Search

10 worst movies based on TV shows

There was a time when Hollywood executives were convinced that television would end the movie industry. They were certain no-one would want to pay for entertainment when there was free TV to watch. Both the film and television worlds not only survived but also thrived. To keep up with the growing demand for new products to film, the movie executives turned to the same industry they once feared. Television programmes were adapted into big screen productions. The trend continues with Baywatch being the latest feature film to draw on a TV show for inspiration. Some of the efforts worked while others should have been cancelled before being released. The following list includes some of the worst movies based on a TV show. The list is long but here are 10 of the worst: 1. CHiPs (2017) Dax Shepard and Michael Pena should have been arrested for grand theft for their part in this robbery of the movie-going public. The effort to make this movie a spoof of the beloved TV show that ran from 1977-1983 might have worked had they had even one funny joke. No such luck as all the pair had to work with was a script - by Shepard - that banked on a running joke about masturbating to generate laughs. Shepard and Pena. Both are talented performers, but even those with skills can't milk laughs out of a script that is a lot like Los Angeles traffic. Most of the time it's moving at a slow pace but there are more moments when it just comes to a dead stop. 2. The Honeymooners (2005) It was a monster mistake to make a film version of the 1955 series starring Jackie Gleason. As much as 75 per cent of what made the original Honeymooners such classic entertainment was Gleason. It was his bigger-than-life personality that made the show a classic. Cedric the Entertainer has skills but not enough to be a modern Ralph Kramden. This movie should have been sent right to the moon instead of into theatres. 3. Lost in Space (1998) The biggest problem director Stephen Hopkins faced trying to adapt this '60s sci-fi series into a movie was that the original TV show never had a clear identity. In a span of three seasons, the TV show went from a serious space adventure to a cosmic goof. And, the film is just as big a cosmic goof. The casting of Gary Oldman as Dr Smith (the Snidely Whiplash of space hitchhikers) was smart but that's where the clever thinking left orbit. A convoluted script mixed with a bland Matt LeBlanc as Maj Don West should have forced the studio to have the prints lost in the space of a landfill. 4. The Beverly Hillbillies (1993) Few films based on TV shows have featured so much talent and potential only to end up missing the mark so much. Director Penelope Spheeris was coming off her massive success with Wayne's World and put together a cast that included Diedrich Bader, Jim Varney, Cloris Leachman, Lily Tomlin and Dabney Coleman. The one thing everyone forgot was that the TV comedy, which started in 1962, was a painfully light sitcom that relied on juvenile jokes and backwoods humour. That's OK when it's free on TV and there are other shows to watch but not worth the cost of a ticket. This was a wee-doggies of a film (with the emphasis on dog). 5. Inspector Gadget (1999) The only way this live-action version of the creative animated series could have been any worse is if the vanilla version of comedy, French Stewart, had played the robotic detective rather than Matthew Broderick. At least Broderick tried to bring the same kind of dry humour to the role that Don Adams had infused in the original series. Try being the operative word. Other than helping push some toys sales, Inspector Gadget had little worth. It was so bad that Broderick didn't return to the role for the sequel and was replaced by... French Stewart. 6. Car 54, Where Are You (1994) It was impossible to figure out the audience this movie was trying to attract. The big screen version of the TV show came along more than 30 years after the original went off the air. The goofball script didn't come across as being aimed at an audience that would remember the TV cop comedy. And the youth target market would have only heard of the series from their parents. The only good thing to come out of it was that John C McGinley was able to rebound seven years later to help make the TV comedy Scrubs a hit. So far, no word on a big screen version of that medical sitcom. 7. Dukes of Hazzard (2005) The entire movie comes across like star Johnny Knoxville is pulling a Jackass stunt on the audience, with a lack of funny jokes, good acting, interesting situations, human-like dialogue, anything really hazardous and the presence of Jessica Simpson. 8. Starsky & Hutch (2004) Ben Stiller had to have a place on this list and it was his forgettable work with Owen Wilson that earned him the honour. Watching the two stumble along as the big screen versions of the cool TV detectives ended up being a form of police brutality. The only saving grace was... OK, there was no saving grace. A shootout with the Dukes of Hazzard guys wouldn't have been enough to save this disaster. 9. The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2000) The cast from the original films - which included John Goodman, Elizabeth Perkins, Rick Moranis and Rosie O'Donnell - was replaced by the likes of Mark Addy, Kristen Johnston, Stephen Baldwin and Jane Krakowski. It's the best decision ever made by the original cast members to consider the franchise to be extinct. The replacements helped push this franchise back into the Stone Ages of movies. 10. Land of the Lost (2009) What would such a list be like without one Will Ferrell movie? He almost made the list by ruining the big screen version of Bewitched but it was this monumental stinker that was the worst. Written by Rick Bentley. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stuff.co.nz.</a> Images: Getty

Movies

10 best couples cruises for a romantic holiday at sea

The best cruises for couples you’ll want to book now What could be more romantic than spending a week at sea on a gorgeous ship with your honey, taking in spectacular views while indulging in over-the-top spa treatments and decadent, all-you-can-eat food? On the best cruises for couples, you get to experience so many exciting new sights, sounds and tastes together, you’re likely to fall in love with each other all over again. In fact, cruising is so romantic that thousands of couples actually get married, honeymoon and renew their vows onboard ships annually. There are romantic short cruises, all-inclusive cruises, adults-only cruises and even cruises that sail around the world. So, with all the great options out there, how do you choose the best cruise for the two of you? We’ve come up with a list of the best cruises for every type of traveller – times two! – to ensure you have fun together and don’t end up having to look for singles cruises instead! Best overall cruise – Viking Cruises Which company offers the best cruises for couples? Thanks to its small ships, impeccable service and adults-only policy, Viking earns that title, offering amazing cruises for lovebirds of all ages. You’ll feel like you’re at one of the best adults-only, all-inclusive resorts – except that you’ll have stunning views at sea. Every stateroom features its own private veranda, perfect for cosying up and watching the world go by, but don’t miss afternoon tea in the lovely Wintergarden. Whether you’re heading to Hawaii or the Mediterranean, a shore excursion in every port is also included in your fare, and after each one, you’ll want to relax in your robes in the spa’s Scandinavian-inspired thermal suite and talk about everything you experienced. In addition to award-winning ocean cruises, Viking is renowned for its river cruises and recently introduced expedition ships. Now, well-travelled couples can fulfil their bucket list trip to Antarctica knowing their favourite cruise line – like their partner – has their back. Best megaship cruise – Celebrity Cruises Although Celebrity ships hold thousands of guests, they’re so thoughtfully designed with cosy nooks and corners that they have a surprisingly intimate feel, which is why they may end up being your favourite cruises. That’s especially true for the Edge series ships, the newest in the fleet, which include the recently launched Beyond, a wonder in and of itself. Beyond fully lives up to its name, especially if you upgrade to the Retreat, an exclusive ship within a ship that will make you feel like, well, a celebrity. It includes a beautiful, roomy suite with your own veranda and also grants you access to a private sundeck, lounge and restaurant conducive to more intimate conversations. For the perfect date night, be sure to make a dinner reservation at Le Voyage, the first restaurant at sea from Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud, before heading off to a Broadway-quality show. No worries if you’re not on Beyond. Every Celebrity ship is filled with fantastic dining options, and on Edge series ships, you can enjoy dinner alfresco on the Magic Carpet, so seriously, what are you waiting for? Best cruise for getting married or renewing your vows – Princess Cruises Nicknamed “The Love Boat” in honour of the iconic TV show that was filmed on one of its ships, Princess is all about amore, and it just may be the most romantic cruise line. Embracing that legacy of love, it offers personalised wedding packages for couples who want to tie the knot at sea and recently set a Guinness World Record for the largest multi-location vow renewal. A dating reality show, The Real Love Boat, was also filmed aboard the Regal Princess and debuts in late 2022. But even if you’re not thinking about marriage yet or you’ve been married for years, you’ll want to cuddle under a blanket together to watch Movies Under the Stars or book an Ultimate Balcony Dining experience for a private champagne breakfast for two. Whatever you choose to do, love is in the air! Best traditional cruise – Cunard Line With ships named after Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria, it’s no wonder couples get the royal treatment on Cunard. The 180-year-old cruise line’s rich history is evident throughout each Art Deco-influenced ship, and there’s a touch of glamour that celebrates the Golden Age of cruising and will inspire you to celebrate each other. Some good cruise advice? Opt for a magical transatlantic cruise to stay on the ship 24/7 and take advantage of everything from enriching lectures to lazy days in the spa’s thermal suite. Pack your formalwear for the Gala Evening that’s a highlight of each cruise, and spend the night dancing cheek to cheek. Best luxury cruise – Seabourn Cruises With an oceanfront view from every room and all-inclusive fare, Seabourn is worth the splurge for a romantic getaway. Your Personal Suite Steward will attend to your every need, even drawing a Pure Pampering bath for two. You’ll also dine in style, choosing between award-winning venues serving everything from steak and sushi to tableside preparations of caesar salad and ice cream sundaes. In each port, Seabourn categorises its shore excursions into collections, so you can experience a destination the way the two of you want to, whether you’re more into culture, wellness or adventure. The only issue is that you may never want to leave the ship. Best midsize cruise – Holland America Line Many couples prefer midsize cruises because they offer the intimacy of a small ship with more activities. Holland America is a great choice, featuring lovely spaces like Silk Den Lounge and the Pinnacle Bar, where you can while away a couple of hours enjoying each other’s company with a cool drink in hand. Enjoy live entertainment at B.B. King’s Blues Club, Lincoln Center Stage and Billboard Onboard, and take part in Port to Table food and wine tastings and cooking demonstrations. All these experiences will enrich your cruise and your memories together. FYI, despite its name, Holland offers a wealth of itineraries for couples cruises, covering destinations from Alaska to Zanzibar. Best cruise for younger couples – Virgin Voyages Richard Branson’s adults-only cruise line is young and hip. An oasis on the ocean, Virgin Voyages are the best cruises for millennial couples, whether you’re heading to the Greek Islands or the Caribbean ones. Every night can be date night, with more than 20 all-included eateries featuring everything from Korean BBQ to veggie-forward dining. Don’t worry – you can work off the calories in a wide variety of unlimited fitness classes, whether you prefer the intensity of indoor cycling or the zen of yoga. Choose the soundtrack to your cruise at Voyage Vinyl, an onboard record store, where you’re likely to find your song. And commemorate your romantic vacation by getting matching tattoos at Squid Ink, the first tattoo shop at sea. Have cruises recovered from COVID? We’d say yes! Best cruise for older couples – Silversea Cruises You won’t find lots of partiers on a Silversea cruise, but you will find lots of happy couples enjoying the ships’ understated luxury … and each other. It’s impossible not to feel special when you have your own suite with your own personal butler tending to your every need. (And FYI, all Silversea accommodations are suites.) Full dinners can even be served, course by course, in your cabin, white tablecloth and all. And because the all-inclusive pricing features wine, champagne and top-shelf spirits, you’ll find yourselves raising a glass – or two or three – to your love and your wise decision to book this couples cruise. Best cruise for active couples – Royal Caribbean International Royal Caribbean has always been known for its multitude of options, which have expanded even further with its launch of Wonder of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship. It’s like a city in itself, boasting eight unique “neighbourhoods,” including one exclusively for Royal Suite Class guests. There is so much for couples to do throughout the ship’s 18 decks, from walking through the plant-filled Central Park, riding the zip line and trying the FlowRider surf simulator to sipping cocktails at the cantilevered Vue Bar. On many of Royal Caribbean’s other ships, including Harmony of the Seas, you can opt for ice skating and dance lessons. Best budget cruise for couples – Carnival Cruise Lines Because Carnival has a reputation as a party boat, people often ask, “Is Carnival good for couples?” The answer is yes, and the truth is, with the right partner, any cruise ship can be romantic. Carnival also happens to be fun and value-priced, which comes in handy if you didn’t book a cruise when they’re the cheapest (often, that’s in the off-season, like right after the holidays). Carnival gives you the opportunity to channel your inner child and scream your way down the waterslides, laugh your head off at the R-rated comedy club sets and chill in the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat – all on the same cruise. And, as the saying goes, the couple that plays together stays together. Written by Lois Alter Mark. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/travel/10-best-couples-cruises-for-a-romantic-holiday-at-sea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> Image: Getty Images

Cruising

One in ten Australian jobs at risk of automation

As the Australian economy begins its recovery efforts in tandem with the coronavirus pandemic slowing, a worrying statistic has been released about Aussie jobs. The study, which was conducted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), warns that one in every 10 jobs is at risk of being automated. The research concluded that the employment disruption will be felt unevenly across Australia, as cities and regional towns will be hit the hardest. In comparison, wealthier and affluent urban areas face the least risk of jobs being automated. The OECD believe that plant and machinery operators, as well as food preparation workers are among the employment sectors most at risk. The report also says the demographics that will be hit hardest are young people, men and Indigenous people, as they are more likely to have declining job opportunities. The regional towns where automation is said to hit have roots in the coal mining industries, as 40 percent of jobs in the New South Wales Hunter Region face some disruption while in Queensland's Mackay region it was about 41 per cent. In comparison, Canberra and Sydney's eastern suburbs face the lowest risk of jobs lost through automation. Teaching and health services are likely to remain safe from automation technology, as the pandemic saw a drastic increase in jobs in these areas over the last 12 months. In order to protect existing jobs, the OECD says some workers will have their duties upskilled in order to save as many jobs as possible from the mundane tasks that automation can be utilised for. Image credits: Shutterstock

Technology

Ten gardening tips for beginners

Wondering how to start a garden? You can find your confidence to do it with these expert gardening tips. Site it right Starting a garden is pretty much all about location. Place your garden in a part of your yard where you'll see it regularly because if it’s out of sight, it’ll be out of mind. This way, you'll be much more likely to spend time in it. Follow the sun Misjudging sunlight is a common pitfall when you're first learning to garden. Pay attention to how sunlight plays through your yard before choosing a spot for your garden. Most edible plants, including many vegetables, herbs, and fruits, need at least six hours of sun in order to thrive. Stay close to water One of the best gardening tips you'll ever get is to plan your new garden near a water source. Make sure you can run a hose to your garden site, so you don't have to carry water to it each time your plants get thirsty. The best way to tell if plants need watering is to push a finger an inch down into the soil (that's about one knuckle deep). If it's dry, it's time to water. Start with great soil When starting a garden, one of the top pieces of advice is to invest in soil which is nutrient-rich and well-drained. You can buy garden soil from hardware stores and mix this in with existing soil to make it more nutrient- dense for your plants. Consider containers When space is at a premium, look to containers. You can grow many plants in pots, including vegetables, herbs, flowers, fruit trees, berries, and shrubs. When gardening in containers, use a pot that's large enough for the plant it's hosting, and fill it with some potting mix. This will help the plants to thrive and it will also protect against over and under watering. Choose the right plants It's important to select plants which match your growing conditions. This means putting sun-loving plants into a sunny spot, choosing heat-tolerant plants in warm climates, and giving ground-gobbling vines like pumpkins and melons ample elbow room - or a trellis to climb up. Do your homework and pick varieties which will grow well where you live and in the space you have. Discover your zone Knowing your ‘hardiness zone’ can help you choose the best plants. Simply put, it describes the coldest place a plant can grow. The higher the zone number, the warmer the climate. So, if a plant is ‘hardy to zone 4’ and you garden in zone 5, that plant will survive in your yard. If, however, you're in zone 3, it's too cold to grow that particular plant. Learn your frost dates Planting too early or late in the season can spell disaster for your garden. You need to know the last average spring frost date for your area so you don't accidentally kill plants by putting them out prematurely. It's also good to know your first average fall frost date so you can get your plants harvested or moved indoors before late-season cold damages them. Add some mulch Apply a layer of mulch that's two to three inches deep around each plant. This will help reduce weeds by blocking out the sun, and reduce moisture loss through evaporation, so you have to water less. Or, you can put down straw, shredded leaves, pine straw or some other locally available material. Feed plants regularly We've already talked about the importance of starting with great soil, but that soil works best in concert with regular boosts of high-quality nutrition for your plants. In other words, amazing soil + top-notch plant food = super garden success! So, a month after planting, begin feeding your garden with some plant food you’re your local store and be sure to follow label directions. Photos: Getty Images

Home & Garden

The Ocean Decade: how the next ten years can chart a new course for the blue planet

When birdsong was filling the muted days of the first lockdown, marine scientists were noticing something similar in the world’s oceans. Container vessels, cruise ships and drilling platforms had fallen silent, and so the oceans grew quieter than at any other time in recent memory. Researchers are trying to understand how the lull affected ocean life, but there are already stories of whales seizing the chance to sing and dolphins venturing into coastal areas they’d avoided for decades. The year of the quiet ocean is over, and noise pollution is roaring back to pre-pandemic levels, drowning out the sounds that marine species depend on to communicate and make sense of their surroundings. Sadly, that’s just one problem among many. The UN has declared that the next ten years will be <a href="https://www.oceandecade.org/">the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development</a>, recognising the enormous challenges facing our blue planet. The Conversation has been keeping an eye on some of these as part of our <a href="https://theconversation.com/uk/topics/oceans-21-96784">Oceans 21 series</a>. Already, we’ve heard from experts about how chemical pollution in the ocean <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-ocean-pollution-is-a-clear-danger-to-human-health-152641">threatens human health</a>, how the ocean economy is dominated by <a href="https://theconversation.com/blue-economy-how-a-handful-of-companies-reap-most-of-the-benefits-in-multi-billion-ocean-industries-153165">a handful of mega-rich corporations</a> and why global warming is <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-ocean-is-becoming-more-stable-heres-why-that-might-not-be-a-good-thing-157911">making the ocean more stable</a> – with surprisingly worrying results. But we’ve also heard informed reasons for hope. From the geographer studying <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-hopeful-return-of-polar-whales-151487">the recovery of polar whale populations</a> and the team of physicists learning how to track the journey of <a href="https://theconversation.com/where-does-plastic-pollution-go-when-it-enters-the-ocean-155182">each plastic particle</a> when it reaches the shoreline, to the anthropologist documenting the role that <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-scottish-gaelic-is-helping-protect-scotlands-seas-155660">Scottish Gaelic plays in conservation</a> in Outer Hebridean fisheries.

Cruising

Tens of millions face lockdown from a single super-spreader

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> A salesman promoting health products to the elderly and travelled around China has been linked to 102 confirmed COVID-19 infections. This has prompted tens of millions of people into lockdown. The man travelled while unknowingly infectious for several days before being tracked down by health authorities as a close contact of a confirmed case. “The super-spreading phenomenon occurred in our province mainly because when the superspreader was discovered, he was still in the early phase of his infection and had relatively strong ability to shed the virus,” Zhao Qinglong, an official with the Jilin provincial disease control and prevention centre, told state-run news agency Xinhua. Over a four-day period, the man held marketing sessions and seminars promoting health products that targeted elderly residents, with 79 people who attended the meeting going on to infect 23 close contacts. All those infected have been quickly placed in quarantine. These "health clubs" have come under scrutiny since the event as the sessions are unable to be regulated like large gatherings as they are usually held in private homes. “The infected people were gathered in an enclosed space for a long time,” Zhao told Xinhua. “Most of them are middle-aged and elderly people with underlying health conditions, and weak immunity, and therefore extremely susceptible to infection.” The average age of those infected is 63, with the oldest being 87 years of age. These health clubs are now being investigated by authorities to check whether the sessions violated any regulations. </div> </div> </div>

News

What we learn from a fish that can change sex in just ten days

The bluehead wrasse is a fish that lives in small social groups in coral reefs in the Caribbean. Only the male has a blue head – signalling his social dominance over a harem of yellow-striped females. If this male is removed from the group, something extraordinary happens: the largest female in the group changes sex to become male. Her behaviour changes within minutes. Within ten days, her ovaries transform into sperm-producing testes. Within 21 days she appears completely male. But how does the wrasse change sex, and why did evolution select this system? Also, given that fish share sex-determining genes with mammals, would an understanding of this provide new insight into how sex works in humans and other animals? How does the transformation happen? The trigger for sex change in the bluehead wrasse and some other species <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29304633">is social</a>. When the male fish is removed, the largest female immediately senses his absence and adopts full male breeding behaviours the same day. How this social cue translates into molecular action remains a bit of a mystery, but it probably involves stress. High levels of the stress hormone cortisol <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28890443">are associated with</a> temperature-based sex determination in other fish and reptiles. Cortisol probably alters reproductive function by impacting sex hormone levels. Stress could be the unifying mechanism that channels environmental information into a change in sex. Our <a href="https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/5/7/eaaw7006">research</a> traced changes in the activity of all 20,000-odd bluehead wrasse genes during the female to male transformation. Unsurprisingly, we found the gene that produces the female hormone (estrogen) rapidly shuts off, and genes responsible for making male hormones (androgens) are turned on. Hundreds of other genes required for being female (including genes that make egg components) also progressively shut down, while genes required for maleness (including genes that make sperm components) turn on. Epigenetics We also noticed changes in the activity of developmentally important genes whose roles in sex determination remain unknown. This included genes known to “epigenetically” regulate the activity of other genes. Epigenetics refers to regulation “above the gene”. For example, there are many fish and reptile species in which the sex of developing embryos is determined <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28804140">by environmental cues</a>, such as the temperature at which eggs are incubated. The sex is not determined by different genes, but by the environment impacting the activity of these genes. Similar mechanisms regulate adult sex change in fish, so this may be important in translating the social cue into molecular action. Surprisingly, we saw the turn-on of some powerful genes that are active in embryos and stem cells. These genes keep cells in a neutral embryo-like state, from which they can mature (differentiate) into any tissue type. They can also revert differentiated cells to an embryo-like state. This suggests that transitioning from ovaries to testes in wrasse involves reversing the cell differentiation process – something scientists have argued about for decades. What are the advantages? <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-2979.2007.00266.x">Researchers have identified</a> more than 500 fish species that regularly change sex as adults. Clown fish begin life as males, then change into females, and kobudai do the opposite. Some species, including gobies, can change sex back and forth. The transformation may be triggered by age, size, or social status. Sex change is an <a href="https://ourblueplanet.bbcearth.com/blog/?article=incredible-sex-changing-fish-from-blue-planet">advantage</a> when an individual’s reproductive value is greater as one sex when it is small, and greater as the other sex when it grows bigger. If females benefit more than males from being larger (because they can lay more eggs), male-to-female sex change is most advantageous. But if (as for wrasse) males gain more from being large, because they can better defend their breeding territories and mate with many females, female-to-male sex change is optimal. Sex change might also <a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-01/esoa-tao011320.php">advantage</a> a population recovering from overfishing, which often targets larger fish and leaves the population deficient in one sex. Thus, a mechanism for replacing the missing sex would be an advantage. Why can’t humans change sex naturally? Male and female wrasse differ in size, colour, behaviour, but especially in their reproductive organs – the ovary and testes. Sex change in the wrasse involves complete remodelling of the gonad from an ovary producing eggs to a testis producing sperm. This differs from other fish that routinely change sex when they get big enough. Their gonads contain both male and female tissues, and sex change occurs when one outgrows the other. So, fish employ all sorts of strategies to get the most out of sex. In contrast, humans and other mammals determine sex via a gene on the male-only Y chromosome. This gene triggers the formation of testes in the embryo, which unleash male hormones and direct male development of the baby. The human sex system is nowhere near as flexible as that of fish or reptiles. There is no evidence any environmental factors influence the sex determination of mammalian embryos, let alone cause sex change in adults. That said, humans share with all vertebrates (including fish) about 30 genes that control ovary or testis differentiation. Mutation in any of these genes can tilt development toward male or female, resulting in atypical sexual development, but never sex change. Perhaps an understanding of epigenetic changes in fish sex can offer us valuable insight, as we wrestle with new ideas about human sex and gender.<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; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/129063/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jenny-graves-91614">Jenny Graves</a>, Distinguished Professor of Genetics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/la-trobe-university-842">La Trobe University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/erica-todd-802431">Erica Todd</a>, Lecturer, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/neil-gemmell-502734">Neil Gemmell</a>, Professor of Reproduction and Genomics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-otago-1304">University of Otago</a> This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-we-learn-from-a-fish-that-can-change-sex-in-just-10-days-129063">original article</a>.

Family & Pets

10 family members catch norovirus on cruise

A honeymoon vacation turned sour for one family when 10 members caught a norovirus aboard a seven-day cruise. The family were travelling to the Bahamas with Royal Caribbean cruises but while celebrating their recent marriage, Ashley Morris, her husband, her two children, her parents, nieces and sister-in-law fell sick on the Anthem of the Seas. “My family is suffering now,” Ashley tod WPVI. On the second day of the cruise, Ashely heard rumours aboard the ship about a fast-spreading virus. Ashley said workers in masks and protective gear were spotted sanitizing narrow hallways on the ships but the virus had already started to spread. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 10 members of Philadelphia family get sick on Royal Caribbean cruise ship <a href="https://t.co/n9Mi5WP5XC">https://t.co/n9Mi5WP5XC</a> <a href="https://t.co/U8NS9eTPOc">pic.twitter.com/U8NS9eTPOc</a> — Action News on 6abc (@6abc) <a href="https://twitter.com/6abc/status/930274604907745282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2017</a></blockquote> "Some hand-sanitizing stations, they didn't have any sanitizer available to us. They were out of soap at certain sinks, there were no sanitizing stations at the elevators," she said. Her family accused the ship’s managers of not doing enough to prevent the spread of the virus, which is transmitted by touching others or germ-covered surfaces. "You call Royal Caribbean and they want medical documentation," Ashely said. "They're not compensating anyone in any way until medical documentation is given." Royal Caribbean said it was aware of 98 reported cases of gastro-intestinal illness symptoms. The 98 cases represent about 2 per cent of the 4,905 passengers and crew onboard. “Those affected by the short-lived illness are being treated by the ship's doctors and responded well to over-the-counter medication, and guests were encouraged to ensure hand hygiene standards remain high at all times to prevent the spread of any illness during the remainder of the cruise,” Royal Caribbean said in a statement. “There have been numerous reports of multiple strains of gastrointestinal illnesses in the community in Australia in recent months.”

Cruising

Jane Austen fans outraged at new £10 note blunder

The Bank of England has revealed the new £10 note featuring Jane Austen that will be entering circulation on September 14. However, fans of the famous author are disappointed with the quote that appears under the portrait of Jane Austen. The note, unveiled exactly 200 years after Jane’s death on July 18, includes the quote, “I declare after all there is no enjoyment but reading!” The issue fans have with the quote is that it wasn’t said by Austen, but by the “detested” character Caroline Bingley in Pride and Prejudice, who hated reading. In the book, the line is not to be taken literally but it was said in a sarcastic tone. <img width="496" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/39746/jane-auten-in-text_496x280.jpg" alt="Jane Auten In Text"/> The outraged fans have expressed their disappointment on Twitter at the selection of the quote. One fan wrote, “Should we ask a Jane Austen expert for a good quote?' 'Nah, just ctrl+F for "reading" in Pride & Prejudice.'" Another expressed, “This is what happens when people don't actually READ Jane Austen's works. Just slap a quote on there and call it quits." One fan said, “You know what's a great idea, using a Caroline Bingley quote to celebrate Jane Austen' – said no one ever." Some fans have defended the choice of the quote and one tweeted, "Perhaps they chose the quote tongue-in-cheek, as a tribute to Jane Austen's use of irony." The Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, defended the use of the controversial choice of quote. He said, “It's two things; it captures much of her spirit, that is the quote, you can read it straight, there is no enjoyment like reading, and we agree with that." "If you know her work, you can enjoy the irony of that, it draws out some of the aspects of her social satire, it works on many levels." The Bank of England has begun replacing all paper notes, starting with the £5 note at the beginning of the year, £10 this year and the £20 in 2020. The new notes will be more secure, resilient to counterfeiting and more resistant to damage as they are made of polymer plastic. It is the first note from the Bank of England with tactile features such as raised Braille dots to help those with vision impairments. Do you agree with the outraged fans? Let us know in the comments below.

Books

How to get rid of stress in under 10 minutes

Stress can take a negative toll not only on emotions but also the physical body. When people encounter stress, it is common practice not to take the time to breathe and re-focus, which only makes the stress even worse. Best-selling author and self-help guru Gabrielle Bernstein found a creative way to stop stress whenever she encounters it. "Whenever I'm sitting at my desk, stuck in the swamp of writer's block or feeling overwhelmed by the hundreds of unread emails in my inbox, I turn to an exercise that works every time: I jump on my mini trampoline," she told Well + Good. "Within a minute my body begins to shake off stress, and after a 10-minute session I feel amazingly energised and at peace." It is believed an exercise such as jumping can have such a positive impact in fighting stress because exercise is good for mental health and engaging in a silly activity also fights stress. "Rebounding on a mini trampoline makes you feel more childlike, helps you bust through blocks and greatly supports your lymphatic system," Gabrielle said. "The lymphatic system carries nutrients to the cells while leading away waste products. Without proper movement, it gets blocked, leaving the cells to soak in waste without nutrients. This stagnation in the body can lead to disease and speed up the aging process." How do you deal with stress? Let us know in the comments below.

Mind

Why pilots can’t talk below 10,000 feet

In September 1974, Eastern Air Lines Flight 212 en route from Charleston plummeted into a hillside near Charlotte Douglas International Airport. There were 82 individuals on board the flight and 69 immediately perished on impact and three passed away later due to injuries from the crash. Those who passed away included CBS Evening News editor John Merriman, 6th Naval District Rear Admiral Charles W Cummings and comedian Stephen Colbert’s father, Dr James Colbert. Some officials first thought the crash was caused due to heavy fog but it was later discovered that the true cause was “poor cockpit discipline’ by the crew. The captain and first officer had engaged in small talk while trying to spot nearby Carowinds amusement park on the ground, which had distracted them. Following this crash and other similar incidents, the Federal Aviation Administration enacted the Sterile Cockpit Rule in 1981. This rule stops “crew member performance of non-essential duties or activities while the aircraft is involved in taxi, takeoff, landing, and all other flight operations conducted below 10,000 feet.” Air Safety, Health and Security Coordinator for the Association of Flight Attendants Candace Kolander said, “If you look at accident history, most incidents happen during takeoff or landing. The flight crew is supposed to concentrate on everything that can and can’t happen during those phases because that’s when you could have the biggest issues that could cause the aircraft to crash.” Despite the regulation, crew chit chat is still an issue that is posing a serious danger to all onboard airplanes. <a href="https://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/publications/directline/dl4_sterile.htm" target="_blank">An article</a> in the Aviation Safety and Reporting System in June 1993 found that the most common cause of Sterile Cockpit violations was extraneous conversation. Other common causes included sightseeing, non-pertinent radio calls and PA announcements and distractions from flight attendants. Flight attendants are not physically in the cockpit but it is vital that they uphold the Sterile Cockpit Rule as well. “You cannot call the flight deck during Sterile Cockpit if, for instance, it’s too hot in the cabin, because that communication can wait. It’s about recognizing that crew up there is monitoring equipment and surroundings, and responding to takeoff or landing. That’s their primary focus,” said Candace Kolander.

Travel Tips

How to feed a family for less than $10 a day

I'm sure there are people out there who are more savvy than I with the grocery budget but my family eat well and enjoy delicious meals. Our supermarket bill equates to about $9.55 per day per person. I enjoy creating delicious healthy meals but they can be expensive. The easiest way for me to stay within my budget and still eat healthy meals has been to write a full list of what I need. I plan the meals for the shopping period before I go to the store as I've found it eliminates unnecessary buying. I've been led to believe the majority of homes have a repertoire of seven to 10 base meals they regularly cook. With that thought in mind it makes it relatively repetitive and easy to have the right items in your cupboards at all times. Planning my meals is simple: I shop fortnightly. We don't eat at home on average one night each week. I need to plan for 14 breakfasts, 14 lunches and 12 evening meals for three people. Breakfast is fairly similar every day; we have about four favorite cereals and we buy whichever is on special that day. I have a fruit smoothie, I make yoghurt and buy seasonal fruit. The man of the house cooks himself breakfast several mornings too. Lunch is also fairly similar. The man of the house has the extra serving which cooked the night before and our pre-teen (who doesn't like sandwiches) prefers to have fresh fruits and veggies and some protein (meat or cheese). We only buy what's seasonally affordable and she still has typical children's carb's (I call it her junk food) like crackers or mini bags of whatever chips are on special and a fruit cereal bar. In the summer I have salads. in the winter I have homemade soup that I make in bulk and freeze. For evening meals, I typically would plan around the meat and what I'm going to do with it. 1 x Fish 2 x Steak 2 x Mince 5 x Chicken meat 1 x Roast chicken (frozen on special) 1 x Roast meat (whatever is on special) Then I plan what goes with them from a veggie, pasta or rice perspective, plus the flavourings I want, and add them to my list. I add the store cupboard items, the cleaning and personal care items and I'm done. It all takes about 10-15 minutes and saves that much at least in time at the supermarket. Another little tip: If time is my enemy then I go online and order it all from my local Countdown, it cost less than $5 to arrange to pick it up and they have it all picked and packed for me. I just rock up to customer services and they wheel out a trolley with all my items, it's like magic. This also eliminates impulse spending. The only downside is you don't get your fuel discounts with online shopping. Other families could do this cheaper, depending on the foods they like and the age of any children in the family. I do a lot of baking, I buy a bottle of wine and we tend to eat salmon and filet steak so there are savings that can be made right there. I hope this helps. Happy grocery savings! Do you agree with Victoria’s tips? Let us know in the comments. Written by Victoria Garbert. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>.

Retirement Income

The growing epidemic affecting tens of thousands of Kiwis

There’s a growing epidemic in New Zealand and it’s costing the nation more than just a good night’s rest – almost <a href="https://www.nzma.org.nz/journal/read-the-journal/all-issues/2010-2019/2010/vol-123-no-1321/article-gander" target="_blank">$40 million each year</a>, in fact. And, as our waistlines widen and obesity rates increase, as does the number of people affected by this epidemic. What is it, you may ask? Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). According to the <a href="https://www.sleep.org.au/documents/item/78" target="_blank">Australasian Sleep Association</a>, OSA is defined as “a disorder in which breathing is repetitively interrupted during sleep due to collapse of the upper airway.” Untreated, OSA can lead to hypertension, cognitive impairment, diabetes, sexual dysfunction and even heart disease and stroke – not to mention the impact it can have on the sufferer’s quality of life. Who’s most likely to get it? Obesity is considered to be the main cause of OSA, regular alcohol consumption (particularly at night), certain illnesses (generally thyroid conditions, large tonsils, certain medications, nasal congestion and even facial bone structure can also be contributing factors. It can strike anyone at any age, but men over the age of 65 and those who have a family history of the disorder have a higher risk of developing OSA. The symptoms The severity of each case of OSA varies, but the most common signs include: <ul> <li>Snoring</li> <li>Unrefreshing sleep</li> <li>Tiredness during the day</li> <li>Waking during the night and gasping for air or choking</li> <li>Headaches in the morning</li> <li>Poor memory and concentration</li> <li>Waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth</li> <li>Restlessness and irritability</li> <li>Frequently needing to urinate during the night</li> <li>Weight gain or difficulty losing weight</li> </ul> While normal sleepers’ breathing is interrupted less than five times per hour, OSA sleepers may experience 5 to 15 interruptions (mild), 15 to 30 (moderate) or even more than 30 (severe). These interruptions may last for 10 seconds or more. OSA sufferers usually do not exhibit all these symptoms, but experiencing one or more should be cause for further investigation. Treatment There is currently no cure for the condition, however it is treatable via a number of methods. Making certain lifestyle changes (losing weight, adjusting sleep position, improving sleep habits, lowering alcohol consumption and quitting smoking), may help improve OSA, but Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most successful currently available. A CPAP machine involves pumping continuous pressure through the airway via a mask worn over the mouth, nose or both. It essentially holds the airway open and prevents it from closing during sleep. If you’re worried you may be experiencing symptoms of OSA, visit your doctor as soon as possible.

Body

World's top travel experiences that cost less than $10

Travelling the world doesn't come cheap. However, among all the overpriced tourist gems are some bargains. Here's our top 10. 1. Wellington Cable Car Welling, New Zealand Tickets $7.50 adults, $3.50 children A peace train - literally - taking visitors to the tranquil hilltop Botanic Gardens for the past 100 years. New Zealand's only funicular railway, the car crawls up through the historic steep neighbourhood of Kelburn arriving at a lookout presiding over spectacular views of the capital city and its harbour. Wander a network of tree-lined paths back down to the CBD streets through the 25 hectares of roses, tulips, garden sculptures, duck ponds and a children's playground. <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/35473/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (197)"/> 2. Wat Pho Buddhist Temple Bangkok, Thailand Entry about $4 Wat Pho or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha is one of the city's largest temples complexes. The gold leaf covered reclining Buddha is 46-metres long and visitors can beat the giant gong and receive a blessing and wristband from a monk. 3. Visitor Shuttle Melbourne Fare: AU$10 Hop on and hop off over two days at any one of 13 stops that represent a roll call of Melbourne's top attractions. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria, the MCG, Chinatown, Carlton Gardens, IMAX, Melbourne Central shopping mall, the State Library, Fitzroy Gardens, Cook's cottage, Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Zoo and the Star Observation Wheel. 4. Star Ferry Hong Kong Fare about 42¢ A dazzling harbour crossing by day, even more so at night if timed with the dancing laser light show on waterfront skyscrapers nightly at 8pm. Carrying 26 million passengers a year from the upscale hotel precinct of Central on Hong Kong Island to the markets, malls and fast tailors of Kowloon, a Star Ferry ride is as un-missable as a trip to The Peak. <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/35474/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (198)"/> 5. Castle Hill Funicular Budapest Fare $8 (return) On the doorstep of the wharf where ships begin and end their cruises of the Danube, the retro-look funicular is the best way up to the cobbled streets of Castle Hill, Budapest's most visited district. Enjoy views over the Hungarian capital which is split over two riverbanks, the chain bridge and the magnificent Parliament Building. 6. Mciver’s Baths Coogee Beach, Sydney Entry 20¢ Tucked into a spectacular nook where the cliff face meets a rock platform, this historic 20-metre ocean pool is Australia's only public baths designated for exclusive use by women and children. Swim laps, help yourself to a page-turner from the honesty library and nab your own grassy patch to listening to a soothing ocean soundtrack. 7. Sundance Sunset Cinema 8000 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood Tickets $6.50 Cement your status as a hipster fan of foreign stories at this movie theatre where indie flicks are only five dollars on Tuesdays. Sundance has a plush lounge area, an outdoor bar terrace and a gallery space for local artists. Boutique beer and wine in-seat gourmet snack packs make for a grown-up film experience. 8. U Maleho Glena Bar and Jazz Club Prague Entry about $8 Prague boasts some of the coolest jazz clubs in the world and tiny U Maleho Glena, a five-minute walk from the city's famous Charles Bridge, is an affordable taster. Expect amazing fusion ensembles, cold beer and a funky atmosphere. If you want to fork out $16, the iconic Reduta Jazz Club is where Bill Clinton famously rocked his sax. 9. Jimbaran Bay Seafood Restaurants Bali, Indonesia Under $10 A group of more than 30 restaurants on the beach adjacent to the airport runway is the unlikely setting for this seafood feast. Choose your fish, lobster, crab or prawns and they'll cook it the way you like it. With fish from about $2 per 100 grams, you'll have enough left over for a Bintang or two. <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/35475/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (199)"/> 10. The Emirates Air Line Greenwich, London Fare about $7.50 This one-kilometre cable car ride across the River Thames at Greenwich offers views of London from up to 90 metres in the air. Operating between Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks, you'll see the Canary Wharf skyscrapers, Olympic Park and Thames Barrier. Start (or finish) near the O2 entertainment precinct for a meal or a show. Have you been to any of these attractions? Written by Angie Kelly. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>.

Travel Tips

6 tips for choosing the perfect campsite

The right spot on a campsite can make or break your camping trip. Here are six tips to help you find the perfect spot the pitch a tent. 1. Flat, flatter, flattest First things first, look for the flattest spot you can find. This means both that the ground is not on a slope (which could leave you sleeping on an angle) and that the surface of the ground is also flat. You want to avoid any holes, ridges, or large mounds of grass. Beware of depressions in the ground – if it rains there’s a good chance you’ll end up with a puddle beneath you. 2. Smooth things over It’s always a good idea to give your site a quick sweep before you set up your tent. Remove any rocks, sticks or other objects that could make for an uncomfortable sleep or even tear your tent. Ideally, you should be able to set up on something relatively smooth, even and soft like grass or sand. 3. Look out for anthills We really can’t stress this enough. Nothing (really, nothing) will ruin your camping trip faster than a tent full of ants. These little guys will find you before you know it, so do a thorough check of the area around your site. 4. Be smart with shade The sun can very quickly progress from pleasantly warm to searingly hot, so you’re going to want some shade. Position yourself close to some trees that will provide shade in the afternoon, when the sun is at its strongest. Give the trees a good once over before selecting your spot and make sure there are no branches that are dead or look unstable. A strong wind can easily bring one down on you. <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/33971/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (93)"/> 5. Get some privacy If you’re camping at an established campground, you don’t want to find yourself in the middle of the most popular thoroughfare. Try to stay at least one site back from roads or paths where people will walk frequently. Avoid choosing a site too close to the amenities blocks or right by the barbecues as these can be noisy at all hours of the day (and night). 6. Pick the right neighbours Setting up next to a large family with lots of young kids or a bunch of blokes on a beer and fishing trip could spell disaster. If you want peace and quiet, choosing the right neighbours will make all the difference. Do a quick scan when you arrive and try to work out which co-campers are going to suit you best. Are you a serious camper? What tips would you suggest? Share them with the Over60 community in the comments below. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/10/5-reasons-to-start-wrapping-your-luggage-in-plastic/">5 reasons to start wrapping your luggage in plastic</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/10/major-airline-replaces-meals-with-chocolate-bars/">Major airline replaces meals with chocolate bars</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/10/sleep-better-in-a-hotel-room/">10 tips for a better night’s sleep in a hotel room</a>

Travel Tips

Ten Tenors bring festive charm with new Christmas album

Meet the Ten Tenors, ten charismatic yet down-to-earth blokes with voices of angels. Having toured the past 16 years to sell-out performances worldwide, they’re with a doubt one of Australia’s most successful singing groups. The classic-crossover group have just released their Christmas album, Our Christmas Wish, which features 14 of the Ten Tenor’s favourite songs – including festive family favourites like The Little Drummer Boy and All I Want for Christmas. Not only can these ten young men sing a beautiful Christmas carol, they’re doing it for a wonderful cause. All proceeds from the sale of their holiday album will go to the Children’s Hospital Foundation to support life-saving medical research, vital new equipment, and provide comfort, entertainment, support and care programs for sick children and their families. With an aim to raise $1,000,000 for the foundation, it’s clear these boys not only have a golden sound, but hearts of gold too. As one of the tenors, Jared Newell, explains, it was their way of giving back to the community. “When it came to releasing the album this year, we found an incredible charity in the Children’s Hospital Foundation based out in Queensland and decided that since it was a Christmas album and the perfect time of year for giving rather than receiving, we made a deal to make sure all proceeds from the album go the children’s hospital,” explains Jared. He adds, “The album is something we’re really proud of. We’re glad we’re able to tour a show that’s not only creatively pleasing for us but also a really great way for us to give back.” Over60 caught up with these lovely boys with beautiful voices and discovered exactly why they’ve got so many fans worldwide. Not only are they charming to speak to, especially when talking about their decision to fundraise for charity, they’ve got fine vocal talents, with the Ten Tenors giving the Over60 office a taste of their Christmas album by serenading us with the classic Christmas carol, Joy to the World. But it’s when we asked them about their favourite memory of their grandparents that it became truly clear how genuine, kind and loving these ten tenors are. We couldn’t help but think, with such great relationships with their grandparents, no wonder these ten tenors turned out to be such good blokes. Jared Newall – “Being Christmas, it is a family time of year and I remember when I was younger going for fish and chip lunches with my grandparents on my dad’s side. We did that just before I went on tour – it was really fun, and when I see them at Christmas, we’ll be reminiscing about things like that.” Cameron Barclay – “I used to live very far away from my grandparents so Christmas time was pretty much the only time I would see them. They live in a very beautiful part of New Zealand called Hawkes Bay. I remember always hanging there with my granddad and grandma when I was a little kid.” Lucas Gelsumini – “My fondest memories were at Christmas time, a time of music and food. The family would get together at our grandparents’ home and we’d take turns playing different musical instruments, have food, laugh and just spend time together. It was so lovely.” Paul Gelsumini – “Our grandfather was pretty talented, he played nine instruments. As far back as I can remember we would just always play and sing and eat and be merry.” James D. Smith – “I’m really close to my grandparents, I’m still very close to my Nan. She was the big cook in our family and she would do big Christmas spreads and all the family would go over there for Christmas. I also remember going caravanning with my grandparents when I was younger. I’ve got a lot of fond memories.” Toby Francis – “My fondest memory is probably after school as my mum worked late so I stayed with my grandparents a lot. They’re probably the reason I sing, as they would take me to singing lessons. I use to sing a lot of rock music before I joined the tenors and my grandma would always say, ‘Why don’t you sing something nice?’” Sebastian Maclaine – “My best memories with my grandparents are the big family get-togethers, with them at the head. I remember just feeling loved and warmness from them. Having someone to fight your quarter against your mum or dad is pretty nice too.” Michael Edwards – “My grandparents used to own a farm and Christmas time was the one time where everyone would go down there – cousins, auntie and uncles and everyone. They had a pool so it was always tradition to jump in the pool straight after lunch. Lots of good memories down there on the farm.” Sam Roberts-Smith – “My grandparents used to have this really amazing beach house and when I was younger they would take me out crayfishing. I just remember having my little floaties on and wading around the ocean with my grandparents.” Keane Fletcher – “My grandparents used to take me to the movies all the time during the school holidays. The first movie they took me to see was the Disney’s Snow White, and as I was very up-to-date with all my fairytales, when Snow White was about to eat the poison apple, I stood up and screamed, ‘Don’t eat the apple!’” To find more about the Ten Tenors, <a href="http://thetentenors.com/" target="_blank">visit their website here.</a> Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/12/over60-community-christmas-stories/"></a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/11/interspecies-animal-friendships/">15 unlikely friendships that will melt your heart</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/12/over60-community-christmas-stories/"></a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/12/christmas-miracle-save-sister/">A Christmas miracle saved my sister</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/12/over60-community-christmas-stories/"></a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/12/life-lessons-from-grandparents/">Top 10 life lessons kids learn from grandparents</a>

Family & Pets

Five New Zealand destinations in TripAdvisor's top ten

New Zealand has made a splash in a list of the South Pacific's newest holiday hotspots, with five national destinations being named in TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice Destinations on the Rise for 2016. The tranquil landscapes of Taupo and Wellington - New Zealand's "coolest little capital" - both make the top ten for must-see South Pacific destinations. Queenstown, Auckland and Christchurch also made the top ten list, with booking interest consistently growing in 2015. Taupo has seen the biggest jump in booking interest on the popular travel website, up 35 per cent, closely followed by Wellington, with a 34 per cent spike. Much of this growth was coming from increasing numbers of Aussies hopping across the Tasman, said Tourism New Zealand general manager Australia, Tony Saunders. "Holiday arrivals from Australia to New Zealand are up 10 per cent compared to this time last year. "Natural landscapes and scenery are the top factor for influencing visitors to choose New Zealand, along with Maori culture and local people." Across the ditch, Brisbane, Hobart, Margaret River, Broome and Surfer's Paradise rated a spot in the top ten. "Natural landscapes and scenery are the top factor for influencing visitors to choose New Zealand, along with Maori culture and local people." Across the ditch, Brisbane, Hobart, Margaret River, Broome and Surfer's Paradise rated a spot in the top ten. First appeared on <a href="http://www.Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2015/12/10-spectacular-drone-photos-taken-in-2015/">10 spectacular drone photos taken in 2015</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2015/12/funny-way-to-avoid-losing-luggage/">One man’s genius way to avoid losing your luggage</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2015/12/random-act-of-airport-kindness/">Stranger buys stranded traveller a flight to see her dying mother</a>

Travel Tips

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Property

Information

Keep up to date

Search

10 worst movies based on TV shows

10 best couples cruises for a romantic holiday at sea

One in ten Australian jobs at risk of automation

Ten gardening tips for beginners

The Ocean Decade: how the next ten years can chart a new course for the blue planet

Tens of millions face lockdown from a single super-spreader

What we learn from a fish that can change sex in just ten days

10 family members catch norovirus on cruise

Jane Austen fans outraged at new £10 note blunder

How to get rid of stress in under 10 minutes

Why pilots can’t talk below 10,000 feet

How to feed a family for less than $10 a day

The growing epidemic affecting tens of thousands of Kiwis

World's top travel experiences that cost less than $10

6 tips for choosing the perfect campsite

Ten Tenors bring festive charm with new Christmas album

Five New Zealand destinations in TripAdvisor's top ten