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Things to remember when booking a group tour

When it comes to travelling abroad, many people opt to take part in a group tour to get the most out of their holiday. However, there are always a few logistics to iron out before you book your trip, because running into issues on a tour can make or break your vacation. Thankfully, travel expert Dilvin Yasa has shared her go to tips for getting the most out of your group tour. Budget accordingly When planning your group tour, budgeting is one of the most important factors, as these trips are rarely all-inclusive. Dilvin Yasa told <a href="https://travel.nine.com.au/latest/things-first-timers-get-wrong-on-group-tours/61fa10d2-ce80-40bb-ab92-9008b3d9296d">9Travel</a> it’s important to “read the itinerary carefully before you book and add up all the exclusions until you arrive at your 'real figure'.” Extra costs on a group tour could include lunches, dinners, attractions and additional activities, so make sure you factor these potential costs in. Know your geography Yasa advised against skipping between different destinations, as strict time constraints could prevent you from partaking in back to back tours. “If the itinerary doesn't list distances or time between destinations, hit up Google Maps to get an idea of how long you're expected to be in transit during each leg of the tour.” Don’t arrive at the last minute The travel expert said if you’re heading on a group tour, don’t leave it until the day the tour departs to arrive at your destination. “The last thing you want is to miss a connecting flight or hit any other sort of delay that could see you miss the first or two of the tour you've paid for,” Yasa said. “Aim to arrive the day before at the very latest and give yourself a little extra free time at the tail end as well - just in case.” Keep some cash on hand While most of your tour should already be paid for before you depart, you should always be prepared for extra expenses. Especially when travelling to more remote locations, or if you’re visiting smaller food vendors or markets, you shouldn’t assume everywhere will take card payments. Yasa said, “Make sure you have local currency on you at all times and you're good to go.” Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Tips

8 signs you should be booking a group tour

Not sure if you should take a tour or go it alone? These are the times you’re going to want that expert on hand. 1. When you’re on a really tight schedule A tour will help you squeeze in as much as possible in a very short time. It will plan out a sensible itinerary with no backtracking or wasted journeys and will give you a realistic idea of how much you can fit in for a day. Plus you won’t have to puzzle out public transport for yourself. 2. When you’re feeling nervous Arriving in a new place can be scary sometimes, so having someone to walk you through it will make all the difference. If a city has a reputation for being unsafe or if it’s just your first time in a foreign country, a tour will give you a great worry-free introduction. 3. When there’s a big language barrier We’re lucky in that much of the world speaks English, so we can usually muddle our way around. But in some countries you’ll find there’s a significant language barrier, so having a native speaker is going to make all the difference. 4. When you want to meet some locals This might sound counterintuitive, but an organised tour can be one of the best ways to meet some locals. First of all, your guide is likely to be local and can introduce you to their hometown. Secondly, it’s daunting to walk into a crowded bar or cool café when you don’t know anyone. A guide can smooth the way and ensure you don’t get stuck in tourist traps. 5. When it’s really busy If you don’t fancy joining the huge line outside a popular museum or waiting hours for tickets, a tour could be the way to go. They can often organise private or after hours visits, get special passes to cut the line or take you to areas that are off limits to the general public. 6. When it’s the law Want to visit North Korea? You’re going to need to join a tour. Some governments have restrictions in place that mean foreign tourists can only visit when accompanied by a registered tour guide and independent travel is simply not an option. 7. When you’re doing something really adventurous Trekking, white water rafting, canyoning or safaris – for safety reasons you’re going to need to join a tour. These kinds of activities can be dangerous, so you don’t want to be risking them on your own. A tour or private guide will show you the best way to get your heart pumping. 8. When you’re going right off the grid Places like Antarctica, the Arctic, remote corners of Africa or tricky countries like Russia are best done on a tour. Often the logistics of simply getting there are impossible for the independent traveller or you will need help navigating the complex visa process. In these instances, it’s a relief to put yourself in someone else’s hands and just concentrate on having fun. Image credits: Getty Images

Travel Tips

Elderly woman hospitalised by royal motorcycle escort

A pensioner in her 80s is in critical condition after a collision with a police motorcycle that was escorting Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. The rolling motorcade, manned by motorcycle outriders, was escorting the Duchess when the collision happened. The Duchess was being escorted by the Met Police‘s Special Escort Group, who provide armed escorts for Royal Family members, VIPs, protected members of the Government, visiting royals, heads of state and other visiting dignitaries. Met Police released a <a href="https://news.met.police.uk/news/woman-injured-following-collision-with-police-motorcycle-in-west-london-466651#:~:text=A%20woman%20has%20been%20injured,Road%2C%20Earls%20Court%2C%20SW5." target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a> that said: “A woman has been injured after being involved in a collision with a police motorcycle in west London. “At approximately 15:21hrs on Wednesday, 10 May a police motorcycle on escort duties was involved in a collision with a member of the public on West Cromwell Road, Earls Court, SW5. “Paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance attended and a woman, aged in her 80s, was taken to hospital. “She remains there in a critical condition. Her family have been informed”. Road closures were in place and two bikes – one with King Charles‘ cypher – were seen inside the cordon after the collision happened. A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace has said: “The Duchess’s heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the injured lady and her family. “She is grateful for the swift response by the emergency services and will keep abreast of developments. “Further comment at this time would not be appropriate while the incident is being investigated.” Image: Getty

News

Support is the best medicine

Sharing your experience and talking with others when ill can be very good for your wellbeing. Here’s why support groups are great. Good friends may help your life last longer as they’ll boost your self-esteem, offer companionship and provide support when you need it. A study by the Centre for Ageing Studies at Flinders University backed this up by following 1500 older Aussies for 10 years and found that those who had a large network of friends outlived those with fewer friends by 22 per cent. When you know you can count on someone to help or provide support when you most need it, it can make the world of difference. However, sometimes people may not live near close friends or have found it difficult to develop a strong community group around them. When a person becomes ill, a good network can be the best medicine for helping to keep a person’s spirits up, so joining a support group could be the perfect solution. Another study, completed in 2005 and published in health journal Cancer, found that out of the 61 women who had advanced ovarian cancer those with support networks had much lower levels of a protein linked with more aggressive types of cancer. Women who didn’t have as much social support around them had levels of the protein that were a whopping 70 per cent higher! Support groups can bring people together who are facing similar issues, ranging from major life changes to illness. Many people join support groups because sharing experiences with people who are going through the same battles can be incredibly helpful and make a person feel like they’re not alone. Well-known Australian cancer survivor, Dr Ian Gawler, who was diagnosed with bone cancer, had his right leg amputated and then had to battle the disease again later that same year, believes having a positive and practical attitude can help in many ways when battling disease. According to a 2005 study by The Cancer Council, there are health benefits associated with being part of a health support group. These include: improvements in coping and adaptation, reductions in psychological stress, enhanced self-esteem and even positive effects on immunological response. Just ask Terri-Ann Carter, a Queenslander who underwent surgery and chemotherapy for a lump on her neck. She started an online support group called Gladstone Cancer Friends as a way to cope with the isolation and stress of going through cancer treatment. For cancer sufferers, two big fears are one of relapse and social isolation. Whether online or in person, a support group can help a person cope with these two alienating factors. When it comes to your health, nothing should be taken for granted. Together with surrounding yourself with the love and support of family, friends or new acquaintances from a support group, it’s always worth getting good health insurance. How to find a support group: Ask your doctor or health care provider. They may be able to point you in the right direction of a support group near you. Go online. There are many over-60s who live in rural or regional areas, so more people are turning to the internet to connect with others for support and advice. Social media sites, such as Facebook, have become very popular for people to comfortably share their stories and experience in an open and supportive forum. Get in touch with local centres. Look to your local community halls, libraries and even supermarket notice boards for possible support groups in your area. Look to state or national bodies. Organisations for a particular illness or issue usually have a directory of the support groups in various local communities for people to be redirected to. Take a look and find one that’s close to you. Can’t find one? Start your own. If there’s no support group near you, why not start your own? Look to start an online group via Facebook or post announcements on a board in your local medical centre or hospital to spread the word. Image: Getty

Caring

6 major muscle groups you need to train to keep fit

There is no question that strength is beauty. Not only will resistance training make you look toned, strong and beautiful, it is the key in the fight against aging. This is because adults lose muscle every decade of their life, which underlies all the perils of aging, osteoporosis, type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, unwanted weight gain and an increased susceptibility to illness and fall related injuries. Weight training can slow or even reverse this process. A muscle group is exactly what it sounds like: a group of muscles situated close together on your body that perform similar movements. You want to train all six major muscle groups for optimum health and strength and to keep your body symmetrical. Focusing on the 6 major muscle groups listed below will get you on track to your best body. You can complete this full body workout using half a dozen weight machines at the gym and this will provide you with efficient and effective results. 12 -15 repetitions x 3 sets for each machine. <ol> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Chest – Your chest is involved in every type of push movement that you do, like pushing a door open. Working your chest will strengthen your pectoral muscles, give your breasts a more lifted appearance and is also extremely important for your posture. The chest press machine is essential and probably the most commonly used machine for upper body strengthening. It also engages the arms and shoulders. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Back – Strong backs not only look good and are important for posture but are also needed for all pulling, lifting and carrying actions. Working both lower and upper back muscles will stabilise and protect the spine. A strong back therefore is required to perform daily tasks and is protective against injury. The lat pull down is the machine to use here. After the chest press it is one of the most recognised in the gym. It targets many muscles of the back, but most importantly the latissimus dorsi which is the largest back muscle. Like the chest machine it also incorporates the arms and shoulders. The second machine for your back is the seated cable row machine. It works all the muscles across your middle back and in addition uses the triceps and biceps as stabilisers. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Arms – Strong toned arms look amazing. Beyond aesthetics however, regular arm exercises are closely linked to longevity as they strengthen your heart, improve circulation and can generally reduce the risk of heart disease. The assisted pull up (or chin up) machine is a fabulous way to work your arms and you can target different areas with different grips. A neutral (palms facing each other) and narrow grip is a highly effective way to work biceps and triceps especially for women who are still building upper body strength. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Shoulders – The shoulders – or deltoids -are among the most important we use in daily life. Whether we are pushing, pulling or lifting things over our head, they always come in to play. Great shoulders also make us look strong and confident. The shoulder press machine improves shoulder size, strength, stability and mobility. It also extends these benefits to the tricep muscles in the arms. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Legs – Leg exercises are excellent because not only do they make our legs look toned and beautiful they improve your overall body fitness and flexibility. Leg workouts engage the major muscle groups of the body which support healthy movement patterns daily life. The leg press machine is so popular, you practically need a reservation to get a few sets in. It is a powerful compound lower body exercise that works your quads glutes and hamstrings. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Calves – Keeping the calves strong is extremely important because your calves propel you forward and absorb load with every step. You can use the Leg press machine to strengthen your calves by placing your toes and the balls of your feet on the lower part of the platform. </li> </ol> Becoming strong and toned isn’t nearly as complicated and difficult as you might think. One of the biggest myths about building muscle and strength is that you have to spend long hard hours in the gym. This is just not the case, you simply need to put your 6 major muscle groups under pressure with some heavy weights once to twice a week. This type of training will increase your muscle mass, literally transform your body and set you on the path to a healthier, stronger, more youthful life. Lyndal Linkin, author of To Age or Not to Age, is a 56-year-old anti-aging expert who’s spent her lifetime learning about anti-aging solutions. A successful entrepreneur, corporate leader and mother, she uses her years of research and personal experience to explain the most effective methods so you can look and feel younger. Find out more at <a href="http://www.lyndallinkin.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.lyndallinkin.com.au</a> or Instagram: @lyndallinkin Image: Shutterstock

Body

Religious group members charged over eight-year-old’s death

Members of a religious group in southern Queensland have been charged over the death of an eight-year-old girl earlier this year. Elizabeth Struhs died on January 7 at her home in Rangeville, Toowoomba, after she was allegedly denied insulin for the treatment of her type 1 diabetes for about six days, per the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-05/religious-group-arrests-over-8yo-elizabeth-struhs-death/101208762" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC</a>. Five men and six women have been charged as a result, with one 60-year-old man being charged with one count of murder and failing to supply the necessities of life, while the remaining eleven - aged between 19 and 65 years old - have been charged with one count of murder. Elizabeth’s parents, Jason and Kerrie Struhs, have previously been charged with murder, torture, and failing to provide the necessities of life. Police allege the dozen involved were aware of Elizabeth’s condition and didn’t seek medical assistance, adding that emergency services weren’t contacted until about 5.30pm on January 8. It is alleged the parents and other members of the religious group prayed for Elizabeth’s recovery instead. The charges laid against them come after six months of investigation by the Toowoomba Child Protection and Investigation Unit, the Child Trauma Unit, and the Homicide Investigation Unit. More than 30 officers conducted a search at a residence in Harristown, where the 12 residents were arrested. Detective Acting Superintendent Gary Watts said the investigation was unlike anything he had ever seen. “In my 40 years of policing, I’ve never faced a matter like this,” he said. “And I’m not aware of a similar event in Queensland, let alone Australia.” According to sources that spoke to the ABC, the religious group is small, tight-knit, and has no ties to any established church in Toowoomba. In a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-brothers-and-sister-of-elizabeth-struhs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fundraiser</a> set up to support Elizabeth’s siblings, her older sister Jayde Struhs said her estranged parents were part of a “fear-driven and controlling” cult that took religion to its extremes. She said her younger sister’s death had left their extended family “completely shattered and heartbroken”. “We have faced the brutal reality that the people who should have protected her did not, and we may never know the full extent of what took place,” she said. The people charged in relation to Elizabeth’s death are expected to appear in court on Wednesday, while her parents will return to court later in July. Image: Supplied

Travel Trouble

Group rescued after drawing SOS in sand

Two men, a woman and a toddler have been rescued from a remote beach after a huge SOS was spotted in the sand. The two men, a 19-year-old and a 23-year-old, a 23-year-old woman and a two-year-old girl left Pormpuraaw in a car headed for Kowanyama, in Far North Queensland about 2pm on Friday. Their vehicle was located by a member of the public, abandoned and bogged south of the Coleman River. It is believed they may have left the vehicle on foot in search of assistance. A ground and aerial search ensued before Queensland Government Air Helicopter spotted the SOS drawn in the sand. The group was eventually located safe and well about 11.30am on Sunday. Acting Senior Sergeant Rob Morris said it was important to stay with their vehicle in the event it breaks down and not wander off. "People who wander off to seek help run the risk of perishing if they do not have the adequate supplies or knowledge on how to stay safe," he said. He also recommended having emergency water and food supplies. Image: Queensland Police

Travel Trouble

Boy with autism viciously attacked by group

A mother has been left fuming after her son with autism was bashed by a group of people at a local shopping centre. Horrific CCTV shows the 14-year-old boy cornered by the group of attackers before being thrown onto the ground at CS Square Shopping Centre in Caroline Springs, Melbourne on Tuesday. The boy’s mother claims her son was asked whether he knew someone called “Harry” before he was set upon. “He was just like a rag doll that was just thrown and kicked about. They have viciously grabbed him and violently assaulted him,” she told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/vic/melbourne-mum-says-autistic-son-stomped-on-in-vicious-shopping-centre-bashing-c-6611932" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a>. “They stomped all over his head. He’s got bruising, quite a bruise to his eye, scratches where they grabbed around his neck as well. Stomped on his shoulder. “He was quite distraught and distressed, crying and screaming.” A security guard arrived after the incident occurred with arrests yet to be made for the vicious assault. The mother said she wants justice for her son. Image: 7News

Caring

“I am one of the group”: Francis Coppola reflects as ‘The Godfather’ turns 50

American writer and director Francis Ford Coppola has made dozens of films and gone on to win five Academy Awards and six Golden Globes, but The Godfather may just be his crowning achievement. With the first film in the trilogy celebrating its 50th anniversary, the acclaimed director shared the dramatic effects its success had on his life in an exclusive interview with <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/francis-ford-coppola-godfather-at-50-changed-my-life-exclusive/" target="_blank">Empire</a> magazine. “Well, it’s odd, of course. To think that 50 years has gone by since the adventure of The Godfather, and when that changed my life so dramatically,” he told the publication. “Because now the Coppola family is considered synonymous with [the film by] many people, [but] when I came to LA, to UCLA Film School, I just dreamed to get a peek inside a studio. “Movies were an exotic fairyland.” While making the film and in the leadup to its initial release, Coppola was under financial pressure to support his wife and kids. But, its debut in 1972 - prompting lengthy queues just to buy tickets - saw Coppola’s fortunes change drastically. “I went from having zero money at all and a family to support, to having several million dollars, which was astonishing,” he recalled. “No one in my family had that kind of money. I went from being unknown and poor with a lot of family responsibilities - I was married young and I loved my kids and my family - to having some money and acclaim. I was famous, everyone knew about The Godfather and everyone knew about me.” Though The Godfather certainly provided Coppola with fame and wealth, the 82-year-old says it gave him something else he had always wanted: a sense of belonging. “The way I look at it, I always wanted to be one of the group,” he said. “As first, I was an outsider, and I wasn’t included in the group because I was a new kid, or I was poor. Then I became famous, and a success, so I still wasn’t one of the group. “In my heart, all I ever really wanted was to be considered one of the group, which I am now because when they talk about all the big directors of the ‘70s, they say George Lucas and Francis Coppola and Marty Scorsese and Steven Spielberg and Brian De Palma and Paul Schrader. “So I have what I want - I am one of the group.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Trailer for the 50th anniversary of Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece ‘The Godfather’, which will be released in select theatres on February 25 <a href="https://t.co/7vgsBADsF1">pic.twitter.com/7vgsBADsF1</a> — Lost In Film (@LostInFilm) <a href="https://twitter.com/LostInFilm/status/1481648113307701259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2022</a></blockquote> To celebrate the film’s milestone, Paramount Pictures and Coppola’s production company American Zoetrope have restored the trilogy - which will be released in 4K Ultra HD for the first time in March this year. “We felt privileged to restore these films and a little in awe every day we worked on them,” <a rel="noopener" href="https://thelatch.com.au/the-godfather-50th-anniversary-australia/" target="_blank">said</a> Andrea Kalas, the senior vice president of Paramount Archives. “We were able to witness first-hand how the brilliant cinematography, score, production design, costume design, editing, performances, and, of course, screenwriting and direction became famously more than the sum of their parts. “It was our commitment to honour all of the filmmakers’ exceptional work.” The Godfather 50th Anniversary will be released in select cinemas from February 25, 2022. Image: Vivien Killilea (Getty Images) / Silver Screen Collection (Getty Images)

Movies

Warner Music buys David Bowie’s $250 million catalogue

Warner Music Group has bought David Bowie’s entire musical catalogue that spans across six decades and 26 studio albums. As well as his entire collection of tracks released throughout his lifetime, the deal between Warner Music and Bowie’s estate included his posthumous studio album called Toy. While Warner Music did not disclose the amount the catalogue sold for or the financial terms of the deal, a person close to the matter said the monumental purchase was worth approximately $250 million. The deal is the latest move in the media rights sector, where companies have sought to boost royalties through the purchase of artists’ catalogues after the pandemic affected physical music profits. The sale comes just days before the rockstar would have turned 75 on January 8th. David Bowie died at age 69 in 2016, after shooting to fame with his Space Oddity release in 1969 that was largely inspired by Stanley Kubrick's film, 2001: A Space Odyssey. Despite this iconic release, it was Bowie’s 1972 portray of a doomed bisexual rock envoy from space, Ziggy Stardust, that propelled him to international noterity. Image credits: Getty Images

Music

Group of cold case investigators claim they’ve identified the Zodiac Killer

A group of 40 former law enforcement investigators that calls itself The Case Breakers is claiming to have discovered the identity of the Zodiac Killer. The group, which works independently from law enforcement agencies and focuses primarily on cold cases, said they discovered his identity using new physical and forensic evidence and information from eyewitnesses. According to a press release, the man in question is Gary Francis Poste, who they believe passed away in 2018. <a rel="noopener" href="https://edition.cnn.com/2021/10/06/us/zodiac-killer-identity-law-enforcement-investigation/index.html" target="_blank">CNN’s attempts</a> to contact members of the family were unsuccessful. The group has reportedly filed court affidavits and secured decades’ worth of pictures from the man’s former darkroom. Their proof includes a furrowed forehead on the sketch artist’s drawing that matches Poste’s brow scarring, an allegation that one of the Zodiac’s mysterious ciphers could possibly be unlocked using Poste’s full identity, and claims that Poste may have killed a waitress named Cheri Jo Bates, an assumed (but not confirmed) Zodiac victim. Social media users have found traces of Poste online, including a memorial post made by a friend of his in November 2018 accompanied by a caption that includes ‘Zodiac?’, as well as a forum post also made in November 2018 by seemingly the same man, identifying Poste as the Zodiac killer. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The funniest thing about them identifying the Zodiac killer is apparently some guy knew it was him and was just like hanging out with him <a href="https://t.co/ecjanXUjev">pic.twitter.com/ecjanXUjev</a> — Quinton Reviews 🎬 (@Q_Review) <a href="https://twitter.com/Q_Review/status/1445837540620218369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2021</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://t.co/kBPEI8GY6o">pic.twitter.com/kBPEI8GY6o</a> — Sibs (@SibsSwearsAlot) <a href="https://twitter.com/SibsSwearsAlot/status/1445844112188403713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2021</a></blockquote> In response to the news, the San Francisco Police Department confirmed to CNN that the investigation is still open, saying in a statement, "We are unable to speak to potential suspects as this is still an open investigation.” The FBI also did not acknowledge the claims, writing in a statement shared with CNN, "The Zodiac Killer case remains open. We have no new information to share at the moment.” Meanwhile, at least one Zodiac expert has called the identification ‘hot garbage’, with Tom Voigt, writer of Zodiac Killer: Just the Facts and owner of ZodiacKiller.com telling <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/zodiac-killer-expert-debunks-identity-theory-1238068/" target="_blank">Rolling Stone</a>, “It’s all bullshit, by the best way, simply to get that out of the best way. This is sizzling rubbish. I don’t know why it received any protection in any respect. It was principally a press launch.” The Zodiac Killer is believed to be responsible for at least five murders that occurred in Northern California between 1968 and 1969. He gained notoriety, including the nickname ‘Zodiac Killer’, by writing letters to police and local news outlets boasting of committing the murders, including letters written in code.

Legal

The sneaky way anti-vaxx groups are remaining undetected on Facebook

Anti-vaccination groups on Facebook are relying on an interesting tactic to avoid detection from those who don’t share their beliefs. The groups are changing their names to euphemisms like ‘dance party’ or ‘dinner party’ to skirt rules put in place by the social media giant. Harsher bans were put in place by Facebook to crack down on dangerous misinformation about COVID-19 and subsequent vaccines. The groups are largely private and difficult to find on the social networking site, but still retain a large user base and have learned how to swap out detectable language to remain unseen. One major ‘dance party’ group has over 40,000 followers and has stopped allowing new users to join due to public backlash. The backup group for ‘Dance Party’, known as ‘Dinner Party’ and created by the same moderators, has more than 20,000 followers. Other anti-vaxx influencers on Instagram have adopted similar tactics, such as referring to vaccinated people as ‘swimmers’ and the act of vaccination as joining a ‘swim club’. These devious tactics have been recognised by governments internationally, as there is mounting pressure for officials to increase pressure on the social media platforms to do more to contain vaccine misinformation. An administrator for the ‘Dance Party’ wrote that beating Facebook’s moderating system “feels like a badge of honour”, as they urged users to stay away from ‘unapproved words’. Using code words and euphemisms is not new among the anti-vaxx community, as it borrows from a playbook used by extremists on Facebook and other social networking sites for many years. Image credit: Shutterstock

Technology

Waitress receives $2k after group refuses to tip

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> A waitress has received over $2,000 from her local community after a group who she served refused to tip in protest about the restaurants COVID-19 policies. Glenbrook Brewery in New Jersey currently has a 90-minute time limit for dining in customers which adheres to the state's COVID-19 rules. The currently policy requires indoor dining to operate at 50 per cent capacity as well as parties or of eight or less dining and all tables being six feet apart. One table didn't like the new rules and refused to tip after their $100 meal, deciding to leave a snarky reply on the receipt instead. "I'm sorry the server gets screwed on this. Don't kick paying customers out after 90 minutes," the receipt reads. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840656/receipt-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/74d2f6c4cc1840d682bc849c8c699dad" /> The waitress, Beth, told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/new-jersey-restaurant-almost-2g-covid-rules" target="_blank">Fox News</a> said the table "fought back" when she told them their 90-minutes was almost up, asking later to speak to the manager, after they paid, which is when she noticed the note. "Bars and restaurants are operating at 50% so we need to invoke 90 minute table limits to turn tables to keep a constant revenue stream," Jamie Lauren wrote, pointing out the adjustments eateries have been made over the past 12 months., including less wait staff and wearing masks. "We are struggling to make a living after being shut down for months and still aren't operating at full capacity," she continued. "We have adapted the best we can to serve our community. We would all love to be back to "normal" where we don't have to follow so many rules but sadly this is life during the pandemic." Locals have now raised almost $2,500 in response to the note but the waitress has said she'll only take out the money she should've been tipped and is dividing the rest with her co-workers. "It's really lovely what these people did and I just want to do some good with it," Beth said. "It's just really important to do some good with that money because it's – I didn't earn it, so if I can somehow try to reinvest it back into this amazing place, then yeah, that's exactly what we're going to do." </div> </div> </div>

Money & Banking

Jacinda Ardern admits mistake after group selfie

Jacinda Ardern has admitted she “made a mistake” after she took a selfie with fans, breaching social distancing measures. The New Zealand Prime Minister went to Massey University at Palmerston North on Thursday while on the campaign trail. Excited students followed her around campus and as she left, the PM was met by a group who wanted to take a photo with her. The prime minister reportedly asked the crowd to step back at first, but eventually joined them for the selfie. Ardern has admitted her mistake on Monday while announcing the easing of coronavirus restrictions. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837997/jacinda-ardern-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/bcb974e3cf7f40b796fef5218d838935" /> Image: Twitter "All the way through on the campaign trail and even before during alert level settings, I work really hard not to shake people's hands," she said. "I sanitise. I wear my mask in Auckland, and I work hard to try to keep my social distance. "In that particular photo I did make a mistake. I should have stepped further forward. I should have asked them to step apart from each other, and I acknowledge that." New Zealand is set for an election on October 17, which presents a unique challenge for candidates and voters during the COVID pandemic. Ardern spoke about the challenges on Monday. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Have I woken up in an alternate reality? Ardern: “I’ve acknowledged it was the wrong thing, I shouldn’t have taken a selfie...I’m sorry for it...I need to take responsibility for it...I should have not done it”<a href="https://twitter.com/TheAMShowNZ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheAMShowNZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jacindaardern?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jacindaardern</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nzpol?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nzpol</a> <a href="https://t.co/QL0hSZZmfu">pic.twitter.com/QL0hSZZmfu</a> — The Orwellian 🇳🇿 (@TheOrwellianNZ) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheOrwellianNZ/status/1308146584517894144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2020</a></blockquote> She says the country's social distancing restrictions are decided based on health advice and not on campaign needs. "None of our decision-making around these alert levels, actually are based on the politics or the campaign," she said. Restrictions in New Zealand have now eased, however Auckland still faces tougher rules than the rest of the country. "We are in a strong position to make our next move down our alert settings," Ardern said. "Auckland needs more time."

Body

“Dedicate this to dad”: A group of mates lucky $500,000 Melbourne Cup win

A group of mates will be counting their blessings after winning $500,000 by backing Vow and declaring months ago they would be victorious in the Melbourne Cup. The incredible moment they realised they had won an eye watering amount was recorded on video. 39-year-old Alex Xerri made a number of bets starting from June when Vow and Declare were at huge odds. Thankfully this bet paid off in the end, and won him $320,000 on Tuesday, as well as an extra $200,000 by his friends who followed his hot tip. The video was shot by his friend Jimmy Hoyne, and showed the group’s excitement when the gelding surged home and snatched up the Melbourne Cup. The moment felt bittersweet for Mr Xerri who’s father Paul, 81, passed away a month ago, before he had the chance to collect $40,000 from bets he also made on the winning horse. “It was difficult, I was really sad that he never got to watch the Cup and share in the excitement and happiness,” he told Daily Mail Australia. “He always backed my judgement and I know he's proud of me. It was a very touching and emotional moment. “I have to dedicate this to dad.” <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FJimmyHoyne%2Fvideos%2F2536730216403887%2F&show_text=0&width=267" width="267" height="476" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> Xerri said he and his dad hopefully placed their first bets on June 8 after watching Vow and Declare come second in the Queensland Derby. Just two weeks later, the racehorse won the Tattersall's Cup, however they then had to wait months to see it would compete again at the Turnbull Stakes on October 5. However, in a turn of tragic events, Paul suddenly died from an unexpected heart attack the morning of the race, a month before the Melbourne Cup would commence. Xerri said a eulogy delivered at his funeral expressed how excited Paul was to put his bets to the ultimate test. “The speech said how he was really excited about a horse that will run in the Melbourne Cup, and last few months of his life that's what he was really looking for,” he said. The winning son said his father would continue to place bets on the horses despite being told to stop. “We went through his wallet and he had all his bet slips printed and A4 sheet of paper,” he explained. “He believed it would happen, he'd never won that sort of money in his life and we were talking about what we would do if it won.” Mr Xerri said he became convinced Vow and Declare could win the Melbourne Cup after it won an 1,800m race on Oaks Day in 2018. Paul listened to the advice of renowned horse trainer Danny O'Brien, who talked up his horse's abilities. “He said it was an elite staying prospect and everything it was doing suggested it could run the Cup's distance,” he recalled. “I thought from then it was a potential Melbourne Cup champion.” Xerri placed more bets in following months after initially placing $100 for the horses to win at 201/1 and $900 to place at 51/1 at the Queensland Derby. He placed more bets in following months and convinced 25 friends to get on board and place their own bets on the same horses. The gamble earned him about $320,000 in winnings by Tuesday’s race, and his friends $200,000 between them. Mr Hoyne's video showed the five friends getting progressively more excited as Vow and Declare entered the final straight on the tail of the leader and gradually wore down the margin. When Vow and Declare crossed the line first, the room erupted. “I have never felt a rush like that in my life... words cannot explain,” the friend who filmed the scene said. “Such a big day for the family man been riding this horse for over a year and to see it come true - unbelievable.” Xerri said there was a lot of anticipation leading up to the race as he knew he and others had cash riding on the result. “I was nervous, my legs were jelly. I'd told so many for so long and they'd put money on it just because I said to,” he said.

Caring

Planning a trip with the grandkids? Here’s how to make it fun!

In order to make sure that your trip with your grandkids will be fun for everyone, it's important to keep a few things in mind before heading off. Get their input Rather than just planning everything out for the kids, why not get them to help make a decision about the itinerary. By getting them involved in the decision making process it will make them feel more of an equal player on the trip. Ian Jackson, Boomers Travel Insurance Managing Director, says it's increasingly common for New Zealanders to take their grandchildren on overseas holidays, exposing them to difficulties not ordinarily encountered at home. “Different countries have different policies on allowing children to enter and leave without their parents,” Jackson advises. “Children travelling with a guardian can leave and return to New Zealand with only their passports, but other countries have strict rules that require documents beyond the regular passport and visa.” Jackson also says it is important to check requirements with the embassy, high commission or consulate of each destination country. Some countries required evidence that a child had parental permission to travel, or might request other documents to identify the parents such as birth certificates, adoption papers or custody orders. Save on insurance Selecting a travel insurance is important to ensure that you are covered when things don’t go to plan. Be sure to choose a plan that offer cover for children when travelling with their parents or grandparents. This is often at no extra cost, as long as they are up to the age of 25 years, not in full-time employment, and are travelling with the policy holder. Plan out the trip Travelling with young grandchildren, whether domestically or internationally, requires some extra planning. It is advisable to have a letter from the parents giving permission for to be travelling together, with their contact details, who is going on the holiday, how you are connected and all of the holiday details. Carry copies of the parents’ passports and the child’s birth certificates. Make sure you also have copies of any relevant papers when it comes to custody of the child. Make sure your grandchildren have proper identification, including local and home contact information on them at all times during the trip. It’s also a good idea to have a recent photo of them in case they do get lost. By also emailing yourself important information and current photos to an email account you will be able to access anywhere, and you can ensure you will always have the information you need close at hand no matter what. If your grandchild will be taking any medication during the trip, make sure you are completely clear on the medications and the dosages. Also, ensure you have a notarised authorisation form from your grandchild's parents in case he or she needs medical attention during the holiday. Top ideas to ensure it is a great trip for everyone <ol> <li>Talk to the parents who will know if their child is ready to be away from home without them, and what they enjoy. Learn their sleeping and eating schedules, and try to stick to them as best as you can even with time zone differences. </li> <li>Take the child out for the day before the big trip – perhaps to the zoo or to the beach – as a test run if you don’t usually spend much time alone with them. It will also give you a chance to test your endurance against that of your grandchild.</li> <li>Discuss the planned holiday with the children to get their input and to get them excited about it. </li> <li>Keep in mind that the memories from time spent together are going to be more important, long term, than where you go.</li> <li>Remember that you are going to have to put their interests first and plan accordingly. And be prepared to change plans midway if things aren’t working out. </li> <li>Don’t be too ambitious – particularly with activities that are regulated like a stage show or a museum.</li> <li>Be prepared to give everyone a little space rather than being in each other’s pockets 24/7.</li> <li>Pack on the light side but if your grandchild has a particular favourite toy having that along may help sleeping in strange rooms and cities. Taking along familiar (packaged) snacks is also a good idea at least for the journey from Australia.</li> <li>Give the kids some of their own spending money. It’s even more exciting for them to work out what souvenirs to buy when it’s a foreign currency.</li> </ol> Have you taken a trip with your grandkids? Did you all have fun? Let us know in the comments! Written by David McGonigal. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/travel/planning-a-trip-with-the-grandkids-here%E2%80%99s-how-to-make-it-fun!.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Family & Pets

How to make group travel a breeze

“Come and look! Dad and Billy are in a play!” Sure enough, when we ran to the small bush hut in our Winton campground, there they were out the front. One of the dads, still wearing his dishwashing gloves, had been roped in to some audience participation. In a bush poetry reading, of all things. Before we knew it, all of us “Sydney city folk” were dragged up and dressed in various costumes as the sun set over the dusty campsites. Years later, that moment still stands out to me as the moment I realised travel is all about the people. We laughed with the bush poet over cups of tea after her show was over, and chatted with the other campers and caravanners about where we’d come from. We met Nell, an 80-year-old champion whip cracker who still knew her way around a stock whip. I was in primary school at the time. I loved meeting people on the road and loved travelling as a big group. We had two big families, plus some add-ons, and camped our way around outback Queensland. I learned the importance of compromise, flexibility and a good sense of humour. I learned that the characters you encounter and the companions with whom you journey always colour the experience irreversibly. With a few more shared travel experiences now under my belt, these are my tips for a successful time away with a group: The early bird gets the worm In general, it is better to allow plenty of time to book airfares, rental cars, restaurant reservations and accommodation. This is especially true when there are lots of passengers, hungry mouths and beds to account for. Booking in advance will mean you can secure adjacent cabins on a cruise, or lock in a city tour when there are still 10 tickets available. Money, money, money By researching well and asking the right questions of tour operators, you may be able to get group discounts. This applies for entry into attractions, hiring multiple vehicles and reserving two or more hotel rooms. Agree on a budget early on in the planning process. Decide how payments are going to be shared. It is not a comfortable conversation but will help avoid a lot of heartbreak on your trip. Plan well but plan less It is a lot harder to just jump on an overland train when there are eight of you carrying big suitcases. Itineraries have to be planned more carefully, but when travelling in a group extra time must be allotted. You’ll be surprised how much longer it takes to mobilise a group of the highly organised and punctual individuals. Gaps in the agenda also offer everyone a much-needed break. Many hands make light work Delegate the responsibilities. Everyone can be in charge of cooking one meal. Someone can take care of researching transfers, someone else can navigate. Split up what parts of planning will be shared (deciding where to go, for example) and what each individual is responsible for (booking their own flights, perhaps?). That said, it helps to have a leader to coordinate everything and finalise all travel documents and bookings. It’s not you, it’s me Take some time apart. In fact, take plenty of time apart. Don’t be afraid to split up entirely and then meet again for a meal at the end of the day. Spending time separately helps solve the problem of varied interests – it means everyone gets to tick off their must-sees and relieves the inevitable tensions associated with too much time in close proximity. Travel light Moving the luggage of an enormous group through airport security or out of hotels is no mean feat. The strain is lessened if everyone sticks to one manageable bag. Where to stay The toughest question of them all – where to spend the night. I would recommend renting a house, with a kitchen, living areas and bathrooms. It means you can cook and eat meals together and don’t have to duck off into separate hotel rooms. Split between group members, you can also make decent savings by opting for self-catered accommodation over hotels. Capitalise on the user-friendliness and simplicity of rental websites like Airbnb, Stayz and more. For multi-generational groups, cruising and large resorts are both very popular options. Everyone gets to retreat to their own space for some me-time, and there are varieties of activities to suit all ages and preferences. On cruises, there are shore excursions, Kids Clubs, toddler pools, adult-only pools and a variety of restaurants. Resorts can offer golf, spas, sight-seeing trips, walking tours and water sports. Phone a friend There’s nothing wrong with calling in an expert for help. Some travel agents and advisors specialise in large group travel and can help coordinate all the planning for you. It will take an enormous logistical load off your shoulders. You can try planning services like GroupTravel.com or Virtuoso. Tour de force Sidestep the trials and tribulations by joining an escorted tour altogether. Tour companies are used to looking after groups and finding accommodation and activities suited to larger numbers. It is also a relief to have everything taken of for you. Even short day tours are a delight. Check Airbnb experiences and sites like Viator for pasta-making workshops in Flroence, bike-riding in South East Asia and art classes in New York. Organised tours are ideal for meeting new people, which can refresh your own group dynamic. Written by Sophie Cullen. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.mydiscoveries.com.au/stories/travel-in-groups-tips/">MyDiscoveries. </a>

News

5 reasons to travel Britain with a group

London, Belfast, Dublin and Edinburgh – these great British cities are better with a group. Here are five reasons why we love British group tours. 1. You have someone to explore with Group tours allow you to form life-long friendships built on common interests. Imagine walking the streets of Stratford-Upon-Avon with someone who shares your love of Shakespeare. Or tasting whisky in Edinburgh Castle with someone who appreciates Scotch. The toe-tapping sound of a fiddle in an Irish pub is always more fun when you have someone to dance with. Friendships formed on group tours are friendships based on common interests. Often these are the friendships that will last a lifetime. 2. All the details are taken care of London can be overwhelming, but with a group tour, you don’t need to navigate The Tube or find good-quality accommodation. It’s all done for you. Group tours allow you to spend more time understanding Britain’s history and culture and less time on the pesky stressful details. You can have a driver help after you’ve savoured a pint in a Dublin Pub and a ferry to Ireland all pre-organised. No need to worry about where to eat or what to see – just expect great food, great tea and great ale. 3. Tried and tested knowledge of the destination Tour guides in Britain have incredible minds for historical events, cultural facts and local anecdotes. They have built up their knowledge of Scotland, England and Ireland over many years. They know the best restaurants, the fastest way to get from one destination to another and the history of every landmark you will see. Ask questions of your tour guide and you will quickly find they are one of the biggest advantages of a group tour. 4. You’ll see and do things you can’t do on your own Tour companies have insider knowledge. They can use their clout to get you to the front of the line at museums, the best seats on the train and they know the best places to take photographs. Plus – you can get them to take photos of you. 5. Safety should anything go wrong You can rest assured that a group tour company has a plan to keep you safe. You will always have a tour leader to speak to about your concerns. Have you travelled to Britain with a group tour? Let us know in the comments below. Written by Alison Godfrey. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.mydiscoveries.com.au/stories/why-you-should-group-tour-england-ireland-and-scotland/">My Discoveries</a>.

Travel Tips

Experts reveal new sleep requirements for different age groups

Given that we spend a big part of lives sleeping – one third to be exact – it should come as no surprise that the quality and quantity of sleep is crucial to our overall health and wellbeing. Yet despite reading countless information about how to improve your sleep and why it’s imperative to get good-quality shuteye each night – guidelines vary when it comes to how much Zs we should catch each night. Well, until now. If you’re wondering how much sleep you should actually get, a new study from the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) in the United States has revised the amount everyone needs. The chart has a minimum and maximum range, and a recommended section for optimal health that can be used as a good rule of thumb. One of the new things introduced is the “may be appropriate” range, which acknowledges that individuals do vary in their sleep needs. The NSF now recommends: Newborns (0-3 months): Sleep range narrowed to 14 to 17 hours each day (previously it was 12-18) Infants (4-11 months): Sleep range widened two hours to 12 to 15 hours (previously it was 14-15) Toddlers (1-2 years): Sleep range widened by one hour to 11 to 14 hours (previously it was 12-14) Preschoolers (3-5): Sleep range widened by one hour to 10 to 13 hours (previously it was 11-13) School age children (6-13): Sleep range widened by one hour to 9 to 11 hours (previously it was 10-11) Teenagers (14-17): Sleep range widened by one hour to 8 to 10 hours (previously it was 8.5-9.5) Younger adults (18-25): Sleep range is 7 to 9 hours (new age category) Adults (26-64): Sleep range did not change and remains 7 to 9 hours Older adults (65+): Sleep range is 7 to 8 hours (new age category) The NSF gathered a panel of 18 scientists and researchers from medical associations in fields including paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, and psychiatry, who spent more than two years working on their study. The experts were asked to review more than 300 current studies on how much sleep is ideal, and then vote on how much sleep people should get at different stages of their life. “The NSF has committed to regularly reviewing and providing scientifically rigorous recommendations,” Chair of the National Sleep Foundation Scientific Advisory Council Dr Max Hirshkowitz said. “The public can be confident that these recommendations represent the best guidance for sleep duration and health.” While their sleep chart is good to keep in mind, the NSF says it's important to also consider what lifestyle factors may be impacting your sleep. <a href="/health/wellbeing/2014/09/tips-to-guarantee-you-the-best-night-sleep-of-your-life!/" target="_blank">To find out how you can get a good night’s sleep, read our article: Tips to guarantee you the BEST night sleep of your life!</a>

News

How to make group video calls on Facebook Messenger

If you’ve ever wanted to do a video call with more than one other person (without paying extra for the pleasure) you can now thanks to Facebook messenger. You can use it on all smartphones, and it’s totally free. At the moment you can see up to six people at once on the screen, so it’s ideal to do a family call for a special occasion, or get a group of friends together to plan a trip or just catch up. Want to add more people? No problem, up to 50 people can get involved as listeners, opting in to get on screen as needed. You can even have people pop in and out as needed, making it really flexible to chat to people in different time zones. To get started, just make sure you have the latest version of Messenger. Either start a new message to the group you want to chat to, or go into a group that already exists. Once you’re in there, hit the button in the top right corner of the screen that looks like a camera and this will let everyone else in the group know that the video chat is happening. You can add people to the group later, even after you have started the video chat. The system is fairly self-explanatory so why not just jump on and give it a go? Have you tried video chat? How did it go? Share your experience in the comments below.

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Planning a trip with the grandkids? Here’s how to make it fun!

How to make group travel a breeze

5 reasons to travel Britain with a group

Experts reveal new sleep requirements for different age groups

How to make group video calls on Facebook Messenger