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Grandma shares blunt advice for gift-giving season

A grandmother has shared valuable advice for other grandparents who are prone to going over the top for birthday and Christmas presents. DeeDee Moore, who runs the TikTok account @morethangrand, reignited the debate on finding the line between spoiling your grandkids with an abundance of gifts, and not going over the top. With Christmas right around the corner, DeeDee shared some advice for grandparents before they hit the shops. "Too much stuff from grandparents is at the top of the list of topics that parents struggle with," Moore explained in a viral clip. A recent survey from <a href="https://www.morethangrand.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">More Than Grand</a> found 75 percent of the parents surveyed, wished grandparents respected their wishes about gifts, for a few reasons, but the most common was the sheer volume of stuff. "Parents often don't have the physical space to accommodate the toys indulgent grandparents buy," she continued. However, the issue is that one grandparent probably isn't the only one going all out on gifts. "Say your grandson has four other grandparents and four aunts and uncles. Each of these people get him one gift for a second birthday. That's already nine gifts plus something for mum and dad. We're up to 10," she explained. "But if all of those grandparents buy him three things, and two of the aunts get him a little extra something, that's 22 presents for a two-year-old who would be just as happy with a box." Moore also pointed out while many kids are fortunate enough to be spoilt at Christmas, there are many children who are living in hardship and don't have the same luxuries. Her advice is to take some of the things you would have given to your grandchildren and donate them to a charity or organisation who works with less fortunate families. Dozens of mothers chimed in the comment section of the video, praising DeeDee's advice and sharing their own stress about presents. "I used to have so much anxiety about Christmas because my in-laws used to buy more than Santa, us and my parents combined. It was stressful," commented one mum. Image credits: Shutterstock

Family & Pets

Man arrested after BBC presenter's wife and children murdered

British police have apprehended the man they believe is responsible for a brutal crossbow attack on the wife and two children of a well-known BBC radio presenter. In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon (early Thursday AEST), Hertfordshire Police said 26-year-old Kyle Clifford had been located in the Enfield area of north London and that he was receiving medical treatment for injuries. The BBC confirmed that the women killed were the family of its well-known radio racing commentator John Hunt — his 61-year-old wife Carol Hunt and their daughters Louise and Hannah, aged 25 and 28 respectively. Their tragic death prompted a major manhunt for the 26-year-old, as the public were urged not to approach Clifford. "Following extensive inquiries, the suspect has been located and nobody else is being sought in connection with the investigation at this time," Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire major crime unit said. "This continues to be an incredibly difficult time for the victims' family and we would ask that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with what has happened." A colleague of Hunt's and BBC 5 Live's lead presenter Mark Chapman struggled to hold back the tears as he expressed everyone's shock and pain. "We have a football match to bring you tonight ... and we will start our buildup to it shortly but this has been a heartbreaking day," he said as he opened Wednesday's coverage on 5 Live of England's semifinal match against The Netherlands in soccer's European Championship. "John Hunt is our colleague and our friend, not just to the current 5 Live sport team but to all of those who've worked here with him over the past 20 years, and also to all of you who have enjoyed his superb commentaries," Chapman said. "So on behalf of everyone connected to 5 Live Sport, our love and thoughts and support are with John and his family." Police were first alerted to the violent killings on Tuesday evening when emergency services were called to a house in Bushey, a residential area in north-western London. Paramedics tried to revive the women, but they died at the scene. While police have yet to establish a link between the suspect and the family, some British media outlets have claimed Clifford, who served in the British Army between 2019 and 2022, was an ex-boyfriend of one of the daughters. Image credits: Peter Manning/LNP/Shutterstock Editorial/Hertfordshire Police

Legal

Pioneering TV presenter reveals terminal diagnosis live on air

Popular New Zealand TV presenter Joanna Paul-Robie has revealed she is dying of cancer. The pioneering presenter, known for her work on TV3, shared the heartbreaking news during an interview with Radio New Zealand on Friday morning. Paul-Robie, who has been a beloved figure in the broadcasting world, made the announcement while accepting the Icon Award for her contributions to the creative industries. “I was so touched because this award means so much to me, coming from Tauranga Moana,” she said. “But more importantly, because I am, unfortunately, dying – I have terminal cancer – and really to have this award before one posthumously gets it is an even better break. I can’t tell you the lightness, the brightness, the feeling of aroha inside me last night.” Reflecting on her career, Paul-Robie recounted her experiences as one of the few Māori individuals on New Zealand's television screens. “The newsroom was really … it was being run by mostly a pair of middle-class, middle-aged white men who had the audacity and the balls to say ‘If it bleeds, it leads’ but these guys you know they had never been in a Māori world,” she remarked. Starting her career at Radio New Zealand, Paul-Robie later became a newsreader for TV3 and played a significant role in establishing Māori Television in 2004, serving as a program and production manager. During a 2011 interview with NZOnScreen, she spoke about the challenges and triumphs of setting up the network. “There’s been a handful of people in the world who have built a television station and taken it to air,” she said. “There are only a handful of people in the world who can do that and even though it nearly broke me in half on the day that we launched, I thought ‘hell we did that’. I think it is difficult for someone like me with an A-type personality to think now you have done your big thing maybe you should take it easy now.” Paul-Robie's courage and dedication have left an indelible mark on New Zealand's broadcasting landscape. Her announcement has been met with an outpouring of support and love from colleagues, fans and the wider community, who admire her strength and resilience in the face of such a personal battle. Images: NZOnScreen

Caring

What is allyship? A brief history, present and future

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/wendy-marie-cumming-potvin-542762">Wendy Marie Cumming-Potvin</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/murdoch-university-746">Murdoch University</a> Despite social change, LGBTQI+ people still face discrimination <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements/2019/10/inclusion-lgbt-people-education-settings-paramount-importance-leaving-no-one">at school</a> and <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10304312.2023.2296344">in the community</a>. Language for diverse genders and sexualities is continually changing. LGBTQI+ allyship is part of this change. But what is allyship? Allyship refers to people outside of a group – say, straight people – who actively support and work with people inside a group – say, LGBTQI+ people. It can also mean people from different groups working together to support each other’s goals. A key example of this was at the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10304312.2023.2296344">Stonewall riots in 1969</a>, when lesbians, gay men and transgender people joined with Black Panthers and civil rights activists in New York City to protest against police brutality. But defining allyship can be challenging. Some people disagree about who an ally is. Others disagree about what an ally does. <h2>What is an ally?</h2> The term “ally” first appeared in US universities among students <a href="https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED336682.pdf#page=215">in the early 1990s</a>. It was used to describe how majority group members (straight students) helped minorities (gay, lesbian and bisexual students), by advocating to end sexuality-based oppression in higher education. For many years, scholars have seen straight allyship for lesbian, gay and bisexual people as helpful for activism. Straight allies have played important roles in <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt7pf5j">policy</a> and in <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19361653.2014.969867">combating prejudice</a> on high school and university campuses. Research has shown university and high school gay–straight alliances <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19361653.2017.1326867?casa_token=A6nQuWeFBIYAAAAA%3Ad-Tg1edyeiOyRDuHKyeHDcWuvqLLVhAFqyhXMjOe8RtWJH6pdwxUpES759QaY_zacNUS-TtqMXYK">have contributed</a> to more positive campus environments and a reduction in gender- and sexuality-based discrimination. Over many years, gay–straight teacher alliances have <a href="https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA227011983&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=10813004&p=LitRC&sw=w&userGroupName=anon%7E40663b6e&aty=open-web-entry">successfully used</a> inquiry groups to combat homophobia and explore <a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-does-intersectionality-mean-104937">intersectionality</a> (the way different facets of someone’s identity intersect) within their schools. These groups highlighted LGBTQI-themed literature in English class, and encouraged teachers to be outspoken in their support by attending community events, such as pride parades. But allyship can be exclusionary. While early perspectives of allyship focused on helping gay or lesbian university students, transgender or non-binary folk <a href="https://www.routledge.com/LGBTQI-Allies-in-Education-Advocacy-Activism-and-Participatory-Collaborative/Cumming-Potvin/p/book/9781032298832">were often ignored</a>. There is also contention about <a href="https://www.queensjournal.ca/justin-timberlakes-queer-allyship-strips-ally-of-its-meaning/">how much “work”</a> a straight ally has to do to earn recognition. Some people say that for someone to be called an ally they need to actively work for change, not just say they support others. As allies, we are continually learning. And sometimes we get it wrong. When we make mistakes, it’s important to apologise and continue supporting those we wish to serve. <h2>Allyship from within the community</h2> Many current definitions of allyship only encompass allies outside of the group they are supporting. But a broadened definition of allyship would be useful. LGBTQI+ people, especially with leadership roles, can be strong allies in their communities. Laverne Cox uses her stardom <a href="https://ccrjustice.org/home/blog/2019/08/02/evening-activism-laverne-cox">to advocate</a> for her community of transgender women of colour and other LGBTQI+ people. Georgie Stone made medical processes <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/sep/07/it-takes-a-lot-of-courage-rebekah-robertson-on-raising-transgender-activist-georgie-stone">easier for transgender children</a> in Australia. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-_dpLOXfOUE?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> Because identities can shift, identifying who sits inside and outside LGBTQA+ communities can be challenging. Sometimes, there are clear social group insiders. Sometimes, there are clear outsiders. Other times, things are less clear. A person might hover inside and outside minority groups. They may not identify as straight, but they may not live publicly as LGBTQI+. Or a bisexual person may live in a straight relationship for many years. This means allyship is also dynamic. It <a href="https://www.suu.edu/pridealliance/pdf/reynolds.pdf">shifts</a> depending on power, privilege and life experiences. For example, in one social context, a white, heterosexual woman may have power as a LGBTQI+ ally. But in a professional setting where the majority of attendees are white heterosexual men, this same woman may not be as powerful. <h2>An intersectional process</h2> Allyship needs to understand that many people’s gender and sexuality interact with language fluency, class, geography, race, age and disability. This means that despite victories such as marriage equality, LGBTQI+ people who are homeless, transgender or people of colour may face <a href="https://theconversation.com/despite-recent-victories-plights-of-many-lgbt-people-remain-ignored-49273">significant barriers</a> in society. For example, as of May 2024, <a href="https://translegislation.com/">550 anti-trans bills</a> have been introduced in US legislatures. <a href="https://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/people/lgbti-aboriginal-people-diversity-at-the-margins">Because of</a> discrimination, racism and a silencing around Black queer history, LGBTQA+ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can receive inappropriate services, for example, <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epdf/10.1177/10497323211069682">in healthcare and education</a>. Understanding the multiple identities of LGBTQI+ people will support strong allyship to reduce <a href="https://www.murdoch.edu.au/news/articles/national-survey-reveals-mental-health-burden-on-first-nations-lgbtqa-youth">negative health outcomes</a> for Aboriginal communities. <h2>What’s next for allyship?</h2> Recent Canadian work has grouped researchers, school boards and teacher federations to make <a href="https://trans-affirm.edu.uwo.ca/toolkit/Trans-Affirming%20Toolkit.pdf">ally resources</a> for supporting trans and gender-diverse students in Ontario. This tool kit includes modules for having conversations about gender identity and teaching about transgender policy. The final module introduces action plans for supporting transgender students through whole school approaches. History has shown coming together can lead to social transformation and better outcomes for marginalised groups. In 2016, US President Barack Obama designated the Stonewall Inn <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/24/obama-announces-stonewall-inn-national-monument">a national US monument</a> to celebrate gay history. Apart from acknowledging evolving ideas about gender and sexuality, future LGBTQI+ allyship needs to be intersectional. This means that factors like age, social class, geography, race, language and disability count. And when barriers are broken down across sectors, like healthcare, education and housing, allies become stronger.<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/220668/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/wendy-marie-cumming-potvin-542762">Wendy Marie Cumming-Potvin</a>, Associate Professor/ Director of Research (School of Education), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/murdoch-university-746">Murdoch University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock 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/what-is-allyship-a-brief-history-present-and-future-220668">original article</a>. </div>

Caring

Don’t give mum chocolates for Mother’s Day. Take on more housework, share the mental load and advocate for equality instead

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/leah-ruppanner-106371">Leah Ruppanner</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> With Mother’s Day right around the corner, many grateful and loving families are thinking about what to give mum to show their appreciation. Should you give her chocolate? Nope. Fancy soaps? Nope. Fuzzy slippers, pyjamas, scented candles? No, no and no. On this Mother’s Day, keep your cash and give your wonderful mother gifts that will actually have a long-term impact on her health and well-being. <h2>1. Do a chore that mum hates and hold onto it … forever</h2> Research <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13545701.2020.1831039">shows</a> men have increased the amount of time spent on housework and childcare and that mothers, over time, are doing less (hooray!). But, women <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1741-3737.2008.00479.x">still do more housework</a> than men, especially when <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/gwao.12497?fbclid=IwAR2dp04p2sFqbDqdehXmXgDSfTYwX3GRzP7ScMJhSOrMePTGQVErR2TTX88">kids are in the home</a>. Further, <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0891243205285212">men tend to pick up the more desirable tasks</a>, like <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/3598304">cooking and playing with the kids</a>, leaving mothers to do the less pleasurable chores (think cleaning toilets and clearing out fridges). The chore divide in same-sex relationships is generally found to be more equal, but some critique suggests equality may suffer <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/16/upshot/same-sex-couples-divide-chores-much-more-evenly-until-they-become-parents.html">once kids are involved</a>. This year give your mum (or mums) the gift of equal housework and childcare sharing – start by taking the most-hated tasks and then hold onto them… forever. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/gwao.12727">Research</a> shows housework inequality is bad for women’s mental health. Undervaluing women’s housework and unequal sharing of the chores deteriorates <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11199-022-01282-5">relationship quality</a>, and <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0038038516674664">leads to divorce</a>. Housework and childcare take up valuable time to keep the family happy, harmonious and thriving, often at the expense of mum’s health and well-being. So, skip the chocolates and show mum love by doing the worst, most drudgerous and constant household chores (hello, cleaning mouldy showers!) and keep doing these… forever. <h2>2. Initiate a mental unload</h2> The <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2017-09-14/the-mental-load-and-what-to-do-about-it/8942032">mental load</a> is all of the planning, organising and management work necessary to keep the family running. The mental load is often perceived as list making or allocating tasks to family members. But, it’s so much more – it is the <a href="https://theconversation.com/planning-stress-and-worry-put-the-mental-load-on-mothers-will-2022-be-the-year-they-share-the-burden-172599">emotional work</a> that goes with this thinking work. The mental load is the worry work that never ends and can be done <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13668803.2021.2002813">anywhere, anytime and with anyone</a> (in, for example, said mouldy shower). Because the mental load is performed inside our heads, it is invisible. That means we don’t know when we or others are performing this labour unless we really tune in. In fact, it is often when we tune in through quiet time, relaxation or meditation that the mental load rears its ugly head. Suddenly you remind yourself to buy oranges for the weekend soccer game, organise a family movie night and don’t forget to check in on nanna. Women in heterosexual relationships are <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0003122419859007">shown to do more</a> of the mental load with serious consequences for their mental health. But we don’t have a comprehensive measurement of how much women do it nor how it is allocated in same-sex couples. So, on this mothers’ day spend some time talking about, cataloguing, and equalising the family’s mental load. This isn’t just making a list about what has to be done but also understanding <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2017-09-14/the-mental-load-and-what-to-do-about-it/8942032">how the mental load</a> connects to the emotional health of the family, and the person carrying this <a href="https://www.newamerica.org/better-life-lab/blog/making-the-mental-load-visible/">invisible labour, worry and stress</a>. <h2>3. Speak up for your mum and all caregivers</h2> Families alone cannot bear the brunt of the caregiving necessary to keep us thriving. Governments, workplaces and local communities also play a critical role. For this mothers’ day, pick an issue impacting mothers (for example, equal pay, affordable childcare or paid family leave) and do one thing to help move the needle. Write a letter to your boss, your local MP, or donate money to an advocacy organisation advancing gender equality. Or, role model these behaviours yourself – normalise caregiving as a critical piece of being an effective worker, create policies and practices that support junior staff to care for themselves, their families and their communities and use these policies. <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0891243216649946">Research</a> shows men want to be equal carers and sharers but often fear what taking time off for caregiving will signal to their employer despite evidence that fathers who request flexible work are perceived more <a href="https://academic.oup.com/sf/article-abstract/94/4/1567/2461609?login=false">favourably</a>. Appearing to be singularly devoted to work was shown to be impossible during the pandemic with kids, spouses, partners, and pets home all day long. Learning to create more care-inclusive workplaces and communities is critical. Paid parental leave, affordable and accessible high-quality childcare, flexibility in how, when and where we work and greater investments in paid sick leave, long-term disability support and aged care are just a few policies that would strengthen the care safety net. We will all be called upon to care at some point in our lives – let’s create the environments that support caregiving for all, not just mum.<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/182330/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/leah-ruppanner-106371">Leah Ruppanner</a>, Professor of Sociology and Founding Director of The Future of Work Lab, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> Image credits: Getty Images 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/dont-give-mum-chocolates-for-mothers-day-take-on-more-housework-share-the-mental-load-and-advocate-for-equality-instead-182330">original article</a>.

Family & Pets

BBC presenter passes away at just 32

BBC Scotland presenter Nick Sheridan has passed away at the age of 32, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from his devastated colleagues. Sheridan reportedly "collapsed while running" for the second time in recent weeks, after suffering a brain aneurysm. After several days in intensive care, the journalist died on Wednesday surrounded by loved ones. Head of News at BBC Scotland shared an emotional tribute to Sheridan, saying Nick had been a "wonderful colleague to those of us who have worked with him". He added, "He was a hugely talented journalist, presenter and author - and one of those rare people who light up the lives of everyone around them. Funny, clever, kind. A lovely man. "Our hearts go out to his parents, who have been with him over the past ten days, to his partner, Lewis, and to all the rest of his family and friends." First Minister Humza Yousaf also paid tribute to Sheridan in the Scottish Parliament chamber, describing him as an "extremely talented journalist and author". "My thoughts are with his family, his many friends and indeed his colleagues. It will undoubtedly be a very sad time for them," he said. Since joining the corporation in 2018, Sheridan presented programmes including Reporting Scotland, Drivetime, the Nine and Seven Days, before dialling back his time on screen to pursue his passion of writing children's books. Image credits: BBC

Caring

Sports presenter slammed over "Barbie" comments

The BBC has issued a statement after a cringeworthy interview with a sports presenter went viral. Chris Hughes, a former Love Island contestant, was chatting to Aussie cricketer Maitlan Brown during Southern Brave's match in The Hundred. As the interview began, Hughes referred to Brown as a "batsman", with the rest of the interview only going downhill from there. Hughes then asked how Brown had been settling in and bonding with her teammates. "We watched Barbie the other night all together and it was really good team bonding and the group is gelling really well together," Brown replied. Hughes then quipped back, "You're a little Barbie yourself, aren't you, with your blue eyes." As Brown laughed awkwardly, Hughes added, "She's blushing now." <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The absolute state of this <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCSport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCSport</a> "Batsman" "You're a bit of a Barbie yourself" So much great young journalistic cricket talent in the UK, and you hire that clown <a href="https://twitter.com/chrishughes_22?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chrishughes_22</a>, because demographics, innit <a href="https://t.co/f7FwAtQjR9">pic.twitter.com/f7FwAtQjR9</a> — Always Look On The Bright Cider Life 🍎🏏🍎🏏🍎 (@somersetpodcast) <a href="https://twitter.com/somersetpodcast/status/1686411647903006720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2023</a></blockquote> Since the interview, Hughes has copped criticism on social media with the BCC stating they have addressed the issue with him. "We have spoken to Chris and explained that his comment was not appropriate," a BBC spokesperson said. Hughes has been the subject of an online slating since the interview, with many criticising his comments and wondering how he even landed the gig in the first place. One person wrote on Twitter, "This is what happens when you get a Love Islander to present cricket... Oh dear." "Whether Chris Hughes made the Barbie remark yesterday with the intention to belittle or embarrass Maitlan Brown or not is irrelevant. As is whether Brown in fact took offense to it. The effect and imagery was the same," another commented. Image credits: BBC

Suspended BBC presenter named by his wife

The BBC presenter at the centre of the explicit images scandal has been named as Huw Edwards, one of the public broadcaster's most notable news presenters. Huw was named as the man who allegedly paid tens of thousands of pounds for explicit images from a teenager over a number of years, after a media storm around the previously anonymous presenter saw him be suspended from his high-profile role. Vicky Flind confirmed her husband was the man in question after rumours swirled on social media for five days, as her statement came shortly after police forces said there was no evidence Edwards committed a criminal offence. Flind said she was issuing a statement on his behalf after days of speculation "primarily out of concern for his mental well-being and to protect our children". Her statement said that Edwards has been suffering serious mental health issues since the allegations arose, and was currently in hospital. The statement reads, "In light of the recent reporting regarding the 'BBC Presenter', I am making this statement on behalf of my husband Huw Edwards, after what have been five extremely difficult days for our family. I am doing this primarily out of concern for his mental well-being and to protect our children." <div id="piano-inline1"></div> <div data-component="text-block"> "Huw is suffering from serious mental health issues. As is well documented, he has been treated for severe depression in recent years." </div> <div data-component="text-block"> "The events of the last few days have greatly worsened matters, he has suffered another serious episode and is now receiving in-patient hospital care where he'll stay for the foreseeable future." <div data-component="text-block"> Minutes before the family statement was published, a separate update was issued by the Metropolitan Police, which has been assessing the allegations in recent days after discussions with BBC executives. </div> <div id="piano-inline2"></div> <div data-component="text-block"> It said, "Detectives from the Met's Specialist Crime Command have now concluded their assessment and have determined there is no information to indicate that a criminal offence has been committed." <div data-component="text-block"> The BBC said it would continue its "fact finding investigations" into the allegations, which has been put on hold at the Met's request while it carried out its own enquiries. </div> <div data-component="text-block"> A spokesperson for the corporation said: "We will now move forward with that work, ensuring due process and a thorough assessment of the facts, whilst continuing to be mindful of our duty of care to all involved." <div data-component="text-block"> Huw Edwards has worked for the BBC since the mid-1980s, rising from a trainee position to becoming one of BBC News' most recognisable presenters. </div> <div data-component="text-block"> As well as hosting the Ten O'Clock News for many years, he has led coverage of major news events, such as elections and the death of Queen Elizabeth II. </div> </div> Image credits: Getty Images </div> </div>

Legal

Major twist in BBC presenter scandal

A damning scandal surrounding a high-profile BBC presenter has grown after a second victim has come forward against the anonymous personality. Just days after an exclusive report from The Sun claimed a well-known presenter for the public broadcaster had paid a teenager for explicit images, another woman has now claimed she was contacted online by the star. She said the presenter sent “abusive and menacing” messages online, and “felt threatened” when she refused to meet up with the presenter in person. They recognised the presenter after connecting on a dating app and, the BBC reported, “hinted they might name” them which led to a number of “abusive expletive filled messages”. “The young person said they had been scared by the power the presenter held,” BBC News reported. “They said the threats made in the messages … had frightened them, and they remain scared.” The person, in their early twenties, has no connection to the first person who came forward with the allegations. The presenter, who has yet to be named, has not commented on the allegations. These new allegations come just days after the first victim's family <a href="https://oversixty.co.nz/finance/legal/bbc-presenter-suspended-over-deeply-concerning-allegations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">came forward</a> and accused the anonymous presenter for sending their teenager a total of £35,000 ($67,000AUD) for explicit pictures over a three year period. The correspondence with the presenter allegedly began when the first person was just 17 years old, with the mother of the person, now in their twenties, saying the money was funding a dangerous drug habit. The mother said of the BBC presenter, “When I see him on telly, I feel sick. I blame this BBC man for destroying my child’s life.” In a statement on Sunday, the BBC confirmed that it "first became aware of a complaint in May". "New allegations were put to us on Thursday of a different nature and in addition to our own enquiries we have also been in touch with external authorities, in line with our protocols," it added. The statement said that "a male member of staff has been suspended". "This is a complex and fast moving set of circumstances and the BBC is working as quickly as possible to establish the facts in order to properly inform appropriate next steps," the BBC added. London's Metropolitan Police released a statement later on Sunday confirming the BBC contacted it over the matter, "but no formal referral or allegation has been made". Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

BBC presenter suspended over "deeply concerning" allegations

A BBC presenter has been suspended after allegations emerged of them playing a teenager for sexually explicit images. The unnamed presenter allegedly paid the teenager, who was 17 when the correspondence began, a total of £35,000 ($67,000AUD) for the pictures over a three year period. UK culture minister Lucy Frazer said earlier she had spoken about the "deeply concerning" allegations with BBC Director General Tim Davie, who assured her the BBC is "investigating swiftly and sensitively". The allegations were first reported by <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/22978239/bbc-star-paying-teenager-sexual-pictures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a> newspaper, who said the child’s mother first came forward with the allegations in May 2023. The presenter reportedly stayed on the air for a month after the initial report was made. The alleged victim’s mother also said that the money given to their child was used to fund a drug habit. The woman said of the BBC presenter, “When I see him on telly, I feel sick. I blame this BBC man for destroying my child’s life.” "Taking my child’s innocence and handing over the money for crack cocaine that could kill my child.” In a statement on Sunday, the BBC confirmed that it "first became aware of a complaint in May". "New allegations were put to us on Thursday of a different nature and in addition to our own enquiries we have also been in touch with external authorities, in line with our protocols," it added. The statement said that "a male member of staff has been suspended". "This is a complex and fast moving set of circumstances and the BBC is working as quickly as possible to establish the facts in order to properly inform appropriate next steps," the BBC added. London's Metropolitan Police released a statement later on Sunday confirming the BBC contacted it over the matter, "but no formal referral or allegation has been made". "We will require additional information before determining what further action should follow," it added. The BBC said it takes "any allegations seriously" and has "robust internal processes in place to proactively deal with such allegations". In an internal email sent to staff and quoted on the BBC website, Davie said he is "wholly condemning the unsubstantiated rumours being made on the internet about some of our presenting talent". Since The Sun published the allegations, some BBC presenters have taken to social media to deny that they are the broadcaster in question, with the perpetrator yet to be formally named. Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

From Chaucer to chocolates: how Valentine’s Day gifts have changed over the centuries

For Valentine’s Day, some couples only roll their eyes at each other in mutual cynicism. The capitalisation of love in the modern world can certainly seem banal. But Valentine’s Day gifts are hardly a contemporary invention. People have been celebrating the day and gifting love tokens for hundreds of years. We should first turn to Geoffrey Chaucer, the 14th-century poet, civil servant and keen European traveller. Chaucer’s poem from the 1380s, The Parliament of Fowls, is held to be the first reference to February 14 as a day about love. This day was already a feast day of several mysterious early Roman <a href="https://theconversation.com/st-valentines-a-minor-day-in-a-medieval-calendar-packed-with-festivals-71225">martyred Saint Valentines</a>, but Chaucer described it as a day for people to choose their lovers. He knew that was easier said than done. The narrator of the poem is unsuccessful in love, despairing that life is short compared with how long it takes to learn to love well. He falls asleep and dreams of a garden in which all the different birds of the world have gathered. Nature explains to the assembled flocks that, like every year on St Valentine’s Day, they have come to pick their partners in accordance with her rules. But this process causes confusion and debate: the birds can’t agree what it means to follow her rules because they all value different things in their partners. <h2>Legal and emotional significance</h2> Like today, in Chaucer’s time gift-giving could be highly ritualised and symbolise intention and commitment. In Old and Middle English, a “wed” was any sort of token pledged to guarantee a promise. It was not until the 13th century that a “wedding” came to mean a nuptial ceremony. The same period saw marriage transform into a Christianised and unbreakable commitment (<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2016/04/08/the-catholic-church-didnt-even-consider-marriage-a-sacrament-for-centuries/">a sacrament of the Church</a>). New conventions of love developed in songs, <a href="https://www.bl.uk/medieval-literature/articles/love-and-chivalry-in-the-middle-ages">stories</a> and other types of <a href="https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O90898/scenes-from-romance-literature-casket-unknown/">art</a>. These conventions influenced broader cultural ideas of emotion: love letters were written, grand acts of service were celebrated, and tokens of love were given. Rings, brooches, girdles (belts), gloves, gauntlets (sleeves), kerchiefs or other personalised textiles, combs, mirrors, purses, boxes, vessels and pictures – and even fish – are just some examples of <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books/about/The_Medieval_Art_of_Love.html?id=vDqSQgAACAAJ&redir_esc=y">romantic gifts</a> recorded from the late middle ages. In stories, gifts could be imbued with magical powers. In the 13th century, in a history of the world, Rudolf von Ems recorded how Moses, when <a href="https://yalebooks.yale.edu/2021/04/13/medieval-artists-painted-such-things-images-that-surprise-and-delight-in-illuminated-world-chronicles/">obliged to return home</a> and leave his first wife Tharbis, an Ethiopian princess, had two rings made. The one he gave her would cause Tharbis to forget him. He always wore its pair which kept her memory forever fresh in his mind. Outside of stories, gifts could have legal significance: wedding rings, important from the 13th century, could prove that a marriage had occurred by evidencing the intention and consent of the giver and recipient. <h2>The art of loving</h2> Like Chaucer, 20th-century German psychologist Erich Fromm thought people could learn the art of loving. Fromm thought love was an act of giving not just material things, but one’s joy, interest, understanding, knowledge, humour and sadness. While these gifts might take some time and practice, there are more straightforward ideas from history. Manufactured <a href="https://www.vam.ac.uk/blog/caring-for-our-collections/victorian-valentines">cards</a> have dominated since the industrial revolution, taking their place alongside other now traditional presents such as flowers, jewellery, intimate apparel and consumables (now more often <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/02/14/514565105/chocolate-love-s-sweet-but-not-necessarily-innocent-consort">chocolates</a> than fish). All can be <a href="https://emotionsblog.history.qmul.ac.uk/2014/12/love-in-objects/">personalised</a> for that intimate touch. There have, of course, been weirder examples of love gifts, such as Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton exchanging necklaces with silver pendants smeared with <a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2014/10/billy-bob-thornton-angelina-jolie-blood-vial">each other’s blood</a>. Artist Dora Maar was so upset when her <a href="https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2017/11/09/how-picasso-bled-the-women-in-his-life-for-art/">notoriously bad lover Pablo Picasso </a>complained about having to trade a painting for a ruby ring she immediately threw the ring in the Seine. Picasso soon replaced it with <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2017/actual-size-l17007/lot.18.html">another</a>, this one featuring Maar’s portrait. A good love token can long outlast the feelings that prompt its giving: a flower pressed in a book, a trinket at the bottom of a box, a fading heartfelt card or a bittersweet song that jolts you back to an earlier time. In this way, the meaning of gifts can change as they become reminders that all things pass. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/from-chaucer-to-chocolates-how-valentines-day-gifts-have-changed-over-the-centuries-198512" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Relationships

Wrapping presents leads to mother's cheeky Christmas discovery

Queensland mother of four Nicole, was wrapping her Christmas presents early this year, when she had to take a second glance at a few images on what she thought was fairly innocent and cute wrapping paper. What she didn’t realise, was that after wrapping a few presents she accidentally selected something a little too inappropriate. The paper, innocently named "Christmas Wrapping Paper Roll" online actually contained X-rated cartoon images. One of an aroused snowman and another of a randy reindeer mounting another. I purchased them online and only noticed when I was wrapping my third present - thankfully the first two were for me and my partner!" she laughed. "When I first saw it I had to send photos to my friend and mother to see if they noticed anything off while wiping laughing tears from my face." Nicole said she wasn't planning on ditching the paper from Typo completely, but with her younger children, she wasn't keen on her kids asking about the birds and the bees over Christmas lunch. "I have only wrapped small presents in it now with strategically placed name labels," she said of her work-around. "I find it hilarious and have showed everyone. I put the post up on social media in case someone hadn’t noticed or may have left it too late to buy more paper ... and to give people a laugh!" Feeling the need to share, Nicole posted snaps of the paper in the Christmas Mums Australia Facebook group, and wasn't the only one to find it funny. Over 340 members of the group commented on Nicole's post. “This is the best!” one person commented. “That’s gold! I love it,” added another. As the laughter and jokes kept coming, many shoppers said that others shouldn’t be so surprised by the images, given Type, the store Nicole purchased from is known for selling cheeky items like this. Images: Typo

Family & Pets

TV presenter pulled off air after receiving heartbreaking news

A TV presenter reporting at the World Cup has been forced off air after receiving horrific news that her mother was killed. Nadia Nadim is currently in Qatar working for UK broadcaster ITV, covering the World Cup. The 34-year-old was part of a panel discussing Denmark’s game with Tunisia on November 22 when she suddenly had to leave the studio. In a statement, Nadia revealed that her mother was on her way from the gym when she was hit by a truck. “Words cannot describe what I’m feeling,” her statement read. “I have lost the most important person in my life, and it happened so sudden and unexpected. She was only 57. “She was a warrior who had fought for every inch of her life. She didn’t give me life once, but twice, and everything I/ we are is because of her. “I have lost my home and I know nothing is gonna ever feel the same. Life is unfair and I don’t understand why her and why this way. I love you and I will see you again. “Her funeral is (going to) be soon... please come and show her the love, respect and prayers she deserves.” It remains unclear where her mother was killed. Image: ITV

Family & Pets

Is AI-generated art really creative? It depends on the presentation

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/apr/04/mind-blowing-ai-da-becomes-first-robot-to-paint-like-an-artist">Ai-Da</a> sits behind a desk, paintbrush in hand. She looks up at the person posing for her, and then back down as she dabs another blob of paint onto the canvas. A lifelike portrait is taking shape. If you didn’t know a robot produced it, this portrait could pass as the work of a human artist. Ai-Da is touted as the “first robot to paint like an artist”, and an exhibition of her work called <a href="https://www.ai-darobot.com/exhibition">Leaping into the Metaverse</a> opened at the Venice Biennale. Ai-Da produces portraits of sitting subjects using a robotic hand attached to her lifelike feminine figure. She’s also able to talk, giving detailed answers to questions about her artistic process and attitudes towards technology. She even gave a TEDx talk about “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaZJG7jiRak">The Intersection of Art and AI</a>” (artificial intelligence) in Oxford a few years ago. While the words she speaks are programmed, Ai-Da’s creators have also been experimenting with having her write and perform her own poetry. But how are we to interpret Ai-Da’s output? Should we consider her paintings and poetry original or creative? Are these works actually art? <h2>Art is subjective</h2> What discussions about AI and creativity often overlook is the fact that creativity is not an absolute quality that can be defined, measured and reproduced objectively. When we describe an object – for instance, a child’s drawing – as being creative, we project our own assumptions about culture onto it. Indeed, art never exists in isolation. It always needs someone to give it “art” status. And the criteria for whether you think something is art is informed by both your individual expectations and broader cultural conceptions. If we extend this line of thinking to AI, it follows that no AI application or robot can objectively be “creative”. It is always us – humans – who decide if what AI has created is art. In our <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/14614448221077278?journalCode=nmsa">recent research</a>, we propose the concept of the “Lovelace effect” to refer to when and how machines such as robots and AI are seen as original and creative. The Lovelace effect – named after the 19th century mathematician often called the first computer programmer, Ada Lovelace – shifts the focus from the technological capabilities of machines to the reactions and perceptions of those machines by humans. The programmer of an AI application or the designer of a robot does not just use technical means to make the public see their machine as creative. This also happens through presentation: how, where and why we interact with a technology; how we talk about that technology; and where we feel that technology fits in our personal and cultural contexts. <h2>In the eye of the beholder</h2> Our reception of Ai-Da is, in fact, informed by various cues that suggest her “human” and “artist” status. For example, Ai-Da’s robotic figure looks much like a human – she’s even called a “she”, with a feminine-sounding name that not-so-subtly suggests an Ada Lovelace influence. This femininity is further asserted by the blunt bob that frames her face (although she has sported some other funky hairstyles in the past), perfectly preened eyebrows and painted lips. Indeed, Ai-Da looks much like the quirky title character of the 2001 film Amélie. This is a woman we have seen before, either in film or our everyday lives. Ai-Da also wears conventionally “artsy” clothing, including overalls, mixed fabric patterns and eccentric cuts. In these outfits, she produces paintings that look like a human could have made them, and which are sometimes framed and displayed among human work. We also talk about her as we would a human artist. An article in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/apr/04/mind-blowing-ai-da-becomes-first-robot-to-paint-like-an-artist">the Guardian</a>, for example, gives a shout-out to “the world premier of her solo exhibition at the 2022 Venice Biennale”. If we didn’t know that Ai-Da was a robot, we could easily be led to appreciate her work as we would that of any other artist. Some may see robot-produced paintings as coming from creative computers, while others may be more skeptical, given the fact that robots act on clear human instructions. In any case, attributions of creativity never depend on technical configurations alone – no computer is objectively creative. Rather, attributions of computational creativity are largely inspired by contexts of reception. In other words, beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. As the Lovelace effect shows, through particular social cues, audiences are prompted to think about output as art, systems as artists, and computers as creative. Just like the frames around Ai-Da’s paintings, the frames we use to talk about AI output indicate whether or not what we are looking at can be called art. But, as with any piece of art, your appreciation of AI output ultimately depends on your own interpretation. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-ai-generated-art-really-creative-it-depends-on-the-presentation-181663" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Art

Readers respond: What was the best gift you remember receiving as a child?

Over a lifetime of birthdays, Christmases and other special events, it’s safe to say we receive all sorts of gifts from the people in our lives - particularly when we’re kids. Though not every gift we receive is a hit, some of the best are thoughtful or come with a story we remember – even when we no longer own the gift itself. We asked our readers what the best gift they remember receiving as a child was, and here’s what you had to say. Cheryl Clark - A doll clothes wardrobe. I still have it. It’s been renovated to restore its original loveliness. My nieces played with it and now my own granddaughters have the joy of it. Jayne Hunt - My Mum and Dad who adopted me when I was three years old. They were wonderful parents. Beverley Asmus - A very beautiful, hand smocked dress. I had been told during fittings it was for the dressmaker's niece who was my size. I was so envious of that mystery girl. On the final fitting I was told it was for me. The absolute joy of that moment can not be expressed in mere words. Linda Campbell - A nurse’s uniform. Little did I know I’d become a nurse for 30 years but didn’t start until I was 33. Una Hargreaves - A panda teddy which was the last as WW2 put a stop to the manufacture of toys. It remained with me into adult life! I called her Margaret. Johanna Craig - I had hankered for a scooter when I was little but I was born the year after the war in Holland and everyone was still recovering and very poor and my parents told me they had no money. But somehow my father had gathered bits and pieces and assembled together a scooter and painted it up so to a small child’s eyes it looked new and I got a scooter for my fifth birthday. Pat Richards - A little red rocking chair when I was about 3 or 4 years old! Aileen May - A pedal car, complete with a boot that opened and shut, made from scratch in its entirety by my Uncle. My brother and I had many hours of outdoor fun in that car until we outgrew it. Tierney Caden - A set of Reader’s Digest condensed classics. My love of reading started with these books. First one I read had My Friend Flicka on one side and Black Beauty on the other. Michael Kopp - My Mother and Father’s love. Margaret Meyer Szabo - My Gerry Gee doll - to practise as a budding ventriloquist! Barbara Miller - My doll Francis. She had dark hair that was glued on and very rosy cheeks. I still have her! Shirley Meier - A little shoulder bag my Mum hand stitched and embroidered for me for Xmas during the war. Allie Lovett - My brother Ken received a Meccano set one Christmas. If you knew him you would know he was an elite sportsman with great gross motor skills but almost zero fine motor ability. So we swapped presents. Best gift for me ever. I still like fiddling, sometimes making jewellery now. Wendy Elizabeth Lydorf - My first pair of thongs - I still wear thongs all summer these days and I’m 74. To read what else you said, head <a href="https://www.facebook.com/oversixtyNZ/posts/2116481795179099" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image: Getty Images

Caring

"No heart": Gran slammed for cruel Christmas act

Image: Facebook It didn't take long for a group of Facebook commenters to proclaim an unnamed grandmother guilty of having absolutely “no heart” after she left her son’s stepchild off her Christmas list. The anonymous grandmother was outed by a friend of hers who saw a "heartbreaking" photo shared by the gran on social media. In the photo, four children can be clearly seen wearing adorable matching Christmas pyjamas – but of particular interest is the fact that a FIFTH child is visible siting on the end wearing something completely different, making them the obvious odd one out. The friend who shared the photo captioned it with the words: "Some people out there with no heart!" "A friend of mine is married. Mother-in-law bought matching PJ's for all kids EXCEPT the one that doesn't belong to her son. Is she wrong?" she asked on a local Facebook group page. Members of the Facebook group where the photo was shared were horrified by the image and did not attempt to hide their anger. One person commented that the grandmother was: "100 per cent wrong". "The woman should feel ashamed of herself for leaving an innocent child out." "This is horrible to the core," wrote another. A third added: "Wow what a horrible thing to do." Some commenters defended the grandma, calling it "her choice", while one pointed the finger at the mother for not preventing the cruel act in the first place. "The mum should have refused them," one person wrote. "To let this happen and then take a photo as well." Blended families are always complicated and no one knows the real story behind the image, but being excluded is never a good feeling, especially for a child at Christmas.

Family & Pets

Can you find the doll among all the Christmas presents?

Attention, puzzle pros! Online motherhood community <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.channelmum.com/" target="_blank">Channel Mums</a> has designed a brainteaser that is sure to get you feeling festive for the holiday season – and seriously test your smarts, too. Here’s the challenge: Hidden somewhere in this crazy conglomeration of dinosaurs, rocket ships, teddy bears and yo-yos is a single doll. But only the most eagle-eyed observers can track it down. “At first glance, it looks like every mum’s nightmare – the scene of living room chaos following the opening of the Christmas presents,” Siobhan Freegard, spokeswoman for Channel Mum, told The Sun. “It’s very tricky, but it shouldn’t take longer than your average wrapping paper clean-up.” That said, don’t be too hard on yourself if you can’t spot the pesky doll. It may speed up your search to know that you can only see half of her body; the other half is covered by a few extra toys. Still stumped? Check out the photo below to see where the doll has been hiding. <img style="width: 500px; height:333.3333333333333px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846352/new-photo-768x512_gh_content_750px.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/dbf74793a0424e80b8f564e0ee6879ea" /> Image: Channel Mum Written by Brooke Nelson. This article first appeared in <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/true-stories-lifestyle/thought-provoking/can-you-find-doll-among-all-christmas-presents" target="_blank">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a rel="noopener" href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> Image: Channel Mum <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Mind

From the Red Centre to the green tropics, Australia’s Outback presents a palette like no other

By Reader's Digest, in partnership with APT From the sunburnt sands and ochre-hued escarpments of its Red Centre to the lush green rainforests of Tropical North Queensland, Australia’s Outback packs a punch when it comes to the kaleidoscope of colours on show. <a href="https://www.aptouring.com.au/?utm_source=readersdigest&utm_medium=advertorial&utm_content=20200302_outback2020_readersdigest_native&utm_campaign=outback2020">APT</a> has been operating tours in the Outback for more than 50 years, and are experts in tailoring holidays to showcase the best of each magical region. A world of rainforest and reef In Cape Tribulation, rainforest-clad mountains tumble down to meet the coastline, where pure white sands and turquoise waters dazzle. This is the only place on Earth where two World Heritage-listed sites meet – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. The Daintree is the oldest tropical lowland forest in the world and is home to thousands of species of birds, animals and reptiles. Here, giant fan palms, emerald green vines and ancient ferns tangle together, forming a dense rainforest that makes you feel as though you are stepping into Jurassic Park. On tour APT offers an 11-day 4WD adventure through Cooktown & Cape York. Arrive in Cairns and transfer to Port Douglas, where you’ll spend a night at the luxurious Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. Travel to Mossman Gorge in Daintree National Park and set off on a Dreamtime Gorge Walk. Explore Cape Tribulation and Cooktown then visit Split Rock, an intriguing Indigenous rock art site. Take a helicopter flight into the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve before continuing north to the tip of Cape York. Here, set out on a walk to the tip of the peninsula and enjoy a helicopter flight for an aerial perspective on this incredible landscape. Be moved by the outback’s heart As the light shifts and changes throughout the day, so does the landscape at Uluru – the Outback’s spiritual heart. At sunrise, feel an overwhelming sense of calm as you watch this mighty monolith come to life against a pastel-coloured sky. In the afternoon, Uluru appears as an ochre-brown hue, scored with dark shadows. As the sun begins to set, it bathes the rock in burnt orange, then a series of deeper and darker reds, before it finally fades into charcoal as night falls. Spend a night at the Field of Light and savour dinner under the stars, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the didgeridoo. With Uluru in the background, watch in awe as 50,000 soft lights cover the desert floor behind you. On tour On APT’s 11-day Central to South Explorer tour, start your journey in Uluru, where you’ll embark on a base tour at sunrise and experience a night at the Field of Light. Learn about the history of opal mining in Coober Pedy then travel along the iconic Oodnadatta Track to WIlliam Creek. Take an included scenic flight over spectacular Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre before journeying to Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. While here, spend two nights at the Ikara Safari Camp – the perfect base for exploring Wilpena Pound National Park. A winery lunch in Adelaide’s Clare Valley is the perfect ending to your journey. Getting your fill of Lake Eyre Few sights in Australia stir the soul more than that of the normally dry Lake Eyre filling with water and suddenly teeming with life. The lake, properly known as Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, relies on monumental rains in Queensland and the Northern Territory for water to begin to flow into it. Last year saw the lake reach levels unseen for almost half a century, and it is hoped that 2020’s northern monsoon season will see the region once again alive with fish surging through the rivers that feed Lake Eyre, and its surface thronged with an array of birdlife including hundreds of thousands of pelicans. In a land battling drought and bushfires, the vision of water shimmering on the surface of the lake is life affirming. And it is something to be treasured and celebrated, so take this rare chance to go with the flow. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.413612565445px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843791/red-centre-2-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/5655363ea89d4bf1b0684a7bf50cfbba" /> Paradise found amid corals and blooms Stretching over 1,100 kilometres of seemingly untouched coastline, Western Australia’s Coral Coast is a marine paradise like no other. Here, waves lap lazily on pristine white-sand beaches and turtles sweep through sheltered turquoise bays. The crystal-clear waters of Ningaloo Marine Park harbour the world’s largest fringing reef. Beneath the surface, you’ll find dolphins, dugongs, manta rays, and more than 500 species of fish. There’s more to discover on land, where colourful blankets of native wildflowers burst into bloom between August and September along the spectacular Wildflower Way. For a whole new perspective on the region, take to the skies on a helicopter flight over the Dampier Archipelago. The staggering contrast between brilliant white beaches, aquamarine waters, and the rugged red Pilbara landscape is a breathtaking sight – one that can only be experienced from the air. On tour Board the MS Caledonian Sky in Broome and navigate the remote islands of Western Australia’s Coral Coast on a 15-day small ship expedition cruise and 4WD adventure. Discover life below the surface while snorkelling the clear waters of this marine paradise. Disembark in Geraldton and continue the adventure as you explore Kalbarri National Park and the eerie limestone Pinnacles. To finish up your journey, there’s a stay in a luxury eco-tent on the beautiful Rottnest Island. This article originally appeared on <a href="mailto:https://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/from-the-red-centre-to-the-green-tropics-australias-outback-presents-a-palette-like-no-other">Reader's Digest.</a> Photos: Reader’s Digest

Domestic Travel

Coroner investigating death of BBC presenter after COVID jab

An investigation has been launched into the death of a British journalist who her family says died from complications after having had the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. BBC presenter Lisa Shaw died on Friday and according to her family, she had been treated for blood clots days after her first jab. A coroner is now looking into the claims. The current fact-of-death certificate shows the vaccine as one of the possible reasons being considered, reports the BBC. Newcastle's senior coroner Karen Dilks released the document which confirms an investigation into Shaw's death will take place and lists a "complication of AstraZeneca Covid-19 virus vaccination" as a consideration. Shaw, who worked for BBC Radio Newcastle, was not known to have any underlying health problems. In a statement her family said: "Lisa developed severe headaches a week after receiving her AstraZeneca vaccine and fell seriously ill a few days later. "She was treated by the RVI's [Royal Victoria Infirmary] intensive care team for blood clots and bleeding in her head. Tragically she passed away, surrounded by her family, on Friday afternoon. We are devastated and there is a Lisa-shaped hole in our lives that can never be filled. We will love and miss her always. "It's been a huge comfort to see how loved she was by everyone whose lives she touched, and we ask for privacy at this time to allow us to grieve as a family." The BBC has described Shaw as a "brilliant presenter" who was "loved by our audiences". "We've lost someone special who meant a great deal to a great many people," it said. The UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said vaccine benefits exceed risks for most people. In a statement a spokesperson for the MHRA said: "We are saddened to hear about the death of Lisa Shaw and our thoughts are with her family. "As with any serious suspected adverse reaction, reports with a fatal outcome are fully evaluated by the MHRA, including an assessment of post-mortem details if available. "Our detailed and rigorous review into reports of blood clots occurring together with thrombocytopenia is ongoing." The blood clots linked to the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine are considered extremely rare.

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"Fiction is presented as fact": Royal family blasts new series of The Crown

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> The British Royal family is said to be "furious" about the fourth season of hit Netflix show The Crown, which covers aspects of the royal family's life, including Charles' doomed marriage to Princess Diana and his affair with Camilla Parker Bowles. The Prince of Wales' friends have slammed the show to UK tabloids, saying that "fiction is presented as fact" in the latest series. ‘This is drama and entertainment for commercial ends being made with no regard to the actual people involved who are having their lives hijacked and exploited,’ one told the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8949675/Prince-Charles-friends-launch-blistering-attack-Netflixs-Crown.html" target="_blank" class="editor-rtflink">Mail on Sunday</a>. “In this case, it’s dragging up things that happened during very difficult times 25 or 30 years ago without a thought for anyone’s feelings.” “That isn’t right or fair, particularly when so many of the things being depicted don’t represent the truth.’” The depiction of a cold and disinterested Prince Charles meeting and marrying a young Princess Diana while continuing his affair with Camilla Parker-Bowles is the issue the royal family have contention with. “This is trolling with a Hollywood budget.” “The public shouldn’t be fooled into thinking this is an accurate portrayal of what really happened,” another insider added. Sunrise Royal Editor Rob Jobson said that the royal family is understandably upset by any negative portrayal of the Prince of Wales. “The bottom line is the Prince of Wales is a kind man, and the reality is that at the beginning of his marriage he did try very hard to help Diana,” he said. “I’ve known him fairly well and I think he’s a much nicer guy than he’s been shown to be.” </div> </div> </div>

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Coroner investigating death of BBC presenter after COVID jab

"Fiction is presented as fact": Royal family blasts new series of The Crown