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Chinese zoo's "panda" display under fire

A zoo in China has come under fire after visitors noticed something strange about the baby panda display. Taizhou Zoo, in the eastern Jiangsu Province, advertised their baby panda enclosure, which was actually just two small Chow Chow dogs dyed black and white. The tickets to the display which are believed to have gone public late last week, read "Xiong Mao Quan" which translates to "panda dogs", Chinese newspaper The Global Times reported. Footage of the animals in the enclosure has gone viral, with many sharing their confusion over the zoo's special enclosure. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu Province dyed two chow chow puppies black and white and promoted them as so-called “panda dogs.” <a href="https://t.co/Jo7q1dBzZJ">pic.twitter.com/Jo7q1dBzZJ</a> — Shanghai Daily (@shanghaidaily) <a href="https://twitter.com/shanghaidaily/status/1786948655880290806?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2024</a></blockquote> A staff member at the zoo, Liu Qiuming, told the local publication the panda scheme was used to attract more visitors and better their experience, as the zoo does not have any pandas of its own. The display has reportedly raised concerns of fraud but another staffer has insisted the zoo has not tricked or manipulated its visitors, given the direct translation of the exhibit. "This is just a new display we offer to visitors. We are not charging extra," a ticket seller told The Global Times. "The wording featuring Chow Chow dogs is correct and exactly describes what they are, so we are not cheating our visitors." Image credits: X (Twitter)

International Travel

Readers Respond: What is the most egregious display of wealth you've ever seen?

We asked our readers what they thought were the most extravagant and outrageous displays of wealth that they’ve seen and honestly, we couldn’t believe some of the answers. Melanie Gibbons- My ex showing up in a BMW sports car when he owed 46k in child support and I hadn't received a cent for 2 years... his parents also showing up in their porsche 4wd and demanding I pay them petrol money to see their granddaughter because I moved 90mins away from them. Anita Thornton- Nearly fifty years ago, in my role as a teacher, I went to a School Council dinner. One mother had a copious amount of jewellery on, over the top! Richard Norman Ewing- A man and his wife arriving at a WA country airstrip in an American registered Grumman Gulfstream G650 business jet. Two pilots and two cabin attendants, all the way from the USA. (They stopped in Sydney for customs). What a way to travel. Jim Davies- A person with a huge collection of Vincent motorcycles. Moyra Rocchio- We were staying at "The Minna House. In Cairo , The day we arrived a Sheik was having a wedding reception (we were told ) what appeared to be several other wives who were dripping in gold and jewels, arrived by Limo. Bev Traveller Chad- The Crown Jewels, London Tower. Sam Siney- The Vatican… never seen anything like it. Cathy Pitman- European castles Image: Getty

Money & Banking

Small town's Christmas display dubbed the "worst in history"

The Port Macquarie Council have been widely roasted online after the unveiling of their Christmas tree display, which has been dubbed the "worst in history". Families and community members turned out by the hundreds to see NSW Central Coast town light up its Christmas tree last week, which was met with a very mixed reaction. The long-anticipated reveal, which forced onlookers to wait until midnight for the lights to be turned on, was met with a chorus of disappointed sighs as the underwhelming tree was finally illuminated. Families expecting a glowing symbol of Christmas cheer were instead treated to a sight of Christmas gloom with sad looking fairy light strings barely clinging onto the huge pine tree's branches. Port Macquarie Hastings Council took the disappointment in its stride, mocking its own tree with an 'Instagram vs Reality' meme on Facebook. <iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpmhcouncil%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02tkGEispQKQLt4tsc5X3VP8iUQTyp2AFyMqLc1sQKw2CKZdGxsNHJKfSfCXVywhPVl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="677" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> "What can we say except ... you're welcome," the council wrote on Friday, alongside a smirk face emoji. "With everything our community has been through recently, we know everyone appreciates a good laugh!" "We are glad our very sad Christmas tree could provide that for everyone." "So let's be real. Our poor tree does look like it was decorated by Santa after he's whizzed around the world and had too many eggnogs." The council said its tree decoration was done with "the best of intentions" however "extraordinary winds and rain" had destroyed the lights. "Just like the rest of us - she's battered and bruised, but she's still standing," they said. Just days after the tree lights were turned on, the council confirmed it needed to strip the sad looking tree because it had become a "safety risk" to locals. "We have enjoyed your good humour and appreciation of our abstract piece of art," the council joked. "Unfortunately, the infamous lights will be removed, as they are slipping further down the tree and pose a safety risk and we are concerned if we leave the inflatable baubles up, we may not have any left by Christmas." Port Macquarie Hastings Mayor Peta Pinson later said the council was working hard to install their "original outdoor tree will be installed and working for everyone's enjoyment well before Christmas". "Again, I am so thankful to the community for coming and celebrating. Merry Christmas to our wonderful, witty and resilient community," she said. Image credits: Facebook

Travel Trouble

Artwork displayed upside down for 75 years

An art historian has claimed that an artwork by the abstract Dutch painter Piet Mondrian has been displayed upside down for 75 years. The artwork, titled New York City I, was originally put on display at New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in 1945, four years after it was completed. Since then, it has been on display in various galleries around the world, and is currently hanging in the art collection of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia in Düsseldorf, where it has been since 1980. Curator Susanne Meyer-Büser noticed the longstanding error when researching the museum's new show on the artist earlier this year, but warned it could disintegrate if it was hung the right side up now. "The thickening of the grid should be at the top, like a dark sky," Meyer-Büser told <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2022/oct/28/mondrian-painting-has-been-hanging-upside-down-for-75-years">The Guardian</a>, about the unfinished and unsigned red, blue and yellow striped lattice artwork. "Once I pointed it out to the other curators, we realised it was very obvious. It is very likely the picture is the wrong way around," she added when contacted by the BBC. The evidence seems to bear this theory out, as the similarly-named New York City by the same artist, which is on display at Paris's Centre Pompidou, displays a thickening of lines at the top, rather than the bottom. In order to prevent any damage to the work, it will continue to be displayed upside down. Image credits: Getty Images

Art

Queen Elizabeth's coronation outfit goes on display

In celebration of Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee, the dress, robe and jewels she wore for her coronation in 1953 are being displayed in Her Majesty's residence at Windsor Castle. The Sir Norman Hartnell coronation dress and Robe of Estate are now on display in the largest room in the castle, in the spectacular setting of St George's Hall. The eye-watering jewels include a platinum, gold and silver set diamond necklace, which features 25 graduated cushion-shape brilliant cut diamonds with a central drop-shape pendant, and are accompanied by matching earrings. They were originally created by Garrard for Queen Victoria in 1858 and will be available for viewing in the Lantern Lobby. The exhibition also features other key jewels, including a number of brooches from around the Commonwealth - with the Australian wattle and New Zealand silver fern brooches amongst those on display. Also featured in the display are the first official portraits taken of Her Majesty, as well as unseen photos that document her accession. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lgPowhnhSA8" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> The collection, titled Platinum Jubilee: The Queen's Coronation, opened to the public on Thursday and runs until September 26th. Image credits: Royal Collection Trust / Getty Images

Beauty & Style

Never-before-seen portrait of Diana goes on display

A previously unseen portrait of Princess Diana is set to <a href="https://honey.nine.com.au/royals/unseen-portrait-of-princess-diana-revealed-for-life-through-royal-lens-exhibition/9cedcc32-1f96-4060-b855-fedad3546d0c" target="_blank" rel="noopener">go on display</a> for the first time at a new exhibition in her former home of Kensington Palace. The photo, taken in 1988 by minimalist photographer David Bailey, reveals a different side to Diana. Claudia Acott Williams, the curator at Historic Royal Palaces, said the image was one of several taken during the sitting, which was kept by Bailey while the rest were shown at the National Portrait Gallery. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cab7ZAAoRnr/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cab7ZAAoRnr/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Historic Royal Palaces (@historicroyalpalaces)</a> </div> </blockquote> “For me, this is the most powerful of all the pictures in that sitting,” Ms Williams told The Telegraph UK. “Here, she’s retreating from the camera a bit, she looks stoic. It’s doing something very different.” The photograph is a late addition to the exhibition <a href="https://www.hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace/whats-on/life-through-a-royal-lens/#gs.rgro6r" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Life Through a Royal Lens</a>, which features some of the most iconic images taken of the British royals. It was loaned to the exhibition by the digital Princess Diana Museum with Bailey’s agreement. Other never-before-seen images include one of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh laughing together during their 70th wedding anniversary photo shoot in 2017, which was considered too intimate and informal to be released as an official portrait. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNen0VzA5I_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNen0VzA5I_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Matt Holyoak Photographer (@mattholyoak)</a> </div> </blockquote> “I think this speaks to their relationship with each other,” Ms Williams said. “This is them as a married couple, as husband and wife, not just monarch and consort. “It’s such a subtle difference from the existing photographs and yet it tells us a different story, the chemistry between these two as long into their marriage as it was.” A photo considered to be the earliest surviving image of a royal family member will also be on display, taken by William Constable in March 1842 of Prince Albert. More intimate shots of Queen Elizabeth II and her children will be on display as well, along with photos of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis taken by the Duchess of Cambridge. <iframe style="overflow: hidden; border: initial none initial;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkensingtonpalace%2Fposts%2F5032744336748945&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="754" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> 50 photographs taken by members of the public, including one of Diana from her 1993 visit to Hinde Street Church, round out the exhibition, which opens on Friday, March 4. Image: Kensington Palace

Beauty & Style

The world’s best Christmas displays

Cities all around the world are putting up their Christmas trees to get in the festive spirit, which results in some very impressive displays. Each year, a 25-metre tree stands tall in front of 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City, with people flocking from all over the world to see the famous tree and frolic on the ice skating rink beneath it. In Barcelona, a luminous star is placed on top of the tower of the Sagrada Família basilica to illuminate the city. The star weighs a total of 5.5 tons and costs around $2.4 million. Washington D.C has an impressive display on the White House lawn, with one grand Christmas tree overlooking 50 smaller trees: one for each of the United States. London’s Natural History Museum boasts an impressive Christmas tree that sits in the middle of an ice skating rink, which will be running for its final year in 2021 after 16 Decembers in operation. In Moscow, ice skaters perform the story of Swan Lake in the iconic Red Square with all the buildings lit up in Christmas lights. The Slovenian capital of Ljubljana showcases a light-covered Christmas tree, with annual markets offering all the festive goodies you could wish for. Vancouver celebrates the festive season with its annual Festival of Lights at the VanDusen Botanical Gardens, where more than 15 acres of grass and trees are decorated with over one million lights. All image credits: Getty Images

Travel Tips

Never-before-seen Van Gogh drawing goes on display

A newly discovered Vincent Van Gogh drawing has made its debut in in Amsterdam. The Van Gogh Museum revealed that the never-before-seen piece was drawn in 1882, marking the early days of the famous artist's extraordinary career. The artwork had been sitting in a Dutch family's private collection for over 100 years, and was loaned to the Amsterdam Museum for viewing for the first time. The unique piece will be visible to the public until January 2nd 2022, before returning to the private collection. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 🎉We have discovered a new work by Vincent van Gogh! Study for ‘Worn Out’ from 1882 is added to Van Gogh's oeuvre. What do you think of this study? On display in the museum from tomorrow on. Find out more: <a href="https://t.co/LyjgpLkRtv">https://t.co/LyjgpLkRtv</a> <a href="https://t.co/86fu9XRbeY">pic.twitter.com/86fu9XRbeY</a> — Van Gogh Museum (@vangoghmuseum) <a href="https://twitter.com/vangoghmuseum/status/1438498921169391623?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2021</a></blockquote> The drawing depicts an exhausted old man and has been titled Study for Worn Out. Signed “Vincent”, the drawing shows an elderly labourer dressed in boots, trousers and a waistcoat bending over with his head in his hands. Teio Meedendorp, a senior researcher at the Van Gogh Museum, told the BBC that it was "absolutely impossible" to predict how much the piece was worth. The artwork seems to be an earlier version of a more well-known Van Gogh piece titled Worn Out, which has been on display at the museum for many years. This first draft of an artwork gives researchers an exclusive insight into Van Gogh's working process as an early artist. As expected, the team at The Van Gogh Museum, were “delighted with this discovery” and felt like they had contributed to their specialty. The owner of the artwork, who wishes to remain anonymous, was conversing with the museum about the likelihood of the piece being attributed to Vincent Van Gogh. Teio Meedendorp stated, "In stylistic terms, it fits perfectly with the many figures we know from Van Goghs time in the Hague and the connect with Worn Out is obvious”. Image credit: Getty Images

Art

Nine-year-old competition winner will have her art displayed in the White House

A talented nine-year-old girl has won a coveted prize with her original drawing that holds an aspirational message. Gabrielle Faisal from Detroit entered a White House student art competition with a drawing inspired by African-American history, and won against over 500 competitors. The artwork, titled Enslaved African Americans Built the White House, features two Black hands bound in shackles holding up the White House with an American flag in the background. The young artist explained the meaning behind her artwork to Fox 2 News Detroit, explaining its historical significance. “The white stripes represent the purity of the struggle,” Gabrielle said. “The blue means justice and the white stars represent the unity for all people.” The organisers of the White House History Association’s National Student Art Competition were on the lookout for creativity, depth and historical relevance from the hundred of entrants. Rashid, Gabrielle’s father, said his daughter’s choice of art came naturally as she was inspired by things she had learned about African-American culture and history. “I have a home library which is filled with books on African-American history, Blacks who were part of building the White House.” “So for her, when it came to time to do art, it was just organic for her,” he said. As well as winning first place in her age bracket, Gabrielle also won a $1,000 cash prize and a trip to Washington, D.C. Her painting will be displayed in the White House visitor centre until September 22nd. Image credits: Shutterstock/Instagram

Art

Princess Diana's wedding gown to be displayed for the first time in decades

Princess Diana fans will get the chance to see her iconic wedding dress in real life 40 years after she wore it down the aisle thanks to a new fashion exhibition opening at Kensington Palace this summer. Historic Royal Palaces curators made an announcement on Monday that Prince William and Prince Harry have given their permission to their late mother's gown included as the centrepiece of a new temporary exhibition called Royal Style in the Making opening on June 3 in the Orangery of Kensington Palace. This is the first time the gown will be on display since the Princess was in residence. The show will shed light on the relationship between designers and their royal clientele throughout the years. Other items included in the exhibition will be never-before-seen historical pieces such as a rare surviving toile for the 1937 coronation gown of the Queen Mother. “Our summer exhibition at Kensington Palace will shine a spotlight on some of the greatest talents of British design, whose work has been instrumental in shaping the visual identity of the royal family across the twentieth century,” Matthew Storey, the exhibition curator at Historic Royal Palaces, said in a statement. “We'll be exploring how the partnership between each designer and client worked, and revealing the process behind the creation of a number of the most important couture commissions in royal history. While one of the highlights will undoubtedly be Diana, Princess of Wales's show-stopping Emanuel designed wedding dress, which goes on show at the palace for the first time in 25 years – we've got some real surprises up our sleeve for fashion fans!” One of the designers behind Princess Diana's gown, Elizabeth Emanuel, told <a rel="noopener" href="https://people.com/royals/princess-dianas-iconic-wedding-dress-to-be-displayed-at-kensington-palace-in-new-royal-style-exhibit/" target="_blank">People</a> that getting to visit her creation at the exhibition, “will be like seeing an old friend after all these years. I was looking at the images again today and I can't believe how many sequins we sewed onto the dress. This is going to be a wonderful exhibition.” The wedding dress came complete with the longest train in royal history measuring at 25 feet and covered in sequins. The exhibition will also kick off a number of commemorative events in honour of what would have been Diana’s 60th birthday.

Beauty & Style

Christmas genius: How to upstage your neighbour's lights display

A cheeky homeowner has upstaged their neighbour's extraordinary Christmas lights display by using a touch of sly humour – and probably only about $50 worth of effort. Hundreds of residents have headed to Bilga Street in Kirrawee in Sydney's south already to check out the hilarious exhibit ahead of the festive season. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> A Sydney homeowner has come up with a cheeky response to his neighbour's extravagant Christmas lights display 😆 <a href="https://t.co/z85orxbL5L">pic.twitter.com/z85orxbL5L</a> — Sunrise (@sunriseon7) <a href="https://twitter.com/sunriseon7/status/1336418688690388993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2020</a></blockquote> "This has been my favourite Christmas light display so far…" one woman wrote on Facebook. "Hilarious. The poor house who made all that effort was outdone by four letters," wrote another. "I have put up two reindeer and a sleigh (don’t know that the lights are working anymore). I want a ditto sign!" Another wrote. After appearing on the Sunrise segment, thousands of online commentators will no doubt be re-thinking their Christmas lights strategy for next year – or indeed for this year, as it would take next to no effort to replicate such a thrifty, cheeky display.

Home & Garden

Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan removed from royal family wax display

Wax figures of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been taken from the display featuring other members of the royal family at Madame Tussauds in London. The museum’s move follows after both Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan announced they would be stepping down as “senior” members of the royal family while simultaneously working to become financially independent. The display featured a number of prominent figures including the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. However, since the couple’s surprising announcement, the models have since been relocated in the museum to reflect their “progressive new role within the royal institution”. “Alongside the rest of the world we are reacting to the surprising news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be stepping back as senior royals,” said Steve Davies, general manager of Madame Tussauds London. “From today Meghan and Harry’s figures will no longer appear in our royal family set.” Mr Davies added that the couple will still be a main fixture at the wax museum. “As two of our most popular and well-loved figures they will of course remain an important feature at Madame Tussauds London as we watch to see what the next chapter holds for them,” Mr Davies stated The Duke and Duchess’ of Sussex issued a statement on Instagram which outlined their intention to split their time between the UK and North America while also continuing to honour their commitment to the Queen, the Commonwealth and their royal patronages. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said discussions with the couple on the issue remained “at an early stage”. “We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through,” they stated. Scroll through the gallery to see the royal family at Madame Tussauds in London.

International Travel

World’s first laptop unveiled with foldable display

The first laptop with a foldable computer screen could be yours as early as next year thanks to Lenovo. After intense development for more than three years, they’re proud to announce ThinkPad X1, which will be launched in 2020. Lenovo are aiming to make the device to a laptop standard instead of being a regular secondary computer like an iPad. One of the appeals of the new foldable laptop is portability. After the trials and errors with the folding phone from Samsung, ThinkPad has been designed for users to make a full-sized object smaller instead of the other way around. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> We came, we saw, we unveiled a wild & bright vision for the workplace of the future. That's a wrap on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LenovoAccelerate?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LenovoAccelerate</a>. Learn More: <a href="https://t.co/wYIimDzM6t">https://t.co/wYIimDzM6t</a> <a href="https://t.co/dvcj6N5S0f">pic.twitter.com/dvcj6N5S0f</a> — Lenovo (@Lenovo) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lenovo/status/1129365266666860544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">17 May 2019</a></blockquote> The 13.3-inch 2K OLED display folds into the size of a regular hardback book and is said to weigh less than a kilogram. Initial reviews of the product have been good, although a lot of work needs to be done in regard to the software and making the folding mechanism sturdier. These were the same issues that were faced with Samsung and their foldable phone. The Verge were thrilled with the foldable feature, saying that’s where the real size savings are. “I got to try out a functional prototype, but there’s not a lot to see at this stage,” said Chaim Gartenberg from <a href="https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2019/5/13/18537302/lenovo-foldable-pc-thinkpad-x1-prototype-hands-on-folding-screen">The Verge.</a> “The screen does fold, as advertised, and Windows worked well enough as a touch interface. But the real magic here — if it happens at all — will come with software and optimizing things to run on the unique form factors that a folding screen can provide.” <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7827346/lenovo-book.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/586cb3f21ce5490381319448970ceb93" /> The foldable ThinkPad compared to a regular 13-inch laptop Photo credit: <a href="https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2019/5/13/18537302/lenovo-foldable-pc-thinkpad-x1-prototype-hands-on-folding-screen">The Verge</a> Reviewers were asked not to take close up photos of the hinge mechanism for the device just yet. Lenovo is also well aware of the issues that happened with Samsung’s foldable phone and have been doubling the amount of testing for their laptop hinge. As of yet, there is no official release date for the ThinkPad X1.

Technology

The unseen photo Prince Charles proudly has on display in his home

Prince Charles has been a part of many important moments this year, but there was one occasion that he holds very dear to his heart. Royal fans around the world were touched when they saw the Prince of Wales walk Meghan Markle down the aisle to marry his son, Prince Harry. And it turns out, the special favour meant a great deal for the 70-year-old royal, with a framed photograph of the moment now on display in his home. During a visit to Clarence House, the London home of Prince Charles and Camilla, Daily Mail reporter Rebecca English revealed that she saw the photo. “I spotted a framed black and white photograph (in the public area) of the Prince of Wales walking his soon to be daughter-in-law, Meghan Markle, towards the altar at St George’s Chapel,” she wrote. “It was very touching – and shows how much the moment meant to him.” Charles ended up walking Meghan down the aisle after her father, Thomas Markle, was unable to attend the nuptials last minute due to health concerns. Thomas also made headlines in the lead-up to the royal wedding after being accused of staging paparazzi photos. According to The Telegraph, the news brought the 37-year-old former actress to tears. However, Meghan’s soon to be father-in-law happily stepped in to take on the fatherly role. In a recent documentary, Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70, Harry opened up about the special moment when he asked his dad to do the honours. “I asked [Charles] to and I think he knew it was coming and he immediately said; 'Yes, of course, I’ll do whatever Meghan needs’,” Harry said fondly. “I was very grateful for him to be able to do that.” <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7822355/image_.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/06fcca67ffdc4532b718ee4d2adf5813" /> Royal spectators have previously revealed that Charles is very supportive of his new daughter-in-law. “He’s got a real soft spot for her and thinks she’s the best thing to have happened to Harry,” the source told Vanity Fair earlier this year. While there are no images of the framed photograph, there is no doubt it beautifully captures Charles and Meghan’s special bond.

Family & Pets

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle put on loved-up display in Wales

A prince, a soon-to-be princess and a castle – you’d be forgiven for thinking we were talking about a fairytale. But the storybook romance is very real, as Prince Harry and fiancée Meghan Markle showed, putting on a loved-up display at Cardiff Castle in Wales. The newly-engaged couple received a warm welcome as they greeted fans on what’s being dubbed by reporters as the “Meet Meghan” tour. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BeGkXRrA847/" target="_blank">A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal)</a> on Jan 18, 2018 at 11:31am PST </div> </blockquote> Holding hands as they mingled with the public, Meghan, who wore an elegant all-black ensemble, bonded with a 10-year-old schoolgirl named Megan McAuley, who held up a sign saying, “My name is Megan too!” “She saw my sign,” the younger Megan told reporters. “I said, ‘Your name’s Meghan too!’ And she said, ‘It’s very nice to meet you. Can I call you Meg?’” McAuley even handed her a gift of “a nice flowery necklace,” which Markle graciously accepted, replying, ‘Thank you for my present. It’s very nice to meet you.’” The couple met yet another Megan and even a Harry, who presented them with a sweet gift of a traditional Celtic love spoon. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Prince Harry and Ms. Markle are presented with a traditional Celtic love spoon by local children, named Harry and Megan. <a href="https://t.co/aAubgIK4UL">pic.twitter.com/aAubgIK4UL</a> — Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/954013714579181568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2018</a></blockquote> The 36-year-old also met fellow countryman Julie Hoefer, who had been holding an American flag. “Meghan was lovely,” she told reporters. “She came over and was talking and showed us her ring. It was gorgeous. She said she was ‘super lucky, a very lucky woman'. “She asked me where I was from – I said Virginia and she said it was very nice. She was really stunning up close. “We don’t have a royal family in America, and the whole idea is amazing. And now we have one who joined the family – finally. It is super exciting.” Scroll through the gallery above to see all the gorgeous photos from the happy couple’s meet-and-greet and tell us in the comments below, will you be tuning in to see their wedding? Image credit: Kensington Palace/Twitter.

News

Hundreds of the Queen’s gifts to go on display

After 65 years on the throne, the Queen has received hundreds of beautiful and bizarre gifts from around the world, and now they’re set to go on display. This year, as part of Buckingham Palace’s annual Summer Opening of the State Rooms, the royal family will exhibit more than 250 presents received by Her Majesty during her hundreds of official visits around the world. For the first time, members of the public will be able to view such gifts as the “Vessel of Friendship”, presented to the Queen by Chinese President Xi Jinping, a colourful beaded throne received during a 1956 visit to Nigeria and a totem pole presented by a Native American tribe during a 1971 tour of Canada. One of Her Majesty’s favourite presents is a London Underground sign for “Buckingham Palace”, presented to the queen on a tour of Aldgate Station in 2010 and which she described as a “fantastic gift”. To see some of the weird and wonderful presents set to go on display, flip through the gallery above. If you’re lucky enough to be in London this year, he exhibition will be open from July 22 to October 1. For more information, <a href="https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/collection/themes/exhibitions/royal-gifts/buckingham-palace" target="_blank">click here</a>. Image credit: PA.

News

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle put on affectionate display at friend’s wedding

Prince Harry has taken girlfriend Meghan Markle on a romantic Caribbean holiday to one of his closest friend’s wedding. In what is believed to be their first formal outing as a couple, the pair weren’t afraid to publicly display their affection at the wedding. <img width="350" height="539" src="http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/4fcb579f60bf6e86e4689135ecda8bbf" alt="Lovebirds Prince Harry and Meghan Markle cuddled in Jamaica for a friend’s wedding. Picture: Mega" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> As the royal and the actress stood hand-in-hand chatting to other wedding guests, they looked like a couple who’ve been together for years. <img width="411" height="309" src="http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/7afac180634ae45d859de2516d18f317" alt="The pair happily wandered around the wedding and seemed smitten with each other. Picture: Mega" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> <img width="448" height="332" src="http://akns-images.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/201723/rs_1024x759-170303201018-1024.Prince-Harry-Meghan-Markle-Jamaica-2.kg.030317.jpg" alt="Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Jamaica " border="0" class="image--full" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> We wouldn’t be surprised if wedding bells are on the cards in the near future for Prince Harry and Meghan – <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2017/02/prince-harrys-roadblock-to-marriage/">that is if the Queen agrees.</a> Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/2017/02/william-and-kate-visit-paris-first-time-since-diana-death/">William and Kate’s special tribute to Princess Diana</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/2017/02/duke-and-duchess-install-new-security-measures-to-protect-george-and-charlotte/">Duke and Duchess install new security measures to protect George and Charlotte</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/2017/02/queen-is-the-picture-of-health-at-latest-official-engagement/">Queen is the picture of health at latest official engagement</a>

News

Caring for your pet during a fireworks display

It’s the season of celebrations and with that comes spectacular displays of fireworks. While it’s a sight to behold for us, for our furry friend it’s often a different case. The loud unfamiliar noises of fireworks can be a risk to frighten pets who might take flight in fear getting lost or even injuring themselves in the commotion. If you know there will be a night of explosions in your area, here’s what you can do to ease your pet through the noise. Exercise – Take your pooch out for a long walk during the day of the fireworks and feed them well. A tired and well-fed dog will be less anxious at night. Safe space – Keep your pet indoors and make sure all escape paths (doors, windows, pet doors and outsides gates) are secured. Pets can be very determined to escape when scared. Draw the curtains and distract your furry friend by turning on some music or the television. Stay calm – During the fireworks don’t fuss over your pet excessively. Act normal and try and engage them in play. Reward them for calm behaviour. However, if your pooch is particularly distressed don’t ‘force’ anything. Hideaway – Most pets have a special hideaway like under the bed or in the closet where they feel the safest. Cats in particular will often disappear to their safe spot and reappear once the noise has subsided. Let them hang out in their spot but make sure their safe. No leads – Panicked dogs might choke themselves if tethered up. Update ID – Make sure your pet’s ID and contact details are up-to-date in case the unthinkable does happen and your pet escapes from the house. Even if your house is secure, some dogs have been known to jump through glass windows or dig their way under fences that normally holds them. Alternative arrangements – The best way to ensure your pet is ok is to stay with your pet. They generally feel more relaxed when their owner is around. However, that’s not always possible so consider making alternative arrangements like having someone come over or taking them to visit a friend or family member. Talk to your vet – If your pet is particularly terrified of fireworks, ask your vet about any new treatment options or medication to manage noise phobias.

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World’s first laptop unveiled with foldable display

The unseen photo Prince Charles proudly has on display in his home

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle put on loved-up display in Wales

Hundreds of the Queen’s gifts to go on display

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle put on affectionate display at friend’s wedding

Caring for your pet during a fireworks display