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"Shameful": Betting company slammed for 9-11 themed "Never Forget" promo

DraftKings, a prominent sports betting company in the US, has found itself in hot water on social media this past Monday when it featured a parlay with a 9/11 theme on its mobile app – on the 22nd anniversary of the infamous terror attacks of September 11. Social media users were quick to share screenshots of the DraftKings app late on Sunday night, revealing a parlay named "Never Forget". This special parlay entailed wagering on the New York Mets, New York Yankees, and New York Jets to secure victories on Monday, marking the 22nd anniversary of the tragic terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre. The parlay's description urged users to "Bet these New York teams to win tonight on 9/11," drawing sharp criticism from the online community. Many expressed their disapproval of DraftKings seemingly attempting to profit from the solemn occasion. The parlay remained accessible on the app throughout Sunday night and into Monday morning, further fuelling public discontent over the sports betting company's decision. However, DraftKings eventually removed the parlay on Monday and issued an official apology for its inclusion. Their statement read, "We sincerely apologise for the featured parlay that was shared briefly in commemoration of 9/11. We respect the significance of this day for our country and especially for the families of those who were directly affected." Bret Eagleson, who leads the 9/11 Justice organisation, an advocacy group representing families and first responders, strongly condemned DraftKings' offer as "tone-deaf". Eagleson, whose father, Bruce, tragically lost his life in the World Trade Centre attacks, emphasised to the Associate Press: "It is shameful to use the national tragedy of 9/11 to promote a business. We need accountability, justice, and closure, not self-interest and shameless promotion." DraftKings did not disclose how many individuals placed bets as a result of the 9/11-themed offer, leaving questions unanswered regarding the status of those wagers - whether they remain valid or if they have been cancelled. Images: Twitter (X)

Legal

English cottage comes with free theme park tickets

A small cottage in the English countryside is up for sale, and it comes with an unusual bonus for its new owner. The two-bedroom home in Staffordshire has been <a href="https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/126610616#/?channel=RES_BUY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">listed</a> for £200,000 ($AU 349,000), and if its new owner moves in they can access free tickets to a local theme park. According to the Alton Towers Resort website, residents located within a three-kilometre radius can apply for 20 entries to its theme park or water park. With the charming cottage only a four-minute drive from Alton Towers Resort, the new residents will simply need to prove they live there with a council tax bill. As well as free tickets, the home also boasts a private garden, exposed stone walls that feature throughout, and a cosy interior of wooden cabinetry, timber floors, terracotta tiles and lattice windows. Barn-style doors are also found throughout the two-storey house, with the kitchen, lounge, and outdoor porch on the ground floor and two bedrooms and a shared bathroom on the first floor. Images: Rightmove

Real Estate

Why the 2023 Met Gala theme is already facing controversy

The theme for the 2023 Met Gala has been released, and is already causing controversy both online and within the fashion community. The annual fashion event will coincide with the Met's exhibition titled Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty, which will feature 150 pieces of clothing alongside Lagerfeld’s original sketches. If you’re unfamiliar with Karl Lagerfeld, he has a long history in the fashion industry, culminating in being the creative director of Chanel, Fendi, and his own label. Despite his hefty influence on fashion, Karl has regularly been the subject of many controversies, which have prompted a wave of backlash over his glorification in the form of the Met Gala theme subject. In particular, his anti-fat language surrounding women's bodies has been called "cruel", as he even explicitly said, "no one wants to see round women" when the magazine Brigitte announced that it would use "ordinary, realistic" women over models in 2009. Other controversial comments include calling Adele "a little too fat," Heidi Klum "too heavy," saying Pippa Middleton "should only show her back," and adding that Coco Chanel wasn't a feminist because she "was never ugly enough for that." The designer also has a murky history with sexual assault, as he defended stylist Karl Templer after he was accused of sexual assault and said, "If you don't want your pants pulled about, don't become a model! Join a nunnery, there'll always be a place for you in the convent." He also previously said he was "fed up" with the Me Too movement, and sent flowers to accused rapist Dominique Strauss-Kahn. Lagerfeld also has a long history of racism, as he called Muslims the "worst enemies" of Jewish people in 2017 while criticising the acceptance of refugees in France, in comments that were reexamined after his death in 2019. When the theme of the 2023 Met Gala was announced to be centred around Lagerfeld, many critics took to online spaces to express their anger and disappointment. Actor and activist Jameela Jamil led the charge, saying, "This man...was indeed, supremely talented, but used his platform in such a distinctly hateful way, mostly toward women, so repeatedly and up until the last years of his life, showing no remorse, offering no atonement, no apology, no help to groups he attacked. There was no explanation for his cruel outbursts." "Why is THIS who we celebrate when there are so many AMAZING designers out who aren't bigoted white men?" "We didn't fight all this s*** just to throw it all away because some white guy made some pretty clothes for people's skinny [favourites]...come on now." Image credits: Getty Images

Beauty & Style

"This is the big one": Mars-themed coin rockets up in value

A set of unusual 2017 Australian coins has leapt in value and is now fetching upwards of $6,000 online – thanks in part to one very special element of the set, and of course to the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II. The remarkable 10-piece Planetary Collection set, which was released to the public in 2017, shows each of the planets of our Solar System, and also includes Pluto and the Sun. Inside the intergalactic set, the 10 coins range from one cent to $5 and were originally sold for just $170 to savvy collectors - but it's one coin in particular that has rocketed the set's overall price: the Mars $2 coin. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/big-marscoin.jpg" alt="" width="426" height="227" /> Accounting for at least half of the set's overall $6000 value, Australian coin expert Joel Kandiah says that's why <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/why-the-value-of-these-coins-has-shot-through-the-roof" target="_blank" rel="noopener">demand for this coin has shot through the roof </a>and has been growing since 2020, when collectors were hunting for every single different version. However, the Mars $2 coin within the new set is the one that people are most eager to get their hands on. “People started buying up the entire sets because it's still relatively affordable. And that started pushing demand up for that coin specifically in a short space of time,” the social media personality said. Halfway through last year the sets were selling between $1,800 to $2,000. The 2012 Red Poppy and 2013 Purple coronation $2 coins are also spiking in value. The demand for the $2 coins has shot up even more after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. However, if you're hoping to discover one behind your couch cushions, you might be disappointed, as these box set coins were never intended to be used in general circulation. But if you DO know someone who made that wise $170 investment back in 2017, now is the time to tell them what they are sitting on! Image: Wynyardcoins.com.au

Money & Banking

MAS*H, 50 years on: the anti-war sitcom was a product of its time, yet its themes are timeless

MASH, stylised as M*A*S*H, is the story of a rag-tag bunch of medical misfits of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital thrown together against the horrors of the Korean war in the 1950s. The series endured for 11 seasons, from September 1972 to the final episode in 1983. Originally it was centred on two army surgeons, the wisecracking but empathetic Benjamin “Hawkeye” Pierce, played by Alan Alda, and the deadpan “Trapper” John McIntyre, played by Wayne Rogers. The show had an ensemble cast and different episodes would often focus on one of the featured characters. There was the meek Corporal “Radar” O'Reilly, cross-dressing Corporal Klinger, the easy-going Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake and pious Father Mulcahy. The antagonists, conniving Major Frank Burns and Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan, were foils for Hawkeye and Trapper but occasionally were central characters in some episodes too. <div data-id="17"> </div> Based on the 1970 movie, itself based on a novel, MASH was designed as a “black comedy” set during the Korean War. It was really a thinly veiled critique of the war in Vietnam raging at the time. The creators of the show knew they wouldn’t get away with making a Vietnam war comedy. Uncensored news broadcasts showing the viciousness of Vietnam were transmitted straight to the American public who were, by now, growing jaded of the increasingly brutal war. Setting the series 20 years earlier allowed the creators to mask their criticisms behind a historical perspective – but most viewers realised the true context. <h2>An anti-war sitcom</h2> What started as a criticism of the Vietnam war soon evolved into one for all wars. In many episodes, audiences would be reminded of the horrors of lives lost in the fighting on the line, and the angst and trauma faced by those behind the line. It didn’t matter which war this was, MASH was saying all wars are the same, full of shattered lives. Cloaking this message in comedy was the way the creators were able to make it palatable to a wide audience. The early seasons have a distinctive sitcom feel to them, mostly as a result of the series co-creators, Larry Gelbart and Gene Reynolds, who were from a comedy background. When both creatives left by the end of season five the show took a more dramatic turn. In particular, Alda became more involved in the writing and took it into a more dramatic direction, toning down the comedic elements. This was also reflected in the change of many of the secondary characters. The philandering, practical joker Trapper was replaced by the moral and professional BJ Hunnicutt, the snivelling Frank Burns by the pretentious Charles Winchester, the laconic Henry Blake with the officious Sherman Potter, and the complete absence of Radar after season eight. The voice of the series took on a noticeably Hawkeye focus. As the Vietnam war ended in 1975, the tone of the show also changed. It became less political and focused more on the dilemmas of the individual characters. The laugh track was toned down. But this did not make the show any less popular. Audiences responded strongly to the anarchic anti-authoritarianism of Hawkeye and Trapper/BJ. Almost all the characters are anti-war, reflecting the growing antagonism the American public was feeling towards the Vietnam war and war fatigue in general, post-Vietnam. Even Frank and Hot Lips, the most patriotic characters, sometimes questioned if the war was worth all the suffering and death. And the series reminded people the humour used was not meant to disrespect those fighting but as a coping mechanism of the trauma by those involved. <h2>A timeless classic</h2> That’s not to say there aren’t issues with the show when looked at with modern sensibilities. Contemporary audiences would find problems with some of the representations of characters and issues addressed in the series. Corporal Klinger would today be seen as contentious. His penchant for dressing in women’s clothes was not because he was trans or interested in drag, but because he was trying to get a “Section 8”, or mental health, discharge. Many of the female characters were also relegated to little more than two-dimensional romantic interests or background characters. The only woman who starred with a significant recurring role was “Hot Lips” Houlihan but, as the nickname implies, she was often the butt of sexualised humour. This has not stopped the show maintaining its popularity in the continual re-runs it gets on cable and streaming services. MASH was a product of its time, yet its themes on the absurdity of war are universal. It became more than a TV show: a shared cathartic experience for war-weary audiences. At its heart is the eclectic mix of dysfunctional characters who use humour to laugh in the face of adversity. This is what makes MASH a timeless classic. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/m-a-s-h-50-years-on-the-anti-war-sitcom-was-a-product-of-its-time-yet-its-themes-are-timeless-190422" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Image: YouTube

‘Gone Girl’ fans can get their fix on killer-themed cruise

For fans of the author Gillian Flynn, the mind behind the thrilling novel Gone Girl, this cruise is for you. Flynn’s award-winning book, about a woman faking her own murder to frame her husband, earned actors Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike a string of accolades for their roles in the blockbuster adaptation. For those who can’t get enough of her stories, which include Sharp Objects and Dark Places, Flynn will be joining passengers on an eight-day cruise down the Danube River. “I am very excited about this,” Flynn told Today Extra. “Along the way I will be telling some stories and doing readings and answering questions about writing, anything about writing in general. “I’m always up to talk about books.” Flynn marked the ten-year anniversary of Gone Girl’s release in May, sharing with fans what a sequel could look like. “Today is the ten-year anniversary of Gone Girl. What am I thinking about?” she wrote on Instagram. “In Gone Girl chronology, Nick and Amy’s child would be close to 16 years old now. I keep wondering what a teenager raised by Amazing Amy would be like… and I’m chilled… in a good way.” Along with spending time with the acclaimed author, passengers on the cruise will be able to take part in various activities and day trips, as the cruise makes stops in Budapest, Visegrad, Vienna, Krems and Grein. The cruise, set to depart on September 15, will set passengers back $4,238 each and includes seven servings of breakfast and dinner, and six lunches. It is one of Avalon Waterways’ series of Storyteller cruises, with upcoming trips featuring comical novelist <a href="https://www.avalonwaterways.com/river-cruise/storybook-scenery-sarcasm-satire/WZA-T2/?season=2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Christopher Moore</a> and musical group <a href="https://www.avalonwaterways.com/river-cruise/active-discovery-on-the-rhine-with-sister-hazel-northbound/WWA-T2/?season=2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sister Hazel</a>. To find out more about the killer cruise, head <a href="https://www.avalonwaterways.com.au/europe-river-cruises/active-discovery-on-the-danube-gillian-flynn-WBLT?season=2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Images: @thegillianflynn (Instagram)

Cruising

Five themed cruisers for 2022 and beyond

<ol> <li>Meow meow | A cruise for cat lovers</li> </ol> Cat-obsessed cruise goers, unfortunately, cannot bring their cats on this cruise. But what they can do is meet like-minded people to chat about and share photos of their favourite furry feline friends. Activities on this cat-themed cruise include trivia, a scavenger hunt and a cocktail party. <ul> <li>Date: 27 October 2022</li> <li>Destination: Mexico</li> <li>Cruise Line: Carnival</li> <li>Ship: Paradise</li> </ul> You can learn more about this <a href="https://meowmeowcruise.com/">cruise here.</a> <ol start="2"> <li>Scrap booking cruise | For those who love to scrapbook </li> </ol> Cruise and Crop is a cruise company offering scrapbooking cruises where guests can enjoy making scrapbooks together. But the fun doesn’t stop there! On certain cruises, you can also try your hand at card making, embroidery, knitting, jewellery making and other crafts. <ul> <li>Date: 17 dates in 2022</li> <li>Destination: Various</li> <li>Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean</li> <li>Ship: Various </li> </ul> Learn more about this <a href="https://www.cruiseandcrop.com/">cruise here.</a> <ol start="3"> <li>Knitting cruise | A cruise for those who love to knit</li> </ol> Craft Cruises offers a range of cruises where craft lovers can get together to improve their knitting skills will classes and workshops. On-board knitting instructors will advise guests about any local yarn stores in the ports of call. As well as knitting, Craft Cruises also offers cruises themed around crocheting, needlepoint, hand spinning and beading. <ul> <li>Date: 9 dates in 2022</li> <li>Destination: Various</li> <li>Cruise Line: Holland America Line</li> <li>Ship: Various</li> </ul> Learn more about this <a href="http://www.craftcruises.com/">cruise here</a>. <ol start="4"> <li>The 80’s cruise | For those who want to relive a slice of the 80s</li> </ol> The 80s Cruise is a non-stop all-inclusive concert with 20 bands including The Human League and Belinda Carlisle. Guests can enjoy parties on the pool deck and themed costume parties such as the ‘Decade of Decadence Prom’ and ‘Pop Icon Night’. <ul> <li>Date: 5 March 2022</li> <li>Destination:Caribbean</li> <li>Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean</li> <li>Ship: Mariner of the Seas</li> </ul> Learn more about this <a href="https://www.the80scruise.com">cruise here.</a> <ol start="5"> <li>The country music cruise | For those who love country music </li> </ol> Get your stetsons ready for The Country Music Cruise – a themed party at sea with nightly country music performances and the chance to meet the stars. Country music fans can enjoy seminars, autograph sessions, line dancing and country karaoke. <ul> <li>Date: 22 January 2023</li> <li>Destination:Caribbean</li> <li>Cruise Line: Holland America Line</li> <li>Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam</li> </ul> Learn more about this <a href="https://countrymusiccruise.com/">cruise here.</a>

Cruising

Two schools cancel their productions of Grease over its outdated themes

Two high schools in Perth have cancelled their upcoming productions of the musical Grease, after students have called out the "outdated" themes of the story. Year 7 - 10 students from Scotch College and Presbyterian Ladies‘ College in the Western Australia capital were due to perform their rendition of the iconic musical later this month, but decided against it. The young women involved in the production believed that the play was inappropriate for modern times, saying the themes of the show were sexist, offensive and anti-feminist. The kids at Scotch College also agreed that a different production would be better suited to a modern audience, but a replacement musical has not yet been announced. PLC Principal Cate Begbie and Acting Scotch College Headmaster Mr Peter Burt issued a brief joint statement about the decision. “A number of PLC students raised concerns whether the musical was appropriate in modern times,” it read. “Scotch College listened respectfully to the girls’ concerns and both schools agreed a different musical would be better suited for their joint production in 2022.” The 1978 movie, based on the 1971 musical, tells the story of good girl Sandy Olsson and bad boy greaser Danny Zuko falling in love during a summer fling, and later finding out they go to the same high school. In recent times, the movie has been called out for <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/movies/things-were-different-olivia-newton-john-hits-back-at-grease-sexism-claims?fbclid=IwAR22YlGUQT52_5dJcre94iILKXkJP-HKzaXGRcQR2dST1DG5Xj1YaeZC4WE" target="_blank">its outdated themes</a>, as star Olivia Newton-John claimed critics need to take into account the times in which the film as made. "It's a movie," the 72-year-old told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.theguardian.com.au" target="_blank">The Guardian</a>. "It's a story from the Fifties where things were different. Everyone forgets that, at the end, he changes for her, too. There's nothing deep in there about the #MeToo movement. "It's just a girl who loves a guy, and she thinks if she does that, he'll like her. And he thinks if he does that, she'll like him. I think that's pretty real. People do that for each other. It was a fun love story." Image credits: Getty Images

Movies

Cruising company launches its first literature-themed voyage

A literature-themed cruise is being offered by Marella Cruises for book lovers to enjoy 16 days at sea. The all-inclusive cruise across the Atlantic leaves from Montego Bay, Jamaica in April 2022, and sails over 16 days to the port of Dubrovnik in Croatia. This tailor-made experience will allow guests to attend guest talks and interactive workshops with authors and entertainers to satisfy any book lover. Guests will also be treated to the usual Marella Cruises experience, with all-inclusive food and drink spots, evening entertainment including game shows and quizzes and daytime activities like dance classes and yoga. Managing Director of Marella Cruises, Chris Hackney, says he hopes the new themed cruise will be as successful as ones run in the past. “It offers something different for guests onboard on a cruise where there are not as many days ashore as some of our other itineraries,” he said. Authors and entertainers joining the cruise include Sarah Cruddas, famous for her knowledge of Space exploration, Tony Strange, known for his comic entertainment and impressions, and crime novelist Barbara Nadel. The panelists will all share stories and run a series of workshops to guests onboard at no extra cost. After a difficult year from the pandemic, Marella Cruises will begin its Spanish sailings from September, before heading into Montego Bay where it will port for the winter before commencing the literary cruise. Image credit: Shutterstock

Cruising

ALDI brings back popular Christmas-themed Special Buy

Many are looking for the light at the end of the tunnel to an interesting year, and for some, that involves getting excited about an ALDI Special Buy. The discount supermarket chain has made sure that it's selling the $99 pre-lit Christmas Tree that has consistently sold out in previous years. The tree is 2.13 metres tall and has lights already attached, making it a bargain. <img id="__mcenew" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838483/aldi-hero.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/dc2ed5ec068f49bf99bc4ec31fc7d62c" /> The tree is set to hit stores on November 4th, but eager shoppers are already warning others that it'll sell out quickly. “I bought one 3 years ago and it is so so good. Better than my $400 one from David Jones that I had previously!” one person wrote in the Aldi Fans Australia Facebook group. <div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> Others praised the tree’s quick set-up. “I’ve had it for 3 years and love it,” one person wrote. “It’s just a couple of pieces that link together, then you fold down the branches. There are so many branches that it actually looks decent even if you can’t be bothered unfolding / fluffing up the smaller branches.” Some shoppers are a fan of the light's colour changes, as you can change it from white, to multi-coloured or a mixture of both. Photo credit: <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/home/aldi-special-buys-brings-back-popular-99-prelit-christmas-tree/news-story/558e9d6d70e1bba33d53bb3187eda42f" target="_blank" class="editor-rtflink">news.com.au</a> </div> </div> </div>

Money & Banking

Woolworths launches new Disney-themed collectables

Parents and kids alike are going to be thrilled to know Woolworths is bringing back the wildly popular Ooshies collectables. The supermarket giant has partnered with Disney+ to keep kids entertained with their favourite Disney+ characters following the success of its Lion King Ooshies program last year. Shoppers will be able to get their hands on the adorable figurines which include characters such as Elsa, Woody, Captain Marvel and the Mandalorian, for every $30 they spend online or in store. The collection features nine Ooshies from each of the four Disney+ universes (Marvel, Star Wars, Disney and Pixar) with 36 to collect in total. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837391/1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/db41d501ec534297b49b1b14e4295116" /> Because of the pandemic, people are currently spending more time at home which is why Woolworths chief marketing officer believes this is the perfect time for them to be entertained by their favourite Disney+ characters and programs. “We’re thrilled to offer a new level of excitement to customers with some of the most iconic characters in the Disney+ universe,” he said. “It’s been a difficult year as Australians navigate the challenges of the pandemic, so our goal by partnering with Disney once again is to bring more magic, surprise and delight to our customers.” Customers can drop their preloved Ooshies in store through TerraCycle, which will be turned into plastic pellets to help create products such as garden beds, decks and fences. Disney+ Ooshies will be available from August 26 in Woolworths supermarkets across Australia - excluding Victoria. “We know some customers in Victoria will be disappointed by the delayed roll out, but the safety and wellbeing of our customers, team members, and community remains our number one priority,” Mr Hicks said. “Once restrictions ease and we can safely roll out the program, we look forward to sharing the Disney magic with our Victorian customers.”

Food & Wine

ALDI-themed birthday party sets hearts racing!

In honour of her youngest daughter’s supermarket obsessions, mother of five Meaghan Singleton decorated her child’s birthday party to the nines by ALDI-fying everything. Four-year-old Saylor’s birthday was truly one for the books, with Ms Singleton writing in a Facebook caption: "We brought Aldi to our house for our Aldi-obsessed Saylor and we didn't forget our quarters or bags!" <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWebbtriophotography%2Fposts%2F2707763852671085&width=500" width="500" height="805" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> From creating a cash-register-inspired fruit bar, “red hot” goodie bags and 25-cent cookies inspired by the $1 and $2 gold coins you have to inset into shopping carts before you push them around – Saylor’s mother went all out for the ALDI-themed celebrations. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWebbtriophotography%2Fphotos%2Fa.882407735206715%2F2707760539338083%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500" width="500" height="336" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> Meaghan took to the Facebook page ALDI Aisle of Shame Community to share the hilariously adorable photos from the event that she also posted to her page Webb Trio Photography. The sweet post has garnered thousands of likes and over hundreds of comments, with many complimenting the mother’s unconventional and creative decorating skills. For her party outfit, Saylor wore a dress fashioned out of an employee uniform polo shirt, complete with an embroidered logo. The special moment was solidified forever with a gorgeous photoshoot.

Family & Pets

Japanese theme park to open Godzilla experience in 2020

You’ve seen the legendary Japanese monster on your screens – but next year, you will be able to see them up close in person. The Nijigen no Mori theme park on Awaji Island in Hyogo prefecture will launch a <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/godzilla-theme-park-japan-intl-hnk/index.html">Godzilla-themed area in 2020</a>, complete with a full-size replica of the giant lizard from the movies. Visitors will be able to explore around and inside the 20 meters high, 25 meters wide and 55 meters long beast. Some other activities or “missions” that visitors can try at “Godzilla Interception Operation” include a zipline heading right into the monster’s mouth and a shooting game. The theme park is aptly situated on Awaji Island, the site of Godzilla’s first sighting at the beginning of the Meiji era. According to the theme park’s website, as a typhoon hit the island the monster “appeared with the high waves, roamed the island, causing tremendous damage”.

International Travel

Disney’s US theme parks are expanding their vegan menu

For people with dietary restrictions, dining at the amusement park can be less than festive with limited variety and food options. But now Disney has made an effort to cater to vegetarians and vegans as it expanded its <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/disney-theme-parks-vegan/index.html">plant-based offerings</a> at all of the major restaurants within its US theme parks. Hundreds of plant-based options will be added to the menu at all of Disney’s major quick and table service restaurants, with a green leaf symbol to denote the vegan- and vegetarian-friendly meals. The new menu items will be rolled out in Florida’s Walt Disney World starting October, and in Anaheim’s Disneyland starting spring 2020. Visitors will find more than 400 plant-based dishes, including steamed Asian dumplings at Le Cellier, chili-spiced crispy fried tofu bowl at Animal Kingdom and cashew cheesecake at California Grill. The initiative to include vegan options on every menu is limited to the US. However, there are also animal-free options at international parks, such as caramel mix nuts banana cake at Shanghai Disney Resort and risotto-style spelt with mushrooms in Paris. Previously, herbivore visitors had to sort out their meals on their own. A blog titled <a href="https://vegandisneyworld.com/vegan-options/vegan-animal-kingdom/">Vegan Disney World</a> listed all the vegan food options within the Disney Parks, ranging from pineapple Dole Whip to roasted vegetable bowl.

International Travel

Why you must try a music-themed cruise

Whatever your musical tastes, chances are there’s a music-themed cruise to suit you. But what is it all about? Play on The phenomenon of specific music-themed cruises started in 2004 with the Jam Cruise. Still running today, this annual floating five-day music festival departs Miami, Florida, and features funk, rock and jazz bands – plus musical workshops and other entertaining distractions. Musical genres Music cruises fall into two categories: single-themed ‘headliner’ cruises that showcase a well-known band or musician accompanied by one or more support acts; and gigantic music festival-style cruises with dozens of acts, often from across different genres playing on multiple stages, floating platforms, poolside and anywhere else a set of speakers can be plugged in. There is, quite literally, no musical genre that goes unrepresented, either. Rhythm and blues cruises, world music cruises, reggae, ska, bluegrass, pop, classical – whatever you are into, cruise companies will put a boat under it and push it out to sea. You can also set sail on a trip back in time on a ’60s Flower Power cruise, a ’70s Rock and Romance cruise, an ’80s cruise guest hosted by Rick Springfield and endless others. Theatre productions have also gotten in on the act, with Broadway Cruises becoming more popular, too. Exotic destinations include Cozumel, Jamaica and Grand Cayman. You could find yourself on board with the stars from Wicked, Beauty and the Beast, Les Misérables, Rent and more. Then there’s the Elvis tribute cruise, a genre unto itself, packed from port to starboard with hip-swivelling impersonators and featuring Elvis and Priscilla lookalike contests, Elvis trivia nights and even Elvis cooking shows. Big names on big boats If you’re wondering why you haven’t seen Status Quo, Def Leppard or Kenny Rogers doing the rounds of the music festivals lately, it’s likely they’re playing to fans on the high seas. Even mega-stars such as KISS have realised the potential of the cruising market and have been appearing on sold-out KISS Kruises for the past seven years. Taking it a little slower If your tastes lean towards more refined ocean-going, you might consider a European river cruise, plying the waters of the Rhine and the Danube. Some operators ferry passengers to and from the regions’ classical music festivals, while others hold classical concerts aplenty on board, with the Saxon Organ Academy delighting passengers along the Rhine from Amsterdam to Strasbourg, and the London Festival Opera offering the same service along the Danube from Budapest to Vienna – the cradle of European classical music. What to pack For an Elvis Cruise, pack your blue suede shoes. For all others, you’ll just need a sense of fun and a strong singing voice. Or, for the types of cruise where more energetic participation is called for – such as the flamenco, boot-scooting or ballroom dancing cruises – you’d be wise to pack sturdy flamenco shoes, boots and ballroom attire, respectively. Don’t forget to stow a few items you might want autographed, too. Cruise guests have been known to come aboard with old guitars, artists’ headshots and more in the hopes of snagging a celebrity signature. Now that’s a music cruise memento that will have you sailing back for more. Written by Greg Barton. This article first appeared in <a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/cruising/rockin%E2%80%99-boat">Reader’s Digest.</a> For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA93V">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Cruising

8 long-lost theme parks in Australia

When it comes to amusement parks in Australia, there are far and few between. While the Gold Coast is known for their cluster of theme parks and Sydney and Melbourne have Luna Park, it is otherwise slim pickings if you want to experience the thrill and excitement of a carnival. So let’s take a walk down memory lane of the amusement parks that once brought us so much glee. Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/02/childhood-favourite-desserts-that-will-make-you-nostalgic/">3 childhood favourite desserts that will make you nostalgic</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2014/10/how-to-create-a-family-cookbook/">How to create a family cookbook</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/03/australian-womens-weekly-childrens-birthday-cake-book/">Our favourite cakes from the famous Australian Women’s Weekly Children’s Birthday Cake Book</a>

Domestic Travel

13 top themed cruises to do

Would you go on a nude cruise? Or does a more conventional option such as a garden, golf or gourmet-themed cruise appeal? Themed, or special-interest cruises are attracting fans of everything from Star Trek to Oprah Winfrey, while boarding a ship to big-ticket events wraps up travel, accommodation and the event itself in one easy holiday package. A themed cruise can be one that is a full-ship charter, such as the popular Bravo, Cruisin' Country and Rock the Boat cruises, or a special-interest group that joins a regular itinerary. Whatever the theme, enthusiasts can expect expert speakers or performers – with personal meet-and-greet sessions a big drawcard – hands-on classes or workshops, specialist tours and the company of like-minded travellers. Check out our top themed cruises – there's sure to be something that tickles your fancy. 1. Get your motor running The cruise: <a href="/cruise-eta.com" target="_blank">Eta Motorcycle Cruise</a> The lowdown: Cruising the Caribbean on two wheels has become a regular fixture on select MSC Cruises and Celebrity ships over the past 17 years. Dedicated bikies bring their own motorcycle – trikes are now allowed on board as well – and take off on group rides around idyllic islands. Next June Celebrity Equinox will play host to riders on a seven-day motorcycle cruise from Miami that calls at San Juan, St Thomas and St Maarten. According to the ETA website, all brands of bikes are welcome except "crotch rockets". June 9-16, 2018. From US$2146 2. Fashionistas <img width="497" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/44616/fashionistas_497x280.jpg" alt="Fashionistas"/> The cruise: Cunard Transatlantic Fashion Week 2018 The lowdown: Queen Mary 2 provides the glamorous setting for Cunard's annual fashion fiesta, which is staged between Southampton and New York and arrives in time for New York Fashion Week. There will be an array of fashion shows and exhibitions plus presentations and hosted dinners with special guests such as Hal Rubenstein, a founding editor of In Style magazine, British fashion writer Colin McDowell and photographer to the stars Richard Young. September 2-9, 2018. From $1949; <a href="http://cunardline.com.au/" target="_blank">cunardline.com.au</a> 3. Stargazers The cruise: Cunard World Space Week 2017 The lowdown: Queen Mary 2 has the only planetarium at sea so it's the perfect venue for celebrating World Space Week, a global event created by the United Nations. The trans-Atlantic crossing from New York to Southampton will showcase fascinating talks by Dr Jeffrey Hoffman, a former Space Shuttle pilot; Charles Barclay from the Royal Astronomical Society; NASA historian Ken Taggart; and Stephen Attenborough, commercial director of Virgin Galactic. Two new shows will be presented in the planetarium, Asteroid: Mission Extreme and To Space & Back. October 6-13, 2017. From $1900; <a href="http://cunardline.com.au/" target="_blank">cunardline.com.au</a> 4. Imbibing wine The cruise: APT Magnificent Europe, Wine Series The lowdown: European wine experts will join guests on two 15-day cruises between Amsterdam and Budapest to add extra depth to tours and tastings in vineyards and cellars along the Danube. Learn about traditional wine-making at the grand Schloss Schonborn near Rudesheim, a family-owned estate that dates back to the 14th century; the Rheingau region is one of only five in the world to be classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. May 11-25, September 15-29, 2018. From $9095; <a href="http://aptouring.com.au/" target="_blank">aptouring.com.au</a> 5. Raft beer <img width="497" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/44615/beer1_497x280.jpg" alt="Beer1"/> The cruise: UnCruise Olympic Wilderness and San Juan Islands The lowdown: This Seattle round-trip combines wilderness cruises in America's rugged Pacific Northwest with a thorough immersion in the region's famous craft beers. Author and Seattle-based brewer Robyn Schumacher, a "recovering high school teacher", will lead tastings and beer-themed activities, beer and food pairings and tours of two local breweries, in between orca-spotting, bird-watching and kayaking expeditions. Craft beers are also served on board the Wilderness Explorer, a 76-passenger ship that is fully equipped for adventure. April 14-21, 2018. From $US2495; <a href="http://uncruise.com/" target="_blank">uncruise.com</a> 6. European beer The cruise: Avalon Waterways Tulip Time The lowdown: Imbibe a historic perspective on the amber fluid in bars and breweries during Avalon's eight-day round-trip cruise from Amsterdam – garden enthusiasts will also appreciate glorious spring flower displays at Keukenhof. A local beer expert will present talks and beer-and-food pairings on board your river ship and medieval cities such as Antwerp, Middleburg, Ghent and Willemstad offer plenty of opportunities for exploring local hostelries. Don't miss the chance to take an interactive tour at Amsterdam's Heineken brewery, where beer was brewed for more than 100 years. April 6-13, 2018. From $3523; <a href="http://avalonwaterways.co.nz/" target="_blank">avalonwaterways.co,nz</a> 7. Music <img width="497" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/44614/music-1_497x280.jpg" alt="Music 1"/> The cruise: The Strand Classical Music Cruise The lowdown Musicians from the acclaimed Orchestre de Paris are returning to Myanmar for a four-day Irrawaddy cruise next February. They will present a series of intimate concerts on board the elegant river ship and at unusual locations such as a sandbank on shore. Classical pieces will take on a new meaning when played against a backdrop of thousands of pagodas and starlit night skies. Spending time with the musicians when they're off duty is another drawcard. February 12-16, 2018. From $2639; <a href="http://thestrandcruise.com/" target="_blank">thestrandcruise.com</a> The cruise: Holland America Line's Rijksmuseum at Sea The lowdown: The newly refurbished Westerdam is the first ship in HAL's fleet to feature Rijksmuseum at Sea, a studio space showcasing reproductions of the Amsterdam museum's collection of Dutch masters. Guests can join workshops, where instructors will help them produce their own works of art; a new masterpiece is discussed each day and sketchpads, pencils and encouragement are provided. Enrichment programs and presentations by Rijksmuseum staff will be available on select cruises. Westerdam cruises in the Mediterranean, Panama and Alaska. <a href="http://hollandamerica.com/" target="_blank">hollandamerica.com</a> 8. War and peace The cruise: APT Western Front With Anzac Day Dawn Service The lowdown: APT is running a series of cruises taking in the Western Front Battlefields to mark 100 years since the end of World War I. The 15-day round-trip from Amsterdam takes in visits to such significant sites as the Battlefields of Fromelles and the Somme, with an emphasis on Australian connections. Guests can attend the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Villers-Bretonneux; April 25, 2018 also commemorates the centenary of the Anzac victory at the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux. April 14-28, 2018. From $11,195; <a href="http://aptouring.com.au/" target="_blank">aptouring.com.au</a> 9. Dancing on water The cruise: Silversea Ballet with Soloists from Opera de Paris The lowdown: Cruise from Montreal to New York during the beautiful fall foliage season while enjoying exclusive ballet shows with dancers from the world-renowned Opera de Paris. Jean-Sebastien Colau and his partner will perform two shows from his classical and contemporary repertoire as well as giving lectures and hosting group discussions. Guests can also mix and mingle with the dancers over cocktails during the 10-day voyage aboard boutique-sized Silver Whisper. October 23-November 2, 2017. From $7400; <a href="http://silversea.com/" target="_blank">silversea.com</a> 10. Hiking <img width="497" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/44613/hiking-1_497x280.jpg" alt="Hiking 1"/> The cruise: Backroads Douro River Cruise Walking and Hiking Tour The lowdown: This eight-day journey begins in Salamanca with a walk through the Spanish highlands down to Portugal's Douro Valley, where you board the ship AmaVida. From there, hiking off the beaten track among terraced vineyards, picturesque stone villages and dramatic gorges is interspersed with the leisurely cruise towards Porto and wine-tasting en route. Hikes are graded for varying levels of fitness. A private guided walking tour of medieval Porto provides a fitting finale. May 22–29, 2018. From $US6198; <a href="http://backroads.com/" target="_blank">backroads.com</a> 11. Voyage to wellness The cruise: Seabourn Spa and Wellness with Dr Andrew Weil The lowdown: Embark on a personal wellness journey at sea with Seabourn's mindful living program, which integrates physical, social, environmental and spiritual well-being. A wellness guide leads the seven-day program; daily yoga and meditation classes are complemented by seminars that have been designed by US holistic guru Andrew Weil. Topics include healthy ageing, "spontaneous happiness and healing", and anti-inflammatory foods. Treatments at the fabulous Spa at Seabourn are designed for the ultimate in mind and body relaxation. Available on all Seabourn ships; <a href="http://seabourn.com/" target="_blank">seabourn.com</a> 12. Spokes and saddles The cruise: Travelrite Cycle and Cruise Australia and New Zealand The lowdown: Experience some of our region's most spectacular scenery and cities by bike as you sail from Sydney to Auckland on board Princess Cruises' popular Diamond Princess. Most of the rides are on rail trails and range from 30 to 60 kilometres; the tour manager is available to pick you up if your energy flags. Over the 16-night cruise there are eight rides, from Melbourne, Hobart, Dunedin, Akaroa, Wellington, Napier, Bay of Islands and Auckland. A non-cycling highlight is cruising New Zealand's Fiordland National Park. February 6–22, 2018. <a href="http://travelrite.com.au/" target="_blank">travelrite.com.au</a> 13. Through the lens The cruise: Lindblad Expeditions Big Picture Alaska The lowdown A team of top photographers will be on board National Geographic Sea Bird for this photo-expedition cruise, which focuses on Alaska's Inside Passage. Kayaking, hiking and cruising offer boundless opportunities to capture memorable images of wildlife and stunning icescapes, and then workshop them with the experts on board. Guests will benefit from the knowledge and enthusiasm of award-winning photographer and filmmaker Rich Reid, who has specialised in environmental and adventure photography for more than 20 years. July 18-28, 2018. From $11,240; <a href="http://au.expeditions.com/" target="_blank">au.expeditions.com</a> The cruise: Aurora Expeditions In Shackleton's Footsteps The lowdown: In 1915, explorer Ernest Shackleton's ship Endurance was trapped and crushed in Antarctic ice and his heroic journey to save his crew is the stuff of legend. Next March, the 54-passenger Polar Pioneer will retrace the route Shackleton took from Elephant Island to South Georgia, with acclaimed photographer Scott Portelli on board to help amateur and professional snappers document their own icy adventures. Expect sightings of blue, sei and fin whales and, in South Georgia, enthralling encounters with king penguins. March 7-24, 2018. From US$14,300; <a href="http://auroraexpeditions.com.au/" target="_blank">auroraexpeditions.com.au</a> Written by Sally Macmillan. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>.

Cruising

You can soon take a “Beauty and the Beast” themed river cruise

Adventures by Disney have teamed up with AmaWaterways, a river cruise line, to offer travellers a Beauty and the Beast themed cruise. The cruise will take place on the AmaKristina and AmaStella, and will take passengers to four countries: France Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands. <img width="495" height="210" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36056/1_495x210.jpg" alt="1 (175)"/> This cruise will even include an excursion to the Black Forest and Heidelberg Castle. The adventure will last for eight-days and seven-nights and will be offered in 2018. Six of the departures next year will explore the villages along the Rhine that inspired both the animated and live-action films. The cruise will serve food that is in line with the theme and will host screenings of both films. Adventures by Disney have recently partnered with AmaWaterways to provide river cruises that will appeal to families. To make a reservation for an Adventures by Disney 2018 cruise <a href="https://www.adventuresbydisney.com/europe/rhine-river-cruise/" target="_blank">click here</a>. Image credit: Adventures by Disney

Cruising

Chinese company plans $600 million Gold Coast theme park

Last October's Dreamworld tragedy hasn't put off a Chinese entertainment company from plans to build a multimillion dollar theme park on the Gold Coast. Songcheng Performance Development announced on Thursday it was seeking approval to develop a AU$600 million initial stage of the park, which will be called Australian Legendary World. The company has paid $55 million for a 45-hectare block of land in Nerang where it aims to develop the site. It will be the first time Songcheng - which operates 30 theme parks across China - has invested outside its native country. Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate, who initiated talks with Songcheng during a trade mission to China, said the tragedy at Dreamworld hadn't had an impact on the Chinese company's enthusiasm. "People still want man-made fun," Mr Tate said. "Their (Songcheng) vision is very long-term. They're a culture theme park so the tragedy in Dreamworld ... I think they'll bounce back and it'll be business as usual." Songcheng chairman Huang Qiaoling, who is valued at $1.65 billion, said the proposed new attraction would not be competing with the region's existing theme parks. "We are here to focus on culture," Mr Huang said via an interpreter. "We are complimentary to each other." The proposed attraction will feature a scale model of Uluru which will double as the park's entrance-way and house a "snow and ice world" attraction inside. Areas around the park will focus on Aboriginal culture, the arrival of Captain Cook, Australia's gold rush era and the Chinese migrants who worked in the country at that time. Mr Tate said council expects to receive a development application within the year, with construction to commence if council approves the plan. Do you think the Gold Coast needs another theme park? First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/11/warren-cox-fishing-nerang-river-on-gold-coast/">The best place to fish on the Gold Coast</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/12/destination-in-focus-gold-coast/">Destination in focus: The Gold Coast</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/10/5-things-to-do-on-the-gold-coast/">5 things to do on the Gold Coast</a>

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