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Sombre Aussie site tops global list of most unusual abandoned places

Each year, thousands of people travel to famous abandoned buildings and hotspots to explore what were once important landmarks. Some deserted sites are more popular than others, as these ten sites received tens of thousands of visitors each year. Buzludzha, Bulgaria The Buzludzha Monument in central Bulgaria has been dubbed the tenth most famous abandoned place in the world, each year welcoming over 18,000 people. The site was constructed in 1981 and used by the Bulgarian communist government, and was in use until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989. Ohio State Reformatory, USA After first opening in 1898, the goal of the Ohio State Reformatory was to truly "reform" and rehabilitate its inmates. The facility was closed in 1990, and each year attracts more than 21,000 visitors. Gereja Ayam, Indonesia The uniquely shaped house of prayer in Central Java continues to be a popular tourist attraction in Indonesia, welcoming more than 50,000 travellers each year. Construction on the church was never completed after work was halted in 2000. Lago di Resia Bell Tower, Italy The 14-century sunken bell tower can be found near the border of Switzerland, emerging from the water from a sunken village where travellers claim they can hear bells tolling, even though there are no bells in the tower. The lonely (and probably haunted) tower receives more than 54,000 tourists each year. Canfranc, Spain The abandoned railway station is located in the Spanish municipality of Canfranc, close to the French border and once was a major hub for cross-border railway traffic. It first opened in 1928, but closed its doors by 1970 before it was reimagined as a hotel. Beelitz Military Hospital, Germany The large hospital complex was first built in 1898 as a sanatorium, but was transformed into a hospital at the beginning of WWI and has been abandoned since 1990. It's understood Hitler was treated here after being wounded in the Battle of Somme, which could be the reason more than 64,000 travellers flock there each year. Eastern State Penitentiary, USA The prison in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is described as one of the country's most historic prisons and has housed some famous prisoners such as Al Capone. The prison was closed in 1971 and is tagged on social media by more than 79,000 every year. Croix-Rouge, Paris Also known as the Red Cross, this Paris train station has been abandoned since 1939 after France entered WWII. The station was only functional for 16 years, and welcomes more than 95,000 curious travellers each year. Teufelsberg, Germany Teufelsberg was one of the largest listening towers in the world during the Cold war. The site was closed in 1972, but still receives around 128,000 every year. Port Arthur, Australia More than a quarter of a million visitors travel to Port Arthur in Tasmania each year. The site itself was first opened as a timber station in 1830 and is known as a symbol of the country's convict past. Image credits: Shutterstock

International Travel

Peter Dutton defends comparing pro-Palestine rally to Port Arthur massacre

Peter Dutton has doubled down on controversial comments he made comparing a pro-Palestine rally to the Port Arthur massacre in 1996. The leader of the opposition sparked fierce criticism fort he remarks he made when discussing the rise of anti-Semitism in Australia as the Israel-Palestine war rages on. He compared a pro-Palestine protest that took place outside Sydney Opera House on October 9th, just days after the first attacks by Hamas, to the deadly massacre in Tasmania in which 35 people were killed which prompted major gun reforms in Australia under the Howard government. Dutton later repeated the comments, insisting Mr Howard’s response had been “strong” and claimed Mr Albanese has not done enough to stem the rise in anti-Semitism. The Opposition Leader appeared on Today on Friday morning where he again defended his comments when asked if he had gone too far with the comparison. “The point I was making, which is absolutely a legitimate one, is that I thought this was a time for the Prime Minister (Anthony Albanese) to show leadership and to step up,” Mr Dutton said. “I think, with John Howard, who stood up at a point of national importance for our country, demonstrated leadership and changed the course of history for the better. The Prime Minister has allowed this rise of anti-Semitism in our country.” “I don’t resile from that at all.” Mr Dutton’s fury was sparked by comments made by the Foreign Minister Penny Wong in her own speech earlier this week, which left the door open for Australia to back Palestinian statehood in the UN. “Penny Wong never went to cabinet with this proposal. It’s not agreed to by the Palestinian leaders here in Australia,” he said. Government Services Minister Bill Shorten then chimed in on the debate, arguing there was nothing new in Senator Wong’s comments as the war in Palestine continued to claim thousands of innocent lives. “Labor has had as its policy for a very long time, the whole time I’ve been a member of the Labor Party, support for a two state solution,” he told Nine. But he said it was a grave mistake to conflate Port Arthur with the “unacceptable” rise in anti-Semitism. “I think probably if he had his time again in the privacy of his own head, he would probably not do (that),” Mr Shorten said. “They’re two separate issues. Port Arthur was a shocking, murderous, evil act in Australia. And John Howard certainly spoke up about it." “I think Peter, you know, has got to make his point. That’s his job. But I think he should work with the Prime Minister to call out inflammatory language here.” Mr Dutton went on to clarify he was just trying to make a parallel between the two leaders’ responses. “John Howard stood up for our country at a time when he needed moral clarity. He did that he changed the course of history with gun laws,” he said. “That’s the parallel that I’m making to the absolute absence of leadership from the Prime Minister at the moment, which has given rise to those in the Jewish community talking about feeling unsafe in our country.” Image credits: Getty Images <div class="media image" style="caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 24px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; width: 705.202209px; max-width: 100%;"> </div>

Legal

Tragic news after camper missing for 12 days

Human remains believed to be that of missing camper Jessica Louise Stephens have been found by Northern Territory Police. The 35-year-old went camping at Kakadu National Park almost two weeks ago, and was reported missing by her mother on October 18. On Saturday afternoon police released a statement saying that they have recovered the remains on Nourlangie Rock, near where Stephens was believed to be travelling. Police also confirmed that the remains were located within the original search area. In an earlier statement, NT police reported that they found Stephen's belongings “a considerable distance from the walking track in harsh terrain”. It was reported that her vehicle was found in a car park near Nourlangie Rock. Acting Senior Sergeant Steven Langdon said that the search and rescue operation for Stephens, which commenced on the 24th of October, had covered around 140 square kilometres of the national park. Search efforts had been hampered by extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 48 degrees Celcius. Police have reported that they are in contact with Stephens' family and are preparing a report for the Coroner. Image: ABC News/ Karon Evans/ Getty

News

Stephen Fry rushed to hospital

Beloved British icon and actor Stephen Fry, aged 66, found himself in a hospital bed following a dramatic tumble off the stage at London's O2 Arena. The incident occurred right after he had delivered a talk about artificial intelligence (AI) at the CogX Festival. Reports indicate that Fry plummeted an alarming six feet to the ground, resulting in injuries to his leg and ribs. A spokesperson for the conference issued a statement expressing their concern and support for Fry, explaining that the unfortunate accident transpired after his inspiring discourse on the influence of AI. They emphasised their collective thoughts and well-wishes for his speedy recovery. They also mentioned that they had initiated their own investigation but were unable to disclose further details at the moment. Prior to his fall, Fry had engaged the audience with thought-provoking ideas, saying, "We have to choose whether we want to be Prometheus or Zeus." He humorously added, "The one thing we can agree on is that it's a f--king weird time to be alive." <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Thanks to everyone who joined us at CogX Festival’s 7th AI & Transformational tech event at London’s iconic O2 arena. Watch our quick Day 3 recap and visit our website to be the first to hear about our plans to make it even bigger and better next year!<a href="https://t.co/K1fBIE0R0G">https://t.co/K1fBIE0R0G</a> <a href="https://t.co/IqRwpRwwiZ">pic.twitter.com/IqRwpRwwiZ</a> — CogX Festival (@CogX_Festival) <a href="https://twitter.com/CogX_Festival/status/1704538018369954103?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2023</a></blockquote> In another intriguing revelation, Fry discussed an incident where a historical documentary utilised an AI-generated replication of his voice without his consent. He clarified to his fans that he had not uttered a single word in the narration; instead, a machine had performed the task. He expressed astonishment at the technology's capabilities, noting that it could potentially manipulate his voice to convey any message, from a call to storm Parliament to explicit content, all unbeknownst to him and without his authorisation. "And this, what you just heard," he said, "was done without my knowledge." Image: Getty

Caring

5 of the best things to do in Port Stephens

From magnificent coastline to whale watching and sunsets that will take your breath away, these are five of the best things to do in Port Stephens. Be warned: After reading this you’ll want to hop in the car immediately. 1. Camp in luxury safari tent (pictured above) If you’re looking for that up-close-and-personal-with-nature feel that goes hand in hand with camping, but don’t want to go with out the luxuries of a resort, the safari tents at <a href="http://www.twsr.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Thou Walla Sunset Retreat</a> are for you. Labelled as “Glamping Safari Tents,” the experience is just that – camping with all of the glamourous trimmings. From the king-size bed to the large flat-screen TV, you can expect all the features that you get from a luxury hotel room, including an electric fireplace, fridge and a big bathroom with a shower and toilet – they are, however, eco friendly with a few different bells and whistles. The tents themselves are located a stone’s throw from the marina and the calm waters of Soliders Point, which runs alongside one length of the site. Located around 15 minutes from Nelson Bay, the award-winning retreat is home to villas as well as the safari tents. If you are adverse to noises in the night, you may want to pack you earplugs to drown out the noisy birds – but apparently they don’t make a ruckus all year round and in any case, the piece des resistance that is the amazing sunset, enjoyed from your tent’s deck with a tipple in hand, by far makes up for the noise. It is absolute bliss. 2. Hike up to Tomaree Head Tomaree Head sits 161 metres above Port Stephens and offers the most incredible views of the region. The track to the summit is just over two kilometres and will take around an hour, but you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over Zenith, Wreck and Box beaches, the lighthouse and WWII gun placements, Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah islands, and potentially even whales or dolphins. There’s a picnic table at the top, so bring your lunch for a meal with a view. 3. Go whale watching Every year, thousands of humpback and southern right whales make their way past Port Stephens during their annual migration. At this time of year, the southern migration has begun and you’ll see many mothers with newborn calves returning from the breeding grounds. There are plenty of spots to watch the whales from shore, but for the real experience you need to be out on the water. <a href="http://www.imaginecruises.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Imagine Cruises</a> runs whale-watching tours every day from May to November. You’ll be sailing on a 16-metre catamaran as the whales swim right alongside or breach from the water in a stunning display of aquatic acrobatics. 4. Spend the day at the beach Port Stephens is surrounded by more than 20 golden sandy beaches so enjoy a classic stop on the shore. There’s a beach for just about every kind of water activity you could ask for, from swimming and surfing to snorkelling, parasailing, fishing and jetskiing. Divers can explore the sea caves and shipwrecks of Fly Point Marine Park. Or you can just spread out your towel, pick up a good book and soak up some sun. 5. Have dinner by the water The Port Stephens region is famous for its food and wine, and one of the best spots to taste it is the <a href="http://littlebeachboathouse.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Beach Boathouse</a>. The restaurant sits right on the water at Nelson Bay – but set away from the main shops on the marina. Styled like a cool, breezy beach house, the menu features fresh local produce like rock oysters, fish and prawns, accompanied by wines from the nearby Hunter Valley and Murray Brewery Beers brewed in Port Stephens. Arrive early for dinner to watch the sunset with a glass of bubbles. Image credit: Shutterstock Related links <a href="../travel/international/2016/09/10-of-the-most-incredible-landmarks-in-australia/">10 of the most incredible landmarks in Australia</a> <a href="../travel/international/2016/08/10-images-showcase-the-beauty-of-tasmanian-wilderness/">10 images showcase the beauty of Tasmania’s wilderness</a> <a href="../travel/international/2016/08/12-aerial-photos-showcasing-south-australias-beauty/">12 aerial photos showcasing South Australia’s beauty</a>

Domestic Travel

Chris Hemsworth eyeing out Melbourne apartment development

Aussie actor Chris Hemsworth has been spotted checking out a potential Melbourne bolthole, where ex-Socceroo Harry Kewell could be his neighbour. According to The Herald Sun, the Hollywood great was seen eyeing out the construction site of the 103 Beach St, Port Melbourne, apartment development, set to be completed in September 2024. While he hasn’t purchased anything yet, it is understood that Hemsworth is working with a representative to inspect properties for his first Victorian base. The Marvel star is originally from Melbourne and spent his adolescence in Phillip Island but has no known property assets in the state. He and his wife Elsa Pataky currently own an incredible $30 million mansion in Byron Bay, boasting a gym, steam room, media room, games room and 50m rooftop infinity pool with ocean views. Hemsworth is also an avid Bulldogs supporter and has been seen in the past watching his AFL team play at Marvel Stadium. It comes after about a third of the luxury Beach St apartments were swiftly taken from the plan, with those remaining available ranging from $2.7 million up to $18.5m for the penthouse suites. Industry sources claim former Socceroo and Liverpool player Kewell has also engaged a buyer’s agent from Sydney to inquire about the project. Marshall White Projects director Leonard Teplin declined to comment on the identities of prospective buyers but revealed the complex had attracted interest from “some pretty high-profile people” across Australia, including some well-known business personalities who have already purchased. “It’s one of the more popular apartment projects we’ve had,” he said. “The day we went live there were over 400 registrations of interest … and in the first 72 hours it had 83,000 (website) impressions, which is massive.” Image credit: Getty / Realestate.com.au

Real Estate

Three Aussie regions set to be unliveable

Three major economic centres are set to become uninhabitable by the end of the century as global temperatures are on track to warm by 2.7C. It is predicted that Broome, Darwin and Port Hedland in WA are to be pushed outside the “human climate niche”, referring to the temperature and humidity conditions in which humans can survive. The destinations are just three of the many northwestern sections of Australia facing “niche displacement” in the next 70 years. New research by The University of Exeter, published in the science journal Nature Sustainability in May 2023, calculates the human cost of climate inaction based on current insufficient policies and government inaction. According to the report, two million people will be living with unprecedented mean average temperatures (MAT) above 29C. MAT >29C is the point at which wellbeing scientifically declines, labour productivity and cognitive ability shrinks, negative pregnancy outcomes are emancipated and mortality rates soar. The report calculates that twenty per cent of Australia, around 374,977 Aussies, will be negatively impacted by the 2.7C temperature increase. Those Australians would join a third of the world’s population, including Africa, South America, and South-East Asia. A 3C warmer temperature in Darwin would mean that for 265 days of the year, temperatures would reach above 35C. At 40C, humidity soars and temperatures become lethal, the Australian Academy of Science reports. The University of Exeter report also explained the effects of a “wet-bulb temperature” where temperature and humidity are combined. In temperatures above 28C (WBT) body struggles to cool itself by sweating, and fails to do so in temperatures above 35C (WBT), which can be fatal. By limiting global warming to 1.5C, which is the goal of the Paris Agreement, 80 per cent of those at risk of rising temperatures would remain in their climate niche. However, scientists warn that a 1.5C will still cause severe and irreversible effects on people, wildlife and ecosystems. Global warming currently sits at 1.2C, but new research from The World Meteorological Organisation suggests there is a 66 per cent chance at least one year in the next five will breach the 1.5C threshold. “Despite increased pledges and targets to tackle climate change, current policies still leave the world on course for about 2.7C end-of-century global warming,” The University of Exeter report said. “These results highlight the need for more decisive policy action to limit the human costs and inequities of climate change.” The report also found the impacts of rising temperatures will not be felt equally, as estimates of the human cost of climate change “tend to be expressed in monetary terms”. “(Estimates) tends to recognise impacts on the rich more than those on the poor (because the rich have more money to lose) and tend to value those living now over those living in the future (because future damages are subject to economic discounting),” the report said. “From an equity standpoint, this is unethical — when life or health are at stake, all people should be considered equal, whether rich or poor, alive or yet to be born.” Image credit: Shutterstock

Domestic Travel

Small town's Christmas display dubbed the "worst in history"

The Port Macquarie Council have been widely roasted online after the unveiling of their Christmas tree display, which has been dubbed the "worst in history". Families and community members turned out by the hundreds to see NSW Central Coast town light up its Christmas tree last week, which was met with a very mixed reaction. The long-anticipated reveal, which forced onlookers to wait until midnight for the lights to be turned on, was met with a chorus of disappointed sighs as the underwhelming tree was finally illuminated. Families expecting a glowing symbol of Christmas cheer were instead treated to a sight of Christmas gloom with sad looking fairy light strings barely clinging onto the huge pine tree's branches. Port Macquarie Hastings Council took the disappointment in its stride, mocking its own tree with an 'Instagram vs Reality' meme on Facebook. <iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpmhcouncil%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02tkGEispQKQLt4tsc5X3VP8iUQTyp2AFyMqLc1sQKw2CKZdGxsNHJKfSfCXVywhPVl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="677" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> "What can we say except ... you're welcome," the council wrote on Friday, alongside a smirk face emoji. "With everything our community has been through recently, we know everyone appreciates a good laugh!" "We are glad our very sad Christmas tree could provide that for everyone." "So let's be real. Our poor tree does look like it was decorated by Santa after he's whizzed around the world and had too many eggnogs." The council said its tree decoration was done with "the best of intentions" however "extraordinary winds and rain" had destroyed the lights. "Just like the rest of us - she's battered and bruised, but she's still standing," they said. Just days after the tree lights were turned on, the council confirmed it needed to strip the sad looking tree because it had become a "safety risk" to locals. "We have enjoyed your good humour and appreciation of our abstract piece of art," the council joked. "Unfortunately, the infamous lights will be removed, as they are slipping further down the tree and pose a safety risk and we are concerned if we leave the inflatable baubles up, we may not have any left by Christmas." Port Macquarie Hastings Mayor Peta Pinson later said the council was working hard to install their "original outdoor tree will be installed and working for everyone's enjoyment well before Christmas". "Again, I am so thankful to the community for coming and celebrating. Merry Christmas to our wonderful, witty and resilient community," she said. Image credits: Facebook

Travel Trouble

Two years on since the Beirut port explosion

It’s been two years since the devastating port explosion that rocked Lebanon and saw the country slowly become even more poor. The terrifying explosion killed 218 people, wounded 7,000 and damaged 77,000 apartments, displacing more than 300,000 people in the already struggling country. Covid was well underway with hospitals already under pressure, but the explosion saw them suddenly overflowing with injured citizens desperate for help. People are saying that the country’s stay-at-home orders saved lives which would have otherwise seen hundreds of thousands on the roads, at work and at the beach near the exploded port. But two years on and the residents are still struggling through the worst economic crisis in 30 years. Electricity runs for an hour a day unless you have a deal with electricity companies, there is also no running water, no bread, no gas, and much more. And it’s only expected to get worse in winter when temperatures plummet and families struggle to keep their loved ones, particularly the elderly, warm. Even putting food on the table has become more difficult with grocery prices soaring exponentially – almost 10 times what they were back in 2019. Families are being forced to ration and even resort to basics. There have been several protests calling for an end to the widespread corruption and tax increases. Will the politicians listen? Probably not, as this has been a long-running issue for Lebanon. Despite all this heartache, Lebanon remains the Paris of the Middle East and is likened to a phoenix, a mythical bird that is born again from the ashes of its predecessor. But what can we do to help Lebanon? Go and visit. Lebanon’s economy continues to rely on tourism and is a stunning summer/spring destination. Travellers will be in awe at the beauty of the Middle Eastern country which is constantly bringing Aussie tourists in. From its capital city Beirut, to Byblos in the seaside of the north of the country, Tyre, also known as Sour (pronounced soor), Harissa and many more it is certainly the place to be. It comes as the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism launched a tourism campaign to bring in Lebanese expats to come to the country during the 2022 summer season. The campaign was dubbed “Ahla Bha Talle,” in reference to a song by late and prominent Lebanese singer Sabah. So in reference to that TikTok video “Yallah come to Lebanon habibi” (Come to Lebanon my love). Images: Twitter

Travel Trouble

7 free activities to do at a port stop

Having a fun during your port stop doesn’t mean you have to spend lots of money. Depending on where you have stopped, there are various activities that you can spend your time doing that will still allow you to soak up the country that you are in. 1. Beach Beaches not only provide some of the most beautiful views on earth but they are an enjoyable activity that requires no money. You can spend your time taking in some Vitamin D, reading a book, searching for seashells or cooling off in the crystal waters. 2. Explore Depending on where you are, you can choose to go on a nice walk to take in the outdoor views or explore the streets and local life. You will be able to stretch your legs, take in the views and you will also be bound to meet some friendly faces that might be willing to give you some insider tips to where to go next. If you prefer not to walk too much when you explore, research prior to your trip to see if there are any free bus rides where you are stopping. 3. Tour the city If you have great navigation skills, don’t bother paying for a tour but visit the most prominent sites by yourself. From churches, to statutes and museums, you can explore the history of the location on your own terms. This will allow you to spend more time on the places you don’t want to rush or skip the attractions that don’t interest you at all. 4. Browse markets Markets are often free and will definitely entertain you as you browse through the local handmade goods and food. If you find some cheap items you can also purchase them as souvenirs and save yourself from spending lots of money at the tourist trap shops. You will also be supporting locals who may need the money. The markets will also provide a lot of options to meet different people. Be sure to know the conversion rate before you go to the markets so you don’t get ripped off. 5. See live music Live music is delightful to watch in another country and is a great way to see how the country’s culture and history has influenced the music. Live music can be found anywhere whether it be in front of prominent attractions, street corners or in bars. If you stumble upon an act that you enjoy, feel free to dance along or start clapping. Be aware of pickpocket thieves when you listen to live music as they love crowds. 6. People-watch People-watching is a great way to learn about the culture of a country. If you feel like relaxing in a park or at a café, be sure to pick a spot that gives you a great view of the crowds. You will be easily entertained watching people going about their lives oblivious of your gaze. 7. Attend local events There are so many local events on in all countries around the world, it is just a matter of being aware of where they are and what time they are occurring. Check out the events calendars for your cruise ports to see which events take your fancy. What free activities are your favourite in cruise ports? Let us know in the comments below.

Cruising

Vale Stephen Wilhite, the creator of the GIF

Stephen Wilhite, the man who invented the wildly popular GIF, has died aged 74. His wife, Kathleen, broke the news that he died of Covid on March 14. Wilhite created the Graphics Interchange Format (GIF) - an image format with a short, looping video - while working at CompuServe in 1987. “He invented the GIF all by himself - he actually did that at home and brought it into work after he perfected it,” Kathleen told <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/23/22992066/stephen-wilhite-gif-creator-dies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Verge</a>. “He would figure out everything privately in his head and then go to town programming it on the computer.” He was later recognised for his work in 2013 when he was awarded a Webby lifetime achievement. “I saw the format I wanted in my head and then I started programming,” he told The New York Times that same year, adding that the first image he created was of an airplane. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/04/01-06-17Avion.gif" alt="" width="400" height="149" /> The first GIF created was of an airplane that seemed to move through clouds. Image: <a href="https://thefanatic.net/this-was-the-first-ever-gif/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TheFanatic.net</a> The inventor and programmer also ended the debate on how to pronounce the name of his creation once and for all, saying it used a soft ‘g’ sound, like Jif peanut butter. “Those using the hard ‘g’, as in ‘got’ or ‘given’ are wrong,” he said. “End of story.” Kathleen said there was more to her husband than his invention of the GIF, and his love of trains led to him having a room dedicated to them in the basement of their home with “enormous train tracks”. Even after he retired in 2001, she said “he never stopped programming”. According to his <a href="https://www.megiefuneralhome.com/obituaries/Stephen-E.-Wilhite?obId=24311617" target="_blank" rel="noopener">obituary page</a>, he had 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren and “remained a very humble, kind and good man” even with all his accomplishments. An unknown icon in internet culture Though Wilhite's name might be unfamiliar to many, his creation certainly isn’t. From an origin as a method of distributing high quality graphics in colour when internet speeds were at a snail’s pace, the GIF has become an useful tool used to communicate in digital spaces. In linguist Gretchen McCulloch’s book, <a href="https://gretchenmcculloch.com/book/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Because Internet</a>, she describes how GIF’s are used most frequently now as depictions of people, animals or cartoon characters doing a certain action to represent your own body. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/04/safe_image-1.gif" alt="" width="640" height="572" /> Modern-day GIFs are often used to represent us laughing, crying, or gesturing in real life, just like this one in response to one of our memes. Image: Facebook Whether that’s commenting on a funny image with a GIF of an animal that’s beside itself in invisible laughter or sharing birthday messages with GIFs of cakes covered in flickering candles, most of us can recall a time we relied on these instead of writing or speaking. She also describes their use as emblems, a linguistic term for nameable gestures like the middle finger, jazz hands, eye rolling, winking, and dropping an invisible microphone, as well as a way to show that we’re actively listening to someone. Social media platforms have even caught onto how we use GIFs to communicate. “When you go to insert a GIF on Twitter, the built-in categories of GIF you’re offered are nameable, stylised gestures… such as applause, eww, eye roll, facepalm, fistbump, goodbye, happy dance hearts, high five (and others),” McCulloch writes. “Certain GIFs are so emblematic that they can be invoked by name, without an image file … when you want to convey your excitement in observing other people’s drama, you can send a GIF of Michael Jackson eating popcorn in a darkened movie theatre, eyes avidly glued to the screen, but you can also simply say #popcorngif or *popcorn.gif*.” <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/04/giphy.gif" alt="" width="420" height="315" /> The MJ GIF in question. Image: Giphy.com With that in mind, Wilhite’s 35-year-old creation will stay popular as long as we continue to interact with others online in a legacy that many aren’t afforded. Yet Wilhite was more than his creation, and it’s important that we remember his name just as easily as we remember our go-to GIFs. Image: Getty Images

Technology

Kyle Sandilands engaged while holidaying in Port Douglas

Image: Instagram / Twitter Kyle Sandilands is engaged to his girlfriend, Tegan Kynaston, proposing after two years together. The radio presenter, 50, got down on one knee while the couple were holidaying in Port Douglas. "She said YES!!!! Congratulations to the future Mr & Mrs Kyle Sandilands!!! #KJShow," Kyle and Jackie O's Twitter caption read. Tegan, aged 35, sparked engagement rumours after she was spotted wearing a large diamond ring on Saturday after arriving in Sydney from the holiday. She is director of communications for her now-fiancé's company King Kyle Private Limited. The duo went public with their romance on New Year's Eve in 2019 when Kynaston shared a photo of herself kissing Sandilands in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. She had previously been Sandilands' personal assistant before they began dating. Prior to their romance, Sandilands had been linked to model Imogen Anthony, calling off their relationship after eight years together.

Relationships

Beloved General Hospital actor dies "sitting on a horse" while filming

Veteran soap opera actor Jay Pickett, has died at age 60. His wife, Elena Pickett, was the one to confirm his death. Best known for his roles in General Hospital, Days of Our Lives and Port Charles, Pickett passed away while away from his family in Idaho. News broke of the actor’s death on Friday when actor and film producer Jim Heffel shared a touching note about their friendship on Facebook. “Yesterday I lost a good friend and the world lost a great person,” Heffel wrote. “Jay Pickett decided to ride off into the Heavens. Jay died sitting on a horse ready to rope a steer in the movie Treasure Valley in Idaho. The way of a true cowboy.” He went on to say: “Jay wrote the story and starred in it. He was also coproducer with myself and Vernon Walker. He will be truly missed. “Ride like the wind partner.” <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/CSDQdQrKsPT/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <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/CSDQdQrKsPT/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by ElizanTV YouTube Channel. (@elizantv)</a> </div> </blockquote> He was filming a scene for his upcoming movie Treasure Valley when he passed, his film's director, Travis Mills went on to say in a touching post. "Jay Pickett, our leading man, writer, producer, and creator of this movie passed away suddenly while we were on location preparing to film a scene," Mills posted on the film's official Facebook page. <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/CSCUBWCH5I6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <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/CSCUBWCH5I6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by 12 Westerns in 12 Months (@12westerns)</a> </div> </blockquote> "Our hearts are broken, and we grieve for his family who are so devastated by this shocking tragedy." "He was doing what he loved: acting, riding horses, making movies. And he was magnificent," he continued. Mills said that while his death is not confirm, it seems he passed from “a heart attack.” Mills added that everyone who was there did their best "to keep him alive." He went on to describe Pickett as an “incredible man” who was “kind, sweet and generous.” “He was one of the best actors I ever worked with and it was an honor to collaborate with him,” he continued. “Everyone who met him, even for the briefest moment, could feel his warmth, his wonderful spirit. It is difficult to find the words right now to say more. His closest friends have said that he was very happy making Treasure Valley and my hope is that he truly was.” The director finished his devastating post with a touching note, writing, “He was doing what he loved: acting, riding horses, making movies. And he was magnificent.” Jay is survived by his wife Elena, and their three children, Maegan, Michaela and Tyler.

Caring

“Awful”: Steve Price slams upcoming Port Arthur movie

The film about the 1996 Port Arthur massacre has proven to be a massive controversy, with many saying it should not be made. On Wednesday night’s episode of The Project, Lisa Wilkinson asked Steve Price his opinion on the upcoming film. “A controversial new film about the 1996 Port Arthur massacre has been widely condemned. It is due for release next year. Survivors have branded it ‘tasteless and inappropriate,’” Lisa stated. “The film focuses on the gunman who killed 32 people and injured 23 others in what became one of Australia’s worst mass shootings.” “Steve Price was at the scene after that horrific event unfolded in 1996. “There are films made about 9/11, World War II and here in Australia about Snowtown. What is different about this one?” Lisa asks. “Well, Lisa, I think it is probably too soon and too close to home. I mean, the 35 people who were killed there, their relatives today I would think would be having flashbacks,” Price said. “The 21 people injured by that gunman would be feeling uncomfortable. I saw an interview back with Walter who did it from the ABC, where he was talking about how he lost his wife and his two children and he described how the gunman had left the cafe and was driving back down the road. He saw his wife. He jumped out of the car. He killed her. He then shot one of the daughters. The other was hiding behind a tree. He turned around the side of that tree and gunned her down as well. I stood in front of that tree the day after that happened and I can tell you, and I wasn’t there on the day but I was there the next day, it still haunts me. It was an awful feeling and awful place and it would be an awful movie.” “Is it fair to protest a film – we don’t know what is in the film. Is it fair to protest a film which has not been made yet?” asked co-host Joel Creasey. “We all know how it ends and the end is grim and awful. I don’t know what sort of job this filmmaker will make of this movie. I won’t see it. I am sure anyone there on the day will avoid it at all costs. I agree it should not be made,” he said. “I don’t see the point in making something which was an awful stain on our history.” Waleed Aly asked him whether the film could be seen as a crucial way to learn lessons from the tragedy, as there was no trial. “It sounds like an important story to tell. Isn’t this a way to do that?” Waleed asked. But Price didn’t think so. “The big lesson we learn is there’s no place in Australian homes for automatic and semiautomatic weapons. We learnt that John Howard took guns off people after that. A lot of people turned weapons in and we’ve not had as may a mass shooting as that ever since. That is the lesson we learnt. What did we learn about the gunman? What we have learnt today is we’re not using his name. That is a good lesson. I don’t though how a movie can be made without using the person it is about and saying their name.” The movie based around the events leading up to the horrible tragedy will make its cinematic debut in 2021.

Movies

Charging your phone using a public port is dangerous

Have you ever used a public charging station to charge your mobile phone when it runs out of battery? If so, watch out for “juice jacking”. Cybercriminals are on the prowl to infect your mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers and access your personal data, or install malware while you charge them. Specifically, <a href="https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/2732198.2732205">juice jacking</a> is a cyber attack in which criminals <a href="https://securelist.com/wired-mobile-charging-is-it-safe/74804/">use publicly accessible USB charging ports or cables</a> to install malicious software on your mobile device and/or steal personal data from it. Even a <a href="https://media.blackhat.com/us-13/US-13-Lau-Mactans-Injecting-Malware-into-iOS-Devices-via-Malicious-Chargers-WP.pdf">60-second power-up</a> can be enough to compromise your phone’s data. This is because USB cables allow the transmission of both power and data streams simultaneously. Victims can be left vulnerable to identity theft, financial fraud, and significant stress. USB charging stations are a common sight in shopping centres, airports, hotels, fast-food restaurants, and even on public transport. While juice jacking is neither <a href="https://securelist.com/wi-fi-security-and-fake-acdc-charges-threaten-your-data-at-the-2014-world-cup/63759/">new</a> nor particularly widespread so far, it was recently highlighted by <a href="http://da.lacounty.gov/about/inside-LADA/juice-jacking-criminals-use-public-usb-chargers-steal-data-ff">Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office</a> as a significant threat, especially to travellers who can easily find themselves caught short and in need of a battery boost. How does it work? First, the attackers tamper with the charging stations or cables in public areas, and install malicious software on them. This software then infects the phones of unsuspecting users who subsequently plug into the tampered charger. The software can invade, damage or even disable your phone. It can also steal or delete data from your phone and possibly spy on your usage activity, to the extent of transmitting your personal information such as account numbers, usernames, passwords, photos, and emails to the perpetrator. How can I tell if I’ve been juice jacked? Hacked mobile devices will often go undetected. But there are a few telltale signs that your device may have been hacked. These include: <ul> <li> a sudden surge in battery consumption or rapid loss of charge, indicating a malicious app may be running in the background </li> <li> the device operating slower than usual, or restarting without notice </li> <li> apps taking a long time to load or frequently crashing </li> <li> excessive heating </li> <li> changes to device settings that you did not make </li> <li> increased or abnormal data usage. </li> </ul> How do I protect myself? The tampering of USB charging stations or USB cables is almost impossible to identify. But there are some simple ways to guard against juice jacking: <ul> <li> avoid USB power charging stations </li> <li> use AC power outlets rather than USB ports </li> <li> use a portable battery power bank (your own, not a borrowed one!) </li> <li> carry your own charging cable and adaptor </li> <li> use a data-blocker device such as <a href="http://syncstop.com/">SyncStop</a> or <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Juice-Jack-Defender-Security-purchased-employees/dp/B00XYTQ4Q8">Juice-Jack Defender</a>. These devices physically prevent data transfer and only allow power to go through while charging </li> <li> use power-only USB cables such as <a href="https://www.4cabling.com.au/portapow-fast-charge-micro-usb-cable-300cm.html">PortaPow</a>, which don’t pass any data. </li> </ul> And finally, if you must use a charging station, keep your phone locked while doing so. USB ports typically don’t sync data from a phone that is locked. Most mobile phones will ask your permission to give the USB port access to your phone’s data when you plug in. If you’re using an unknown or untrustworthy port, make sure you decline. I think I might have been juice jacked – what can I do? If you suspect you have fallen prey, there are several things you can do to protect your device’s integrity: <ul> <li> monitor your device for unusual activity </li> <li> delete suspicious apps you don’t recall installing </li> <li> restore your device to its factory settings </li> <li> install anti-virus software, such as <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&hl=en_AU">Avast Antivirus</a> or <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.antivirus&hl=en_AU%22">AVG AntiVirus</a> </li> <li> keep your mobile device’s system software up to date. Developers continually release patches against common types of malware. </li> </ul> A lot of data is stored on our mobile devices these days, and protecting our privacy is crucial. While juice jacking may not be a widespread threat, it is important to ensure the safety of our mobile devices. So, the next time you consider using a public USB charging station or cable, ask yourself if it is worth it, particularly as your personal information is at stake.<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/130947/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ritesh-chugh-162770">Ritesh Chugh</a>, Senior Lecturer/Discipline Lead – Information Systems and Analysis, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</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/charging-your-phone-using-a-public-usb-port-beware-of-juice-jacking-130947">original article</a>.

Technology

Australia’s “sh*ttest town” accuses popular Facebook page of bullying

The hugely popular Facebook page known as “<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/shittownsofaustralia/" target="_blank">Sh** Towns of Australia</a>” has ruffled a few feathers with their latest judgement of saying that the industrial South Australian town of Port Pirie is the “sh****t town in Australia”. The owners of the page, Geoff Rissole and Rick Furphy, stand by their harsh judgement of the town. “I wouldn’t feel safe going back to Port Pirie,” Rissole told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/australias-shttest-town-port-pirie-in-sa-accuses-popular-facebook-page-of-bullying/news-story/e839dfbace8acd02ee685c7432805866" target="_blank">news.com.au</a>. “And that’s only partly because of the anger towards us.” The industrial town was reviewed by the page in the beginning and the town was not happy at all with the judgement. “They reacted quite badly,” Rissole said. “They were very, very angry. It was one of our early reviews and we thought it’d be funny to keep winding them up. It’s only gotten funnier. “They keep getting angry about it and so it’s become a self-fulfilling prophecy.” The Facebook page now has 165,000 followers who are eagerly awaiting to see if their town makes the list. Every week, a new “power ranking” is published of the 10 worst towns in the last week. No matter what’s happened during the week though, Port Pirie always makes the list with the justification that it’s “still sh*t”. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshittownsofaustralia%2Fphotos%2Fa.504757439959396%2F797121977389606%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500" width="500" height="614" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> Independent MP Geoff Brock who represents the town in State Parliament says that it’s “bullying on social media”. However, Rissole says that those who are offended “don’t pick up on the context” of the page. “It’s written very tongue-in-cheek. It’s meant to be over the top and a bit cartoonish. Some people just don’t pick up on that context,” Rissole said. “Particularly with older people, there’s a belief that if something is written down then it has some credibility or authority, rather than just being two people on the internet having a laugh. We often get Boomers messaging us saying: ‘Why does Facebook let you do this?’” Mount Gambier is another town who’s not pleased with their judgement of having a “sh*t town”. “I spoke to someone in Mount Gambier recently who said they had three days of talkback radio segments with Boomers just p*ssed off,” Rissole said. “But that week, the biggest headline in the paper was about the Baker’s Delight moving shops down the road. There’s not a lot going on in Mount Gambier.”

Travel Trouble

Top 5 destinations for Aussies travelling around Australia

New research from Roy Morgan has revealed the top destinations fellow Australians love to travel to. With more than 11.9 million Australians (58.3 per cent of the population) planning on spending at least one night on their next trip in a domestic destination, it’s clear that Aussies love exploring their own backyard. As always, there were clear winners. 1. Melbourne Melbourne has consistently been the most popular domestic holiday destination over the last decade and over 1.5 million Australians are currently intending to stay at least one night in the capital of Victoria during their next trip. 2. Sydney Sydney was the second winner, with nearly 900,000 Australians intending to stay in the NSW capital city for at least one night during their next domestic trip. 3. North Coast, Forster, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Port Stephens A surprising third place winner is the NSW North Coast, which encompasses of holiday towns such as Forster, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Port Stephens. This region had over 550,000 Australians intending to stay in the NSW North Coast for at least one night on their next trip to the region. 4. Brisbane Brisbane is the fourth most popular domestic holiday destination with over 530,000 Australians heading to the Queensland capital city to stay for at least one night during their next trip. 5. Great Ocean Road, Torquay, Lorne, Port Fairy Last but not least, the Victorian regional holiday destination of the Great Ocean Road comes in fifth. With destinations and small towns such as Torquay, Port Fairy and Lorne, there’s plenty to see and do along the way and that’s why over 500,000 Australians intend on heading there on their next holiday.

Domestic Travel

5 of the best writing tips from Stephen King

Very few authors are as accomplished and influential as Stephen King. With 60 novels under his belt and more than 350 million copies sold worldwide, King’s works have become cultural icons and touchstones of the horror and suspense genre. His impact also extends beyond the literary world – many of his works have been adapted to classic box office hits, such as IT, Carrie and The Shawshank Redemption. Over the years, King has shared some of the tricks behind his masterful storytelling. Here are some of them. 1. Read a lot King has no patience for aspiring writers who claim to have no time to read. “You can’t put it off… you gotta read just about everything,” he said during a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=19&v=hqp7A0B7abc">lecture</a> at Yale University. A pleasant surprise awaits once you become a seasoned reader, King said. “There’s a magic moment – if you read enough, it will always come to you if you want to be a writer – where you put down some book and say, ‘This really sucks. I can do better than this. And this guy got published’.” 2. Be concise King is a strong advocate of compact, incisive prose. “For me, a good description usually consists of a few well-chosen details that will stand for everything else,” he wrote in his book On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. “It’s also important to know what to describe, and what can be left alone while you get on with your main job, which is telling a story.” 3. Avoid adverbs You may think moderate use of adverbs elevate your work, but King is not a fan. “To put it another way, they’re like dandelions,” he explained. “If you have one on your lawn, it looks pretty and unique. If you fail to root it out, however, you find five the next day… fifty the day after that… and then, my brothers and sisters, your lawn is totally, completely, and profligately covered with dandelions. By then you see them for the weeds they really are, but by then it’s – gasp!! – too late.” 4. Edit, edit and edit According to King, a manuscript is not done before it is marked up, polished and even rewritten multiple times. “Only God gets things right the first time,” he wrote in a <a href="https://jerryjenkins.com/stephen-king-writing-advice/">blog post</a>. “Don’t be a slob.” 5. Let go of the plot In what might be his most <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/books/comments/8btcvo/why_is_stephen_king_not_considered_a_great_writer/dx9gu9j?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x">controversial</a> piece of advice, King said that the best stories are unearthed rather than created. “I distrust plot for two reasons,” he said. “First, because our lives are largely plotless, even when you add in all our reasonable precautions and careful planning; and second, because I believe plotting and the spontaneity of real creation aren’t compatible.” Instead of trying to build a storyline, he simply acts as a narrator, watching characters react to predicaments. “Stories are relics, part of an undiscovered pre-existing world,” he said. “The writer’s job is to use the tools in his or her toolbox to get as much of each one out of the ground intact as possible.”

Books

5 things to do when visiting Port Stephens

Port Stephens is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney and offers jaw-dropping views to boot. With beaches, sand dunes, national parks and coastal walks, you’re bound to find something to do that will suit your holiday style. 1. See the view from the top of Tomaree Head Tomaree Head offers the best view of Port Stephens. It’s a 360-degree lookout post that’s easy to get to. The journey is about 25 minutes, 160 metre climb and there are steep steps in some places, but the view up the top is worth it. You’re able to see the offshore islands, Fingal Spit in the distance as well as Yacaaba Head and the Myall Rover. Don’t forget to pick your jaw up from the floor once you leave. 2. Enjoy oysters fresh from the sea If you’re a fan of seafood and freshly shucked oysters, head to Holbert’s Oyster Farm in Salamander Bay. The plain-brick shop is so simple you might miss it, but there’s plenty to enjoy. With large, cooked king prawns for $30 a kilo, you won’t want to miss out. Grab a seat outside and enjoy the view of the oyster farms. However, there are no inside tables if the weather is bad, so this is something to keep in mind. 3. See some seals (or whales if you’re lucky!) Head down to Port Stephens during the migration period from May to November and you might just be lucky enough to see some humpback whales making the journey. More than 7,000 whales pass by the Port Stephens coastline, so if you go during the migration period, you might just get lucky. If you don’t manage to see any whales, there’s seal colonies, fairy penguins and dolphins to look at as well. 4. Relax with morning tea at the lighthouse Enjoy some downtime in the heritage listed Nelson Head Inner Lighthouse along Shoal Bay. You’ll be able to enjoy beautiful water views whilst relaxing with some famous lighthouse scones. With a relaxed atmosphere and a range of food to suit a variety of tastes, this isn’t the worst place to spend a lazy morning. 5. Go to the beach Saved the best for last. The best things in life are free, so take a sweet stroll along the magnificent coastline of Port Stephens. There’s plenty of beaches to choose from, but for some, the journey towards Fingal Spit is best. You’re able to walk across the sand spit to the connecting island if the tide is low, but it’s best to keep an eye on the tide before attempting this journey. Do you have any places to recommend in Port Stephens? Let us know in the comments.

Domestic Travel

Pauline Hanson caught on camera "questioning" Port Arthur tragedy

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has been recorded on camera making a controversial comment and suggesting that the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, in which a gunman shot and killed 35 people, was a government conspiracy. The hidden camera footage, released as part of Al-Jazeera's three-year <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/03/australia-nation-offered-change-voting-system-cash-190327170846167.html">investigation</a>, showed the Queensland Senator saying she had “a lot of questions” about the mass shooting. "An MP said it would actually take a massacre in Tasmania to change the gun laws in Australia," said Hanson. "Haven't you heard that? Have a look at it. It was said on the floor of parliament." In another footage, Hanson could be seen telling her chief of staff James Ashby, "They were precision shots … I've read a lot and I have read the book on it, Port Arthur. A lot of questions there." In response to the 1996 massacre, which left 35 people dead and 23 wounded, the Australian government established stricter gun laws, banning automatic and semi-automatic long guns as well as introducing more stringent licensing and registration system for firearm ownership. The new video also showed One Nation's Queensland leader Steve Dickson requesting political funding from American energy giant Koch Industries in a meeting September last year. Dickson could be seen telling the company's representative: "What you can do to help us and it's going to get down to money at the end of the day … we can change the voting system in our country, the way people operate, if we've got the money to do it." On Tuesday, Dickson and One Nation official James Ashby faced the media after the two men were <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/one-nation-officials-on-the-sauce-when-seeking-20-million-donation-from-us-gun-lobby/" target="_blank">caught on record</a> talking about asking for a $20 million political donation from the US’ biggest gun lobby group, the National Rifle Association (NRA). Ashby and Dickson were also receiving advice from the NRA on ways to weaken gun laws in Australia. "Just shame [gun control supporters] to the whole idea," Lars Dalseide, a member of the NRA's public relations team, told them in one of the footage. Ashby said at the press conference, "The conversations that have been recorded where there is talk of $10 and $20 million dollars – I’ll be the first to admit, we’d arrived in America, we’d got on the sauce, we’d had a few drinks." Hanson, who is <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/pauline-hanson-unrecognisable-after-suffering-facial-paralysis-amid-one-nation-scandal">reportedly suffering facial paralysis</a> after being bitten by a tick, is expected to front the media today over the scandal.

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