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How to start your own book club

<p>Starting a book club is easy – all you need is to love reading. Here’s how to get yours off to a flying start.</p> <p><strong>Finding Fellow Readers</strong></p> <p>Ask around your existing personal networks, including neighbours, friends, social media, or a community noticeboard. Once you mention you want to start a club, you’ll be surprised how many people may want to come along. Ask at your local bookshop and library for ideas – many run regular reading groups and can point you in the right direction for good books. Identify what common interests you and your group have and use these to help draw like-minded people. Once you start looking, you’ll find book clubs for men or women, seniors, sci-fi lovers, teenagers or cookery buffs.</p> <p><strong>The Time, the Place</strong></p> <p>Once you have a group, agree on how often you want to meet – typically clubs meet monthly, though the time-poor may want to make it bi-monthly.</p> <p>For many clubs, meeting at home works best as you don’t have to get dressed up, and noisy public venues can make talking hard. If members bring a plate of food or a bottle, it takes the pressure off the host. But try rotating your meeting location as this will help to stimulate fresh thoughts.</p> <p><strong>Idea</strong></p> <p>Tailor your venue according to the book’s subject matter. The Light Between the Oceans by M.L. Stedman was discussed over fish’n’chips by one club, while The Red Tent by Anita Diamant was chewed over at a Middle Eastern restaurant.</p> <p><strong>Size Matters</strong></p> <p>According to Christine Callen, a book club veteran of 15 years, you need a minimum number of people per meeting to make it interesting. “Seven is the magic number – fewer and there’s not enough for healthy debate,” she says. “You can have ten people in the club – not everyone will be able to make it every time – seven provides enough opinions.”</p> <p><strong>Choosing the Books</strong></p> <p>If you’re the club instigator, it’s easier if you pick the first book. Seek out book reviews in good magazines and newspapers and at bookshops. The flavour of the books you choose will be largely dictated by the personalities attending – you might like to have a wide range of genres from sci-fi to romance to travel epics. Or stick to one genre, such as history books. Decide on a strategy and a time frame – say five to 12 books across the year – then review how everything appeals to the majority.</p> <p>Take turns to come up with a list of four or five titles, then circulate the list via email shortly after your last discussion.</p> <p>Members can then vote on their preferred next book and meeting time. The member scheduled to host the next meeting coordinates the responses to decide the title and date most voted for.</p> <p><strong>Starting Discussion</strong></p> <p>Callen recommends beginning by asking all members to briefly give their opinion on the book. “Everyone arrives and has a drink to loosen up,” she explains. “Then we take it in turns to go around the room and each give the book a mark out of ten, saying in a few sentences what we liked or disliked about it. This gives everyone a chance to speak early in the night and stops one person dominating the conversation from the start.”</p> <p><strong>Tip</strong></p> <p>There is no one way to interpret a book. In fact, differing opinions are good.</p> <p><em>This article first appeared in <a href="http://www.readersdigest.co.nz/home-tips/How-to-Start-Your-Own-Book-Club">Reader’s Digest</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Books

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7 hot things to do this winter

<p>The best thing about winter in Australia is that in most parts of the country the weather doesn’t stop you from spending time outside. While swims at the beach might be out, there are still many things you can do out in the fresh winter air. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites.</p> <p><strong>1. Christmas in July picnic</strong><br />While people may think picnics are a summer-only activity, when it’s a sunny winter's day there is nowhere better to be than outdoors. As long as you suitably rug up, a picnic in your local park with family and friends is the perfect way to spend the day. With July coming up why don’t you get your family and or friends together and throw a Christmas in July party. It’s even an appropriate time get out the Christmas jumpers – something we cannot do on December 25th in this country.</p> <p><strong>2. A trip to the zoo</strong><br />Visiting the zoo is a great day out for all, young and old. Many zoos across the country put on special shows and activities during the school holidays (think June/July), so this is a great time to think about taking younger family members or the grandkids.</p> <p><strong>3. Wine and cheese tasting</strong><br />Whether you want to head out to some wineries for the day or have your own wine and cheese tasting soiree at home, winter is the perfect time to kick back with a lovely glass of red and a platter of cheeses. While Australia has many amazing wineries that everyone should try, we also love the idea of holding a wine tasting party. You can assign one type of wine to each of your guests and even theme the day (wines from one country or each person brings a wine from where they grew up) to make it more fun.</p> <p><strong>4. Walk in a national park</strong><br />We are so blessed with beautiful national parks in Australia, and many of them have lots of walking trails ranging from easy to more strenuous. While rainy, snowy or extremely windy days won’t be ideal for heading out for a walk, the crisp winter air combined with the sun offers the perfect conditions for a long walk. Just don’t forget a raincoat, some water and your mobile phone in case you need them.</p> <p><strong>5. A day trip to a remote pub</strong><br />Life is all about experiences and they say that those who mix things up, are generally happier people. So quick, get out of town for the day. Research small towns nearby and look for a lovely pub to go for a nice lunch at. You might even want to make a special playlist of old songs to make the car journey extra fun.</p> <p><strong>6. Have a bake off with your friends</strong><br />It is winter, so there are bound to be some rainy or snowy days. On these days when you’re restricted to indoor activities, why not invite the grandkids, family or friends over and have a mini bake-off. Competition aside, at the end of the bake-off you’ll have some warm treats to enjoy with a nice cuppa.</p> <p><strong>7. Start a winter book club</strong><br />There’s no better time to start a book club than during winter. Not only is winter the perfect time to curl up on the couch with a blanket and catch up on reading, it is also a time when you’ll be more inclined to spend time indoors by the fire or heater. Why not turn your extra time spent reading into a book club? It gives you an excuse to catch up and spend hours on end chatting with friends – even if the conversation veers away from the book.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Retirement Life

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The craziest things you can do on a cruise ship

<p>Onboard entertainment on cruise ships is no longer limited to shuffleboard and conga lines. These days you can do just about anything on the high seas. Here are five of the craziest activities</p> <p><strong>Fly over the ocean</strong></p> <p>If the view from the deck isn’t enough for you, why not hang out over the side of the ship almost 100 metres above the waves? The new Quantum of the Seas has a unique London Eye-style glass pod that is attached to a mechanical arm and swings passengers out over the ocean for unbeatable panoramic views.</p> <p><strong>Learn to surf</strong></p> <p>Thankfully we aren’t suggesting that you try the waves over the side of the ship.  A number of Royal Caribbean ships have a specially designed wave pool where passengers can learn to surf or boogie board. 130,000 litres of water per minute creates a current strong enough to stand up in and the trampoline-style walls mean you won’t hurt yourself when you wipe out.</p> <p><strong>Climb the crows nest</strong></p> <p>This is not one for the faint hearted. Onboard Star Clippers small sailing ships, brave guests can climb all the way to the top of the mast, over 21 metres above the deck. If you want to experience a little of the sailing life closer to sea level, you can also take basic sailing lessons and help the crew unfurl the sails.</p> <p><strong>Zip line</strong></p> <p>Walking across the deck is so 2005. Two Royal Caribbean ships have huge zip lines that shoot passengers across the centre of the ship, suspended nine decks in the air. You’ll feel the sea breeze in your hair and the views are great – if you can bring yourself to open your eyes.</p> <p><strong>Sky dive from the ground up</strong></p> <p>Typically skydiving is a top down affair, but you can now experience the same feeling taking off from land (or sea). The Ripcord by iFLY has a cushion of air that pushes a person upwards inside a huge glass tube and the air rushing past at over 150 kilometres an hour gives the sensation that you are really flying. This is another one that you’ll only find on new megaliner Quantum of the Seas.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Cruising

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Conversation starters for solo travellers

<p>We all know of stranger danger but when you’re a solo traveller the ability to talk to strangers (safely, though) is one of the most important skills to have under your belt. Chatting with strangers will not only add to your travel experience but it might even lead to life-long friendships. Here are a few conversation starters to keep up your sleeve.</p> <p><em>A note on safety</em>: Don’t be afraid to tell people you are a solo traveller. People are often more keen to chat and talk to those travelling alone, however it’s important to exercise caution. Look for clues to see if the person can be trusted and stay in public places.</p> <p><strong>When eating out, sit at a communal table or at the bar.</strong> Chat to people sitting next to you. If they are a local, you can ask them about the restaurant and any local recommendations. If they are a fellow traveller, ask them where they’re from and how their trip is going.</p> <p><strong>Ask someone to take your photo.</strong> Be mindful of the fact there are some scammers targeting tourist destinations to steal cameras so use your judgement but this is an easy and natural way to strike up a conversation. A family or a group of tourist can usually be trusted and counted on to take your Start with the sight you’re getting photographed.</p> <p><strong>Comment on a tourist destination.</strong> If you’re wandering around a museum/gallery/popular site, keep a look out for other solo travellers. Keep it simple and introduce yourself, following up questions about how their enjoying where you both are. Be aware that not everyone wants to chat but most solo travellers have an open mind and want to meet new people.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Travel Tips

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Breakfast Club star finally joins the baby club

<p>Actor Anthony Hall and his wife, Lucia Oskerova, have shared the delightful news that they are expecting their first child together.</p> <p>In a statement to <em>People</em>, the 54-year-old actor, best known for his roles in <em>Sixteen Candles </em>and <em>The Breakfast Club</em>, opened up about how 34-year-old Lucia broke the news - a far cry from his <em>The Breakfast Club</em> character Brian Johnson’s stubborn “it's personal business. It's my personal, private business.”</p> <p>"Lucia and I were at home,” he explained. “She surprised me by revealing that she was pregnant with an at-home pregnancy test. We were kissing, hugging, and thanking God. We immediately started dancing and laughing in our bathroom to celebrate the good news.” </p> <p>Anthony went on to add that the couple will be having a boy, and that they already have a name for the little one picked out - “Michael Anthony the II”. Anthony’s full name is Michael Anthony Hall, but he changed it as many celebrities do upon joining the Screen Actors Guild in 1976. </p> <p>Of their upcoming dive into parenthood this summer, he gushed, "my wife and I are feeling so blessed, excited and filled with joy in anticipation of our son being born this summer.”</p> <p>Lucia took to Instagram to share their exciting news, with a post that also wished their fans a happy Valentine’s Day, tagging it “#babynews” and “#firsttimeparents”. </p> <p>“Congratulations!” Wrote Boardwalk Empire actor Chris Caldovino, to the thanks of both expectant parents. </p> <p>“I’ve been waiting FOREVER for the announcement of my new baby buddy! Love, love, love!” Declared one loved one, to whom Lucia responded that “it was starting to get hard to keep it a secret.” </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" 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);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cop_osxSaGM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <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> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cop_osxSaGM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Lucia Oskerova (@luciaoskerova)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Anthony had nothing but praise for his wife when asked about her pregnancy experience, telling People she’s been a “champ throughout”. </p> <p>"She's tending to every important detail as a proud, expectant mother-to-be,” he explained. “She is now six and half months along.</p> <p>"As a new father-to-be, I've been taking care of family business and making sure we all eat well, with a healthy diet of good foods — plenty of greens, vegetables, fresh fruit, and protein-rich food. Lucia makes great smoothies for us. And we are all getting good sleep each night."</p> <p>Anthony, as character Brian Johnson, once announced that he was “in the math club, uh, the Latin, and the physics club”. Whether or not Anthony himself has ever added any of these to his resume as well, he’ll soon be a lifetime member of The Baby Club.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty </em></p>

Family & Pets

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Literary travels – destinations made famous by your favourite writers

<p>Great writers have the ability to make a destination jump off the page. Here are five places made famous by great writers where you can step into the pages of your favourite book.</p> <p><strong>Myanmar</strong></p> <p>During the 1920s and 30s Burma (as it was called then) was a hub for the most famous writers in the world. George Orwell, Rudyard Kipling and Somerset Maugham all lived here and the capital Yangon (Rangoon) was a buzzing party town and the most beautiful capital in the British Empire. </p> <p>Much has changed in modern day Myanmar, but travellers can still spend the night in the famous Strand hotel where Kipling used to write or travel up the Ayeyarwady River stopping at the small towns that Orwell made famous in <em>Burmese Days.</em></p> <p><strong>Bali</strong></p> <p>In 2006 Elizabeth Gilbert chronicled the breakdown of her marriage and her own recovery in the novel <em>Eat Pray Love</em>. After stints in Italy (eating) and India (praying), Gilbert set up camp in Ubud in the lush green hills of Bali to find a balance of the two – and ultimately found love. </p> <p>The book and subsequent film have brought a huge influx of travellers to Ubud, but it is still a quiet region of rice paddies, ancient Hindu temples and roadside stalls – though there is now a healthy dose of art galleries, small bars and boutiques added to the mix. Check into a villa and let the soul soothing begin.</p> <p><strong>St Petersburg</strong></p> <p>St Petersburg has been the inspiration for novelists from Russian greats like Tolstoy and Dostoevsky through to <em>The Bronze Horseman</em> trilogy by Paullina Simons. During the city’s famed white nights (a period from May to July where the sun barely sets and the city experiences near constant daylight) you can practically see Anna Karenina dashing through the streets in her finest. </p> <p>Russia is also home to more literary museums than any other country in the world and in St Petersburg you can visit the Dostoevsky museum in the apartment where he wrote <em>The Brothers Karamazov</em> or the National Pushkin Museum dedicated to Russia’s favourite poet.</p> <p><strong>Dublin</strong></p> <p>Dublin is one of only six UNESCO Literary Cities in the world, which is not surprising when you consider it’s the birthplace of James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and WB Yeats. Joyce’s <em>Ulysses</em> follows a day in the life of three Dubliners and fans can now take a self-guided walking tour around the city visiting the places mentioned in the book (there’s even a virtual tour online if you’re more of an armchair traveller). </p> <p>Visit the Dublin Writers Museum to learn about the city’s great literary history or head to Trinity College to see the legendary Book of Kells, an illuminated gospel manuscript dating from 800AD.</p> <p><strong>Cuba</strong></p> <p>To think of Cuba is to think of Ernest Hemingway; sitting at a bar, mojito in hand, cigar clamped firmly between his teeth. Papa, as he was known, lived in Cuba for more than 20 years and it was the setting for his last major fiction book, the Pulitzer Prize winning <em>The Old Man and the Sea</em>. </p> <p>The small fishing village of Cojimar, where Hemingway used to dock his boat, was the inspiration for the book and the old man is said to be based on Cojimar local Gregorio Fuentes. The village is largely unchanged, with narrow streets and a picturesque seafront – though expect to find a few tour buses stopped for photos by the bust of Hemingway. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Travel Tips

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The world’s best cities for solo travellers

<p>Solo travel can be daunting, but it’s also exciting to forge out on your own and explore somewhere that you’ve always wanted to see. Keep in mind there are a few extra criteria to be aware of when travelling on your own. These cities are safe, easy to get around and have more than enough to keep you entertained.</p> <p><strong>Dublin</strong></p> <p>The Irish are famous for their friendliness and hospitality. You can almost guarantee that if you’re sitting alone enjoying a Guinness, it won’t be long before someone comes to talk to you. The city is also easy to get around with a compact centre, an extensive public bus system and the efficient DART train running along the coast of the Irish Sea if you want to explore further afield.</p> <p><strong>Amsterdam</strong></p> <p>Safety is always a concern for solo travellers and Amsterdam is one of the safest cities in Europe. It’s also home to some of the world’s most famous museums – like the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum – so you’ll have no trouble filling your days. The city is best explored by bicycle and is, like the rest of the Netherlands, virtually flat.</p> <p><strong>Auckland</strong></p> <p>For something a little closer to home, Auckland is our largest city and a great place to sample two of our most famous exports; wine and adventure. Waiheke Island is a short ferry ride away and a hop on/hop off bus service operates between the island’s numerous wineries. Back in the city you can take a spin around the harbour in a jet boat (be prepared to get wet) or take a more sedate spin on one of the ferries.</p> <p><strong>Tokyo</strong></p> <p>If you feel uncomfortable dining alone, then the Japanese capital could be for you. Choose any of the sushi train style restaurants throughout the city and you’ll be too busy choosing from the delectable dishes parading in front of you that you won’t have time to feel awkward. Tokyo is also incredibly easy to get around, clean, safe, friendly and endlessly fascinating.</p> <p><strong>Vancouver</strong></p> <p>Vancouver is one of the world’s most livable cities and it’s just as good for a visit. You can explore the city on foot, on a bike or using the clean and safe Skyrail network. The city is famous for it’s food and wine and you can eat at a top restaurant or stop at the food trucks downtown. Don’t miss the famous Granville Island Public Market to sample the best produce from the region.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Travel Tips

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Elderly couple turn down million-dollar offer to buy their home

<p dir="ltr">An elderly couple has had a seemingly endless amount of money thrown at them by The Augusta National Club, which hosts the annual Masters Tournament, but they have continued to refuse to sell their long-held home.</p> <p dir="ltr">Herman and Elizabeth Thacker first built their home in Augusta, Georgia, in 1959, and have watched as the homes in their neighbourhood have been bought out and turned into a free car park across from the golf club over the last 10 years, according to the <em><a href="https://nypost.com/2022/04/12/owner-of-holdout-house-on-masters-golf-course-shun-1m-offer-to-leave/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New York Post</a>.</em></p> <p dir="ltr">In a 2016 interview with <a href="https://www.nj.com/golf/2016/04/masters_2016_the_house_that_au.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJ.com</a>, the Thackers said their modest home was where they hoped to live out their final days.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We really don’t want to go”, Elizabeth said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Money ain’t everything,” Herman added.</p> <p dir="ltr">Whenever a representative from the golf club came by to make an offer, including up to $1 million offers, the pair always invited him inside.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-8b8bc719-7fff-4063-fdaa-45a86009bec1"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“He’ll come by here every so often and he’ll say, ‘Just want to let you know we’re still interested in your property’,” Herman said. “And we’ll tell him the same thing again.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/04/google-maps-georgia.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Herman and Elizabeth Thacker have lived in the home since they built it in 1953. Image: Google Maps</em></p> <p dir="ltr">For Herman, the three-bedroom, two-bathroom home he’d lived in for more than 65 years was where he took his final breaths. The golf fan passed away in 2019 at age 86.</p> <p dir="ltr">Elizabeth, his wife of 64 years, is still living in their home.</p> <p dir="ltr">Over the years, the couple raised their two children in the home, and their family has since grown to include five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren who all manage to squeeze in when they visit for the holidays.</p> <p dir="ltr">Over the last 20 years, the golf club has spent more than $200 million purchasing over 100 properties that span a whopping 270 acres, according to the <em><a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/augusta-nationals-makes-a-200-million-land-grab-11554897600" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wall Street Journal</a></em>, including a smaller property the Thackers owned across the street.</p> <p dir="ltr">They eventually sold their second home to the glub for a hefty $1.2 million.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They called us over there for the first time and made us an offer,” Herman said in the 2016 interview.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I asked him: ‘Is that your bottom line?’ He said, ‘Yeah.’ I said, ‘Well, we’ll see you then’, and we got up and walked out. It wasn’t long before he was calling back over here, wanting to know if he could talk to us again.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-c9f13199-7fff-6172-3383-41414b6396b0"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: NJ.com</em></p>

Real Estate

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China quietly changes the ending to famous movie

<p dir="ltr">More than two decades after its release, the 1999 hit film <em>Fight Club</em> has had its ending revamped for Chinese audiences. </p><p dir="ltr">Fans of the movie in China were enraged when they noticed a different version was available to watch on the popular Chinese streaming service Tencent Video, which removed the film’s iconic ending. </p><p dir="ltr">In the final scene of the movie, the narrator, played by Edward Norton, stands with his girlfriend, played by Helena Bonham Carter, as they watch explosives blow up a cluster of skyscrapers. </p><p dir="ltr">The buildings are all part of a larger plot in the movie to destroy the notion of consumerism by erasing bank and debt records.  </p><p dir="ltr">The film’s amount of unbridled anarchy, along with the government’s inability to stop it, has not sat well with China’s censorship rules. </p><p dir="ltr">In the edited version for the region, the entire scene featuring the explosions has been cut out. </p><p dir="ltr">According to CNN Business, the ending has been replaced with a caption explaining to audiences that the authorities arrived just in time to stop the destruction. </p><p dir="ltr">“Through the clue provided by Tyler, the police rapidly figured out the whole plan and arrested all criminals, successfully preventing the bomb from exploding,” the caption reads.</p><p dir="ltr">“After the trial, Tyler was sent to [a] lunatic asylum receiving psychological treatment. He was discharged from the hospital in 2012.”</p><p dir="ltr">The new ending has infuriated some viewers, with one film fan writing on the streaming service that the change was “a pillar of shame in cinematic history”.</p><p dir="ltr">“No one wants to pay money to watch a classic that has been so ruined to such an extent,” another person wrote on a movie review site.</p><p dir="ltr"><em>Fight Club</em> is just the latest victim of Chinese censorship laws, with countless films undergoing a strict editing process to appease regulators before being released to general audiences. </p><p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Fight Club - Fox 2000 Pictures</em></p>

Movies

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World’s youngest Prime Minister goes out clubbing after Covid exposure

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The world’s youngest Prime Minister, Finland’s Sanna Marin, has apologised to the public after a photo surfaced of her in a nightclub following the foreign minister testing positive for COVID-19.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I did wrong. I should have considered the situation more carefully,” Marin, 36, said in a television interview by public broadcaster Yle on Wednesday night.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Marin decided not to cut her night out short on Saturday, despite being told she had been exposed to the coronavirus the day before, she explained on Facebook on Monday, after a Finnish gossip magazine published a photo of her in a crowded nightclub.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But Marin wasn’t the only politician in the line of fire.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Economic Affairs Minister Mika Lintila also attended a floorball match between Finland and Latvia on Sunday, despite being advised to avoid contact with others, Helsingin Sanomat newspaper reported on Wednesday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Defence Minister Antti Kaikkonen went to a dinner party on Saturday while Finance Minister Annika Saarikko and Science and Culture Minister Antti Kurvinen cancelled their attendance of the same event to avoid contacts, evening paper Ilta-Sanomat reported on Tuesday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All three ministers were exposed on Friday at a meeting attended by Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, who on Saturday tested positive.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Marin said she was at a restaurant when she received a phone call from her state secretary informing her about the exposure.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He said ministers would not be quarantined because they all have been vaccinated twice,” Marin wrote on Facebook, explaining why she continued socialising.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The prime minister’s office later said it had sent the exposed ministers two text messages on Saturday recommending that they avoid contact with other people.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Marin said she had left her official phone at home and instead relied on aides reaching her on her personal phone.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Marin has since taken two tests that were negative, while Lintila and Kaikkonen have also tested negative.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Finland has seen a surge of new COVID-19 cases in the past months, spurring health officials to worry about the healthcare system being overburdened.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Several big hospitals around the country have postponed non-critical surgeries and the government on Wednesday proposed a vaccine mandate for healthcare workers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: EPA</span></p>

Travel Trouble

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Football club accused of artistic theft

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">An Indigenous artist has accused Port Adelaide Football Club of using a stolen design for their 2021 Indigenous Round guernsey, prompting an investigation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The club recently revealed the new jumper and associated merchandise ahead of their match with Fremantle on May 30.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The design was chosen after the club asked high school students to “design a guernsey that represents their family, culture and heritage”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The teen who won the competition last year, which COVID-19 delayed the use of, said at the club’s press conference on Wednesday that she had spent months painting it after finding inspiration from designs she saw on Instagram.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This is a big accomplishment for me to have so many people see my artwork,” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But South Australian woman Elle Campbell claims the design was her “exact painting” shared online and displayed at an exhibition as early as May 2019.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img style="width: 281.1418685121107px; height:500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841368/75e502b4955fd26e13b005e9c56763f0872bea54.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/5c690d694e07457fa0685707e13b1890" /></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Wow. This is MY painting, someone has submitted it as their own and PAFC are using it for their guernsey,” Campbell wrote alongside a photo of herself holding the painting and a screenshot proving it was on public display two years ago.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I am deeply hurt by the use of this painting and the ‘artist’ claiming this work (to) be their own,” Campbell continued.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The meaning behind this painting was one of my families’ ancient burial ground at Kingston S.E. and the connection we still have with the native flora and fauna on those lands.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“My mother had sent me a photo of some kangaroos coming out from the scrub to go have a dip in the water, which was the inspiration for this painting.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At the press conference, the student said the top half of her design represented “the ancestors, Dreamtime stories and people looking over us” while the bottom half “represents the skin colour, the sand, the animals, the dirt, anything”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The line in the middle that’s the river, represents food source, water, it’s a way - a river that we follow in order to go somewhere.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The footprint in the river is, as I said before, the food source.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Port Adelaide confirmed they had commenced an investigation into the claims on Friday, May 21, less than 48 hours after the unveiling.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Port Adelaide is aware of allegations that surfaced on social media last night regarding the design of its Indigenous guernsey for the upcoming Sir Doug Nicholls Round,” the club said in a statement.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Port Adelaide is investigating the allegations and will not make further comment until it has all the information at hand.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Campbell said she was feeling “pretty heartbroken that another Aboriginal woman has stolen my artwork that not only means so much to me but is also one of my first paintings”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The most heartbreaking part is wanting my art to be seen on my own merit, not because something like this happening. That’s now been taken away from me.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Port Adelaide and Campbell have since removed their posts from social media.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image credit: 7NEWS</span></em></p>

Art

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Want to start a book club? Here’s how

<p><strong>Finding fellow readers</strong></p> <p>Ask around your existing personal networks, including neighbours, friends, social media, or a community noticeboard.</p> <p>Once you mention you want to start a club, you’ll be surprised how many people may want to come along.</p> <p>Ask at your local bookshop and library for ideas – many run regular reading groups and can point you in the right direction for good books.</p> <p>Identify what common interests you and your group have and use these to help draw like-minded people.</p> <p>Once you start looking, you’ll find book clubs for men or women, seniors, sci-fi lovers, teenagers or cookery buffs.</p> <p><strong>The time, the place</strong></p> <p>Once you have a group, agree on how often you want to meet – typically clubs meet monthly, though the time-poor may want to make it bi-monthly.</p> <p>For many clubs, meeting at home works best as you don’t have to get dressed up, and noisy public venues can make talking hard.</p> <p>If members bring a plate of food or a bottle, it takes the pressure off the host.</p> <p>But try rotating your meeting location as this will help to stimulate fresh thoughts.</p> <p><strong>Be inspired</strong></p> <p><span>Tailor your venue according to the book’s subject matter. </span>The Light Between the Oceans<span> by M.L. Stedman was discussed over fish’n’chips by one club, while </span>The Red Tent<span> by Anita Diamant was chewed over at a Middle Eastern restaurant.</span></p> <p><span>Here’s how to get your book club off to a flying start.</span></p> <p><strong>Size</strong><strong> matters</strong></p> <p><span>According to Christine Callen, a book club veteran of 15 years, you need a minimum number of people per meeting to make it interesting. “Seven is the magic number – fewer and there’s not enough for healthy debate,” she says. “You can have ten people in the club – not everyone will be able to make it every time – seven provides enough opinions.”</span></p> <p><strong>Choosing the books</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>If you’re the club instigator, it’s easier if you pick the first book.</p> <p>Seek out book reviews in good magazines and newspapers and at bookshops.</p> <p>The flavour of the books you choose will be largely dictated by the personalities attending – you might like to have a wide range of genres from sci-fi to romance to travel epics.</p> <p>Or stick to one genre, such as history books.</p> <p>Decide on a strategy and a time frame – say five to 12 books across the year – then review how everything appeals to the majority.</p> <p>Take turns to come up with a list of four or five titles, then circulate the list via email shortly after your last discussion.</p> <p>Members can then vote on their preferred next book and meeting time.</p> <p>The member scheduled to host the next meeting coordinates the responses to decide the title and date most voted for.</p> <p><strong>Starting discussion</strong></p> <p>Callen recommends beginning by asking all members to briefly give their opinion on the book.</p> <p>“Everyone arrives and has a drink to loosen up,” she explains.</p> <p>“Then we take it in turns to go around the room and each give the book a mark out of ten, saying in a few sentences what we liked or disliked about it. This gives everyone a chance to speak early in the night and stops one person dominating the conversation from the start.”</p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Written by <span>Jenny Byrne</span></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">. This article first appeared in </span><a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/articles/book-club/want-to-start-a-book-club-heres-how"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reader’s Digest</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, </span><a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRA93V"><span style="font-weight: 400;">here’s our best subscription offer.</span></a></em></p>

Books

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Elderly care staff accused of running a dementia patient fight club

<p><span>Three employees at an American assisted living facility have been accused of running a fight club, where police say dementia patients were encouraged to fight.</span></p> <p><span>Marilyn Latish McKey, 32, Tonacia Yvonne Tyson, 20, and Taneshia Deshawn Jordan, 26 were arrested and charged with assault on an individual with a disability in connection to the elder abuse at the Danby House in North Carolina.</span></p> <p><span>According to court documents reviewed by the <em><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2019/10/14/elderly-care-staff-accused-pitting-residents-against-each-other-dementia-fight-club/">Winton-Salem Journal</a></em>, the three women encouraged two residents – aged 70-year-old and 73-year-old – in the house’s “special care unit” for dementia patients to fight each other as they watched and filmed on a phone.</span></p> <p><span>The accounts reported by the <em>Journal </em>alleged that one of the fighters was heard yelling, “Let go! Help me! Help me! Let go!”</span></p> <p><span>In response, one of the three staffers could be heard saying “stop screaming”, while another attempted to confirm that the phone was actually recording the clip so that it could be sent to her later.</span></p> <p><span>In a separate occasion, one of the employees reportedly physically assaulted a resident by shoving her into her room, while the other two recorded and did not offer help to the woman.</span></p> <p><span>Police announced the three healthcare workers’ arrests on Friday following an investigation into a tip received in June.</span></p> <p><span>“When you’re talking about someone who can’t take care of themselves, we’ve got to give specific attention to that,” Lt Gregory Dorn told <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/at-work/assisted-living-facility-accused-of-running-fight-club-with-dementia-patients/news-story/81859addf7a652241523f7a4317847f9">Fox 8</a></em>.</span></p> <p><span>Danby House said the three employees were fired in June when managers were alerted on the events.</span></p> <p><span>“Danby House has a zero-tolerance policy for the mistreatment of those in our care and as such, McKey, Tyson, and Jordan were terminated immediately in June when community management was alerted to this situation,” the facility said.</span></p> <p><span>“Administrators have been working closely with the Winston-Salem Police Department throughout its investigation to ensure justice is served. Additional staff training and a more rigorous vetting process for all new and existing employees at Danby House has been implemented.</span></p> <p><span>“Danby House has undergone leadership changes in recent months, and we look at situations like these as opportunities to improve upon the high standard of care we provide for our residents.”</span></p> <p><span>The three women face Class A misdemeanours, with a maximum penalty of 150 days of incarceration and a discretionary fine. They have been released on bond and are due to appear before court on November 14.</span></p>

Retirement Life

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Couple caught in 'mile-high club’ after leaving plane toilet together

<p>A couple has been caught emerging from a plane toilet together as a long queue of passengers waiting to use the facility looked on.</p> <p>The two passengers reportedly spent 10 minutes in the loo on a United Airlines flight before they stepped out.</p> <p>At one point, a flight attendant with a trolley remarked to one of the women waiting in line, “You’re still right here.”</p> <p>“There’s folks in there,” the passenger said.</p> <p>The bathroom door finally opened with a man going out, followed by a woman behind.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2M7WUeAcOP/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2M7WUeAcOP/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Well this...was definitely a first 😳🛩 . 😂 Tag a friend who needs to see this!👀 . #thelegendsaretrue #whatamiseeing #traveldiaries . 🎥: @staffordslick</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/staffordslick/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Stafford Slick</a> (@staffordslick) on Sep 9, 2019 at 12:46pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Passenger Stafford Slick, who recorded the scene, wrote on Instagram, “Well this… was definitely a first.</p> <p>“Couldn’t believe my eyes … I’ve heard the legends, but never thought I would see it in real life.”</p> <p>Since it was posted on Tuesday, the video has gone viral, racking up more than 5,000 views in a day.</p> <p>United Airlines has yet to comment on the incident.</p>

Travel Trouble

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Mile high club: Pilot reveals the truth about what REALLY goes on

<p>Former navy pilot Chick McElwee started a company called Air Australia International that offers chartered flights, patient transfer and repatriation, as well as flight instruction.</p> <p>However, he offers something else that has piqued people’s interest – mile-high flights, which are f<span>lights where p</span><span>assengers are encouraged to have sex in the air, and they have sent his bookings through the roof.</span></p> <p>The idea came from someone making a passing comment about what the bed was for on board the plane.</p> <p>McElwee thought on his feet and didn’t mention it was for transporting unwell passengers, and said it was for couples wishing to join the mile-high club.</p> <p>He shared with <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-advice/flights/air-australia-international-pilot-reveals-what-really-goes-on-during-milehigh-flights/news-story/09e39f25b41104efd5444920c9e6a8d4" target="_blank">news.com.au</a>: </p> <p>“I said we’d done about 25 flights,” the pilot recounted.  </p> <p>“And then, suddenly, we started getting heaps of inquiries.”</p> <p>He’s improved the original cabin design, but the basics are still there: a double bed with fresh linen and pillows, a bottle of champagne, chocolates and the privacy curtain drawn between the cabin and the cockpit.</p> <p>For those who are worried about the pilot hearing your rendezvous, you needn’t worry.</p> <p>“You don’t really hear anything because the engines are so loud,” McElwee said about piloting the mile-high flights, “but you do feel it move because the plane is balanced. So when people move back and forward – you feel it.”</p> <p>Air Australia’s mile-high club is open to anyone over the age of 18 and who has a spare hour and $750 to spend for the flight.</p> <p>McElwee’s passengers have included celebrities, sportspeople as well as glamour models.</p> <p>“The customer base is not what you think it is,” he laughs.</p> <p>The customer base in question includes a 70-year-old woman who has flown multiple times with her much younger lovers as well as a naked man who was so desperate for another bottle of champagne, he burst into the cockpit searching for one.</p>

International Travel

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“The 27 Club”: 6 musicians who died at 27

<p>Chances are you’ve heard of “The 27 Club” by now, but if you haven’t, here’s a refresher: It’s a cultural phenomenon that’s seen dozens of notable musicians all coincidentally die at the age of 27.</p> <p>It began when the first four names on this list passed away at 27 within the space of just three years, and when Kurt Cobain died in 1994, the “club” really began to take off.</p> <p>“The number of musicians who died at 27 is truly remarkable by any standard,” wrote Cobain and Jimi Hendrix biographer Charles R. Cross. “[Although] humans die regularly at all ages, there is a statistical spike for musicians who die at 27.”</p> <p>Here are six of the most famous “club” members who tragically lost their lives at the age of just 27.</p> <p><strong>1. Brian Jones</strong></p> <p>A founding member of the Rolling Stones, Jones is credited with naming the band, choosing the members, choosing the music and booking gigs. However, in July 1969, after leaving the Stones amid legal issues, substance abuse and mood swings, the 27-year-old Jones was found dead in his swimming pool.</p> <p><strong>2. Jimi Hendrix</strong></p> <p>One of the most influential guitarists in history, Hendrix made more of a mark in his 27 years than many people do in a lifetime. However, almost a decade of substance abuse and violence sadly caught up with Hendrix, who died of a suspected drug overdose in London on September 17, 1970.</p> <p><strong>3. Janis Joplin</strong></p> <p>Just 16 days after his death, Hendrix’s friend and fellow rock star Janis Joplin died at the height of her fame from a drug overdose. In her will, Joplin left $2,500 to her loved ones to throw a wake party, which took place on October 26, 1969, 22 days after she was found dead.</p> <p><strong>4. Jim Morrison</strong></p> <p>The Doors front man was the icon of a generation before he met his untimely demise in March 1971. He was found by his long-term companion Pamela Courson in Paris, where the pair had been living. His official cause of death was ruled as heart failure, but due to there being no autopsy, there are still questions as to the true cause of his death.</p> <p><strong>5. Kurt Cobain</strong></p> <p>It was Cobain’s death that really launched the so-called “27 Club”. The Nirvana front man, who never quite coped with his fame and had spent the last few years of his life battling heroin addiction, chronic health problems and depression, was found dead in 1994 as a result of suicide.</p> <p><strong>6. Amy Winehouse</strong></p> <p>The popular five-time Grammy winner, known for her distinctive, soulful voice, was one of the UK’s most acclaimed artists, holding the record for the second best-selling album since 2000. Sadly, her life was cut short in 2011 after a long battle with alcoholism.</p>

Music

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This fascinating festival celebrates yesteryear

<p><em><strong>A remarkable, rare piece of vintage machinery will be the star attraction at February’s Harvest Rally held inWairarapa, New Zealand.</strong></em></p> <p>Those of a certain generation may remember seeing the Foden Steam Wagon carrying metal for roads, firewood for families and wool from the farm to awaiting trains at the railway station in Wairarapa. For almost three decades, the six ton, C-type wagon with a four and a half nominal horse power compound engine and three way hydraulic hoist (meaning the deck could tip backwards and sideways) was a familiar sight in the region. It was cheap to run, when coal was only three shillings and six pence a hundredweight, but in 1958 it left Masterton, the region’s largest town, after being brought by a private collector.</p> <p>After a 60 year absence, the wagon which has since been completely restored and painted bright yellow will be the star attraction at the Wairarapa Vintage Machinery Club’s Harvest Rally, a fun, family-friendly event held every four years. Allan Familton, the owner of the Foden, says tractors, stationary engines as well as farming memorabilia at the Harvest Rally being held at the Clareville Showgrounds over Waitangi Weekend 2018 (February 3 and 4).</p> <p align="center"><img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7267544/foden-steam-wagon-image_498x245.jpg" alt="Foden Steam Wagon Image"/></p> <p align="center"><em>The rare Foden Steam Wagon will return the Wairarapa in February following a 60-year absence.</em></p> <p>“I’m really excited about bringing the wagon back home and can imagine the response from people attending the Rally will be incredible,” says Mr Familton. “Those of a certain generation may remember seeing this when it was based out of Cornwall Street in Masterton between 1925 to 1958, and may even have photos in their albums at home of it at various street parades. It’s a rare piece of machinery – in fact the only working one of its type in New Zealand.”</p> <p>Mr Familton, a self-described steam engine enthusiast based near Christchurch, always had an interest in the Foden and knows its history intimately. It was manufactured by Edwin Foden-Sons &amp; Co, of Elworth Works, Sandbach in England and imported by John McLachlan in 1925.   For almost three decades it was based in Masterton before being sold for 400 pounds to George Gilltrap, who ran a museum in Rotorua. The Gilltrap’s Museum later shifted to Surfers Paradise in Australia, later purchased by Reg Shuster of Brisbane. During this time, the Foden underwent an extensive rebuild and was painted yellow before being put up for sale in 2013.</p> <p>“I’d seen a lot of photos of the wagon and knew it was a New Zealand vehicle. I always was interested in getting my hands on it as I think it was one of 10 that came to New Zealand and had a rich history,” says Mr Familton. “By a strange stroke of luck it came up in an auction in Australia when I was looking for it, so I brought it.”</p> <p>Since owning the wagon Mr Familton has carried out further mechanical restoration and made it more like it was when it came out of the works in England.</p> <p>“Only people who have been to England or Australia would have seen one of these running so to have it at the Wairarapa Vintage Harvest Rally will be just so, so special,” says Mr Familton.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="500" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7267545/harvest-festival-horses_500x375.jpg" alt="Harvest Festival Horses"/></p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><em>Visitors to the 2018 Wairarapa Vintage Harvest Rally will be able to see how wheat was harvested 100 years ago with man power and horse power with magnificent draft horses.</em></p> <p>Mike Slater, the vice-president of the Wairarapa Vintage Machinery Club and convenor of the Harvest Rally, says the two day event will be a celebration of yester-year. He says people will be able to see how wheat was harvested 100 years ago with man power and horse power with magnificent draft horses harvest a wheat crop with a binder and the 1890 Clayton Shuttleworth mill working. There will also be static and working displays of vintage machinery, a showcase of local crafts and at the conclusion of each day, a spectacular grand finale display with vintage fire engines. Food and drinks will also available on site.</p> <p>“This event is only held every four years and attracts people from all around New Zealand,” says Mr Slater. “It’s terrific to see and gives people a fascinating glimpse into our past and how things used to be harvested and how machinery used to work.”</p> <p><strong>Details:</strong></p> <p><strong>What:</strong> Wairarapa Vintage Machinery Club’s Harvest Rally</p> <p><strong>Where:</strong> Clareville Showgrounds</p> <p><strong>When:</strong> 9am – 4pm, Waitangi Weekend – Feb 3 and 4, 2018</p> <p><strong>Cost:</strong> Adults $10, Children under 15 free</p> <p>Free all-day parking</p> <p>For more information visit www.wairarapanz.com/harvestrally</p> <p><strong>Other events happening in the Wairarapa this February:</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>3 Feb</strong> – <a href="http://www.martinboroughfair.org.nz" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The Martinborough Fair.</strong></span></a> New Zealand made goods, fresh produce and delicious food stalls make up this fantastic summer market that radiates out from the Martinborough Town Square. </li> <li><strong>3-4 Feb</strong> – Wairarapa Vintage Harvest Rally. A&amp;P Showgrounds, Clareville, Carterton.</li> <li><strong>6 Feb</strong> – Interislander Summer Festival of horse racing at Tauherenikau Race Course. Pack a picnic and get set for a day of thrilling racing action, free kids entertainment and live music. Estimated start of first race is 12.50pm. Admission: Adults $20, under 18 free.</li> <li><strong>9 Feb</strong> – <a href="http://www.eventfinda.co.nz" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The Black Seeds and Kings</strong></span></a> perform at the Masterton Summer Concert, Solway Showgrounds Masterton. </li> <li><strong>17 Feb</strong> – The Masterton A&amp;P Society Show. The Solway Showgrounds. </li> <li><strong>17 – 18 Feb</strong> –Enjoy the smell of rubber burning and catch exciting racing at the <a href="http://www.mastertonmotorplex.co.nz" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Masterton Motorplex</strong></span></a> with the “Auckland Invasion – IHRA round. </li> <li><strong>24 Feb</strong> – <a href="http://www.tuihq.co.nz" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Race to the Brewery.</strong></span></a> A multisport race from Palmerston North to Tui Brewery in Mangatainoka. </li> </ul> <p><em>Image credit: Katie Farman</em></p>

International Travel

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Bowls club trio channel Beyonce in video protest

<p>Three ladies at Chadstone Bowls Club in Melbourne have channelled popstar Beyoncé in a video protesting plans to scrap the club for an indoor sports stadium.</p> <p>The video, which you can see below, was released after the City of Stonnington announced its plans to get rid of the historic club in favour of the new facility.</p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9aCUDirLX3o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p>Terry, Janine and Wyn, who belt out the song parody of the Beyoncé hit “All The Single Ladies” in the video, have now become a viral sensation. </p> <p>Denise Wallish, who organised the video said, "This isn't fair and it isn't equitable.</p> <p>“This has been our home for 60 years, our sporting home, and we want to be here for the next 60.</p> <p>“I think they're just hoping the bowling club will give up but we're not going to.”</p>

Retirement Life

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South Korean seniors flock to disco clubs to dance

<p>Thousands of South Korean seniors are secretly sneaking out to disco clubs to dance the day away.</p> <p>“I come here every day of the week, except for Saturday and Sunday,” says 81-year-old Jun Il-Taek as he dances beneath giant disco balls and fairy lights.</p> <p>Jun is just one of the 200 men and women on the dance floor, all bobbing away to the beat of disco.</p> <p>Although their rather sedate nature of dancing contrasts with the high energy of disco music, everyone is having a ball at the ninth-floor dance club.</p> <p><img width="415" height="277" src="http://cdn.star2.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/doc6ofgchmpzfr19lbueobu.jpg" alt="TO GO WITH AFP STORY: SKorea-lifestyle-culture-population-ageing, FEATURE by Jung Ha-Won In a photo taken on February 4, 2016 a couple dance at a 'colatec' in Seoul. As the mercury outside plunges to minus 10 degrees on an ice-cold Monday afternoon, the dance floor inside the Kukilgwan Palace is packed with gray-haired Korean couples moving to the rhythms of high-volume disco. South Korea's rapidly ageing population may be a major headache for policymakers, but its members are determined to enjoy themselves, dancing the years away at clubs where 50-year-olds are turned away for being &quot;too young.&quot; Colatecs first emerged in the late 1990s as dance halls for teenagers, where alcohol was banned and the only drinks on offer were sodas like Coca Cola. But they soon fell out of fashion with their young clientele which migrated to gatherings at Internet cafes and karaoke clubs. And so the Colatecs rebranded themselves for an entirely different demographic. AFP PHOTO / Ed Jones " class="wp-image-188744" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>“Nothing keeps me healthier than dancing… I can’t live without this place,” Jun says, as he leads his 75-year-old female partner into a slow turn.</p> <p>The army veteran is one of the thousands of South Korean seniors who love going to “Colatecs” – special disco dance clubs for the elderly.</p> <p>Colatecs first emerged in the late 1990s as dance clubs for teenagers but soon fell out of fashion. They’ve now rebranded for the senior demographic, with opening hours between midday and 6pm.</p> <p>The clubs are flourishing across the country, where anyone under 60 are turned away for being “too young”.</p> <p><img width="420" height="280" src="http://cdn.star2.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/doc6ofgct092jk1c7vovobu.jpg" alt="TO GO WITH AFP STORY: SKorea-lifestyle-culture-population-ageing, FEATURE by Jung Ha-Won In a photo taken on December 2, 2015 a musician plays keyboards as people dance at a 'colatec' in Seoul. As the mercury outside plunges to minus 10 degrees on an ice-cold Monday afternoon, the dance floor inside the Kukilgwan Palace is packed with gray-haired Korean couples moving to the rhythms of high-volume disco. South Korea's rapidly ageing population may be a major headache for policymakers, but its members are determined to enjoy themselves, dancing the years away at clubs where 50-year-olds are turned away for being &quot;too young.&quot; Colatecs first emerged in the late 1990s as dance halls for teenagers, where alcohol was banned and the only drinks on offer were sodas like Coca Cola. But they soon fell out of fashion with their young clientele which migrated to gatherings at Internet cafes and karaoke clubs. And so the Colatecs rebranded themselves for an entirely different demographic. AFP PHOTO / Ed Jones " class="wp-image-188745" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>However, in the ultra-conservative Korean society Colatecs are seen as immoral, meaning many seniors keep their disco-dancing hobby a secret from their families.</p> <p>Despite the stigma, South Korea’s ageing population are determined to enjoy themselves and many flock to the Colatecs to dance, unwind, have some fun, and meet new people.</p> <p>“My children and grandchildren think that I just meet my friends over coffee or lunch,” says Han Keum-Ok, 75, who has been a regular attendee of Colatecs for 10 years.</p> <p>“At my age, you never know how long you will live, and I’d like to enjoy the rest of my life to the full.</p> <p>“But I tell no one I come here because a lot of people think Colatecs are immoral,” she says. </p>

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