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“What a legend”: Brave Aussie pensioner saves puppy from a snake

An Aussie pensioner has gone the extra mile to save her terrified puppy from a carpet snake. Anne Murphy, a woman from NSW’s Lennox Head, captured the moment her 80-year-old mother went toe-to-toe with the slippery intruder who was terrorising her dog and shared the interaction on a Facebook page called Australian Country Memes. According to Anne, her mother bolted out the door one Monday evening when she heard her dog “screaming”, when she was confronted with the carpet snake. The non-venomous snake had wrapped around the small dog and bitten it on the chin, when the 80-year-old intervened. The woman was “bitten three times” by the snake, before she “caught the snake so it could be taken out to the bush and hopefully not make its way back to her place”. She then took her puppy to the vet, and got home three hours after the incident first happened. The post has since received over 2,000 likes and hundreds comments, hailing the 80-year-old as a “legend“, “gutsy” and a “wonderful woman.” “She is a true blue here. My hat is off to you, amazing lady,” one person wrote. Another added, “Way to go! That’s just what country people do. God love her, they don’t make them like that anymore.” Image credits: Getty Images / Facebook

Family & Pets

No more brown leaves: sage advice from a gardening expert

We’ve all been there before. We’re watering our seemingly healthy houseplant when suddenly there it is: a tinge of brown on the plant’s leaf. Yikes. But what do brown tips on leaves mean for your plant, and what can you do to make them go away? Read on to find out. Lack of water or humidity If your plant is sporting crispy, dark, or brown tips on its leaves, it may mean you need to water more often. Check the soil moisture and slowly reduce the number of days in between watering. Watch your plants for signs of improvement. Lack of humidity could also be the cause. Tropical plants prefer higher humidity levels than we have in our homes. When we turn on the heat in winter, there’s even less moisture in the air. Group plants together so that as one loses moisture through its leaves, the neighbours benefit. Or place plants on saucers or trays filled with pebbles and water. Set a pot on the pebbles above the water. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity around the plant, where it is needed. Lack of nutrients A lack of key nutrients may be behind the brown tips on leaves of your plant. Burned-looking leaf tips, or old leaves with dark green or reddish-purplish colouring, may indicate a phosphorus deficiency. With a potassium deficiency, you may see yellow or brown along older leaf tips and edges, yellowing between veins, curling leaves, or spotting. For potted plants, add a slow-release type of fertiliser to the soil mix before planting. Every time you water, a little fertiliser is released, providing a steady flow of nutrients. But depending on the growing conditions and number of plants in the container, a midseason boost may be needed. Stay on top of your fertiliser applications by making notes on a calendar. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/gardening-tips/why-does-my-plant-have-brown-tips-on-the-leaves" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

How to snake-proof your house and garden

If there’s one thing that strikes fear into many Australians, it’s snakes. Sure, some of them are harmless but they are still the last thing you want to see in your home or garden. There are some ways to make your home less inviting to these reptiles. 1. Block their entrance Snakes like to hide in quiet places such as your roof, garage or underneath the house. Try to make it harder for them to get in by covering any holes leading in or out, and ensuring that screens and doors are kept shut. 2. Keep your garden tidy Snakes like to hide, so keep things neat in the backyard to stop them finding a place to do so. Keep your lawns mowed, and garden beds weeded. Keep your shed locked, and be sure to have a clear out regularly to remove any old boxes. If you have wood stored outside try to have minimal space between each piece so that they can’t use it as shelter. Avoid keeping grass clippings and mulch in a pile as snacks find the warmth appealing. 3. Seal holes in walls Snakes love rock and brick walls as they can use them to keep warm, provide shelter, and find food. Block up any holes that they could hide in by filling them in. 4. Reduce the rodent population Snakes like houses that have mice and rats, so try reducing their numbers. Place bait in your house and garden (ensure it is pet-friendly) and this should reduce the chances of snakes hanging around. 5. Keep birds safe Ensure any chook pens or bird cages are well protected from snakes entering them. Also be sure to keep them clean so that rats and mice aren’t entering the pens either. 6. Keep your bins tidy When you dispose of food scraps, always ensure they are in a sealed garbage bag in your bin, rather than just loose. This will keep rats and mice away, and therefore snakes too. 7. Watch your plant choice Think about the types of plants in your garden if snakes are an issue. Low shrubs and bushes are the ideal spot for a snake. Taller trees and flowers could be a better option. Also be sure to keep leaf litter to a minimum as it’s the perfect hiding spot for snakes. Images: Getty

Home Hints & Tips

“I love you! My King”: Christine Brown praises new boyfriend

Christine Brown has taken to the internet to express just how much she loves her new boyfriend, David Woolley. Woolley shared on Instagram a snap of a mirror where the Sister Wives star, 50, had written, “I love you! My King.” "I love how thoughtful Christine is and all the little things she does for me ❤️#christinebrown #soulmate #myqueen #mylove," he captioned the image. <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/CpvTG5pOqpx/?utm_source=ig_embed&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/CpvTG5pOqpx/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by David Woolley (@david__woolley)</a> </div> </blockquote> That same day Brown shared a sweet photo of the couple holding each other in a booth. Alongside the picture, Brown praised Woolley, captioning the post, "I can't express how amazing it's been to have David in my life," she wrote. "He's an incredible man and he treats me like his Queen.” <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/CptKn9hvIsd/?utm_source=ig_embed&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/CptKn9hvIsd/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Christine Brown (@christine_brownsw)</a> </div> </blockquote> Brown went public with Woolley on Valentine’s Day 2023 and has shared several photos of the pair. I finally found the love of my life, David," she shared on Instagram. "The first time he held me close, it felt like my soul took its first breath." Brown, "He's wonderful and kind, incredible with my children and an adorable grandpa. I never dreamed I could find a love like this.” Brown’s relationship with Woolley is her first since her divorce from her husband of 25 years, Kody Brown. Christine said it had been “awkward” dating again more than a year after the split. Brown has certainly gotten past the awkwardness as she proudly praises her boyfriend online. It’s safe to say the pair are seriously smitten. Image credit: Instagram

Relationships

“Rarest species of feline on Earth”: Unique cat mystifies the internet

A photo of the “rarest species of feline on Earth”, a cat with black and neon yellow stripes, has mystified the internet. The incredible photo of the “Amazon snake cat” is truly unbelievable. The image of the so-called “Serpens Cattus”, a feline with black and neon-yellow stripes resembling a snake, made waves online, with social media posts claiming it was the “rarest species of feline on Earth”. “Serpens Cattus is the rarest species of feline on Earth. These Animals live in hard-to-reach regions of the Amazon rainforest, and therefore they are relatively poorly studied,” a Twitter user claimed. “The first images capturing the snake cat appeared only in 2020. Weighs up to 4 stone (25kgs).” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://t.co/rpeMQKCF4I">pic.twitter.com/rpeMQKCF4I</a> — Jeff_kamara2 (@Kamara2R) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kamara2R/status/1635669633553367040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2023</a></blockquote> A now-deleted Reddit post of the “Serpens Cattus” attracted several comments who flagged the feline as not being real. “Obvious fake. No known gene can produce natural hair or fur of those (navy and bright yellow) colours,” one commented. “Really rough attempt at a fake Latin name,” a second person chimed in. “One google about species naming would have made this a lot less obvious.” The post caught the eye of zoology experts to verify the authenticity of the photo. However, the colours and patterns on the female bare a strong resemblance to the reptilian boiga dendrophila, which is commonly referred to as the “gold-ringed cat snake”. According to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, the snake is found in the same countries where the “Amazon snake cat” was rumoured to be found. The serpent-like feline slid over to TikTok, where one user claimed that the species lived in Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname. “He’s in the next fantastic beasts,” laughed one user referencing the Harry Potter spin-off franchise. “Use this s**t for good not to misinform,” another user wrote. “Stop sharing bulls**t,” a third commented. It's clear to see the mysterious feline has certainly left some in hiss-belief. Image credit: Twitter

Family & Pets

Russell Crowe’s close call with slithery “buddy”

Russell Crowe has shared a snap of the venomous snake he had a close encounter with over the weekend, with a warning for others who could come in contact with them. Crowe came across the snake while walking barefoot outside his home in Nana Glen, to the west of Coffs Harbour in New South Wales. “On the driveway. Me and my buddy Band Bandy. Thankfully, his markings broadcast his presence,” the Gladiator star wrote on Twitter, accompanied by a photo of the reptile. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> On the driveway. Me and my buddy Bandy Bandy. Thankfully, his markings broadcast his presence. Broke one of my own rules, walking outside, at night, without shoes. A little reminder of the folly of that choice. <a href="https://t.co/wP0YNNLXkJ">pic.twitter.com/wP0YNNLXkJ</a> — Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) <a href="https://twitter.com/russellcrowe/status/1599342690751361025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a></blockquote> “Broke my own rules, walking outside at night, without shoes. A little reminder of the folly of that choice.” The 58-year-old also shared a clip of the Bandy Bandy, a snake that is endemic to Australia, with the caption: “Who’s my buddy now?” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Who’s my buddy now ? <a href="https://t.co/tgkmxPVUD9">pic.twitter.com/tgkmxPVUD9</a> — Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) <a href="https://twitter.com/russellcrowe/status/1599341335861133312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a></blockquote> His close call comes shortly after he shot down rumours he had married Britney Theriot, his girlfriend of two years, after the Broken City actress was spotted leaving an Italian hotel wearing a ring on her wedding ring. Crowe reportedly dismissed the gossip in a text message to 2Day FM radio host Erin Molan. “'[He texted me] Yeah, good guess. We are not married'.. Yeah, they are not married…” Molan said on the Hughesy, Ed, Erin show last month. Image: Getty Images

Travel Trouble

Why does my plant have brown tips on the leaves?

A healthy philodendron plant with green leaves We’ve all been there before. We’re watering our seemingly healthy houseplant when suddenly there it is: a tinge of brown on the plant’s leaf. Yikes. But what do brown tips on leaves mean for your plant, and what can you do to make them go away? Read on to find out. Lack of water or humidity If your plant is sporting crispy, dark, or brown tips on its leaves, it may mean you need to water more often. Check the soil moisture and slowly reduce the number of days in between watering. Watch your plants for signs of improvement. Lack of humidity could also be the cause. Tropical plants prefer higher humidity levels than we have in our homes. When we turn on the heat in winter, there’s even less moisture in the air. Group plants together so that as one loses moisture through its leaves, the neighbours benefit. Or place plants on saucers or trays filled with pebbles and water. Set a pot on the pebbles above the water. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity around the plant, where it is needed. Lack of nutrients A lack of key nutrients may be behind the brown tips on leaves of your plant. Burned-looking leaf tips, or old leaves with dark green or reddish-purplish colouring, may indicate a phosphorus deficiency. With a potassium deficiency, you may see yellow or brown along older leaf tips and edges, yellowing between veins, curling leaves, or spotting. For potted plants, add a slow-release type of fertiliser to the soil mix before planting. Every time you water, a little fertiliser is released, providing a steady flow of nutrients. But depending on the growing conditions and number of plants in the container, a midseason boost may be needed. Stay on top of your fertiliser applications by making notes on a calendar. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/gardening-tips/why-does-my-plant-have-brown-tips-on-the-leaves" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

Tributes for beloved EastEnders actress

The beloved EastEnders actress June Brown has passed away at the age of 95. June’s devastated family announced the heartbreaking news of her passing on April 3, saying she “died peacefully” at home. “We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved June Brown, OBE, MBE, sadly passed away last night,’ the official EastEnders Twitter account wrote on Sunday. “There are not enough words to describe how much June was loved and adored by everyone at EastEnders, her loving warmth, wit and great humour will never be forgotten. “I would watch, listen and be totally captivated by her. She was an inspiration and I am truly blessed to have worked with and laughed with this unbelievably talented lady, icon, legend. “The irreplaceable June Brown.” June was best known for her role as Dot Cotton in EastEnders, a role she played for more than 30 years. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 1/3“We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved June Brown, OBE, MBE sadly passed away last night. There are not enough words to describe how much June was loved and adored by everyone at EastEnders, her loving warmth, wit and great humour will never be forgotten... <a href="https://t.co/7OYtHJiIUb">pic.twitter.com/7OYtHJiIUb</a> — BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) <a href="https://twitter.com/bbceastenders/status/1510955197106958339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> RIP June Brown, 95. A wonderfully talented actress whose long-time portrayal of irascible fag-puffing Dot Cotton in EastEnders was one of the all-time great performances in British Television. June was such a funny, feisty, fabulous lady off screen too. Very sad news. <a href="https://t.co/qhg2qqUdcd">pic.twitter.com/qhg2qqUdcd</a> — Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) <a href="https://twitter.com/piersmorgan/status/1510967032006602758?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I took this shot of June Brown in, what I understand to have been her final scene on ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/bbceastenders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bbceastenders</a>⁩. Love to all the cast and crew missing her. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/junebrown?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#junebrown</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/eastenders?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#eastenders</a> <a href="https://t.co/vZ57FNR8ur">pic.twitter.com/vZ57FNR8ur</a> — Christopher McGill (@McGillTweet) <a href="https://twitter.com/McGillTweet/status/1510998252933496836?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> As funny as she was wise, as wise as she was kind. When I joined Eastenders, June was the first of the older cast to embrace me. I love you June. We all do. ❤️🕊 <a href="https://t.co/MKVi0iNfGu">pic.twitter.com/MKVi0iNfGu</a> — michelle gayle (@michellegayle1) <a href="https://twitter.com/michellegayle1/status/1510958271926001668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> A very sad day. I never had the pleasure of meeting/working with the mighty June Brown - but we adored watching her on the telly box. What a legacy June leaves behind. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Eastenders?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Eastenders</a> would not have been the same without her. Love & strenght to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Eastenders?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Eastenders</a> & June's loved ones. RIP💔 <a href="https://t.co/oGv0EvelF6">https://t.co/oGv0EvelF6</a> — Balvinder Sopal (@BalvinderSopal) <a href="https://twitter.com/BalvinderSopal/status/1510964816256671745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></blockquote> Image: Getty

News

Black box from China flight wreckage uncovered

Emergency workers in China have uncovered one of two black boxes from the China Eastern flight that <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/terrifying-final-moments-of-crashed-passenger-jet-emerge" target="_blank" rel="noopener">crashed</a> earlier this week with 132 people on board. What is believed to be the cockpit voice recorder appeared to have survived the impact, a Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) official said on Wednesday. Flight MU5735 was en route from the southwestern city of Kunming to Guangzhou when it suddenly took a nosedive into the ground and erupted in a fireball on impact. According to the flight data, the plane had almost reached its destination after being in the air for more than an hour when it suddenly dropped from an altitude of 29,100ft to 9075ft in just two minutes and 15 seconds. The search for the second black box is continuing on the ground, while the cause of the crash has yet to be determined. Most of the plane appears to have disintegrated upon impact, although some debris and human remains have been found. “An initial inspection showed that the exterior of the recorder has been severely damaged but the storage units, while also damaged to some extent, are relatively complete,” CAAC official Zhu Tao said. The black box is being sent to a Beijing institute for decoding. Investigators are looking at several possible causes of the crash - including deliberate action, pilot error, or technical issues such as a structural failure or mid-air collision. Image credits: Twitter

Travel Trouble

Extremely valuable snake found hiding in city bin

An abandoned pet snake has been spotted on bustling Oxford Street in the Sydney CBD, with authorities saying the precious reptile is worth around $1000.The very out-of-place diamond head python was discovered hiding in a bin outside a Paddington barber's shop, after which a helpful bystander coaxed the snake into a leather bag for safe-keeping.The native Australian reptile's rare appearance has sparked concern among authorities and wildlife carers, with the incident now set to be investigated by police.<img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/snake-on-bin.jpg" alt="" width="471" height="261" />The snake was taken to a vet to be treated for minor injuries, which are believed to have been inflicted by its previous owner.Once given the all-clear, the python will be given the chance to find a new owner and fresh start.According to Australia Zoo, diamond pythons are closely related to the commonly recognised carpet python.They are often black in colour with cream or yellow, diamond-shaped blotches covering the entire length of their body. Being a python, they are non-venomous. They constrict their prey in order to kill it and then consume it whole.Image: Nine News

Travel Trouble

Family finds 1.3m snake wrapped around mirror

Image: Brisbane North Snake Catcher/Facebook Checking your rear-view mirrors is essential before driving off. However, one Queensland family has discovered another big reason to perform this important safety check. The family had been off enjoying a picnic north of Brisbane on Sunday. Upon returning to the car – much to their shock – have discovered a large snake wrapped around the rear view mirror. According to Brisbane North Snake Catcher director Josh Castle, this was an unusual place to find a snake. “I’ve never seen it,” he told 7News. “I have pulled them out of car bonnets and stuff like that, which is more to be expected because they can into a bonnet from underneath. “The fact it was actually in the car and soaking in the sun through the window on the mirror is quite weird.” <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845991/new-project-8.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/44e7a1c59704460f8dd92137545a5f90" /> The snake has been identified as a coastal carpet python approximately 1.3.m. “We’ve pretty much found them everywhere now. That pretty much tickets every box on where we’ve found them,” he said. Naturally, the internet absolutely lost its collective mind when photos of the car invader emerged. “Sell the damn car, it belongs to the snake now,” wrote another.

Travel Trouble

Rolling Stones forced to retire classic song

British rock band The Rolling Stones have decided to retire one of their most popular songs due to its unsavoury lyrics. The 1971 hit Brown Sugar had been cut from their current tour’s setlist, which had previously been the second-most-performed song in their catalogue. After succumbing to social pressure, the track was pulled from their live shows, as the lyrics allude to the horrors of slavery in the US, which has caused a stir during the current climate of heightened cultural sensitivity. Keith Richards, 77, was quizzed by the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2021-10-07/rolling-stones-charlie-watts-no-filter-tour">LA Times</a> about the changes to the setlist, saying, “You picked up on that, huh?” He said, “I don’t know. I’m trying to figure out with the sisters quite where the beef is. Didn’t they understand this was a song about the horrors of slavery? But they’re trying to bury it.” The first verse of the hit song depicts slaves being sold and beaten in Louisiana, with references to a “slaver” who whips “women just around midnight.” The famous chorus describes a non-consensual sexual encounter between a young female slave and the violent master, while also alluding to the use of heroin. In the next verse, the song describes the abuse suffered by slaves on a plantation. Lead singer Mick Jagger ends the tune by singing, “How come you taste so good … just like a black girl should.” “We’ve played Brown Sugar every night since 1970,” Richards told the newspaper. “So sometimes you think, ‘We’ll take that one out for now and see how it goes.’ We might put it back in.” According to <a href="https://www.setlist.fm/">setlist.fm</a>, the controversial track has been played live 1136 times, second only to Jumpin’ Jack Flash. “At the moment I don’t want to get into conflicts with all of this s***,” Richards said of criticism of the song. “But I’m hoping that we’ll be able to resurrect the babe in her glory somewhere along the track.” Mick Jagger has also previously shared his own criticisms of the song, as critics have called it “gross, sexist, and stunningly offensive.” “I never would write that song now,” Jagger told <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/">Rolling Stone</a> in 1995. “I would probably censor myself. I’d think, ‘Oh God, I can’t. I’ve got to stop. I can’t just write raw like that.’” Image credit: Getty Images

Music

Entire family found dead inside luxury hotel sauna

Police are investigating the highly suspicious death of an entire family in a five-star holiday hotel sauna. Police have suggested they may have been murdered, according to reports citing local law enforcement. The family all died minutes apart from what was initially described as “asphyxia”. Sergey Burenkov, 60 and his wife Natalya Burenkova, 58, from Moscow, Russia were holidaying in Albania with their daughter, Katya, 31, and her partner Nikita Belousov, 37, Initially, attention was focused on the ventilation system of the sauna complex. There were also claims that Chlorine in a pool may have caused these deaths, but was dismissed as a “fabrication” by the Russian embassy in Tirana, the capital of Albania. Other claims that alcohol poisoning may have been responsible have all been rejected amid claims the family members do not drink. Reports say no fault has been found with the sauna or its ventilation system. The family died soon after going for a sauna after arriving at the luxurious Gloria Palace Hotel on the 15th of October. One local report said there are now “suspicions among persecutors that we may be dealing with murder, but it is still too early to come to an accurate conclusion on how it was committed.” If this is true, it is unclear why the tourist family were targeted. Reports say they had ordered drinks and food to sauna complex but by the time a waiter delivered it, they were all dead. “I shouted several times that the drinks and fruit were ready,” the hotel employee said to the Albanian media. “No one answered so I walked inside and saw them all.” “One person was lying on a sunbed, two were on the (sauna) benches. The last one was sitting with his legs in the pool.” “They have all suffocated.” The Russian embassy is working with local police to establish the cause of their deaths

Travel Trouble

Sneaky snake stumps social media

A photo shared by a snake catcher has left dozens scratching their heads while attempting to spot the hidden reptile. The image, shared by Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers 24/7, asked followers if they could see where the snake was in the photo. Though many people commented on the “fairly easy” post with their guesses, with the apparently normal-looking hedge making some followers question their eyesight. <img style="width: 500px; height:281.53846153846155px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843356/bef582329eea8dc282fa83f634b91c739e44667e.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6734aa1f44754460b304507088e54da9" /> Image: Facebook “If this is easy I have no chance with a hard one,” one person commented. “I would die in Australia because I would never see snakes,” a second added. The snake catchers later revealed the answer, sharing how the snake was in the corner of the bush. <img style="width: 500px; height:281.53846153846155px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843355/6eafa83184257125b349b84513c8a407e9319e78.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/fdec6f5e04c74c5bb321f33548a225c6" /> Image: Facebook The team had rescued the reptile after residents saw the Coastal Carpet Python near their house. Though Coastal Carpet Pythons aren’t venomous, they can still cause considerable damage to people.

Family & Pets

Woolworths shopper finds python snake in the spice section

A woman shopping at Woolworths in Glenorie says she was looking in the spice aisle and her face was suddenly 20cm away from a three-metre-long python. Speaking to 7NEWS.com.au, the shopper – Helaina Alati - said: “I was browsing and turned to my left and he had come out and his face was about 20cm from mine, just looking at me.” “It was almost like he was asking me to take him outside! “I just happened to be the one that found it. “He must have been there for at least a few hours. He was sort of hidden behind the spices and I didn’t see him at first. As luck would have it, Alati is a former volunteer snake catcher, so she offered to rescue the slithery fellow. “It was super mellow, not aggressive at all. I’m guessing he came down from the ceiling. He was about 10ft (3 metres) long!” she said. “I’m glad I’m the one that found him, most people would have freaked out!” she added. “I told the staff I used to be a volunteer snake catcher so I grabbed my snake bag and relocated him into the bush.” Most shoppers at Woolworths would’ve have been so calm to find a three-metre python in the spice aisle of their local supermarket, but Alati said there was nothing to worry about. “He was so relaxed and non-aggressive,” she said. “Don’t want to demonise these beautiful animals anymore!” Alati bundled the python into a material bag and released the snake safely to the surrounding bushland shortly after. A spokesperson for Woolworths told 7NEWS.com.au the matter was dealt with calmly and safely. “A slippery and rare customer was spotted in the spice aisle of our Glenorie store yesterday morning,” the spokesperson said. “Once it was sighted, our team members reacted quickly and calmly to cordon off the area for the safety of customers. “A snake catcher removed the slithery customer, who was released safely into bushland shortly after.” It’s still unknown as to how the snake came to be inside the store but it’s believed Woolworths has animal control measures in place and the Glenorie store has done some checks of these measures. Photo: 7NEWS.com.au

Family & Pets

Australian mum’s unbelievable find in lettuce bag

A mum in Sydney, Australia has taken to Facebook to show her unexpected find in a bag of lettuce she claims she purchased at ALDI. Lesley Khun warned others on the Mosman Living group to "check packed lettuce carefully!" "Last night my son found this baby white headed snake in with the packaged baby cos lettuce he purchased from Aldi," Khun wrote. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840717/cos-lettuce-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ab4ef30453e44af1a0970a35ac96bc3f" /> "Make sure you check packed lettuce carefully!" When asked by group members what fate the snake had met, Khun revealed that WIRES Wildlife Rescue had come to remove the creature. White headed snakes are thankfully not too common in Brisbane, and are also not considered dangerous to humans. <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840716/cos-lettuce-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a4b27bb2496549c2a9e151d47466daf3" /> "Oh my Lord!" one person wrote on the post. Another user commented: "Allens taking Snakes Alive to a whole new meaning."

Food & Wine

"Crazy": Terrifying three-metre find clogging up toilet

A man has had to call in the fire department after a "crazy" find in his toilet. Crews from Iskandar Puteri Fire Station in Malaysia were called to the bathroom of a house after the man was reportedly bitten on the bottom last month. The toilet was checked and firefights removed a 3.6-metre python from the toilet bowl. The size of the serpent was so large that it broke some of the piping, the fire department revealed. The snake was released safely outside. On Facebook, the snake’s “scary” bathroom exploits had some people spooked. “Be careful in the bathroom after this,” one woman wrote. “Don't forget to close the bathroom door too.” One man called it “crazy”, while another woman wrote it had her worried about using the bathroom at work. As for why the snake was slithering through the pipes, some suggested it’s possible the recent hot weather was to blame and the toilet-dwelling serpent was seeking a place to cool down.

Family & Pets

The rise of the brown nomads and tips on how to do it

Grey Nomads are a stalwart of the outback campsite, but COVID has seen a surge in younger families hitting the road: the Brown Nomads. These are people whose interstate or overseas jaunts have been thwarted by closed borders, or who have been freed from the 9-to-5 grind and want to take the “work from anywhere” concept literally. However, while adventuring sounds fun, it doesn't always generate a secure income. Consider some good financial planning so you can enjoy the nomadic life and still maintain financial security. Before the trip The options for how to stretch finances depends on your specific circumstances. It's important to see a financial planner early on in this process, but there are a few general tips I can offer. Reduce debt. Pay it down as much as you can and see if consolidation makes sense. Do not carry credit card debt into this adventure. Plan your income and expenses. Income sources include savings, investment dividends, long service leave, redundancies, ongoing business, or profits from asset sales. Plan expenses, including buying your start-up gear. Many nomads budget for $1000 per week, but it varies. Once you know how much you'll need you can start planning where to take the funds from. Interrogate your tax and maximising options. If you’ve received a lump sum and want to use it to kick start your nomadic life, there may be some tax-efficient ways to stretch this amount. Consider various strategies, including a variety of superannuation strategies, consider paying down debt and investing in the name of the partner who didn’t earn an income, or earned less. Time your trip to suit your finances. Are there are any benefits to going this or next financial year based on your circumstances? Get your financial foundations in place. There are a few things you’ll need to get right as a basis for any secure financial future. These include having an emergency fund, creating a spending plan, getting the right insurances, optimising all aspects of superannuation including fees and investments inside, and having an up to date estate plan. On the trip Now you’ve hit the road and money is flying out the door and not so much is flying back in. Review your tax. With the income changes there may be tax incentives you are now eligible for. You could make a spousal superannuation contribution, which will reduce your tax bill. You may also be eligible for the Family Tax Benefit. Manage your income streams. Are you relying on income from dividends, term deposits that pay interest or rental income? Should you be? Any income linked to investments can change. Make sure you have enough money parked somewhere to see you through. Spend less money. It sounds obvious, but in my experience, people spend what they have. I’ve had clients go from spending $200,000 per year to $40,000 after switching to a nomadic life for a year. When you aren’t in the ‘rat race’ you’ll be surprised how much joy life gives you for free and all the expenses you no longer have. Use the nomad community. Experienced nomads will tell you their biggest expense is usually fuel. Find the cheapest with apps like Fuel Map Australia. Second to fuel is accommodation. WikiCamps Australia is one of many apps that has information about sites, including where the free ones are. Packing up and hitting the road does not have to cripple you financially. If you set yourself up right and plan well, you could have the adventure of a lifetime while you’re young, fit and healthy and return to a solid financial foundation. Helen Baker is a licensed Australian financial adviser and author of two books: On Your Own Two Feet – Steady Steps to Women’s Financial Independence and On Your Own Two Feet Divorce – Your Survive and Thrive Financial Guide. Proceeds from the books’ sales are donated to charities supporting disadvantaged women. Helen is among the 1% of financial planners who holds a master’s degree in the field. Find out more at <a href="http://www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au">www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au</a> Note this is general advice only and you should seek advice specific to your circumstances.

International Travel

Women’s horrifying attack after sitting on toilet

A woman has learnt a strange and horrifying lesson after she was bitten on the bottom by a python when she sat on the toilet. Boonsong Plaikaew, 54, was about to finish her business while on the loo at her house in Samut Prakan, in central Thailand, when she felt a searing pain shoot across her bottom on October 19. A worrying amount of blood began to run down her legs and pants before she saw the snake bite her again, this time on the finger. She pulled the two-metre-long python off her finger and ran out of the toilet begging for help. Animal rescuers and paramedics arrived at roughly the same time. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838412/daily.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/758ed00d978e4e68883c700cef7259bc" /> They gave Mrs. Plaikaew first-aid treatment after checking on her wounds before rushing her to the hospital. Speaking at the hospital, the shocked woman said she had just finished urinating when the python struck. “I did not see the snake hiding inside the bowl, so I was just doing my stuff when I was attacked,” she said. The woman was allowed to go home after having a health check-up. Thankfully the snake was not venomous. Rescuers were able to capture the python who was found slithering on the bathroom floor. They placed the animal in a sack and took it with them to be released in the wild at a later time. “From now on, I'll check the toilet every time before I sit down,” Boonsong added.

Travel Trouble

The other outbreak engulfing eastern Africa

Coronavirus has continued to dominate the news cycle as governments around the world increase their efforts in limiting the spread. However, another plague is threatening food, jobs and health on three continents. Hundreds of billions of locusts are swarming through parts of East Africa, the Middle East and South-West Asia, devouring crops and bringing an unprecedented threat to food security in what the United Nations (UN) described as the worst infestations in decades. The upsurge of the desert locusts could be traced back to 2018, when cyclones in the southern Arabian Peninsula – along with poor rains, drought and floods – provided favourable breeding conditions which allowed the undetected and uncontrolled breeding of three generations. “It is these weather events which are creating the environment to facilitate the current locust outbreak,” said Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock. “Unusually heavy rains and increase in the frequency in cyclones in the Indian Ocean have created favourable conditions for the locusts to breed.” The first swarms started invading Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Iran in early 2019 and went on to breed and move to other countries including Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, Pakistan and India. By early 2020, infestation in Kenya has reached its worst in 70 years with up to 200 billion locusts while Somalia and Ethiopia are experiencing their biggest outbreaks in a quarter of a century. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) warned that the number of locusts could expand <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-26/east-africas-huge-locust-outbreak-major-hunger-threat/12004470">500 times by June</a>. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Desert locust swarms could create a serious food crisis in East Africa. It is the worst outbreak in decades. Learn more 👉<a href="https://t.co/pKAnXLgc6P">https://t.co/pKAnXLgc6P</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Desertlocust?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Desertlocust</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Locusts?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Locusts</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/foodsecurity?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#foodsecurity</a> <a href="https://t.co/FEiFHSUxxw">pic.twitter.com/FEiFHSUxxw</a> — FAO (@FAO) <a href="https://twitter.com/FAO/status/1230794272317870081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2020</a></blockquote> During plagues, the locust population could spread to 20 per cent of the Earth’s land and affect more than 65 per cent of the world’s poorest countries, according to <a href="http://www.fao.org/food-chain-crisis/how-we-work/plant-protection/locusts/en/">the UN</a>. Speaking at <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/02/1057071">UN Headquarters</a> in February, Lowcock said immediate action is needed as the rainy season beginning in March may exacerbate the situation. “In this region where there is so much suffering and so much vulnerability and fragility, we simply cannot afford another major shock,”Lowcock said. “We do have a chance to nip this problem in the bud, but that’s not what we’re doing at the moment. We’re running out of time. “There is a risk of a catastrophe. Perhaps we can prevent it; we have an obligation to try. Unless we act now, we’re unlikely to do so.” The FAO has appealed for $138 million in funding to assist the countries in curbing the spread, but has amassed just <a href="http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/1263867/icode/">$52 million as of mid-March.</a>

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“What a legend”: Brave Aussie pensioner saves puppy from a snake