuHMn58ls9S/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by María González Roesch (@mariagonzalezroesch)</a> on Feb 20, 2019 at 9:45am PST </div> </blockquote> “There was a platform with two crew members, and they were mad with us,” said 26-year-old Maria who is originally from Costa Rica. “We started yelling to them, ‘Please, please let us on, the cruise is still here.’ “But the guys said, ‘You are not going to be so lucky and we are closing the doors and leaving’. “Alessandro was in shock because it was his nightmare and it actually happened. “He was so frustrated he wanted to jump to the ship. But (the drop) was so big and dangerous.” Holding punctuality as a top-most priority, Maria revealed that she has never missed a train, plane or boat before, but due to the relaxing nature of their honeymoon, the pair had let their guard down. The ship was expected to sail at 5:30pm, but in a turn of events, left two hours earlier from the Bahamas. The couple reached the port a few minutes before the ship was ready to depart but didn’t realise that it was leaving so soon. “We thought we were on time,” said Maria. “We were there 4:10 pm or 4:15 pm and we heard the call from the ship – but there were so many cruises we thought it was another ship. “Then we heard the horn. When we arrived to the pier we were in shock.” To their horror, the vessel was getting ready to leave and they watched on as the gangway was removed. “I think the worst feeling was to see that the boat was still there and knowing we can go inside and see the boat leave without you,” said Maria. “I think I would have preferred to have been at the pier and the boat had already gone.” <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/Bs9MRXclFlR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; 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="display: flex; 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="display: block; 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> <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/Bs9MRXclFlR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by María González Roesch (@mariagonzalezroesch)</a> on Jan 22, 2019 at 3:58pm PST </div> </blockquote> And as if the situation wasn’t stressful enough, Maria and her husband discovered that they had left their passports and other valuable possessions on board, meaning they were stranded on the island with nowhere to go. Thankfully, the crew managed to return the items, including all travel documents and bank cards to the newlyweds. Once they reached the immigration office, they learned that they were among six other people who had missed the boat. “There were two other couples. One (couple) were very, very angry so we didn’t keep in touch but the other two were nice,” said Maria. “They were a young couple from California.” Upon returning home, Maria and Alessandro believed that the entire ordeal was over, but in the age of the internet, footage of the two running after the ship had gone viral. But despite the stressful incident, the two still saw the humorous side of it all. “Of course, it would be better if it didn’t happen. But it could have a positive flip-side,” said Maria. “Now I can say it was a funny experience and we have a good story to (tell) our kids …” Have you ever missed boarding a plane, train or cruise ship on your travels? Let us know in the comments below.

Travel Trouble

Kmart criticised over decision to ditch family favourites

Kmart shoppers around Australia are criticising the department store for its dwindling selection of DVDs and CDs, as the chain begins to phase out the entertainment products both in store and online. Customers have left stores frustrated because they are no longer able to find well-priced movies and TV shows on DVD to watch with their families. The shoppers also criticised the discount store for removing the entertainment products without an official public statement. A Kmart spokesperson told <a href="https://www.kidspot.com.au/lifestyle/entertainment/books-tv-and-movies/mums-upset-by-kmarts-stupid-decision-to-ditch-family-favourites/news-story/91c85167b1b9e121a10217e63fb9c7e6" target="_blank">Kidspot</a>: “As part of Kmart’s expanding range of in-house designed products we have made the decision to exit DVDs, CDs and Blu-ray products so as to allow space within the store for our new creative and activity-based kids products. At present, DVDs, CDs and Blu-ray products are currently on clearance as part of the transition, and we thank our customers and suppliers for their support. We won’t be stocking these items online as our decision to exit is across both in-store and online.” Mum Shelley Brokey said Kmart’s decision would impact those who cannot afford online streaming services. “My daughter likes to watch ABC iview but we can’t afford the amount of internet it takes to use that so I’ve relied on Kmart to buy kids DVDs. I know that’s the way the world is going but some people just can’t afford Netflix or even afford good internet with lots of data,” she told Kidspot. Kirsti Shorti Wells said she felt “let down” that Kmart made such a big change without informing customers. “I’m very disappointed and feel let down, just like when the video shops closed,” she said. “All the newer movies were gone in the first day of the discounts. It seems it was pot luck if you were in there and got a bargain. No one seemed to know about it. It just happened! “I did ask staff why they were discounted and was informed that they would no longer be selling DVDs. As a single mum I always buy from Kmart due to the price being so good or occasionally from Big W. I buy anything from Mary Poppins to what they’ve recently seen at the cinema. My eldest was learning about the Titanic and I wanted her to see the movie and there was nowhere to get it but Kmart. We cried. She learnt and we’ve watched it again and again. It’s something my kids enjoy a lot. CDs are great for the kids to have their own music in their rooms too. Now I’ll either be forced to pay double the price at Coles and Sanity or wait until it comes on TV and record it. Thank goodness for the Video Ezy booths. We enjoy picking those on a Friday night now.” One upset customer, Karina Sanders, said she will now have to drive 45 minutes away to her nearest Sanity store to purchase DVDs and CDs, after her local Kmart cleared its stock earlier this month. “All DVDs, CDs and Blu-ray titles had 25 per cent off tags and there were very few children’s titles to choose from,” said Karina, who has relied on the retailer for DVDs for many years. “I buy them for my two girls and it will cost me more and be an inconvenience. I have checked online and had other people check for DVDs I am wanting, but they haven’t been able to find them.” How do you feel about Kmart’s decision to remove all DVDs and CDs from stores and online? Let us know in the comments below.

Money & Banking

Australia's radical $4 billion plan to ditch rental bonds

A new plan could see rental bonds become a thing of the past and instead renters would purchase “bond cover” that could potentially cost them 10 times less than a tradition bond. “Rental bonds are painful for renters and they are painful for landlords. Across Australia $4 billion worth of bonds are being held by state governments for years at a time and yet most renters always do the right thing,” said Justin Butterworth, whose startup Snug is advocating the new bond cover model. “We believe rental bonds are a tax on renters to pay for the rental system.” However, tenant advocates believe that bond cover is effectively asking people to fork out an annual fee to access their own cash. Rental bonds generally equal one month’s rent and are held by state government controlled rental boards until the end of the lease. Around Australia, there is around $4 billion tied up in rental bonds and in NSW alone, there is $1.3 billion. State governments earn interest on the bond, which pays for support services for tenants including loans for those who are unable to pay for an upfront bond. Comparison website <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/" target="_blank">finder.com.au</a> found that people under 24 were more likely to lose all or some of their bond, with the main reasons being due to unpaid rent or water bills, unpaid fees for breaking the lease early or property damage. In 2015-2016, the average bond amounted to $1657 and 55 per cent of bonds were returned in full, according to the NSW Rental Board. Mr Butterworth told <a href="http://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/australian-economy/radical-plan-that-could-see-the-end-to-the-4bn-of-renters-cash-tied-up-in-rental-bonds/news-story/b7f7f907497337260002a45116bf6bd8" target="_blank">news.com.au</a> that renters should be rewarded for their trust. “Many people rent for years at a time and we found the default rate was very low; a very large amount of renters do the right thing and Australian renters can be trusted. So why do we have bonds, there must be a better way? “If billions of dollars of renters’ capital is being held by the states, they are generating interest that is not going to tenants. “Many renters have student debt, health and life expenses but have thousands of dollars tied up in their bond.” Mr Butterworth’s company Snug focuses on allowing tenants to apply for a bond cover “certificate of guarantee” that is renewed annually. If the tenants have problems at the end of the lease, Snug commits to paying anything owed and the amount is then claimed from the renter. If a claim arose, the landlord and renter would resolve it. However, if that didn’t work, Snug would assess the claim’s validity and then resolve it quickly. "We don’t need four weeks to work out how much a carpet stain in Surry Hills is worth,” said Mr Butterworth, who insisted they would be fair judges on who was at fault. Senior policy officer at the Tenants Union of NSW, Leo Patterson Ross, agreed that renting was becoming increasingly difficult. “Rents are getting higher and so bonds are getting higher and that means there are very legitimate concerns that the barrier to becoming a tenant is being raised. Most bonds are returned so there’s a question mark over what their use is,” he told news.com.au. However, Mr Ross was sceptical that bond cover was better than the current model. “Bonds ensure you have money set aside and if something does go wrong you don’t have to (risk going) through a debt collection agency.” “They’re charging you to keep your own money, and if at the end of the lease there is a problem with the lease you still have to pay for it.” The Tenants Union would prefer to see help in terms of Government loans given to those struggling to pay an upfront bond, over the bond cover resolution. Mr Butterworth said the ACT was the state government most enthusiastic about bond cover with Snug while Queensland had decided to hold off launching. Do you like the idea of bond cover? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Money & Banking

The royal wedding tradition Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are ditching

You’d be hard-pressed to find an English wedding dessert that isn’t a fruit cake, but Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have shunned the traditional gateau in favour of a more American style cake. In a statement released by Kensington Palace, it was revealed that pastry chef Claire Ptak, owner of the London-based bakery Violet Cakes, has been tasked with creating an organic lemon elderflower cake for Harry and Meghan’s May 19 wedding. Ptak is originally from California and has already met with Meghan before, having previously been interviewed by the soon-to-be royal for her now-defunct lifestyle website, The Tig. “Prince Harry and Ms. Markle have asked Claire to create a lemon elderflower cake that will incorporate the bright flavours of spring. It will be covered with buttercream and decorated with fresh flowers,” read a statement released by the Palace via Twitter. “Claire Ptak, who was raised in California, focuses on using seasonal and organic ingredients in her cakes.” “Prince Harry and Ms. Markle are looking forward to sharing the cake with guests at their wedding at Windsor Castle on May 19th.” In a statement, Ptak said she was “delighted” to be chosen. “Knowing that they really share the same values as I do about food provenance, sustainability, seasonality and most importantly flavour, makes this the most exciting event to be a part of.” London high society magazine Tatler describes Ptak’s bakery as an “East London hotspot” that “serves the best American-style bakes around”. Former royal chef Darren McGrady said he was “delighted” that the couple had chosen to ditch the traditional fruitcake for an American sponge, joking on Twitter, “I wonder how many bakers will be getting calls this morning to, ‘Please change my wedding cake to lemon elderflower.’” To see some of the most extravagant royal wedding cakes throughout the years, scroll through the gallery above, and tell us in the comments, what do you think of Harry and Meghan’s cake choice?

Food & Wine

Cadbury denies ditching the word “Easter”

Cadbury has once again been forced to deny that it has removed the word “Easter” from its Easter products after angry consumers threatened to boycott the confectionary company. On Monday, Footy Show star <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/food-wine/2018/02/erin-molan-baffed-by-suspicious-easter-egg-packaging/">Erin Molan shared a photo</a> on Instagram of a packet of “Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Eggs” with the caption, “How come they don’t say Easter anymore?” <img width="372" height="612" src="https://www.oversixty.com.au/media/7268527/erin-molan-in-text.jpg" alt="Erin Molan In Text (1)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> It sparked a backlash with angry customers leaving furious comments on Cadbury’s Facebook page, threatening a boycott. In response, Cadbury shared a photo of a number of its Easter products, including the “Ultimate Easter Share Pack”, “Giant Easter Egg Tube”, “Easter Assortment” and “Easter Fun Mix”. <img width="382" height="287" src="http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/1422896d35fa76a74c8fb67610356749" alt="Cadbury shared this photo on its Facebook page." style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> “We haven’t taken Easter off our packs,” the company wrote on social media. “Our Easter products are sold at Easter time and the word Easter clearly features on numerous products in our range and on our communications. “Easter is a very special time for us at Cadbury and we will continue to use Easter in our communications at this time of year — just as we have on the products and promotions in this image.” Cadbury was first accused of banned the word Easter on their products in 2016 by the UK’s Daily Star newspaper. At the time, a spokesperson said: “Most of our Easter eggs don’t say Easter or egg on the front as we don’t feel the need to tell people this — it is very obvious through the packaging that it is an Easter egg.”

News

8 gorgeous grey-haired celebs that will make you want to ditch the dye

It’s official – going grey is in. Hell, even <a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/g3384/silver-hair-color-ideas/" target="_blank">young women are choosing to dye their hair glorious shades of silver</a>. But if you need a little convincing, we’ve tracked down photos of some of our favourite grey-haired celebs to give you a little style inspiration. Whether you’re still dyeing your locks, sporting just a few silver streaks or have already gone full grey, we’ve got a hairstyle for you! Simply scroll through the gallery above to see some of the best ‘dos for every length.

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