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Victoria Beckham's cooking skills hilariously slammed by her own daughter

<p>Victoria Beckham's cooking skills have been playfully roasted by her daughter, Harper Beckham.</p> <p>In an Instagram story shared to her 31.4 million followers, the former Spice Girl documented a family baking session featuring herself, husband David Beckham, and their daughter Harper.</p> <p>David was filmed in the middle of whipping up an apple crumble using apples from the "Beckham Orchard," while Harper was busy baking chocolate chip cookies.</p> <p>While the father-daughter duo were channeling their inner baker, Victoria was filming the moment and asked Harper whether she inherited her culinary talents from her mum or dad.</p> <p>"Did you learn to cook from daddy or mummy?" Victoria asked Harper in the light-hearted clip.</p> <p>With a mischievous grin, Harper retorted, "Mummy, you can't even make cereal!"</p> <p>"Oh wow, Mummy can't even make cereal," Victoria responded. </p> <p>"Well you can make chicken Kiev but that comes from M&amp;S," the 12-year-old said, adding insult to injury. </p> <p>M&amp;S (Marks and Spencer) is the local British retailer, which specialises in clothing, food and home products among other things. </p> <p>Victoria hilariously captioned the video: "I get it Harper… I can't cook."</p> <p>The Beckhams often invite fans into their kitchen through their social media, and document their cooking escapades. </p> <p>Watch the full clip <a href="https://kitchen.nine.com.au/latest/harper-beckham-roasts-mum-victoria-beckham-cooking-skills-in-new-clip/e538cdaa-f295-427d-b334-4bb7351da1bd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Cooking (and heating) without gas: what are the impacts of shifting to all-electric homes?

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/trivess-moore-12580">Trivess Moore</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alan-pears-52">Alan Pears</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/joe-hurley-157161">Joe Hurley</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a></em></p> <p>Gas connections for all new housing and sub-divisions will be <a href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-victorian-homes-go-all-electric-2024">banned in Victoria</a> from January 1 next year. The long-term result of the state government’s significant change to planning approvals will be all-electric housing. The ACT made <a href="https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/policy-programs/preventing-new-gas-network-connections">similar changes</a> early this year, in line with a shift away from gas across <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-47559920">Europe</a> and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jan/19/gas-stove-culture-war-united-states">other locations</a>, although the NSW Premier Chris Minns has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/31/nsw-wont-ban-gas-in-new-homes-as-premier-declares-i-dont-need-another-complication">baulked</a> at doing the same.</p> <p>Around <a href="https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/victorias-gas-substitution-roadmap">80% of homes</a> in Victoria are connected to gas. This high uptake was driven by gas being seen as more affordable and sustainable than electricity over past decades. The situation has <a href="https://www.iea.org/events/net-zero-by-2050-a-roadmap-for-the-global-energy-system">changed dramatically</a> as renewable electricity generation increases and <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-27/aemo-wholesale-electricity-prices-fall-impact-power-bills/102654498">costs fall</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/all-electric-homes-are-better-for-your-hip-pocket-and-the-planet-heres-how-governments-can-help-us-get-off-gas-207409">Research</a> has suggested for more than a decade that the benefits of all-electric homes <a href="https://bze.org.au/research_release/energy-efficient-buildings-plan/">stack up in many locations</a>. New homes built under mandatory building energy performance standards (increasing from <a href="https://thefifthestate.com.au/innovation/building-construction/victoria-kicks-the-can-down-the-road-again-on-the-national-construction-code/">6 to 7 stars</a> in Victoria in May 2024) need smaller, cheaper heating and cooling systems. Installing reverse-cycle air conditioning for cooling provides a cost-effective heater as a bonus.</p> <p>Savings from not requiring gas pipes, appliances and gas supply infrastructure help to offset the costs of highly efficient electric appliances. Mandating fully electric homes means economies of scale will further reduce costs.</p> <h2>How does this ban help?</h2> <p>To achieve environmentally sustainable development, reforms of planning policy and regulation <a href="https://theconversation.com/sustainable-cities-australias-building-and-planning-rules-stand-in-the-way-of-getting-there-84263">are essential</a> to convert innovation and best practice to mainstream practice. Planning policy is particularly important for apartment buildings and other housing that may be rented or have an owners’ corporation. Retrofits to improve energy efficiency can be difficult in these situations.</p> <p>Banning gas in new and renovated housing will <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/report/getting-off-gas/">cut greenhouse gas emissions</a>. It’s also <a href="https://theconversation.com/gas-cooking-is-associated-with-worsening-asthma-in-kids-but-proper-ventilation-helps-151591">healthier for households</a> and <a href="https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/research-data-and-insights/research/research-reports/the-victorian-healthy-homes-program-research-findings">reduces healthcare costs</a> as well as <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/report/getting-off-gas/">energy bills and infrastructure costs</a>. The Victorian government suggests the change will save all-electric households <a href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-victorian-homes-go-all-electric-2024">about $1,000 a year</a>. Houses with solar will be even better off.</p> <p>The government appears to be offering wide support to ensure these changes happen, but this will need to be monitored closely.</p> <p>Some households will face extra costs for electric appliances and solar panels. The government’s announcement of <a href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-victorian-homes-go-all-electric-2024">$10 million</a> for Residential Electrification Grants should help with some of these costs while the industry adjusts.</p> <p>There will be impacts and benefits for the local economy. Some jobs may be lost, particularly in the gas appliance and plumbing industry. The government has announced financial support to retrain people and they will still have essential roles in the existing housing sector.</p> <p>Many gas appliances are imported, including ovens, cooktops and instantaneous gas water heaters. Some components of efficient electric products, such as hot water storage tanks, are made locally. Local activities, including distribution, sales, design, installation and maintenance, comprise much of the overall cost.</p> <h2>Challenges of change must be managed</h2> <p>Sustainability benefits will depend on what <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/report/getting-off-gas/">happens with the energy network</a>. We need more renewable energy, energy storage and smarter management of electricity demand.</p> <p>The shift to all-electric homes may mean winter peak demand for heating increases. Energy market operators and governments will have to monitor demand changes carefully to avoid the reliability issues we already see in summer. However, improving energy efficiency, energy storage and demand management will help reduce this load (and household costs).</p> <p>While the benefits are clear for new homes, the changes may <a href="https://www.bsl.org.au/research/publications/enabling-electrification/">increase gas costs and energy poverty</a> for residents of existing housing who don’t shift to efficient electric solutions. The government has reconfirmed financial rebates to help households switch from gas.</p> <p>In addition, existing housing may face building quality and performance issues. Some may require electrical wiring upgrades as part of the transition.</p> <p>Social acceptance of some electric appliances may also be an issue. For example, <a href="https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/property-construction-and-project-management/research/research-centres-and-groups/sustainable-building-innovation-laboratory/projects/heet-housing-energy-efficiency-transitions">our research</a> has found some households dislike the way heating from reverse cycle air conditioners feels. Others do not like cooking on induction cooktops.</p> <p>Consumer education and modifications to appliances and buildings may be needed to increase acceptance and avoid backlash.</p> <p>Some electric appliances are available overseas but not in Australia. Higher demand may increase the range of imports. For example, floor-mounted heat pumps can make heating feel similar to gas heating while still providing effective cooling.</p> <p>We should not assume electric appliances are all equal. To improve consumer protection, action is needed on weak standards and limited and inconsistent public information. For example, information on noise levels and efficiency under a range of weather conditions must be standardised.</p> <p>Moving housing away from gas is an <a href="https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-99-2760-9">important step</a> in the transition to a zero-carbon economy and energy system. Careful management is needed to ensure this transition is effective, accepted and fair.</p> <p>Continued planning reforms are also essential to ensure environmentally sustainable development of housing and communities. Other urgent priorities include urban cooling and greening, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/turning-the-housing-crisis-around-how-a-circular-economy-can-give-us-affordable-sustainable-homes-208745">circular economy approaches</a> to reduce the material and waste impacts of housing and thus the carbon that goes into building and running homes.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/210649/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/trivess-moore-12580">Trivess Moore</a>, Senior Lecturer, School of Property, Construction and Project Management, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alan-pears-52">Alan Pears</a>, Senior Industry Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/joe-hurley-157161">Joe Hurley</a>, Associate Professor, Sustainability and Urban Planning, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/cooking-and-heating-without-gas-what-are-the-impacts-of-shifting-to-all-electric-homes-210649">original article</a>.</em></p>

Home & Garden

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Holidays you’d be happy to spend your life savings on

<p>There’s nothing better than an amazing travel adventure that makes you stop, look at the world around and you have life-altering “ah-ha” moments. These are the holidays that dreams are made of. You’ve worked hard your whole life – go on, you deserve it.</p> <p><strong>Swim with sea turtles in the Galapagos Islands</strong></p> <p>Step right into your own nature documentary with a visit to the home of Darwin’s evolution theory. Get up close to wildlife that simply doesn’t exist anywhere else- Blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises and marine iguanas to name just a few.</p> <p>You can choose to live on board a cruise, or join an island-hopping cruise where you sleep in small hotels and hostels on different islands.</p> <p>Swim or snorkel with sea turtles and sea lions, hike volcanic craters or just kick back and snap away on your camera.</p> <p>If you really want to push the boat out (pun intended!) you could add another adventure. Explore Ecuador, where cruises to the Galapagos Islands depart from, or hop over to Peru and see the Machu Picchu. If trekking isn’t your thing, take a guided tour where you stay in a lodge each night, or board the Orient Express at Cusco to tick off another bucket list item!</p> <p><strong>Expedition cruise to Antarctica</strong></p> <p>It might be the coldest, windiest, emptiest, driest continent on earth, but an expedition cruise to Antarctica is one of the hottest destinations for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.</p> <p>If spectacular iceberg formations and abundant wildlife such as whales, seals and penguins appeal to you, then this has to go on your bucket list.</p> <p>You can choose a cruise that retraces the footsteps of Scott and Shackleton, or one that offers activities for keen kayakers, photographers or wildlife enthusiasts.</p> <p>Most cruises depart from South America, so why not extend your holiday while you’re there and travel around South America too? We’re sold.</p> <p><strong>Track the ‘Big Five’ in Africa</strong></p> <p>Tanzania is well-established as one of the best wildlife-viewing destinations in the world, but when you head out on a private jeep safari at dawn from your luxury lodge, you’ll feel like there are just the incredible animals, and you.</p> <p>Tick off the big five: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos as you watch the sun come up over the Serengeti plain, one of the 10 natural travel wonders of the world.</p> <p>Include a stop-over at Kenya and visit a Masai village, or for the extremely adventurous, Mount Kilimanjaro isn’t far away. Finish your trip with some R&R time on Zanzibar, an island full of Arabian influence and stunning beaches just off the coast of Tanzania.</p> <p><strong>Grand Canyon and the Rockies</strong></p> <p>One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is North America’s must-see destination. Zoom over the parched red rock formations in a light aircraft or helicopter, or trek down to the bottom on horseback or on foot.</p> <p>Then fly to Colorado to start a tour of the incredible Rocky Mountains. Stay on a ranch in cowboy country and pretend you’re in a spaghetti western, spot bears, elk and bison in Yellowstone National Park and get a taste of what the pioneers first discovered when they started moving westwards. Keep heading north on one of the most spectacular journeys in the world through Glacier, Banff and Jasper National Parks, and finish your trip in stunning Vancouver.</p> <p>Prices vary depending on the level of luxury and length of trip.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty / Shutterstock</em></p>

International Travel

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Pirates of the Caribbean island up for sale

<p dir="ltr">A Bahamian island, which was the backdrop for two iconic blockbuster films, is now up for sale for the eye-watering price of $150m.</p> <p dir="ltr">The island, known as Little Pipe Cay, was used as a backdrop for two Hollywood films: <em>Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl</em> and <em>Casino Royale</em>, a film in the James Bond franchise.</p> <p dir="ltr">Spanning across over 40 acres of land, the island boasts stunning white-sand beaches and what locals refer to as “Bombay-Sapphire Blue” waters.</p> <p dir="ltr">The main property has 11 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms and four cottages, it’s basically like having a private mini resort.</p> <p dir="ltr">The property also has a deepwater dock that’s big enough for a superyacht, so you can host boat parties or simply cruise around with your peers.</p> <p dir="ltr">The lucky buyer will feel like they are on a never-ending getaway, as they can escape into the gardens or take a dip into the Olympic-sized infinity pool, the perfect place to appreciate the stunning tropical scenery.</p> <p dir="ltr">For those looking for some indoor activities, the island also offers a gym and spa, in the fully staffed island so that you will never need to lift a finger.</p> <p dir="ltr">The island is also home to many exotic plants and animals, including dolphins and sea turtles, so for those nature lovers it’s the perfect place to reconnect with mother nature.</p> <p dir="ltr">Alternatively, if you decide you’re bored of the same views, you can hop on a helicopter and fly off to another island or country, as the island also has a helipad for your travelling needs.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: realestate.com.au/ Engel &amp; Völkers Bahamas/ Getty</em></p>

Real Estate

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Remote Scottish island hits the market

<p>If you’ve ever dreamt of escaping the rat race and living a life of complete isolation, then look no further.</p> <p>A remote island situated off the southern coast of Scotland, Carlocco Island is up for sale, priced at offers over £150,000 ($A280,317).</p> <p>“There’s still a very romantic sentiment attached to owning your very own Scottish private island, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy some peace and tranquillity in the most beautiful scenery around,” Aaron Edgar of Galbraith Group, the agent handling the sale, said in a statement.</p> <p>The nearest town is almost 10km away with the closest train station Dumfries an hour bus ride from that town. London is more than 563km away with Edinburgh over 160km away.</p> <p>With lush green grass and rocky outcrops reaching the sea, the island covers an area of around 10 hectares, but there are no buildings, only a flood pond providing water to livestock and wildlife in the colder months.</p> <p>According to the listing, no one has ever applied for permission to build on the island, so it would be up to the buyer to investigate any development possibilities with local authorities.</p> <p>At low tide, the island can be reached on foot, by tractor or quad bike. As for the rest of the time, a boat is required for travel, with a pebble beach for them to be anchored, “the perfect base to explore the island, partake in some cold water swimming…and enjoy a waterside picnic,” Edgar said.</p> <p>The island sits in a Site of Special Scientific Interest, an area in the UK defined as of particular interest due to the rare species of fauna and flora it’s home to, and is also a shelter for all types of wildlife, including great black-backed gulls, and rare plants like rock sea lavenders and fragrant orchids.</p> <p>Mr Edgar expects a lot of interest in the unique property, “We have witnessed strong demand from domestic and international parties for entire private islands, having handled the sale of several in Scotland,” he said.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Galbraith Group</em></p>

Real Estate

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Cooking mistakes that are making your food unhealthy

<p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Boiling your veggies</strong></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">A review published in the <em>International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science</em> in 2016 showed that boiling vegetables resulted in a high loss of vitamin C and folate. One study found that broccoli, for example, lost about 33 per cent of its vitamin C. “Water-soluble vitamins leach out,” says Nishta Saxena, a registered dietitian. “If you’re not using the fluids in something like a soup, you’re missing out on nutrients.”</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Rinsing raw chicken</strong></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">While your favourite old cookbooks likely tell you to rinse a chicken before roasting, this outdated advice is a safety hazard. Running poultry under the tap may remove some of the bacteria (including salmonella and campylobacter, which can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and fever), but it’s also likely to transfer it around your kitchen –as far as nearly one metre from the sink, according to research from Drexel University in Philadelphia. “Droplets can spread from your hands to counter­tops and even onto the floor, which can be a concern, especially if you have small children,” says Saxena. To stay safe, skip the rinse and wash your hands thoroughly after you’re finished prepping your bird.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Removing skins from produce</strong></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Peeling your produce rids your food of an important layer of nutrients. “Significant amounts of vitamins, minerals and fibre are found in the skins,” says Liz Powell, a registered dietitian. Researchers at the University of Maine estimate that the skins of potatoes, for example, contain 10 to 12 times more antioxidants than the flesh. Peeling fruits and vegetables also strips away a dose of insoluble fibre, which is crucial for digestion and bowel function. Concern about herbicide or pesticide residue isn’t a good enough reason to forego the peelings, says Powell. Washing your fresh produce will remove some pesticide residues from the surface, she says. You can also opt for organic varieties of heavily sprayed produce, such as peaches.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Blending everything</strong></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">A smoothie is a smart way to sneak in some greens (and down your breakfast in a hurry), but liquid meals tend to be unbalanced. They’re often lacking in protein, healthy fat and complex carbohydrates. These components work together to keep us feeling full and satisfied, Powell says. “Without them, it’s not really a balanced meal.” Powell recommends adding a scoop of yoghurt or protein powder and part of an avocado or a spoonful of hemp hearts for protein and fat. To sneak in a complex carb, you can add some oats to the blender or have a piece of wholegrain toast on the side, she says.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Overdressing salads</strong></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">“Salads have this health halo – we think we can add anything to them and they’ll still be a nutritious choice, but it’s just not true,” says Saxena. “If you’re topping your bowl with dried cranberries, candied pecans and a sweet goat cheese, you’ve easily added 30 grams of sugar to your so-called healthy lunch.” Chopped, raw nuts and seeds are better options to beef up the flavour profile of your greens. Oil-based dressings also tend to be more nutritious than their creamy counterparts.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/home-tips/cooking-mistakes-that-are-making-your-food-unhealthy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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8 air fryer cooking tips you need to know

<p><strong>Check your air fryer's temperature</strong></p> <p>Just like with ovens, temperatures may vary between air fryer models. Test your air fryer to see if it runs above or below the selected temperature setting. You’ll want your fryer nice and hot.</p> <p><strong>Know your air fryer's cooking times</strong></p> <p>Since air fryer temperatures vary, so do cook times. That’s why air fryer recipes have wider time ranges. So, to find your air fryer cooking times you’ll need to experiment. Start checking the food at the shortest time, and check back a little later if it’s not done.</p> <p><strong>Give it a shake (or a flip)</strong></p> <p>To help food crisp, always turn, rotate, or shake contents in air fryer basket (just like flipping French fries, fish fillets, or homemade chicken strips halfway through cooking in a traditional oven).</p> <p><strong>Cook food in a single layer for best results</strong></p> <p>Allow plenty of air circulation to get even cooking and crispy results. One exception where you can stack and pack foods is if you’re roasting veggie side dishes in the air fryer. For instance, you can load the basket with a 400 grams of Brussels sprouts and roast them at 180° for 12-15 minutes, stirring once.</p> <p><strong>Bake up a little treat</strong></p> <p>Yes, you can bake homemade cookies in the air fryer! All it takes is a few minutes and chilled dough on stand-by. Models differ in their “baking” functions, so test just one or two cookies at first. You may need to adjust the temperature or cooking time.</p> <p><strong>Seeing smoke? Here's what to do </strong></p> <p>First off, don’t panic. Simply unplug the air fryer and remove the food basket. Make sure no food is lodged in the heating coil. Return food to the air fryer and continue cooking. If smoke persists, there may be oil or residue on the heating element. Unplug the machine, cool, and then wipe the coil clean with a damp cloth, just like the heating coil on an electric stove. From now on, make sure to clean your air fryer regularly.</p> <p><strong>Use a thermometer when cooking meat</strong></p> <p>Because the food can brown nicely on the outside before reaching an appropriate temperature on the inside, checking the temp with a meat thermometer is an important step for safety. That goes for previously frozen foods and fresh ones.</p> <p><strong>It's a quick option when cooking for one or two </strong></p> <p>Any more than that, and you may have to cook in batches – so be sure to account for that in your timing.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/8-air-fryer-cooking-tips-you-need-to-know" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Food & Wine

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What is myrtle rust and why has this disease closed Lord Howe Island to visitors?

<p>Some 70% of the World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island has been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/mar/17/most-of-lord-howe-island-closed-to-visitors-after-outbreak-of-plant-fungus">closed to non-essential visitors</a> in response to a recurrence of the plant disease myrtle rust.</p> <p>Myrtle rust, native to South America, was <a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/invasive-species/diseases-fungi-and-parasites/myrtle-rust">first detected</a> in Australia on the Central Coast of NSW in April 2010. It is caused by a fungus that belongs to a group of plant pathogens known as the rusts.</p> <p>Rusts are among the most feared of all plant pathogens. They spread rapidly over thousands of kilometres on wind currents and can cause huge losses in plant production.</p> <p>For example, wheat rust research over the past 100 years at the University of Sydney has shown clear evidence of wind-borne rust spores travelling from central Africa to Australia. Wheat production losses due to rust have at times totalled <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/biosecurity/biosecurity-economics/potential-impact-wheat-stem-rust">hundreds of millions of dollars</a>.</p> <p>Myrtle rust rapidly invaded the entire east coast of Australia in the years after it was first detected. It has caused the near extinction of at least three rainforest species, including the native guava (<a href="https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=19162">Rhodomyrtus psidioides</a>) and the scrub turpentine (<a href="https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=15763">Rhodamnia rubescens</a>).</p> <p>The disease was detected at Lord Howe Island <a href="https://islandarks.com.au/files/2017/12/I-think-we-dodged-a-bullet-Implementing-a-Rapid-Response-Plan-for-a-Myrtle-Rust-incursion-on-Lord-Howe-Island-in-October-2016.pdf">in 2016, and eradicated</a>. Now it has managed to spread there once again. There are concerns if the disease is left unchecked, it could seriously alter the unique ecology of the island. Lord Howe is home to some 240 native plant species, of which more than 100 are not found anywhere else.</p> <h2>How can the disease be controlled?</h2> <p>Rust diseases in agriculture are controlled by the cultivation of genetically <a href="https://csiropedia.csiro.au/rust-resistance-in-plants/">resistant plants</a>, or by use of fungicides. These fungicides can kill existing recent infections and provide protection for up to four weeks. In other situations, such as horticulture and native plant communities, fungicides are used together with removal and destruction of infected plants.</p> <p>The 2010 detection of myrtle rust in Australia followed its detection in Hawaii in 2005 and China in 2009. It was later found in New Caledonia (2013) and New Zealand (2017). <a href="https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:13b49a4">Research</a> has shown the same strain – known as the “pandemic strain” – has appeared in all of these countries. Several other strains occur in South America.</p> <p>It is likely the fungus spread to Lord Howe Island from eastern Australia on wind currents. The especially wet conditions along the east coast of much of Australia in 2022 led to an increase in the disease there. This, in turn, increased rust spore load and hence the chance of long-distance spore dispersal.</p> <p>In addition to being spread on the wind, the rusty coloured spores produced by these fungal pathogens stick readily to clothing. These spores remain viable for at least two weeks under ambient conditions. Several wheat rusts of exotic origin are believed to have been accidentally brought in to Australia on travellers’ clothing from North America and Europe.</p> <p>The chance of inadvertent spread of myrtle rust on contaminated clothing is why access to Lord Howe island has been restricted since last week.</p> <p>The second incursion into the island clearly shows how incredibly difficult rust diseases are to manage once they reach a new region. It points to possible recurrences of the disease there in years to come even should current efforts to eradicate it succeed.</p> <p>On top of the ability of rust diseases to spread rapidly over large distances, a further complication in controlling myrtle rust is it infects a wide range of native plants. Some of these species hold great cultural significance and/or are endangered.</p> <p>Endemic species of the myrtle plant family <a href="https://www.britannica.com/plant/Myrtaceae">Myrtaceae</a> that are dominant in many of the plant communities on Lord Howe Island are highly vulnerable to myrtle rust infection. Of critical concern are two species that occur only on the island: the mountain rose (Meterosideros nervulosa) and the rainforest tree scalybark (Syzigium fullagarri). The rust infects young leaves and also flowers, where it causes sterility.</p> <h2>Australia brings expertise to the battle</h2> <p>Australia has some of the best plant pathologists in the world and has long been a leader in controlling rust diseases in agriculture. This expertise, combined with world-leading scientists in the ecology of Australian native plants, has enabled solid progress in understanding myrtle rust in the Australian environment. Australian scientists have joined hands with New Zealand scientists to boost efforts to control the pathogen in both countries.</p> <p>Research is also under way at the University of Sydney and Australian National University to develop new DNA-based diagnostics to allow rapid identification of the different strains of the pathogen. These tests are especially important given only one strain of myrtle rust occurs in the Asia-Pacific and Oceania regions.</p> <p>The success of managing the impact of myrtle rust on the region’s iconic flora against a backdrop of climate change will rely heavily on undertaking the research needed to gain a much better understanding of this damaging plant pathogen. Recognising this, staff at the University of Sydney have convened a conference for June 21-23 this year. It will bring together myrtle rust experts to exchange their latest research findings and identify priority areas for research.</p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-myrtle-rust-and-why-has-this-disease-closed-lord-howe-island-to-visitors-202045" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Private island on sale for a price cheaper than most homes

<p dir="ltr">A private island is up for grabs in Queensland, for a price that is cheaper than an average home in most Australian cities.</p> <p dir="ltr">Poole Island, situated in the Whitsundays, comes with two homes that were built in the 1800s and 1980s, and has an asking price of just under $1 million.</p> <p dir="ltr">This comes after a contract fell through when a would-be buyer couldn’t be contacted, so the 20ha island is back on the market.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I can confirm that we have not been able to contact the purchaser,” Private Islands Online Australia’s Richard Vanhoff told <em>7NEWS.com.au.</em></p> <p dir="ltr">“We have tried ourselves, and we are also going on advice from the purchaser’s solicitor, who has also not been able to contact him.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The island is now accepting offers over $995,000.</p> <p dir="ltr">Other features of the island include a handmade rock swimming pool and a 215m runway to cater for small aircraft or a helicopter that flies in from Airlie Beach or Bowen.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the listing, the pool itself is equipped with a new windmill pump that continuously pumps water into the pool so there’s “no need for chemicals or cleaning as the crystal clear water is in abundance”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The island also has a slipway for any boat owners or those who love to fish, and a stone shed where you can store various machinery including tractors and slashers.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Private Islands Online Australia</em></p> <p> </p>

Real Estate

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No, you shouldn’t wash raw chicken before cooking it. So why do people still do it?

<p>Food safety authorities and regulators <a href="https://foodsafety.asn.au/topic/tips-poultry/">around</a> <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/chicken.html#:%7E:text=after%20handling%20chicken.-,Do%20not%20wash%20raw%20chicken.,that%20previously%20held%20raw%20chicken.">the</a> <a href="https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/cleaning">world</a> <a href="https://www.mpi.govt.nz/food-safety-home/preparing-and-storing-food-safely-at-home/clean-cook-chill/#:%7E:text=Don't%20wash%20raw%20chicken,food%20poisoning%20from%20campylobacter%20bacteria.">recommend</a> you don’t wash raw poultry before cooking. </p> <p>That’s because washing chicken can splash dangerous bacteria around the kitchen. It’s best just to thoroughly cook the chicken without washing it, so it is safe to eat.</p> <p>Despite this, chicken-washing remains common. A <a href="https://www.safefood.qld.gov.au/newsroom/does-raw-chicken-need-rinsing/">survey</a> by Australia’s Food Safety Information Council showed almost half of Australian home cooks washed whole chickens before cooking. Dutch research found <a href="https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2022/05/dutch-survey-finds-a-quarter-of-people-wash-chicken-despite-expert-advice/">25%</a> of consumers washed their chicken often or almost always.</p> <p>So why do people do it – and what does the research say about the risks of chicken-washing?</p> <h2>Chicken meat and germs</h2> <p>Incorrect cooking temperatures and cross-contamination between different foods are two of the most important factors linked to foodborne illness. </p> <p>This is particularly relevant to poultry meat. Two leading causes of foodborne illness are the bacteria <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/campylobacter/index.html">Campylobacter</a> and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/communication/salmonella-food.html">Salmonella</a>, which are commonly found on raw poultry. </p> <p>In Australia, reported cases of Campylobacter and Salmonella have almost <a href="https://foodsafety.asn.au/topic/tips-poultry/">doubled</a>over the last two decades. </p> <p>Of the estimated 220,000 cases of Campylobacter infection each year, <a href="https://foodsafety.asn.au/topic/tips-poultry/">50,000</a> can be attributed either directly or indirectly to chicken meat.</p> <h2>Chicken-washing myths, busted</h2> <p>One <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107682">analysis</a> of consumer responses to an education campaign about the dangers of washing raw poultry shed light on why many people still wash raw chicken before cooking.</p> <p>Some believe there is a need to wash faeces and other matter off the chicken meat. In fact, modern processing techniques mean chicken carcasses do not need additional cleaning. </p> <p>Others believe washing with a slightly acidic solution (such as vinegar or lemon juice) will kill bacteria. </p> <p>On the contrary, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2018.06.034">research</a> has shown washing raw poultry in lemon juice or vinegar does not remove bacteria and can increase the cross-contamination risk.</p> <h2>Washing chicken splashes bacteria around</h2> <p>One of the more compelling arguments why washing raw poultry under a running tap is a risky activity comes from <a href="https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0083979">recent research</a> on water droplets ejected from the surface of washed chicken. </p> <p>The study clearly showed bacteria can be transferred from the surface of the chicken to surrounding surfaces via water droplets.</p> <p>Using high-speed imaging, the researchers found a higher tap height can increase splashing. </p> <p>Chicken meat is often soft and the water flow can create a divot in the surface. This leads to splashing that would not occur on a curved, hard surface. </p> <p>The researchers placed large agar plates next to the chicken surfaces to capture any water droplets. This allowed them to grow the bacteria that were transferred with the splashed water. </p> <p>They found the level of bacterial transmission increased with greater tap height and water flow rate. </p> <p>Aerated water (which is what you get when the tap is running very hard) also increased splashing and bacterial transmission. </p> <h2>What if I still really want to wash my chicken meat?</h2> <p>While washing raw poultry is not recommended, it appears some home cooks are reluctant to let go of this old habit. </p> <p>If you insist on washing chicken meat, consider doing so in a sink of water rather than under a running tap.</p> <p>Use a paper towel to mop up any liquids, dispose of the towel and clean up afterwards. </p> <p>This will help reduce the risk of cross-contamination and keep the kitchen safe. And please wash your hands after handling raw meat!</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/no-you-shouldnt-wash-raw-chicken-before-cooking-it-so-why-do-people-still-do-it-192723" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>

Food & Wine

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10 of the smallest islands in the world

<p><strong>It’s a big mistake to overlook these small islands</strong></p> <p>Jetting off to an idyllic island sounds pretty perfect at any time, but perhaps even more so right now. With everything that’s going on in the world, the idea of escaping to a virtually hidden spot with a leisurely pace, fresh air, and an absence of crowds is more appealing than ever. As many people start reframing the way they think about the future of travel, the words “small” and “remote” are becoming positives. These tiny islands prove that big things (aka memorable holidays) come in small packages. Scroll on to get inspired for future trips.</p> <p><strong>Corvo Island, Azores</strong></p> <p>Approximately 1609 kilometres west of mainland Portugal in the mid-Atlantic sits a chain of nine islands known as the Azores, which has gained the attention of travellers in recent years. To the north of São Miguel, the largest and most populous island in the archipelago, lies a ruggedly beautiful, serene, and isolated destination that revels in its relative obscurity. Corvo Island is a 11.2-square-kilometre spit with just 400 inhabitants, three restaurants, and five accommodations. Despite its small scale, Corvo Island delivers ample adventure, and the verdant, rolling, volcanic landscape invites endless exploration. Fishing, swimming in freshwater lakes, bird watching, and crater hiking number among the pilgrimage-worthy activities. It’s also a lovely place to relish some well-deserved solitude and introspection.</p> <p><strong>Sea Lion Island, Falkland Islands</strong></p> <p>Floating in the South Atlantic Ocean, 342 kilometres away from the southeast tip of Argentina, the Falkland Islands are the definition of remote. One of the southernmost settlements in the distant archipelago, Sea Lion Island is a prime spot for wilderness tourism. Designated as a National Nature Reserve in 2017, this 5.6-square-kilometre dot boasts an abundance of wildlife – including five species of penguins, sea lions, elephant seals, giant petrels, and killer whales – and only a handful of permanent residents. It requires a minimum of three flights to reach Sea Lion Island from the mainland. (Thankfully, there’s a cosy lodge to spend the night.) Alternatively, it’s possible to plan a guided excursion from nearby East Falkland or take a multi-day cruise.</p> <p><strong>Bishop Rock, Isles of Scilly</strong></p> <p>Rising from the turbulent waters of the Atlantic Ocean, 6.4km west of the Isles of Scilly, Bishop Rock is the most south-westerly point in Britain. Measuring a measly 0.0011844 square kilometres, Men Epskop (as it’s known in Cornish) held the title of the “smallest inhabited island” until its famous iron lighthouse was converted to automatic operation and the last keeper left in 1991. These days, Bishop Rock isn’t without accolades. It’s still the “smallest island with a building on it,” according to Guinness World Records. To satisfy the ongoing public interest, the St. Mary’s Boatmen’s Association runs regular trips during peak season.</p> <p><strong>Isla Mujeres, Mexico</strong></p> <p>Sitting ever so calmly at the convergence of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, Isla Mujeres (Spanish for “Island of Women”) feels blissfully removed from the hustle, bustle, booze-fuelled debauchery, and hard-partying antics of nearby Cancún. This sleepy little isle trades nightclubs that blare techno music for breezy beach bars and a low-key yet vibrant downtown area. Isla Mujeres also promises sandy shores, casual seafood eateries, local artisan shops, excellent snorkelling, and a turtle sanctuary. Since it’s only eight kilometres long and 800 metres wide at its widest point, a car isn’t necessary (or even recommended). The best way to get around? Golf cart, moped, bicycle, or your own two feet.</p> <p><strong>Little St. Simons Island, Georgia, USA</strong></p> <p>A sliver of unspoiled paradise, little St. Simons Island is a private 4,500-hectare barrier island off the coast of Georgia, in the US. Widely touted as one of the most beautiful and least developed of The Peach State’s fabled Golden Isles, this treasure tempts travellers with 11 kilometres of unblemished beaches, giant cedar trees, and diverse wildlife. The sole accommodation, The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island, has six quaint cottages. It also offers a wide array of naturalist-led activities, such as bird watching and guided nature walks.</p> <p><strong>Fox Island, Alaska</strong></p> <p>Located off the coast of Seward, Fox Island is widely regarded as the crown jewel of Alaska’s Resurrection Bay. Envision imposing mountains, pebble beaches, sheltered coves, and glimmering glaciers. The raw beauty of this 5.47-kilometres-long parcel has inspired many visitors. Of course, outdoor adventure comes with the territory, too. Fox Island’s legendary peaks beckon hiking enthusiasts. And sea kayaking, salmon fishing, and wildlife peeping are also popular pastimes – especially in late spring and early summer. Starting in mid-May, humpback whales feed on herring in Resurrection Bay for almost a month. Soon thereafter, pods of orcas claim the clear waters for mating.</p> <p><strong>Dangar Island, Australia</strong></p> <p>Situated just north of Sydney, Dangar Island is a 29-hectare stretch of land in the Hawkesbury River that’s almost entirely forested. Roughly 250 people live on this leafy little gem that’s beloved for its car-free roads, waterfront houses, beaches, aboriginal rock carvings, gorgeous views, and laid-back vibe. Though most residents would probably prefer the many charms of Dangar Island to remain under wraps, holidaymakers and urbanites have taken notice. As such, the number of locals surges during peak season, when many folks hop on the ferry from the town of Brooklyn in New South Wales in an attempt to trade city life for more peaceful, pastoral pleasures.</p> <p><strong>Just Enough Room Island, New York, USA</strong></p> <p>Part of the Thousand Islands archipelago, between New York and Ontario, Just Enough Room Island covers a mere 1005 square metres – making it the “smallest inhabited island.” So, what could possibly fit on a plot that’s the size of a tennis court? Well, it seems to be just enough room for a cosy cottage, a tree, some shrubs, and an itsy-bitsy beach. While you can’t actually step foot on this privately-owned patch (the Sizeland family purchased it as a holiday sanctuary back in the 1950s), ogling from a boat while cruising along the Saint Lawrence River is fair game.</p> <p><strong>Simping Island, Indonesia</strong></p> <p>Indonesia consists of a staggering 17,508 volcanic islands of various shapes and sizes. Simping Island (previously called Pulau Kelapa Dua), in the province of West Kalimantan, is the smallest with a total width of 0.5 hectares. At first glance, it appears to be nothing more than a mound of sand, stone, and several trees bobbing in calm waves. But its diminutive proportions haven’t deterred visitors from going there to pray and even erecting a shrine. To that end, the most intriguing and unexpected element on this otherwise unassuming skerry is a Chinese temple. A locally built pedestrian footbridge means easy access for worshipers and day-trippers alike.</p> <p><strong>Saba, Netherlands Antilles</strong></p> <p>The smallest island in the Netherlands Antilles, Saba measures 13 square kilometres and has a population of around 2000, so it tends to fly under the radar. Unlike most of its Caribbean neighbours, Saba doesn’t have picture-perfect beaches. But what this pyramid-shaped isle lacks in size and sandy shoreline, it more than makes up for in lush rainforests. The chance to trek Mt Scenery, a dormant volcano and the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is another major selling point. Favour aquatic adventures? Turquoise tides and colourful marine life provide incredible opportunities for scuba diving.</p> <p><em><span id="docs-internal-guid-a7dd37e6-7fff-5959-368c-94f31c038487">Written by Lindsay Cohn. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/culture/10-of-the-smallest-islands-in-the-world" target="_blank" rel="noopener">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&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here’s our best subscription offer.</a></span></em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

International Travel

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Husband charged over wife’s death in Hamilton Island buggy crash

<p dir="ltr">The husband of a woman <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/update-to-tragic-honeymoon-death-on-hamilton-island">who died in a buggy crash</a> during their honeymoon has been charged in relation to her death.</p> <p dir="ltr">Marina Hanna and Robbie Awad were wed on June 11, 2022, before heading to Queensland’s Hamilton Island for their honeymoon two days later.</p> <p dir="ltr">On June 20, a ride in a golf buggy went horribly wrong, with the 29-year-old bride suffering critical injuries after the electric vehicle flipped over.</p> <p dir="ltr">Initial reports claimed the buggy had started to run out of the battery and Mr Awad, who was driving, made a U-turn to drive back and charge it when it flipped over.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Hanna was allegedly not wearing her seat belt, and fell out of the vehicle, dying at the scene.</p> <p dir="ltr">While police initially said the incident was nothing more than “a tragic accident”, an extensive police investigation has resulted in several charges laid against Mr Awad, including driving without due care and attention, seatbelt offences, and using a mobile phone while driving.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 30-year-old is due to face the Proserpine Magistrates Court on December 5.</p> <p dir="ltr">He reportedly presented to Queensland Police last week, per the <em><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11432643/Hamilton-Island-Robbie-Awad-Marina-Hanna-golf-buggy-charged.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail</a></em>, after he was asked to hand himself in.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the wake of her death, Mr Awad <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/heartbroken-husband-speaks-after-honeymoon-tragedy">took to social media to share his heartbreak</a>, writing that his heart was broken and his world shattered after losing “the most beautiful girl in the world”.</p> <p dir="ltr">During an interview in July, he said his wife had “never looked so beautiful” as they boarded a helicopter to fly over the island the day before the accident.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She was radiating before she left [this life]. 'It was because God was calling her home,” he said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“She is an angel. </p> <p dir="ltr">“There are no two ways about it.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Clips shared on Instagram show the couple walking across the tarmac to board their Qantas flight to Queensland at the start of their trip, as well as the interior of their plush resort upon their arrival.</p> <p dir="ltr">Another, posted before Ms Hanna’s death, showed Mr Awad driving the buggy to their resort while she filmed the scenery from the passenger seat.</p> <p dir="ltr">After her passing, Mr Awad started a non-for-profit organisation in Ms Hanna’s name to “spread love, joy and kindness to the world” like she did.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The foundation will hold two major events every year, each year going forward,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The first will be a charity ball, the second will be a family fun day, as Marina held family close to her heart always.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-a41e15d7-7fff-4d35-2476-30b3bdc712f6"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

News

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Does cooking bacon in water make it taste better

<p>A rumour on the internet has suggested the key to juicier, crispier bacon is submerging it in cold water and bringing it to the boil. But does this theory have legs?</p> <p>Well, the idea at least seems to check out. The difference between “good” and “bad” bacon generally comes down to the rendering of the fat from cooking to too long or too quickly. But when you cook it with the cold-water method, bringing the cold water to the simmer, cooking it away completely, you theoretically cook the fat away without drying the bacon, and once the water’s gone all you have to do is brown the meat.</p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2guC4Badq2s" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p><a href="http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/eat/internet-cooking-test-should-you-cook-bacon-in-water/news-story/a4ac7d3e60033861c0a625ef9638c526" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>News.com.au</strong></em></span></a> recently put this to test, cooking a control and putting it up against the new bacon cooking method, “The ‘new’ method had produced much drier, darker bacon. It was crispier as promised, but in a way that made it less enjoyable to eat. It had developed the consistency reminiscent of beef jerky.</p> <p>“Even worse, this method seemed to have leached a lot of the bacon’s salt content out into the water before gluing it back to the outside of the bacon as it evaporated, making the bacon much saltier to taste.”</p> <p>So, what do you think? Are you going to experiment with this new bacon-cooking method, or stick to what you know works? Let us know in the comments below. </p>

Food & Wine

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“I had to reach the island”: Aussie mum recalls terrifying turn on cruising scuba dive

<p dir="ltr">A NSW woman has said a cruise company should have been better prepared for adverse weather after a holiday scuba dive nearly went horribly wrong.</p> <p dir="ltr">Justine Clark and her sons, 18-year-old Felix and 20-year-old Max, resurfaced from an offshore dive in Fiji to find that their boat was nowhere to be seen.</p> <p dir="ltr">The trio were on a seven-day cruise in Fiji when they went on an afternoon dive at an offshore site called The Supermarket with another cruise-goer and the divemaster, who worked for a company subcontracted by Captain Cook Cruises Fiji.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though the weather began to worsen as they travelled to the dive site, the party pushed on.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We travelled into an approaching storm and out into open waters in what appeared to be a large channel about 20 kilometres from any island," Ms Clark told the <em><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-21/fiji-dive-turns-into-nightmare-for-newcastle-mum-and-sons/101448116" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC</a></em>.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-45b5dc65-7fff-d402-b20f-7e845fe45b14"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">When she resurfaced with her eldest son after a dive of about 40 minutes, she said the boat was nowhere to be seen and the weather conditions were rough.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/justine-cruise-nightmare1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>A tender boat took Justine Clark, her two sons, and others in their diving party to the dive site. Image: Justine Clark</em></p> <p dir="ltr">"No tender boat was visible on surfacing, the swell was 2 metres, it was dark with grey clouds and high wind," she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Clark, who has over 30 years of diving experience, said their divemaster was the next to surface and realise what had happened.</p> <p dir="ltr">"He was shocked at the events and stated this had never happened in his 27 years of diving," she recalled.</p> <p dir="ltr">When the divemaster then advised the group to start swimming for an island they could see in the distance, Ms Clark said she was determined to stay calm.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I can't impress how concerned I was for everyone's health, sharks and the sense of determination I had to reach the island in a calm manner," she continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The maternal drive in me was something I had not felt since the birth of my first son."</p> <p dir="ltr">After about 50 minutes, a small boat was spotted travelling towards the group, with the divemaster telling them to inflate their surface marker buoys so they could be seen more easily.</p> <p dir="ltr">The boat’s operator, a garbage collector who had been picking up ocean rubbish, noticed the tip of one of the buoys.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We were all smiles and I was blowing a kiss to the Fijian who saved us," Ms Clark said.</p> <p dir="ltr">They were quickly found by the tender boat driver.</p> <p dir="ltr">"He apologised and told me he was so scared and he had radioed the captain that he lost us," Ms Clark said.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a written response shared with the outlet, Captain Cook Cruises Fiji explained that the tender boat had blown away from the site, with the surface conditions making it difficult for the operator to find and follow the divers’ bubbles.</p> <p dir="ltr">The cruise operator said the situation was unprecedented and that changes were made to the “already tight” safety procedures following an internal review.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though rare, Ms Clark said cruise companies should still be prepared.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I think it's really important that operators are prepared for those situations that may be rare but can still occur," she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">It isn’t the first time bad weather has caused strife for cruise ships this year, after wild weather prevented the Coral Princess and other 20 other vessels from docking in Brisbane for several days in July, prompting 2,000 cruise passengers to be stranded onboard.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-1132f612-7fff-01a0-e883-6eb88fbf4626"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Justine Clark</em></p>

Cruising

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The world’s loneliest home sells after owner’s unusual request met

<p dir="ltr">After sitting on the market for a year, the former owner of the world’s loneliest home has revealed what it took for him to hand over the keys.</p> <p dir="ltr">After landing on the market in June last year, a 50-square-metre home on an island in Maine, US, has been sold for $US 340,000 ($NZ 582,000).</p> <p dir="ltr">Billy Milliken, who also works as a real estate agent, told the <em><a href="https://nypost.com/2022/07/05/to-buy-the-loneliest-home-in-the-world-youll-need-to-try-it-first/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New York Post</a></em> that he would sell the tiny property to a buyer willing to stay the night.</p> <p dir="ltr">Duck Ledges Island is home to a single two-bedroom cottage that lacks heating or running water, meaning you’d have to rely on your ability to fish and trips to the windy outhouse to get by.</p> <p dir="ltr">The wooden home, built in 2009, has unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean and sits just a few metres from the water’s edge.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Milliken admitted that the home was inappropriate to visit during rough weather, saying it was no “place for man or beast”.</p> <p dir="ltr">His family and friends have also opted to make day trips to the island, rather than endure staying the night.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In our lives, we’re busy, and there’s so many distractions, but when you’re out on that island, you really feel small,” Mr Milliken told the <em>Post.</em> </p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s very healthy to be there alone where you can really listen to yourself. You’re a guest of nature when you’re there.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“The longer I own the island. I understand even more that it is a special place.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/me/addison/0-wohoa-bay-island/pid_42070630/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The listing</a> highlights the natural views, thanks to a lack of neighbours and trees, as well as the “constant entertainment” provided by seals on the ledges surrounding the island.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There is no better place to spend the weekend in the world!” it says.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-c8e61c3d-7fff-32df-288c-87537f9250f8"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Dean Tyler Photography (Zillow)</em></p>

Real Estate

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Beyond Bali: Indonesia’s other islands

<p>Bali is one of the world's most popular overseas holiday destinations. But did you know that Indonesia has more than 17,500 other islands with just as much to offer? Go off the beaten track and explore some the country’s other gems.</p> <p><strong>Sumba</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/08/sumba-indonesia.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /><br /></strong></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p> <p>This rugged island in the east of Indonesia looks very different to the more touristy volcanic islands in the north. During the dry season the island can go up to seven months without a drop of rain, turning the lush jungle landscape into a parched and arid desert that more resembles Africa than southeast Asia. But once the rains come, the land springs back to life, a sparkling palette of vibrant greens, thundering waterfalls and muddy rice paddies ready for the next crop. The ancient breed of Sumba pony is a part of every day life and can be seen all over the island, used to work farms, as transport and in traditional ceremonies. Sumba is famous for its surfing, most notably for a legendary break simply called The Left that’s considered one of the best in the world. There’s only one resort on the island, the ultra luxe Nihiwatu, and guests stay in Swiss Family Robinson-style fantasy villas with private swimming pools, butler service and incredible views.</p> <p><strong>Gili Islands</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/08/gili-islands.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /><br /></strong></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p> <p>The Gilis, as they are known, are made up of three small islands sitting just off the coast of Lombok, to the east of Bali. They have long been a backpacker haven, but small-scale development is opening them up to a wider audience. There’s a great mix of buzzing bars, quiet beaches and vibrant local culture. It’s one of the best places in Southeast Asia for diving with around 25 dive sites around the islands. The water is crystal clear and a consistent 28 degrees, and once under the surface you’ll see reef sharks, rays, parrot fish, eels, octopus, the occasional whale shark and plenty of turtles – Gili is known as the turtle capital of the world.</p> <p><strong>Java</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/08/java.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /><br /></strong></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p> <p>Java is the geographical and economic centre of Indonesia, and home to the capital Jakarta as well as a number of other major cities. But before you dismiss it as another busy, smoggy Asian capital, there’s much more to Java. A visit to the smaller villages of the island will give you the chance to experience Indonesian life as it is lived every day and, while Java’s not known for its beaches, there are some nice strips of sand that are blissfully crowd-free. The island’s most famous landmark is the vast Borobudur complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating from the ninth century that’s easily one of the most stunning temples in Southeast Asia. Active travellers can climb the moon-like peaks of Mount Bromo to see volcanic craters that still bubble with smoke.</p> <p><strong>Flores Komodo</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/08/komodo-flores-island.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /><br /></strong></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p> <p>These pristine islands form part of the Nusa Tengarra chain of islands that make up the southern arc of the Indonesian archipelago. The name is a giveaway for the islands’ most famous resident – the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard. Reaching up to three metres in length and an impressive 130 (or so) kilograms, these are pretty fearsome beasts and are known to eat wild pigs, deer and even smaller dragons. They can move at around 20 kilometres an hour, so it’s best to keep your distance. Flores is also home to a row of semi-active volcanoes that make for superb hiking and both islands are ringed with sparkling water and unspoilt beaches.</p>

International Travel

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“My passion since I was a child”: White Island survivor looks to career plans

<p dir="ltr">A survivor of the 2019 White Island volcano eruption has opened up about what she hopes to do next as she continues on her recovery journey.</p> <p dir="ltr">Stephanie Browitt was among the few survivors of the eruption on New Zealand’s Whakaari/White Island, which killed her younger sister, her father, and another 20 people, and left Stephanie with third-degree burns to 70 percent of her body.</p> <p dir="ltr">Since then, the 26-year-old has faced a difficult road to recovery which included the recent <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/it-s-emotional-and-scary-white-island-eruption-survivor-removes-her-face-mask" target="_blank" rel="noopener">removal of her final burns garment</a> during an interview with 60 Minutes.</p> <p dir="ltr">Now, she has turned an eye towards her potential career, hoping to land work in media - her passion since childhood - or as a motivational speaker.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m hoping that I can get a career in what I graduated in, which is media and arts, film and TV. That’s been my passion since I was a child,” she told the <em>Today Show</em> on Tuesday.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But I’d also like to land a role in motivational speaking, because I hope that by sharing my experience I can give hope to others and show them that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Stephanie, who has shared every step of her recovery with followers online, said she still “struggles quite a lot” but is grateful and doing “okay” overall.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I still struggle quite a lot, but I’m trying to make the most of every day because I’m very grateful for my second chance at life,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though removing her final burns garment, a compression mask that covered her face, felt “daunting”, she reflected that she has felt more like herself since.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was quite daunting at the beginning,” Stephanie said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But since taking all of my compression garments off I do feel a lot more free and feel like myself again.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They were quite uncomfortable and hard to put up with and tight … they were very painful and caused a lot of horrible days.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m very glad that I can now express myself through my wardrobe and my make-up and I don’t feel like it’s holding me back anymore.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Appearing on the<em> Today Show </em>to promote DonateLife Week, Stephanie urged Aussies to sign up as organ or tissue donors and spoke about her own experience receiving donated tissue.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I received skin tissue donations from multiple donors and I needed that … obviously when you have so many open wounds, you're at a higher risk of infection and you're also leaking bodily fluids. There was not enough of my own good skin to use to cover those areas,” she said</p> <p dir="ltr">“There are millions of Australians who want to sign up. People support it but tell themselves they will do it later.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-ed2c14c5-7fff-424c-d71d-d5fac4a5a691"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“It is quick. It takes one minute.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @stephaniecoral96 (Instagram)</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Update to tragic honeymoon death on Hamilton Island

<p dir="ltr">A newlywed woman has died in a horrific golf buggy crash on Hamilton Island while on her honeymoon.</p> <p dir="ltr">Marina Hanna, 29, and husband Robbie Morgan married in a lavish wedding in Sydney’s Doltone House on June 11.</p> <p dir="ltr">The loved up couple then jetsetted to Queensland’s Hamilton Island to celebrate their honeymoon.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair were travelling on a buggy between holes on a golf course on Monday when Morgan did a U-turn, causing the buggy to tip over.</p> <p dir="ltr">A doctor, off-duty dentist and off-duty firefighter rushed to the scene and desperately performed CPR for 35 minutes on Marina, who unfortunately could not be revived.</p> <p dir="ltr">Queensland Police Inspector Anthony Cowan announced in a press conference that Marina was not wearing a seatbelt while in the buggy.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was just a tragic accident with a golf buggy,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There may have been some inexperience driving those type of vehicles while turning it has rolled on its side and the woman has fallen out and sustained life-threatening injuries.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“It just appears inexperience in driving that type of vehicle, turned too quick and rolled on its side and unfortunately, it has ended up with this result.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It appears there was no seatbelt worn at this point in time; we come back to the Fatal Five but now is not the time to dwell on what they should have done.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Inspector Cowan confirmed that no drugs, alcohol or dangerous driving caused the accident.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

News

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“It’s emotional and scary”: White Island eruption survivor removes her face mask

<p dir="ltr">A survivor of the 2019 White Island volcano eruption who suffered burns to 70 percent of her body has finally been able to remove her face mask.</p> <p dir="ltr">Stephanie Browitt was visiting New Zealand’s northeastern Bay of Plenty region with her sister and father, who were both among the 22 people who died in the eruption.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her road to recovery has been a long and difficult one, which she has shared on social media with more than 1.6 million followers.</p> <p dir="ltr">Appearing on Nine’s <em>60 Minutes</em>, Stephanie removed her compression mask for the first time, telling host Sarah Abo that it was a “big deal” and that it felt like “this day would never come”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s emotional and scary. It is actually quite daunting as much as it is exciting,” she said.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-544c330b-7fff-ab83-7c65-728b0ded1b94"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Looking in the mirror, Stephanie said she saw a woman who was tougher than she ever thought she could be.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/06/steph8.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="721" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: 60 Minutes</em></p> <p dir="ltr">“I see a person who has gone through so much more than I ever expected to go through in life. I see a very tormented person,” she continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">As much as this is exciting, it has been a long, hard journey to get here. I am tougher than I ever thought I would be.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-009138d2-7fff-ca5c-152c-bf17a9b2f5ae"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“I have learnt that the fight for survival is a real thing. I was literally fighting every day to survive, to just get back to being myself. I never knew that I had this in me.”</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/CedLNM1vrna/?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/CedLNM1vrna/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Stephanie Coral Browitt (@stephaniecoral96)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Sunday’s episode also showed never-before-seen photos of Stephanie’s injuries, revealing the extent of the severe burns that covered almost her whole body.</p> <p dir="ltr">Stephanie told the program that she remembers waking up for the first time since the incident, after she was in a coma for two weeks, in bits and pieces.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was full of tubes and surrounded by medical equipment and in a very small room with lots of noises. Those things will always stay with me, I don’t think they will ever leave. It’s just things you don’t forget,” the 26-year-old said.</p> <p dir="ltr">She said her recovery had been extremely difficult, especially in the early stages.</p> <p dir="ltr">I had to start from scratch like a baby. Sitting upright, getting out of bed, taking my first few steps, even feeding myself – I had to relearn all of those skills from scratch and they didn’t come easy at all,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was incredibly difficult.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There have been plenty of moments where I have wanted to give up, or I have just been in tears not wanting to do anything. But I do feel I have come a long way from day one.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Stephanie is now in the process of suing Royal Caribbean, the company that ran the excursion to the island on the day of the eruption, over the physical and psychological injuries she has suffered.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her lawyer, Peter Gordan, claimed that data from the weeks prior showed that the island was a “ticking time bomb”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It makes me furious. They let down so many people … So many people died needlessly,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I think Steph’s injuries are the worst I have ever seen. I don’t think I have ever met quite an exceptional person in the way she has battled on.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite the hardship she has - and continues - to overcome, Stephanie is looking to the future, telling <em>60 Minutes</em> she hopes to “go back to as normal a life as possible” and plans to return to working full-time, travelling and her social life.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I know I have got the support of so many people, and that helps me realise that this isn’t as scary as I feel it is,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-128a9a3c-7fff-1315-2a8e-5a18eb83ed58"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @stephaniecoral96 (Instagram)</em></p>

Caring

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Move over, Iron Chef, this metallic cook has just learned how to taste

<p>In an episode of <em>Futurama</em>, robot Bender wants to be a chef, but has to overcome the not inconsiderable hurdle of being incapable of taste. It was beautiful.</p> <p>Move over, Bender. A new robot has not only been programmed to taste, it has been trained to taste food at different stages of the cooking process to check for seasoning. Researchers from the University of Cambridge, UK, working with domestic appliances manufacturer Beko, hope the new robot will be useful in the development of automated food preparation.</p> <p>It’s a cliché of cooking that you must “taste as you go”. But tasting isn’t as simple as it may seem. There are different stages of the chewing process in which the release of saliva and digestive enzymes change our perception of flavour while chewing.</p> <p>The robot chef had already mastered the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/a-good-egg-robot-chef-trained-to-make-omelettes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">omelette</a> based on human tasters’ feedback. Now, results <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.3389/frobt.2022.886074" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published</a> in the <em>Frontiers in Robotics & AI</em> journal show the robot tasting nine different variations of scrambled eggs and tomatoes at three different stages of the chewing process to produce a “taste map”.</p> <p>Using machine-learning algorithms and the “taste as you go” approach, the robot was able to quickly and accurately judge the saltiness of the simple scrambled egg dish. The new method was a significant improvement over other tasting tech based on only a single sample.</p> <p>Saltiness was measured by a conductance probe attached to the robot’s arm. They prepared the dish, varying the number of tomatoes and amount of salt. “Chewed” food was passed through a blender, then tested for saltiness again.</p> <figure class="wp-block-video"><video src="../wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Unchewed-sampling-short.mp4" controls="controls" width="300" height="150"></video><figcaption>This robot ‘chef’ is learning to be a better cook by ‘tasting’ the saltiness of a simple dish of eggs and tomatoes at different stages of the cooking process, imitating a similar process in humans. Credit: Bio-Inspired Robotics Laboratory, University of Cambridge.</figcaption></figure> <p>“Most home cooks will be familiar with the concept of tasting as you go – checking a dish throughout the cooking process to check whether the balance of flavours is right,” said lead author Grzegorz Sochacki from the University of Cambridge’s Department of Engineering. “If robots are to be used for certain aspects of food preparation, it’s important that they are able to ‘taste’ what they’re cooking.”</p> <p>The new approach aims to mimic the continuous feedback provided to the human brain in the process of chewing, says Dr Arsen Abdulali, also from Cambridge’s Department of Engineering. “Current methods of electronic testing only take a single snapshot from a homogenised sample, so we wanted to replicate a more realistic process of chewing and tasting in a robotic system, which should result in a tastier end product.”</p> <p>“When a robot is learning how to cook, like any other cook, it needs indications of how well it did,” said Abdulali. “We want the robots to understand the concept of taste, which will make them better cooks. In our experiment, the robot can ‘see’ the difference in the food as it’s chewed, which improves its ability to taste.”</p> <p> “We believe that the development of robotic chefs will play a major role in busy households and assisted living homes in the future,” said senior Beko scientist Dr Muhammad W. Chugtai. “This result is a leap forward in robotic cooking, and by using machine and deep-learning algorithms, mastication will help robot chefs adjust taste for different dishes and users.” Next on the menu will be training robots to improve and expand the tasting abilities to oily or sweet food, for example. Sounds pretty sweet.</p> <p><!-- Start of tracking content syndication. Please do not remove this section as it allows us to keep track of republished articles --></p> <p><img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=190155&title=Move+over%2C+Iron+Chef%2C+this+metallic+cook+has+just+learned+how+to+taste" width="1" height="1" data-spai-target="src" data-spai-orig="" data-spai-exclude="nocdn" /></p> <p><!-- End of tracking content syndication --></p> <div id="contributors"> <p><em><a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/robot-machine-learning-taste/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This article</a> was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/contributor/evrim-yazgin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Evrim Yazgin</a>. Evrim Yazgin has a Bachelor of Science majoring in mathematical physics and a Master of Science in physics, both from the University of Melbourne.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> </div>

Technology