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"Unidentified life form" found off New Zealand coast

<p>Ah, the deep sea, where the mysteries of the ocean lurk in the shadows, waiting to be discovered by intrepid marine scientists armed with nets, trawls and a healthy dose of confusion...</p> <p>Recently, a team of brave souls embarked on a journey off the coast of New Zealand, armed with curiosity and a fervent desire to find Nemo's distant relatives. What they found, however, was not just Nemo's cousins – but a veritable treasure trove of potential new species. Or at least, they think so.</p> <p>In a saga that could rival any aquatic adventure film, the scientists stumbled upon approximately 100 potential new species, including one particularly enigmatic life form that has left them scratching their heads in bewilderment.</p> <p>Initially mistaking it for a sea star – or perhaps a particularly flamboyant sea cucumber – they now suspect it might be a deep-sea coral. Or a cosmic jellyfish. Or a lost prop from a sci-fi movie. The possibilities are as endless as the ocean itself.</p> <p>Dr Michela Mitchell, a taxonomist with a penchant for the dramatic, declared it could be "a whole new group outside of the octocoral." Because why settle for identifying just one species when you can potentially create an entire taxonomic order?</p> <p>Dr Daniel Moore, another member of the expedition and self-proclaimed captain of the confusion ship, confessed, "We can't even describe it to family." One can only imagine the perplexed expressions at family gatherings as they attempt to explain their latest discovery: "Well, it's sort of like a sponge, but not really. And it might have tentacles. Or wings. We're not entirely sure."</p> <p>Their research vessel, the <em>Tangaroa</em>, became a floating laboratory of befuddlement as they collected nearly 1,800 samples from the abyssal depths. Armed with modified sleds and a healthy dose of optimism, they trawled the ocean floor, hoping to snag the elusive creatures that lurked below.</p> <p>"It was true exploration, very exciting," Dr Moore boasted, his enthusiasm undiminished by the fact that they still couldn't <em>definitively</em> identify half of what they'd found.</p> <p>Among their discoveries was a new species of fish, dubbed the "eelpout", which was "instantly recognised as being different to the others." Because, apparently, it had a flair for the dramatic and refused to conform to traditional fish norms.</p> <p>In a surprising revelation, Dr Moore admitted, "Finding new vertebrates is rare." One can only assume that the eelpout, upon hearing this declaration, puffed out its chest (or whatever passes for a chest in fish anatomy) and proclaimed itself the king of the ocean.</p> <p>As the expedition came to a close, the scientists reflected on the vastness of the ocean and the infinitesimal fraction of its inhabitants they had encountered. With only 240,000 species identified out of an estimated 2.2 million, they realised they had barely scratched the surface. Or, in this case, the sea floor.</p> <p>And so, armed with their nets, their sleds, and their unshakeable sense of optimism, the intrepid scientists set sail once more, ready to delve deeper into the mysteries of the ocean and perhaps stumble upon another baffling creature that defies explanation. After all, what's science without a little bit of confusion?</p> <p><em>Image: Ocean-Census | NIWA</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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How much it costs to rent Hugh Jackman’s bucket list home

<p>After building and developing this stunning, minimalist East Hamptons estate over a period of six years, Wolverine star Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-lee Furness have decided to put it to better use by popping it onto the rental market – and it will only set you back around half-a-million dollars per month, according to <a href="https://www.corcoran.com/listing/for-rent/20-hedges-banks-drive-east-hampton-ny-11937/6517169/regionId/3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Corcoran.com</a>.</p> <p>“Stunning Modern Waterfront Compound!” screams the listing. “Beautifully done, highest end construction, with every amenity, including gym, theater, flush edge pool, jacuzzi, and two single and separate homes, set high on the bluff overlooking the open bay with the most spectacular views!” </p> <p>After Hugh bought the property for $3.5m in 2015, he and Deborra-lee spent six long years renovating it, and turning it into what Furness described as her “lifelong dream”. </p> <p>Architect Stelle Lomont Rouhani collaborated with Jackman and Furness to create “the utmost Zen tranquillity overlooking the Gardiner's Bay in East Hampton”. </p> <p>The minimalist main house with a gourmet kitchen, Gaggenau appliances and an informal dining room features a hand-carved solid bleached walnut dining table, custom crafted by Field &amp; Co., 3 en suite bedrooms, floor-to-ceiling glass doors, and a guest house, meticulously renovated and features open living space complete with a top-of-the-line kitchen with bar area, a step-down open living room with lounge-style seating, along with a loft bed and lounge areas and a primary suite overlooking the oversized pool and spa sitting above the bay with a spectacular 180-degree vista of the water. </p> <p>Set on a sprawling 2.5-acre plot, the 5-bedroom, 5 1/2 bath compound is the ultimate retreat with all the amenities of a 5-star resort. </p> <p><em>Images: Corcoran.com</em></p> <p> </p>

Real Estate

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Not without my dog! Man wins anti-discrimination case against pet chihuahua

<p>Queensland pet owner Raymond Matthews has won an anti-discrimination claim against his local pub after his assistance chihuahua, Coo-ee, was denied entry.</p> <p>Matthews' favourite watering hole was The Woombye Pub, a stone's throw from his home on the Sunshine Coast. “I’d go up there for a chicken parmi and a beer, maybe once or twice a week,” he told <a href="https://7news.com.au/sunrise/sunshine-coast-man-wins-8000-discrimination-claim-after-pub-refused-entry-to-his-assistance-chihuahua--c-8079310" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7 News</a>.</p> <p>However, that all came to an end in 2017 when new management started refusing entry to Coo-ee.</p> <p>“(The) dog almost got run over one night, having had to stay outside. I went back inside and got directed out and barred for a month and made out to be the bad guy - that I’d intimidated people.”</p> <p>Three years of consistent refusal-of-entry to The Woombye then caused Matthews to say enough was enough and seek legal recourse.</p> <p>In a case opened against the pub, the tribunal found the venue broke anti-discrimination laws and awarded Matthews $8000 in compensation.</p> <p>Matthews said he tried to explain the significance of Coo-ee to the new owners but they wouldn’t listen.</p> <p>“The more I tried to convince them, the more I sounded like a broken record,” he said. “I’d been to the doctor to get the dog signed off as an assistant.</p> <p>“What she does is she introduces me to myriad people - the amount of hurdles I’ve got over because of the dog, just breaking the barriers down that normally exist with bureaucracy.</p> <p>“I take the dog with me and it just brings people down to a level playing field and you can speak with them, you can get along with them, you’ve got a common denominator and the dog, I feel, is the one that does it.”</p> <p>In a happy ending – certainly for Coo-ee at any rate – Matthews and the pup have now been welcomed into the venue.</p> <p><em>Image: Sunrise</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Hero dad coward-punched while trying to rescue car crash victim

<p dir="ltr">A 63-year-old father is fighting for his life after being coward-punched in the head while helping a teen in a car accident. </p> <p dir="ltr">Rob Seddon rushed to help a 17-year-old who crashed his Toyota Corolla into a caravan outside his home on Skyhawk Ave in Hamlyn Terrace on the Central Coast around 10pm on Saturday. </p> <p dir="ltr">Along with other neighbours, Mr Seddon assisted the teen before they were ambushed by a group of males who attacked them. </p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Seddon was allegedly hit from the back on the head which caused him to fall backwards, hit his head and lose consciousness. </p> <p dir="ltr">He was flown to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition where he underwent brain surgery and remains in intensive care in a coma.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Seddon’s 21-year-old son was also allegedly attacked and suffered a broken nose.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I could hear the sheer horrible noises from this guy that was being hurt, I had tears in my eyes, I knew it was bad,” neighbour Diane Gardner told Nine News.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was absolutely horrible. You could hear his pain and he wanted help.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Police are asking anyone with information about the alleged attackers to come forward. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 17-year-old driver who crashed into Mr Seddon’s caravan was breathalysed at the scene and returned a positive blood-alcohol reading.</p> <p dir="ltr">He was then charged with negligent driving and drink-driving on P-plates.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Nine News</em></p>

Caring

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New rule poses major changes for popular tourist destination

<p dir="ltr">With its impressive sheer drops down to turquoise waters below and roads seemingly chiselled out of the surrounding cliffs, the Amalfi Coast has become an iconic road trip destination - a status that has brought plenty of tourists and traffic with it.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Italian location has now become known for stories of miles-long traffic backups, as buses and vans packed with tourists navigate multiple narrow stretches of single-lane roads with switchbacks.</p> <p dir="ltr">But, a new rule could spell the end of heavy tourist traffic on the roads - and mess with plenty of holiday itineraries.</p> <p dir="ltr">A newly-launched alternate number plate system means that cars can only access the stretch between Vietri sul Mare and Positano every other day during peak hours in peak season.</p> <p dir="ltr">On odd-numbered dates, only cars with plates ending in odd numbers can use the road, while cars with even numbers at the end of their plates will be able to drive along it on even-numbered dates.</p> <p dir="ltr">The rule applies for the entire month of August between 10am and 6pm, as well as on weekends from June 15 through to September 30, Holy Week, and the dates from April 24 to May 2.</p> <p dir="ltr">Residents from 13 towns along the coast will be exempt, along with public transport vehicles, taxis, and cars that are hired with a driver.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, vehicles longer than 10.36 metres will be banned from the road entirely, while caravans and vehicles with trailers are prohibited from using the road from 6.30am til midnight, all year round.</p> <p dir="ltr">The rules, introduced by Anas, also see vehicles over six metres long and 2.1 metres wide restricted to using the road within certain hours and being completely banned on peak dates.</p> <p dir="ltr">Deputy mayor of Vietri sul Mare Angela Infante told <em>CNN </em>the new rules had been needed for some time.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s started again this year - you can’t drive at weekends, people are trapped at home,” Ms Infante said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Prior to the pandemic, she said there would sometimes be backups up to six kilometres along the coast.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You have to drive incredibly slowly because there are so many cars, and often it is completely blocked,” she added.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Apart from anything else, you could have an ambulance [in that traffic] and anything could happen - we have to limit the heavy traffic.”</p> <p dir="ltr">While Ms Infante is among many locals welcoming the new rules, others aren’t so happy.</p> <p dir="ltr">Antonio Illardi, the president of a local association of hoteliers called Federalberghi Salerno, argued in an open letter to Anas for the rules to be tweaked to allow overnight tourists to drive to their hotel and for hotel workers to reach their work if they live outside the coast.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The policy is a ‘disaster’,” he told <em>CNN</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It discourages tourists. It makes it impossible to stay for an odd number of days. If you arrive on Wednesday, you can't leave on Thursday. It's not like you can send your rental car back on Amazon."</p> <p dir="ltr">Others are concerned that tourists will be unaware of the changes and may be fined if not alerted by the rental companies and end up driving on the wrong day.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The rules are written in bureaucratese, they're not easy to read,” Mr Illardi said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Maybe rental car companies won't know, or maybe the visitor won't mention where they're going. So they'll get a car with the wrong plate and will be met with a fine on arrival."</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite the contention, the rules are said to have been created with the blessing of the town councils along the coast, with the exception of Minori and Maiori.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e5324476-7fff-6205-d778-8a558901ee83"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

International Travel

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Two years on since the Beirut port explosion

<p dir="ltr">It’s been two years since the devastating port explosion that rocked Lebanon and saw the country slowly become even more poor. </p> <p dir="ltr">The terrifying explosion killed 218 people, wounded 7,000 and damaged 77,000 apartments, displacing more than 300,000 people in the already struggling country. </p> <p dir="ltr">Covid was well underway with hospitals already under pressure, but the explosion saw them suddenly overflowing with injured citizens desperate for help. </p> <p dir="ltr">People are saying that the country’s stay-at-home orders saved lives which would have otherwise seen hundreds of thousands on the roads, at work and at the beach near the exploded port.</p> <p dir="ltr">But two years on and the residents are still struggling through the worst economic crisis in 30 years.</p> <p dir="ltr">Electricity runs for an hour a day unless you have a deal with electricity companies, there is also no running water, no bread, no gas, and much more. </p> <p dir="ltr">And it’s only expected to get worse in winter when temperatures plummet and families struggle to keep their loved ones, particularly the elderly, warm. </p> <p dir="ltr">Even putting food on the table has become more difficult with grocery prices soaring exponentially – almost 10 times what they were back in 2019. Families are being forced to ration and even resort to basics. </p> <p dir="ltr">There have been several protests calling for an end to the widespread corruption and tax increases.</p> <p dir="ltr">Will the politicians listen? Probably not, as this has been a long-running issue for Lebanon. </p> <p dir="ltr">Despite all this heartache, Lebanon remains the Paris of the Middle East and is likened to a phoenix, a mythical bird that is born again from the ashes of its predecessor.</p> <p dir="ltr">But what can we do to help Lebanon? Go and visit. </p> <p dir="ltr">Lebanon’s economy continues to rely on tourism and is a stunning summer/spring destination.</p> <p dir="ltr">Travellers will be in awe at the beauty of the Middle Eastern country which is constantly bringing Aussie tourists in.</p> <p dir="ltr">From its capital city Beirut, to Byblos in the seaside of the north of the country, Tyre, also known as Sour (pronounced soor), Harissa and many more it is certainly the place to be. </p> <p dir="ltr">It comes as the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism launched a tourism campaign to bring in Lebanese expats to come to the country during the 2022 summer season. </p> <p dir="ltr">The campaign was dubbed “Ahla Bha Talle,” in reference to a song by late and prominent Lebanese singer Sabah.</p> <p dir="ltr">So in reference to that TikTok video “Yallah come to Lebanon habibi” (Come to Lebanon my love). </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Twitter</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Random man rescues abandoned bride

<p dir="ltr">A bride running 45 minutes late to her own wedding after having her own transport cancelled was rescued by a random passerby. </p> <p dir="ltr">Marksteen Adamson was on his way to a friend’s reunion when he spotted the bride looking confused in the middle of the streets of London. </p> <p dir="ltr">He thought it would be great to record her crossing the road in her wedding dress when he noticed her gesturing to him. </p> <p dir="ltr">It was then he realised that he could help the bride, her sister and her friend to get to the church that was only 10 minutes away.  </p> <p dir="ltr">"Was driving through London traffic to visit friends for a reunion lunch in South East London when I stopped at a pedestrian crossing and saw a bride looking confused and flustered,” Adamson said in his <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@marksteenadamson/video/7121252884393594117?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc&amp;web_id=7070374670839465473" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a> video. </p> <p dir="ltr">"I started filming as I thought it would be a great shot seeing her cross the road in her full attire. Then she saw me and started walking towards me and gesturing. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It turns out that she and her bridesmaid and team had been trying to order Uber cabs but three cabs had canceled at the last minute and she was 45min late for church. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Everyone, most importantly her husband to be, were waiting at Holy Trinity Brompton for her to arrive.</p> <p dir="ltr">"She asked if I could give her and the group a lift, and so they jumped into my Land Rover and I drove her to church. </p> <p dir="ltr">“In our short time together we had lots of quick short conversations about everything and got to know each other a little better and new friendships were made.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Adamson eventually found out the bride’s name is Anastasia, her sister is Alexandra and their friend is Paul. </p> <p dir="ltr">He also said that she tried to get him to hurry up as she was “late for church”. </p> <p dir="ltr">“After I dropped her off I heard the sound of the organ ring out and knew everything was going to be alright. It was a beautiful sunny day.” </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

Relationships

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“World’s hottest grandma” reveals paparazzi hell

<p dir="ltr">The world’s self-proclaimed hottest grandma has spoken about being forced to leave her home due to paparazzi stalking her. </p> <p dir="ltr">Gina Stewart moved from New Zealand to the Gold Coast and is being chased by paparazzi who have figured out where she lives.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 51-year-old said that despite her huge following online where she shares promiscuous images, she is actually “really shy”. </p> <p dir="ltr">"I have been chased all around the Gold Coast by paparazzi trying to catch me," she told The Daily Star.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I don't give out my address and I had to move from one address because paparazzi tried to catch me outside.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It got to a point where I wouldn't go out until I knew they had gone."</p> <p dir="ltr">The mother-of-four and grandmother-of-one certainly does not look her age and credits her looks to a hyper-cooling remedy.</p> <p dir="ltr">Stewart exposes herself to temperatures of -110C to help “rejuvenate” her body and helps with muscle fatigue, muscle repair, injury treatment plus general skin revival.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Cryotherapy is my number one go-to therapy. I firmly believe it is the reason why I feel and look refreshed. It's my fountain of youth," she previously said. </p> <p dir="ltr">"I have been doing cryotherapy for a while and will keep it up as long as possible."</p> <p dir="ltr">She explained that each session costs $55 and does it twice a week. </p> <p dir="ltr">Stewart has also been doing it for a year which is helping her burn 800 calories each session. </p> <p dir="ltr">The grandma also sticks to eating protein-rich foods and avoids alcohol. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Local council accidentally crushes woman's car and belongings

<p dir="ltr">A NSW grandmother is still awaiting compensation three months after the local council admitted to accidentally seizing and crushing her car.</p> <p dir="ltr">Wendy Tucker said she is upset at how heartless the council has been when it came to offering help, fixing its mistake, and being clear about what happened to her 1997 Toyota Camry and personal belongings, while critics described the incident as embarrassing and evidence of incompetence on the Central Coast Council’s behalf.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mrs Tucker told<span> </span><em>A Current Affair,<span> </span></em>"I just thought the council would have been more forthcoming.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It was my only car, and it had things in it - personal belongings, emotional things - you get attached to your vehicles regardless of how good or bad they are."</p> <p dir="ltr">Mrs Tucker said that three months ago, she rang the police and council rangers, fearing her car, which was parked near her daughter’s home, had been stolen. The 61-year-old high school science lab assistant claims she was told by the council that the car had been towed, and to expect a letter in the mail that would outline the next steps she should take.</p> <p dir="ltr">Unfortunately, the next day she received a call from the council informing her that the car had been accidentally crushed. The warning letter from the council arrived a few days later.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mrs Tucker said, "I thought they were exaggerating but apparently it had been crushed completely.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Former Central Coast councilor Greg Best said “heads should roll” after the incident. "Surely they should have just sat down with Mrs Tucker over a cup of tea and said 'sorry, here's what we're going to do'.</p> <p dir="ltr">"This council wracked up the largest financial debt and financial loss of any council in Australia and it has now gone to an all time high in its incompetence and embarrassment."</p> <p dir="ltr">The Council confirmed the car was left in a street at Point Clare for roughly eight weeks during NSW’s COVID-19 lockdown, and that it towed the vehicle following complaints from nearby homeowners. While this is within the council’s power, it is required to contact the registered owner and give warning that the car had been impounded.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Central Coast Council<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/aussie-grandmothers-car-crushed-by-nsw-council-without-warning/b04415f6-ce57-42aa-a2ca-c263a61073f8" target="_blank">provided two statements</a><span> </span>to<span> </span><em>A Current Affair,<span> </span></em>and later offerred an apology to Mrs Tucker. Their most recent statement says, amongst other things, that the “Council apologies to the car owner that adequate notice wasn't provided by letter to the registered address, and despite Council undertaking the process lawfully within the legislation, compensation is assured to the car's owner.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Channel 9</em></p>

Legal

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Why jetlag is worse flying east

<p>Frequent travellers often insist that flying east causes worse jetlag than flying west. And, despite those who may dismiss the notion, a new study suggests that they are right.</p> <p>A group of scientists from the University of Maryland produced mathematical models to show why this might be.</p> <p>Jetlag is believed to be caused by the disruption of our body clocks – the circadian rhythm.</p> <p>According to the study, this cycle, on average, runs over a little more than a day – about 24.5 hours. As flying west, in the same direction as the rotation of the Earth, lengthens the day slightly, it is more in tune with our body’s cycle than flying east, which shortens the day.</p> <p>That may also explain why some people are affected more or less severely by jetlag than others, <a rel="noopener" href="http://scitation.aip.org/content/aip/journal/chaos/26/9/10.1063/1.4954275" target="_blank">the study, published in the journal </a><a rel="noopener" href="http://scitation.aip.org/content/aip/journal/chaos/26/9/10.1063/1.4954275" target="_blank">Chaos</a>, says, as individual circadian rhythms can be longer or shorter than the typical 24.5 hours.</p> <p>The circadian rhythm itself is regulated by a clump of brain cells known as the suprachiasmatic nucleus, controlled by exposure to light.</p> <p>When travelling by air, changes to the available light are thrown out of kilter, resulting in jetlag. So the researchers developed a mathematical model to simulate what happens to these brain cells when this happens.</p> <p>This showed the microscopic dynamics of individual pacemaker cells in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and found that not all cells adjust to a new time zone at the same rate, but as a group arrive at the same result about the same time.</p> <p>“Our model explores what would happen to an individual if he/she were suddenly taken from one time zone and dropped in another,” lead author Michelle Girvan was quoted by Gizmodoas saying.</p> <p>“The important 30-minute difference that comes into play is that the natural frequency of [the brain cells] is about 30 minutes longer than 24 hours.”</p> <p>The study calculated that, with the average circadian cycle of 24.5 hours, it would take a person just under four days to recover from a trip in which they passed westward through three time zones. But it would take just over four days after travelling east.</p> <p><em><img id="cosmos-post-tracker" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=11427&amp;title=Why+jetlag+is+worse+flying+east" alt="" width="1" height="1" />Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article was originally published on <a rel="noopener" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/biology/why-jetlag-is-worse-flying-east/" target="_blank">cosmosmagazine.com</a>.</em></p>

Travel Tips

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

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

Domestic Travel

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Meet the youngest person to run a solo lap of Britain

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Elise Downing never thought she was a gifted runner. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She tried running a marathon, dressed as a crayon, but gave up before finishing and was found crying on the side of the road. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She wasn’t phased by her previous marathon failures, as six weeks later, she set out on a marathon of epic proportions, leaving from London’s National Maritime Museum with a tent on her back and a map that she couldn’t read to run around the coast of Britain. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She became the first woman and the youngest person to run a lap of Great Britain by herself, having completed the 5,000-mile journey back to Greenwich in 301 days.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Along the journey, she crashed with over 200 strangers for a night and suffered several injuries on the way.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She was often slowed down by chaffing from her running tights and her backpack rubbing on her shoulders. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After finishing the impressive feat, Elise recalled her travels in her book titled </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Coasting: Running Around The Coast of Britain – Life, Love And (Very) Loose Plans.</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In her book she explains that the clockwise route around the UK was never an issue, saying “I just keep the sea to my left, surely.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She also explained that the hole in her back was caused by friction from her sports bra clasp wearing a big hole in a T-shirt she didn’t want to change because she had become “weirdly superstitious” about taking it off.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s probably one of the most ridiculous ideas I had,’ she writes. ‘I can’t explain myself.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Elise’s 40 mile-per-day jogs were often interrupted by ferocious storms and decided to name them as old friends. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She wrote in her book, “Your own mortality suddenly feels very apparent in those moments. I had to take an alternative inland route quite a few times to avoid literally being blown out to sea.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Despite the trials and tribulations, Elise witnessed the kindness of people firsthand. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She wrote, “I realised how fundamentally good most humans are. It was a huge privilege to be welcomed into so many people’s homes, and I feel really lucky to have had the chance to meet so many different, amazing people.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Running the coast of Britain was technically a solo challenge, but I really don’t think I would have made it to the end if it wasn’t for all the help I received.”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image credit: Instagram @elisecdowning</span></em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Russell Crowe and Liam Hemsworth face controversy on NSW’s South Coast

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kiama and Berry, on NSW’s South Coast, have seen an influx of A-list movie stars in the area including Russell Crowe and Liam Hemsworth, as the celebrities shoot scenes for an upcoming movie.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But, the stars have received a frosty reception from Kiama MP Gareth Ward, who vented his frustrations about the celebs being allowed to travel freely in the region despite widespread public health orders and nearby Shellharbour being in lockdown.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This makes a total mockery of the public health orders,” he wrote on Twitter.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“People can’t see family and friends, funerals are limited to 10, no cases in Shellharbour but still locked down, but apparently A-listers producing movies is essential.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The actors and crew filming </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Poker Face</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, which Crowe is directing and starring in, are believed to be following COVID-safe protocols.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though some have raised concerns about the filming, others are finding it a welcome distraction.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cathy Law, the editor of Kiama’s community newspaper, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Bugle</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, said she had been hearing rumours of Crowe and the crew’s arrival in town for a while.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We heard a couple of rumours yesterday,” Ms Law said, which Russell confirmed on Twitter.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I just think it’s fantastic for Kiama tourism now and into the future.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Shooting in Kiama.<br />What a beautiful place. <a href="https://t.co/rVYET2Tx52">pic.twitter.com/rVYET2Tx52</a></p> — Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) <a href="https://twitter.com/russellcrowe/status/1424701482494881793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Destination Kiama chair Mat Brown agreed, saying the filming had created a lot of excitement and came as a welcome distraction during the pandemic.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s not the first time we’ve had blockbusters filmed here,” Councillor Brown said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“There’s a lot of interest around the place from visitors and locals.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Once they are released, they are really important for tourism.”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Poker Face</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is a psychological thriller that centres around a billionaire (Crowe) who gathers his friends to his Miami mansion for a high stakes game of poker.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Scenes will also be filmed at Sydney’s Fox Studios and the movie is set to be released in America in 2022.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Liam Hemsworth / Instagram, Russell Crowe / Instagram</span></em></p>

Movies

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Angelina Jolie’s secret Sydney home hits the market for $11 million

<p>A stunning Sydney home used by Angelina Jolie while she filmed <em>Unbroken</em> has hit the market.</p> <p>The Hollywood actress secretly used the home as a private wharf to secretly travel to Cockatoo Island, and now it is up for $11 million.</p> <p>The bright and airy house at 37 Duke Street, Balmain East was used by Jolie specifically for its private jetty, as she would board the boat that would then ferry her to Cockatoo Island undetected to direct her Academy Award-nominated film.</p> <p>Marcus Lloyd-Jones from Modern House said that the privacy of the home was what entranced Jolie, and now other buyers too.</p> <p>The property sits at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac that is used by only two other residences.</p> <p>Modern House’s Marcus Lloyd-Jones said this privacy was a major drawcard for Jolie and for interested buyers too.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842167/angelina-jolie.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/7f56a0f52284421fb86fdb62347bdfaf" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Angelina Jolie during Unbroken. Image: Supplied</em></p> <p>“She was driven in [to the five-car garage], she would walk along the jetty, jump on whatever boat it was and go to Cockatoo Island to direct the movie and back the same way,” Mr Lloyd-Jones said.</p> <p>“It was incredibly private.”</p> <p>While Jolie used the home strictly as a thoroughfare, the home has many wonderful features including three incredible levels with harbour views.</p> <p>The Nordon Jago Architects-designed house sits on a 790-square-metre waterfront block with its own private beach, leased jetty and mooring for a 50-foot boat and boat storage.</p> <p>“Everything about this house is on a grand scale from the five-car garage to the 21.5-metre lap pool,” Mr Lloyd-Jones said.</p> <p>“I’d like somebody to show me a larger lap pool in Balmain and the list keeps going.</p> <p>“If somebody has a car collection or a large boat it’s truly the best of Sydney. That’s what’s on offer.”</p>

Real Estate

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Gold Coast family in mourning over 1 in 4,500 death

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>A Queensland family is mourning the loss of an 11-year-old boy who died after sustaining a seizure in his sleep.</p> <p>Jett Somerhayes-Nixon died on ANZAC Day after failing to wake up after the seizure in his sleep.</p> <p>His aunt, Lucy Somerhayes, wrote on the<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/jettys-sendoff-family-support?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=copy_link_all&amp;utm_source=customer" target="_blank">family's GoFundMe page</a><span> </span>that their “Jetty Spaghetti” had autism and was “plagued by seizures over the past few years”.</p> <p>“But although it wasn't easy, he was the happiest little boy, he loved to sing, dance and make everyone laugh... he was at his happiest if everyone was laughing, singing and dancing with him,” Ms Somerhayes wrote.</p> <p>“He has now gone on to 'rave in paradise', but his family needs help right now to help with funeral costs and give him the send-off he deserved, and to help support them whilst they try and face life without their young, happy, smiley, singing boy.”</p> <p>Somerhayes spoke to<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/unbearable-family-mourns-boy-who-died-from-seizure-sleep-003651622.html" target="_blank"><em>Yahoo! News</em></a><span> </span>about the loss of her nephew.</p> <p>"It's completely unfair and unbearable that such a massive personality could leave us in such a tragic way," she said.</p> <p>"It's so incredibly quiet without him."</p> <p>Jett suffered from 50 to 60 seizures a day, which led to him being hospitalised as well as needing a wheelchair to get around.</p> <p>However, the family said that Jett hadn't had a major seizure for months before he died.</p> <p>The family believe that Jett died from Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), as the family found out the cause of death on Thursday and want people to be aware.</p> <p>“In general, people living with epilepsy are at a one in 1,000 risk of SUDEP per year,” Epilepsy Australia says.</p> <p>“In children, SUDEP is an even rarer occurrence with the risk as low as one in 4,500. Most, but not all, cases of SUDEP occur during or immediately after a seizure.”</p> <p><em>Photo credits:<span> </span></em><a rel="noopener" href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/unbearable-family-mourns-boy-who-died-from-seizure-sleep-003651622.html" target="_blank"><em>Yahoo! News</em></a></p> </div> </div> </div>

Caring

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The other outbreak engulfing eastern Africa

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

International Travel

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Central Coast's changing face attracts Sydney downsizers - would you retire here?

<p><strong>In Australia, NSW's Central Coast region’s natural beauty, improved transport access and shift to high-quality new housing are helping to attract downsizers from Sydney.</strong></p> <p>Downsizing.com.au spoke to a local agent to understand more about the region’s growing appeal.</p> <p><strong>Attractive lifestyle and transport access</strong></p> <p>Michelle Tucker, a Central Coast-based McGrath agent, says there are several drivers enticing downsizers to ‘The Coast’ (as locals prefer to call the region).</p> <p>Ms Tucker said the picturesque Brisbane Waters and the region’s magnificent beaches are key attractors. “The lifestyle of the Central Coast has always been an attractive proposition for downsizers,” Ms Tucker said. </p> <p>Ms Tucker also says transport access is also about to improve, with the <a href="https://northconnex.com.au/">North Connex roadway project</a> close to completion. This project is expected to make the trip from the Central Coast to the centre of Sydney some 30 minutes faster. </p> <p>“Downsizers want to stay connected to the city’s amenities, and this is particularly so for those originating from Sydney,” Ms Tucker explains. </p> <p>“They want everything at their fingertips. They still want to go to shows in Sydney and meet their friend for lunch. They don’t want to give up their Sydney lifestyle.”</p> <p>In addition, Central Coast residents have the choice of two major airports, Sydney’s Kingsford Smith and Newcastle Airport at Williamtown. It is also possible to take a train from Gosford to Central Station in 70 minutes.  </p> <p><strong>Relative value for money</strong></p> <p>Ms Tucker says the downsizer market on the Central Coast is split between locals and those moving from Sydney. </p> <p>“We recently sold a beautifully appointed penthouse with sweeping views of Brisbane Waters to downsizers from Killara, a northern Sydney suburb, for $1.6 million,” she says.  </p> <p>“To find an apartment like this on the North Shore with sweeping water views of say Middle Harbour or Sydney Harbour, you could expect to double and even triple the price.</p> <p>“Not only has this couple bought into a fantastic lifestyle but downsizing to the Central Coast leaves money in the bank.”</p> <p>However, Ms Tucker said that the Central Coast hasn’t always offered the housing product matching the region’s lifestyle delights. </p> <p>“It’s only in the last few years we’ve seen an increase in brand new luxury apartments come onto the market,” she said.</p> <p><strong>Changing face of Gosford</strong></p> <p>With more residential towers in various stages of development in Gosford and Point Frederick, the local restaurant, café and bar scene is improving with a bullet.</p> <p>“You come out of your apartment, and you’re on the waterfront, go to a restaurant or café in town. Gosford is starting to happen, and there are places to go,” Ms Tucker says.</p> <p>In addition, both of the region's major hospitals are <a href="http://www.gwhr.health.nsw.gov.au/">currently undergoing a major redevelopment.</a> </p> <p><strong>Properties on the Central Coast</strong></p> <p>Ms Tucker is currently marketing the luxury <a href="https://www.downsizing.com.au/property/sale/47280/ravello-luxury-apartments">Ravello</a> residential apartment project, being developed by veteran media industry figure John Singleton at Point Frederick.</p> <p>Located on the former site of the iconic Monti’s Ashore fish and chip shop, Ravello includes 40 apartments and has largely uninterrupted views over Brisbane Water.</p> <p>The project will be completed in 2021 and includes one, two and three-bedroom apartments, and three penthouses. </p> <p>There is only a limited number of one-bedroom apartments available from $460,000, while two-bedroom apartments begin at $830,000. </p> <p>“Central Coast downsizers love large apartments with big terraces as they still want space for the Christmas lunch and in this respect, developments such as Ravello tick these boxes,” Ms Tucker says.</p> <p>Another new Central Coast project currently on offer is Retire Australia’s <a href="https://www.downsizing.com.au/property/sale/44418/expect-a-lifestyle-thats-second-to-none">Rise at Wood Glen</a> project at Erina. </p> <p>The Rise at Wood Glen will comprise 58 purpose-built two and three-bedroom independent living apartments against a backdrop of award-winning gardens and bushland views in the existing Wood Glen retirement living community.</p> <p>Independent living apartments in Stage 1 range from $650,000 to $1,050,000.</p> <p>The Central Coast also continues to offer more affordable property in existing retirement villages and land lease communities.</p> <p><em>Republished with permission of </em><a href="https://www.downsizing.com.au/news/664/Central-Coasts-changing-face-attracts-Sydney-downsizers"><em>Downsizing.com.au.</em></a></p>

Retirement Life

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20 people injured after violent volcano eruption off New Zealand coast

<p>An eruption from a volcano on White Island in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty has taken course, with unconfirmed reports of up to 20 people injured.</p> <p><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&amp;objectid=12292240" target="_blank">The New Zealand Herald</a><span> </span>reported rescue helicopters are on the way to the island and it is understood up to 100 people may have been on the island at the time of its disastrous eruption.</p> <p>White Island Tours boats were reportedly near the island.</p> <p>A level four alert has been raised – it is the second highest rating meaning there is an eruption hazard on and near the volcano.</p> <p>The island is 48 kilometres from the Bay of Plenty, a bight in the northern coast of New Zealand's North Island.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Whakaari/White Island is erupting. More information soon. <a href="https://t.co/B5m4BSa4bt">pic.twitter.com/B5m4BSa4bt</a></p> — GeoNet (@geonet) <a href="https://twitter.com/geonet/status/1203851449483984896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) released a national warning statement for a moderate volcanic eruption, describing the environment as “hazardous in the immediate vicinity of the volcano”.</p> <p>“Volcanic hazards may impact areas on and near the volcano. Ashfall may impact areas distant from the volcano. People should stay out of designated restricted zones.”</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D10212478296591803%26set%3Da.10203084101142788%26type%3D3&amp;width=500" width="500" height="612" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></p> <p>Cameras positioned near the volcano was believed to have displayed people hiking near the eruption site shortly before the explosion.</p> <p>Geological hazard trackers GeoNet had noted there had been somewhat of a moderate volcanic unrest on the island for weeks, before Monday afternoon's eruption.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Yup looks like it... Both of the cameras in the crater have changed significantly. <a href="https://t.co/eVEAfm94oo">pic.twitter.com/eVEAfm94oo</a></p> — Brady Dyer (@BR4DY) <a href="https://twitter.com/BR4DY/status/1203854492917063680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>Dan Harvey, a man fishing approximately 40 km from the island, told<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&amp;objectid=12292240" target="_blank">The New Zealand Herald</a><span> </span>a dark plume of smoke projected into the sky about 2.15pm.</p> <p>“I looked over and saw a burst of steam coming up. There was nothing above the island at that time. It was just clear blue sky. It was unusual to see it go from nothing to steam erupting out of it,” he said.</p> <p>MORE TO COME.</p> <p>Image: Instagram @byminke</p>

News

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The reason why fires are lighting up the east coast of Australia

<p>Last week saw an unprecedented outbreak of large, intense fires stretching from the mid-north coast of New South Wales into central Queensland.</p> <p>The most tragic losses are concentrated in northern NSW, where 970,000 hectares have been burned, three people have died, and at least 150 homes have been destroyed.</p> <p>A <a href="https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fdr-and-tobans">catastrophic fire warning</a> for Tuesday has been issued for the Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter, Shoalhaven and Illawarra areas. It is the first time Sydney has received a catastrophic rating since the rating system was developed in 2009.</p> <p>No relief is in sight from this extremely hot, dry and windy weather, and the extraordinary magnitude of these fires is likely to increase in the coming week. Alarmingly, as Australians increasingly seek a sea-change or tree-change, more people are living in the path of these destructive fires.</p> <p><strong>Unprecedented state of emergency</strong></p> <p>Large fires have happened before in northern NSW and southern Queensland during spring and early summer (for example in 1994, 1997, 2000, 2002, and 2018 in northern NSW). But this latest extraordinary situation raises many questions.</p> <p>It is as if many of the major fires in the past are now being rerun concurrently. What is unprecedented is the <em>size</em> and <em>number</em> of fires rather than the seasonal timing.</p> <p>The potential for large, intense fires is determined by <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1466-8238.2009.00512.x">four fundamental ingredients</a>: a continuous expanse of fuel; extensive and continuous dryness of that fuel; weather conditions conducive to the rapid spread of fire; and ignitions, either human or lightning. These act as a set of switches, in series: all must be “on” for major fires to occur.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/301032/original/file-20191111-194628-1xowzaz.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/301032/original/file-20191111-194628-1xowzaz.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="" /></a> <em><span class="caption">L</span></em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="caption">ive fuel moisture content in late October 2019. The ‘dry’ and ‘transitional’ moisture categories correspond to conditions associated with over 95% of historical area burned by bushfire.</span> <span class="attribution"><a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/2016GL0686140" class="source">Estimated from MODIS satellite imagery for the Sydney basin Bioregion.</a></span></em></p> <p>The NSW north coast and tablelands, along with much of the southern coastal regions of Queensland are famous for their diverse range of eucalypt forest, heathlands and rainforests, which flourish in the warm temperate to subtropical climate.</p> <p>These forests and shrublands can rapidly accumulate bushfire fuels such as leaf litter, twigs and grasses. The unprecedented drought across much of Australia has created exceptional dryness, including high-altitude areas and places like gullies, water courses, swamps and steep south-facing slopes that are normally too wet to burn.</p> <p>These typically wet parts of the landscape have literally evaporated, allowing fire to spread unimpeded. The drought has been particularly acute in northern NSW where record low rainfall has led to <a href="https://biocollect.ala.org.au/acsa/project/index/77285a13-e231-49e8-b212-660c66c74bac">widespread defoliation and tree death</a>. It is no coincidence current fires correspond directly with hotspots of <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/drought/">record low rainfall and above-average temperatures</a>.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/301040/original/file-20191111-194650-458t68.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/301040/original/file-20191111-194650-458t68.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em> <span class="caption">Annual trends in live fuel moisture. The horizontal line represents the threshold for the critical ‘dry’ fuel category, which corresponds to the historical occurrence of most major wildfires in the Bioregion.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Estimated from MODIS imagery for the Sydney basin Bioregion</span></span></em></p> <p>Thus, the North Coast and northern ranges of NSW as well as much of southern and central Queensland have been primed for major fires. A continuous swathe of critically dry fuels across these diverse landscapes existed well before last week, as shown by damaging fires in September and October.</p> <p>High temperatures and wind speeds, low humidity, and a wave of new ignitions on top of pre-existing fires has created an unprecedented situation of multiple large, intense fires stretching from the coast to the tablelands and parts of the interior.</p> <p><strong>More people in harm’s way</strong></p> <p>Many parts of the NSW north coast, southern Queensland and adjacent hinterlands have seen population growth around major towns and cities, as people look for pleasant coastal and rural homes away from the capital cities.</p> <p>The extraordinary number and ferocity of these fires, plus the increased exposure of people and property, have contributed to the tragic results of the past few days.</p> <p>Communities flanked by forests along the coast and ranges are highly vulnerable because of the way fires spread under the influence of strong westerly winds. Coastal communities wedged between highly flammable forests and heathlands and the sea, are particularly at risk.</p> <p>As a full picture of the extent and location of losses and damage becomes available, we will see the extent to which planning, building regulations, and fire preparation has mitigated losses and damage.</p> <p>These unprecedented fires are an indication that a much-feared future under climate change may have arrived <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0222328">earlier than predicted</a>. The week ahead will present high-stakes new challenges.</p> <p>The most heavily populated region of the nation is now at critically dry levels of fuel moisture, below those at the time of the disastrous Christmas fires of 2001 and 2013. Climate change has been predicted to <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1071/WF08133">strongly increase</a> the chance of large fires across this region. The conditions for Tuesday are a real and more extreme manifestation of these longstanding predictions.</p> <p>Whatever the successes and failures in this crisis, it is likely that we will have to rethink the way we plan and prepare for wildfires in a hotter, drier and more flammable world.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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/126750/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: http://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ross-bradstock-1495">Ross Bradstock</a>, Professor, Centre for Environmental Risk Management of Bushfires, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rachael-helene-nolan-179005">Rachael Helene Nolan</a>, Postdoctoral research fellow, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a></em></p> <p><em>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/drought-and-climate-change-were-the-kindling-and-now-the-east-coast-is-ablaze-126750">original article</a>.</em></p>

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Inside the world of million-dollar beauty pageants – for camels

<p>When you hear “beauty pageants” you probably think of human women (and men) competing. However, a series of pageants on the Arabian Peninsula celebrate the beauty of the dromedary, or one-humped camel.</p> <p>Interest in camel beauty competitions has grown since the boom of oil production during the 20th century, as camels became associated with status and wealth.</p> <p>These pageants have become massive. In 2017, some 30,000 camels competed in the <a href="https://www.google.com.au/search?q=King+Adul+Aziz+Camel+Festival&amp;oq=King+Adul+Aziz+Camel+Festival&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">King Abul Aziz Camel Festival</a> in Saudi Arabia, which has a <a href="https://www.forbesmiddleeast.com/en/king-abdulaziz-camel-festival-will-crown-miss-camel-this-month/">prize pool</a> of around AU$45 million. The winners in six categories each get roughly AU$7.5 million, along with the crown of “<a href="https://www.forbesmiddleeast.com/en/king-abdulaziz-camel-festival-will-crown-miss-camel-this-month/">Miss Camel</a>”.</p> <p>The lure of these glittering prizes has also led to cheating. Earlier this year 12 camels were <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/24/saudi-camel-beauty-contest-judges-get--hump-botox-cheats">disqualified</a> from a camel beauty pageant in Saudi Arabia after receiving Botox injections to improve the look of their lips and noses.</p> <p>So what constitutes a prize-winning camel?</p> <p><strong>Omani camel contests</strong></p> <p>Many breeds of camels compete in pageants across the Arabian Peninsula, so they are all assessed differently. I have worked with the Omani Camel Racing Federation to help develop a new scoring system, which aims to improve transparency and fairness.</p> <p>A requirement of Omani beauty contests is that only pure-bred camels from Oman may participate. Camel owners must testify under oath to the authenticity of their animals’ pedigree, or they are banned from taking part.</p> <p>Local committees of experts assess and rank the camels, which are categorised by age after a teeth examination. They look for:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Coat:</strong>a natural appearance with shiny hair of a clearly definable colour. The brighter the hair, the more beautiful the pageant entrant is considered to be. No hair-colouring, tattooing or other cosmetic modification is allowed.</li> <li><strong>Neck:</strong>must be long, wide, and elegant and lean, neither overly full nor skinny. The area between the neck and the hump should be long and strong.</li> <li><strong>Head:</strong>should be large and upright as well as proportioned to the rest of the body. Lips are pouty and pendulous, with the upper lip being cleft, chin is visible from the front and side, and eyes are wide with long, dark lashes. Ears are long, furrowed and pricked up, and also keep the sand out.</li> <li><strong>Hump:</strong>large and shapely, in the usual position close to the back – a good posture and a large hump may increase a camel’s chance of winning.</li> </ul> <p><strong>How competitions happen</strong></p> <p>Pageant contestants are housed away from the sun and fed milk, wheat, honey and dates before the competition. During the contest itself, a handful of judges appointed by Omani Camel Racing Federation inspect the camels, consult with each other, and rank the animals. The whole scoring process is qualitative, and at no point do the judges write a score or explain the reasoning behind their decisions.</p> <p>The increasing popularity of camel beauty contests has caused some dissatisfaction over the absence of a formal scoring system.</p> <p>While studying the genetics of a range of animals as diverse as crocodiles, platypuses, oryxes, wild pigs and peccaries, I agreed to take on a project to define criteria for competitions, based on the traditional judging system.</p> <p>We began with a simple question: “What features make a camel beautiful from an Omani perspective?” We then developed a numerical scoring card to help judges explain their decisions.</p> <p>We identified 22 body measurements across the head, upper body, front and rear, as well as general appearance and colour. Each of these is scored to give a maximum total of 100 points. The judges we have consulted are happy with the outcome and are looking forward to validating the system in upcoming major contests across Oman.</p> <p>We are also assessing overall genetic patterns of the pageant contestants and their association with beauty traits. We will be extending our genetic studies to camels used for racing, milk and meat in Oman.</p> <p>The scoring and ranking of camels during beauty contests can be a challenging business. We hope giving judges a numerical system will lend support to their decisions and help keep the owners and the general public, and consequently the pageant contestants, happy.</p> <p><em>Written by Jaime Gongora and Mahmood Alamri. Republished with permission of </em><a href="https://theconversation.com/inside-the-world-of-million-dollar-beauty-pageants-for-camels-98759"><em>The Conversation</em></a><em>.</em></p>

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