Search

Woman “bullied” on plane over budget seating trick

A young woman has recalled a flight from hell when she was “bullied” by a couple who were trying to utilise a seating hack that went viral on TikTok. The solo traveller took to Reddit to recount the story and ask social media users if she was in the wrong for her action. The woman began by saying she usually pays more to select her plane seat ahead of time, but a medical emergency on another plane had her waiting on standby and left with no option other than to sit in a middle seat. When she was finally able to board, she was greeted by a couple who had purchased both the window and aisle seats in a bid to have more space, utilising a travel “trick” that has been popular on TikTok. The method, which has been dubbed the 'poor man's business class', usually leaves travellers with an empty middle seat and more space, and few travellers opt to pick a middle seat. “When I got to my row the man and woman were chatting and sharing a snack... it was obvious they were together. I mentioned to the man that I'm in the middle, and he got up to let me in,” the unsuspecting traveller wrote on Reddit. “I asked them if they would prefer to sit together, I said I was totally okay with that. The woman reacted rudely to this and said ‘you're not supposed to be sitting here anyway’.” After noticing how the plane was full, she offered to show the pair her new ticket with the correct seat number on it. “She flicked her hand at my ticket and made a disgusted sound. I offered again if they wanted to sit together to which she didn't reply, her partner said it's okay and... made some small talk,” she continued. The man’s girlfriend then interrupted their conversation to ask,”'Did you use one of those third party websites to book your flight? It's so frustrating when people cheap out to inconvenience others.” The American woman explained that she had booked her flight directly and she had been placed on standby like everyone else and didn't choose the middle seat - she was assigned it. She then tried to keep the peace by refusing to engage with the furious woman. “I was so done with her attitude, I put my headphones on and attempted to do my own thing,” she explained. But the “entitled” girlfriend wasn't letting it go, as the woman explained, “This woman kept reaching over me and tapping her partner and trying to talk to him in a way that was super intrusive.” “I could tell even her partner was trying to engage her less so that she would hopefully stop, but she didn't.” “I think they tried to pull that tactic where they don't sit together on purpose...hoping no one will sit between them. But on full flights it doesn't work. And even so - it's not the other person's fault.” The traveller's post was met with hundreds of comments slamming the girlfriend’s behaviour, as one person wrote, “It's like a toddler having a tantrum.” “She was disappointed and a total a**hole. Gross entitled people,” another added. Another person applauded the traveller’s level-headed behaviour, writing, “Wow! You are my hero for keeping it classy - I’m afraid I would not have been as kind as you.” Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

Flight attendant reveals why planes have tiny holes in their windows

Have you ever wondered why there are tiny holes at the bottom of a plane window? Flight attendant Henny Lim has revealed the reason why they are there, and why it is such an important feature on planes. The tiny hole, otherwise known as a “bleed hole” serves as a major safety function to help balance the pressure difference between the cabin and the outside air. “If you’ve ever sat in the window seat on a flight, you’ve probably noticed the tiny hole at the bottom of the window,” she said. This is because cabin windows on commercial planes are usually made up of three layers of glass and acrylic to keep them strong and insulated. The bleed hole allows for a controlled flow of air between the layers, equalising the pressure and reducing stress on the window panes. It also helps prevent condensation as the temperature changes at higher altitudes, allowing a small amount of dry air to flow between the three layers, which keeps the windows clear. “It also has another purpose, which is to release moisture and stop frost or condensation from blocking your view,” Lim added. Lim has grown a following on social media for sharing insider tips and knowledge on planes and flying, including why flight attendants sit on their hands during take-off and landing. Images: TikTok

Travel Tips

Olivia Newton-John’s daughter shares never seen before footage

Olivia Newton-John's daughter has shared a beautiful behind-the-scenes video of a duet she did with her mother. Chloe Rose Lattanzi shared the video to Instagram of her and her mum singing Window In The Wall at Olivia’s home studio. The 36-year-old could be seen smiling at her mother as the pair hugged, smiled and began to sing the beautiful song. “You are my lighthouse mama. My safe place. My heart space. It has been my honor and continues to be my honor to be your baby and best friend,” Chloe wrote. “You are an angel on earth and everyone touched by you has been blessed. I love you forever my life giver, my teacher, my mama.” The song was released in January 2021 and at the time Olivia knew it was one that she wanted to sing with her daughter. “I’ve always enjoyed singing duets more than singing on my own, and when I first heard this song, I knew immediately that I wanted to sing it with my daughter Chloe,” she previously said. “The lyrics and melody really resonated with me, and I hoped Chloe would feel the same way – and luckily, she did!” Chloe at the time also knew it was a song she wanted to perform with her mother when she played it for her. “When my mom played the song for me I knew I wanted to record it, not only because it was with my mom but, I felt the lyrics and message might help people see things from another perspective,” Chloe said. “We are all part of the same human race and if we listen to each other, respect each other and love each other - for both our likenesses and our differences - we might just understand each other a lot more.” <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChC-Nr8j1_w/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChC-Nr8j1_w/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Chloe Lattanzi (@chloelattanziofficial)</a> </div> </blockquote> The heartwarming behind-the-scenes video comes following the devastating news of Olivia’s death on Monday at her home in California. The 73-year-old fought her breast cancer diagnosis for 30 years but unfortunately succumbed to it. The news of <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/honouring-dame-olivia-newton-john" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Olivia’s passing was announced by her husband</a> John Easterling on Instagram via his late wife’s account, and included an appeal to continue her good works in the field of cancer research: “Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time,” he wrote. “Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer. “Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the @onjfoundation." Her daughter Chloe also shared a <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/no-words-emotional-images-from-olivia-newton-john-s-daughter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">series of heartwarming photos</a> upon the news breaking as celebrities and fans alike offered their condolences. The family have also accepted a state funeral from Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. Images: Instagram

Family & Pets

Why there is a tiny hole in your airplane window

Image: Getty Next time you fly in the window seat, take a closer look and you might spot a tiny hole in the glass pane. But don’t panic – not only is that normal, but without them, there could be huge problems on-board, <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/17277588/plane-window-holes-explained-secret/">The Sun</a> reports. The strange design helps the aircraft to withstand the changing air pressure outside. Even though it may look like there’s a hole, the small gap doesn’t go through the entire pane. Each window is made up of three different acrylic layers, and it’s only the middle one that contains the breather hole. The small gap helps to regulate the high pressure environment on the plane, making the experience far more comfortable for passengers. Pilot Mark Vanhoenacker previously revealed: “The outer two cabin windows are designed to contain this difference in pressure between the cabin and the sky. “Both the middle and the outer panes are strong enough to withstand the difference on their own, but under normal circumstances it’s the outer pane that bears this pressure — thanks to the breather hole.” As well as being vital for passenger safety, the breather hole has another important function. The small gap allows moisture to escape the aircraft, preventing fog from forming on the window It isn’t the only strange thing you might spot on planes. Keen-eyed passengers may notice tiny black triangles on the walls of their plane. These indicate the position from which the wings can best be seen by staff from inside the aircraft. They can then quickly check the position of the flaps or slats if required from the appropriate window. There are also tiny yellow hooks on the wings which help staff evacuations over the wing and are used to secure and tether life rafts to the plane. Passengers walk across the wing using ropes attached to the hooks in emergencies.

Domestic Travel

Young HERO with autism jumps out Maccas drive-thru window to save choking customer

Image: Kare11 A 15-year-old McDonald’s worker potentially saved a customer’s life by jumping through the drive-thru window after she noticed the woman choking on a chicken nugget. Sydney Raley was working a shift at McDonald’s in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, handing customers their orders in the drive-thru when she realised something was wrong with the person she was serving. “I noticed that she was coughing profusely, and her daughter just had this look on her face like sheer terror,” she told the local news station KARE11. “I could tell, oh crap, she’s choking!’ Just seeing that visceral reaction I knew I had to act fast.” Sydney had done first-aid training when she was 11 years old, so she immediately jumped out the drive-thru window and told the customer to get out of the car and instructed her daughter to call for help. The Heimlich manoeuvre didn't work the first few times, so she called upon another customer who was waiting for his food to come and help. The other customer was able to dislodge the chicken nugget stuck in the woman's throat. “It could’ve ended a lot worst but I am super thankful for that bystander who helped so much,” she said. Police officers from Edina Police Department arrived at the scene to assist the woman and rewarded Sydney with $100 – from the fund police use to give back to those who do good in the community. Just after emergency services had arrived at the McDonald's, Sydney's parents arrived to pick her up. Her father Tom told CNN they saw the ambulance and police car out the front and for a moment were worried they were there for something to do with Sydney. He told the station he is extremely proud of her. "I always tell her she has a gift, because she's autistic," said Tom. "She can remember anything – do anything." The police Sergeant was also proud of the 15-year-old. "We’re very proud of Sydney. She’s a great example of how all of us – no matter our age or position – can make a difference in our communities," Sergeant Scott Mittelstadt said, according to the department's Facebook post.

Caring

Understanding the “window of tolerance” in trauma recovery

For survivors of trauma, recovering involves learning how to cope with distress and how to increase the capacity for positive and enjoyable experiences. A common framework psychologists use while working with trauma survivors is called the “window of tolerance”. Understanding our personal windows of tolerance can help us respond to demands of daily life and utilise different strategies to return to it during stressful moments. What is the window of tolerance? Coined by psychiatrist Dan Spiegel, the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/window-of-tolerance" target="_blank">window of tolerance</a> describes a state of arousal where a person can function well and respond to stimuli with much difficulty. In this state, a person is likely able to think rationally, reflect, and make decisions without feeling overwhelmed. When a person experiences extreme stress, they can leave this window and enter a state of hyper- or hypo-arousal. Hyper-arousal is also known as the fight or flight response, with a person usually experiencing hypervigilance, anxiety or panic, and racing thoughts. In contrast, hypo-arousal is the freeze response, where someone may feel emotionally numb, empty, or paralysed. Being in either of these states can mean that a person is unable to effectively process stimuli. They may be unable to think as rationally and can feel dysregulated. Everyone’s window of tolerance is different and can be affected by their environment - such as how supported they feel - and trauma. <img style="width: 386.4533965244866px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844316/nicabm-infog-window-of-tolerance-revised.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/82982d740495463a868203412a0187d2" /> Image: NICABM When a person feels supported and safe, they are generally able to stay in their window of tolerance. For those who have experienced trauma, the experience may “push” a person out of their window of tolerance, or make it much more narrow or inflexible. This can result in someone responding to even minor stressors with extreme hyper- or hypo-arousal, or believing the world is unsafe. Frequently staying outside the window of tolerance can result in an individual experiencing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Manage mental health with the window of tolerance People who feel dysregulated and often stay outside of their window of tolerance can return using a few different techniques. Practicing grounding and mindfulness skills can often help people be present and in the moment. With the help of a mental health professional, it is also possible for a person to expand their window of tolerance, feel a greater sense of calm, and become better equipped to deal with stress. Therapy can provide individuals with a safe space to process trauma and other painful memories, as well as a place to practice emotional regulation. Image: Getty Images

Mind

1-year-old girl dies in hot car after father allegedly refuses to break window

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> A Las Vegas father has been arrested after he refused to break the window of his new car to save his dying toddler, according to authorities. Sidney Deal, 27, got the attention of officers after he left his one-year-old daughter in the car with the keys inside on a hot Monday afternoon. The officers offered to break the window, call a tow truck or get a locksmith but Deal declined and asked to call his brother. After a few minutes, officers decided to smash the window, pulled out the unresponsive girl and she passed away at the scene. The cause of death is pending, but authorities believe that she had been trapped in the car for more than a hour. Detectives also interviewed Deal's brother who he called and the brother explained he was confused by the call and quickly headed to Deal's house. Deal described in the call saying that he accidentally locked Sayah in the car and claimed that he had the airconditioning running. After Deal's brother arrived, he immediately wrapped his shirt around his hand and offered to punch out the window, but Deal stopped him as he claimed he didn't have enough money to fix a broken window. He instead asked his brother to call their mum to have her insurance company to send a locksmith. Deal's girlfriend told police she also called the insurance company for him, but he told her to hang up after he didn't agree with the price quoted for a tow truck. He was booked in the Clark County Detention Centre on one count of child abuse or neglect causing substantial bodily harm and is being held on $20,000 bond. Photo credits: Facebook </div> </div> </div>

Travel Trouble

The touching moment bride visits her grandmother through care home window on her wedding day

Ever since the coronavirus pandemic hit, the world has had to adjust their lifestyles, and with the elderly at high risk from COVID-19, one bride from the US found a way to make sure her grandmother was a part of her wedding day. Shauna Varner married Travis Scepaniak in Sartell, Minnesota on April 25. The aged care facility, Country Manor, where her grandma Janis currently stays has been on strict lockdown since mid-March due to the virus. This forced Varner and Scepaniak to get creative. On the morning of the couple’s special day, staff at Country Manor helped dress Janis up. "With our salon services being shut down, it took some joint effort from us non-professionals to get her hair fixed, but she was pleased with the final product, which is all that matters," Emily Frericks, the facility's director of public relations and marketing told Good Morning America. "She felt beautiful, which was a rewarding feeling for staff." Before walking down the aisle, Varner and Scepaniak stopped at the facility to “visit” Janis from the other side of her window, leaving her overjoyed. In footage of the moment, Varner is seen showing off her wedding dress and two blew kisses to one another through the glass. "You got to see [the dress] first," said Varner. "Good," replied Janis, adding, "Your hair looks nice. Everything looks nice. You're beautiful." Even with the pandemic sweeping across the globe, people are finding ways to stay connected with their loved ones.

Relationships

New York wedding officiated from fourth-floor window amid social distancing

As weddings around the world are being cancelled or postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, a New York couple has found a way to carry on with their nuptials – by having a friend officiate the ceremony from a fourth-floor window. Reilly Jennings and Amanda Wheeler tied the knot on Friday on a small sidewalk in the city. Their friend Matt Wilson, who is a licensed marriage officiant, led the ceremony from his fourth-floor apartment window as part of social distancing efforts. The couple exchanged their vows as a few friends stood witness from several metres away. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/B9_98yxpw7Z/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/B9_98yxpw7Z/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Reilly Jennings (@reillyjennings)</a> on Mar 21, 2020 at 7:47am PDT </div> </blockquote> Jennings and Wheeler initially planned to wed in October, but decided to have a quick courthouse wedding amid concerns “that things weren’t going back to normal for quite a while”. Jennings said Wilson texted them on group chat, letting them know he was ordained by the county clerk of New York and could help them “get hitched”. “We texted, ‘Wanna marry us outside your window in the next 24hrs?’ and he said ‘YES!’” Jennings told CNN. “To that I replied, ‘How about in 90 minutes?’ We both finished up work meetings, got dressed, picked up some flowers, and headed to his apartment around the corner.” <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9-kCC8Jfca/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9-kCC8Jfca/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Reilly Jennings (@reillyjennings)</a> on Mar 20, 2020 at 6:39pm PDT </div> </blockquote> The wedding came as businesses were closed and residents of the US city were told to keep their distance and stay indoors where possible. Speaking to <a href="https://www.eonline.com/au/news/1133191/couple-marries-on-new-york-street-as-friend-officiates-wedding-from-3-floors-up">E!News</a>, Jennings said she and Wheeler will remember “the overwhelming sense of joy and love amidst a scary and uncertain time”.

Relationships

Coronavirus in Wuhan: Residents shout ‘stay strong’ from windows

In Wuhan, China, the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak, <a href="https://youtu.be/bqXfnN76S-I">residents have been shouting</a> “Wuhan jiāyóu” meaning, “Wuhan, stay strong” out of their windows, from apartment building to apartment building, to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51276496">send words of encouragement</a> to fellow citizens, doctors and medical staff at the front lines of the battle. When facing a crisis, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/03057240.2011.541774">humans historically seek solidarity</a>. Community solidarity is often seen as a great way for the community to feel alive and charged with energy after facing hard times. This solidarity was seen after <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/09/hurricane-katrinas-lesson-in-civics/402961/">Hurricane Katrina</a> in New Orleans in 2005, after <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/typhoon-haiyan-filipinos-use-social-media-ensure-no-victim-goes-flna2D11581515">Typhoon Haiyan</a> in the Philippines in 2013 and after the <a href="https://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/random-acts-of-kindness-during-the-fort-mcmurray-fire/">Fort McMurray wildfires</a> in Alberta in 2016. More recently, there are tales of <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/andie-bulman-pov-bartering-storm-1.5435804">neighbours shovelling each other out of their homes </a> after the historic snowstorm in St. John’s, N.L. Near Manila, <a href="https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1213189/bayanihan-eruption-unaffected-cities-towns-welcome-evacuees?fbclid=IwAR1w0IUcuPh_Z8sCk2MBJgR23bGOVMVfoLWCz6U4Hyyn-kO6Vh5hAzBdKt0">strangers offered up their homes</a> to evacuees of the Taal volcano eruption. But how do you show community solidarity in the face of a crisis when speaking with your neighbours — and coming together — could literally kill you? <iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bqXfnN76S-I?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> ‘Wuhan jiāyóu’: chants of solidarity spread across city at epicentre of coronavirus" video from ‘The Guardian.’ Boost morale As the 11 million citizens in Wuhan entered the nth day under lockdown because of the coronavirus, people have been forced to stay indoors to limit their contact with others. As fears grew, some felt the need to boost morale and create a sense of community solidarity. Soon, social media posts circulated asking residents in Wuhan to go to their windows and shout out “jiāyóu” starting at 8 p.m. local time. The posts were widely shared, leading to the phenomenon that took place. Jiāyóu (加油) directly translates to “<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-asia-45897668/add-oil-the-new-expression-coming-your-way">add oil</a>” in a way that might mean “add gasoline to your car” so you can continue to push hard and do what you need to do. In a general sense, the sentiment is “stay strong” or “keep going.” Jiāyóu is a common phrase used to encourage someone if they are facing a challenge. As the city of Wuhan faces the life and death challenge of the coronavirus, jiāyóu works as a phrase that resonates with residents of a city struggling to survive. “Wuhan jiāyóu” (武汉! 加油!) is now the motto of Wuhan to keep spirits high in the face of this spreading pandemic. <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/312746/original/file-20200130-41485-17ocjao.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /> A comment left on ‘The Guardian’s’ Youtube video of the ‘jiāyóu’ chants. YouTube/The Guardian In addition to raising morale and giving a strong sign of life to a city that has been rendered a ghost town, the jiāyóu chants have also served another purpose: for the global media audience, it has helped to humanize the citizens of Wuhan. Apocalyptic fear Even with the exceptional stories like the reporting of “Wuhan jiayou” by <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51276496">the BBC </a> and the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/28/indoor-fishing-and-chanting-battles-how-chinas-quarantined-millions-are-keeping-busy">Guardian</a>, western media <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i4fvH-EFDU_xzP-gt3OxZR0RGAvLqU5J/view">has been shown to</a> inevitably contribute to reducing the people at the core of these stories into numbers and statistics. So far, it seems, with a few exceptions, western mainstream media has focused on medical and scientific stories. The images and videos shared of Wuhan <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/jan/27/china-coronavirus-who-to-hold-special-meeting-in-beijing-as-death-toll-jumps">are of a ravaged</a> and scary ghost town. Some include <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/asia/100000006936419/coronavirus-china-wuhan.html">videos of overflowing hospitals</a> and medical staff in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/jan/30/coronavirus-live-updates-china-death-toll-wuhan-evacuation-foreign-nationals-citizens-latest-news">heavy protective gear</a>. Others have spread stories of <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-rumours-panic-coronavirus-outbreak-1.5443998">apocalyptic fear</a>. Many social media posters have engaged in <a href="https://twitter.com/SimuLiu/status/1222459446799921153?s=20">fear mongering</a>. With all this, it can seem that few have treated the citizens of Wuhan as anything but <a href="https://globalnews.ca/news/6466587/coronavirus-risk-reaction/">potential carriers of the virus</a>. <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/312903/original/file-20200130-41516-38tn9c.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /> Simi Liu, recently cast as Marvel’s first Asian superhero has been speaking out against the racist fear mongering circulating on Twitter. <a href="https://twitter.com/SimuLiu/status/1222459446799921153?s=20" class="source">(Twitter/@similiu)</a> While these videos and images depict the reality of a city dealing with a pandemic, the face masks and crowded hospitals allow viewers to overlook the silent majority — the tens of millions of people in self-isolation at home. The jiāyóu chant and the videos that captured it have since gone viral. It is a way for citizens to reclaim their narrative. It helps to draw attention to the millions of diligent and law-abiding citizens who are doing their job in fighting this pandemic and encouraging others to keeping going in this fight against an invisible virus. I believe the humanization of the Wuhan citizens helped to send a wake up call to the world about the plight of those not infected but isolated in their homes. Many westerners have largely focused on whether the virus will spread in their countries. Few may have stopped to think of those in lock down in Wuhan and other cities in China. Some took to social media to ask why the world is not praying for Wuhan or China. Why are there no Facebook profile filters to show solidarity with those struggling against the virus? <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/312741/original/file-20200130-41554-1q6puo7.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /> Screenshot of Orlando Uy’s Facebook comment about the lack of Pray for China activities on social media. (Facebook/Orlando Uy) Most recently, in Wuhan, <a href="https://uk.news.yahoo.com/chinese-premier-inspects-wuhan-supermarket-120000938.html">Premier Li Keqiang’s visited</a> a Wuhan supermarket where the coronavirus allegedly originated. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPfZmZZ9M0o">In an act of solidarity, he chanted “jiāyóu Wuhan”</a> with a crowd of shoppers to encourage them to continue fighting the coronavirus. While the premier was likely genuine, there is also a small warning in this government official’s act. There is a risk that acts of solidarity like “Wuhan jiāyóu” could be co-opted by government bodies to shift attention or responsibility away from authorities. This type of co-option was observed in <a href="https://odihpn.org/blog/bayanihan-after-typhoon-haiyan-are-we-romanticising-an-indigenous-coping-strategy/">the exaggerated use of “resilience” and “survival” narratives</a> after Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines to paint a picture of a rapidly recovering community doing well by being resourceful and helping each other. These narratives of community resilience pushed forth by official government messages can act to shift responsibility away from the state and international humanitarian organizations that have formal responsibilities in disaster risk reduction and recovery. Thus, Premier Li Keqiang was able to use the peoples’ chant, “Wuhan jiāyóu” to rally support in the grocery store. But he did not create a space for questions about accountability and government action. This is often the double-edged sword of community solidarity: it is powerful, but it can also be misused by the powerful. <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/130851/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qPfZmZZ9M0o?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Premier Li Kequiang shouting ‘Wuhan jiayou.’ <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/yvonne-su-742700">Yvonne Su</a>, PhD, International Development and Political Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-guelph-1071">University of Guelph</a> This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-in-wuhan-residents-shout-stay-strong-from-windows-130851">original article</a>.

International Travel

The dangerous 10-minute window you're most likely to have a car accident

In a survey that analysed accident data of 57,000 vehicles, industry specialist AX discovered that a fifth of road accidents occur during the evening commute. This is between the time of 4 pm and 6pm. However, the data noticed something interesting. There’s a 10-minute window between 5 pm and 5:10 pm where 15 per cent of all rush hour accidents occurred, as people left their places of work during winter time. This is therefore the most error-filled and accident-prone time period for drivers. One in six accidents occur during that 10-minute time period after 5pm. Scott Hamilton Cooper, Director of Sales and Operations at AX, said that the results were of “little surprise”. “It is little surprise to see the majority of accidents take place during the afternoon and evening hours when many of us are busy trying to get home or rushing to pick up our kids,” Hamilton explained. The RAC Foundation backed the findings, saying that three quarters of the extra accidents occur during the afternoon. RAC Foundation director Steve Gooding explained: “Every year at about this time there are calls to abandon the spring forward, fall-back rhythm of daylight saving time, but our work suggests that it's darker days and winter weather together that cause the spike in road safety risk. “Rain, snow, ice, wind, mist and fog are all factors which make driving more challenging and – the data suggests – more dangerous. “Wrapped up snugly in our warm and comfortable cars it's easy to feel immune to the conditions outside, yet year in, year out, they take their toll on thousands of road users.” Have you been in a car accident around this time of day? Let us know in the comments.

Legal

Why choosing a window seat just got trickier

For many, getting a window seat or an aisle seat whilst boarding a flight is the dream. You either have easy access to the aisle or can get to gaze out the window while the plane continues on its journey. However, for some unlucky passengers, this dream fades fast. They eagerly arrive to their seat to find, well, nothing. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <a href="https://twitter.com/AmericanAir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmericanAir</a>, I am a GOLD status customer (PLATINUM status by next week) and book window seats for a reason. I’ve never felt more claustrophobic in my life! I was told by the flight attendant to contact you via social media, so here I am. Please explain <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wheresmywindow?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wheresmywindow</a> <a href="https://t.co/blc0pF9yyr">pic.twitter.com/blc0pF9yyr</a> — Christine Castillo (@cristinitac22) <a href="https://twitter.com/cristinitac22/status/1024305330879119360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2018</a></blockquote> This is a common occurrence for those who book window seats. They’ve unfortunately chosen to sit where the air conditioning ducts are run through the main body of the aircraft. Although this might keep everyone cool, you won’t be able to enjoy the view you’ve paid for. This is common across a range of planes, including: <ul> <li>Boeing 737</li> <li>Boeing 777</li> <li>Boeing 747</li> <li>Boeing 757 Boeing 737 MAXs</li> </ul> However, don’t think that just because you’ve flown on that type of plane before that you’re avoiding getting a windowless seat. For some plane types, there’s two different versions. This is the case with a Qantas Boeing 747-400. Some frequent flyers end up utilising the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.seatguru.com/" target="_blank">SeatGuru website </a>before booking flights. This website allows you to put in the company of who you’re flying with, the date of your flight and your chosen flight number. This site allows you to see the seating plan on your flight and avoid choosing a windowless seat. Remembering this tip and using this website is bound to save you from disappointment while boarding your flight. If you do end up with a windowless seat though, use the space to try and get some rest. You probably won’t be getting much of it once you land at your destination.

Travel Tips

Plane victim's husband speaks for first time since tragedy

A week ago, Michael Riordan’s life changed forever as he was delivered the heartbreaking news that his wife and the mother of his two children, Jennifer, had died after being partially sucked out the window of a Southwest Airlines plane. Now, Michael has spoken to the <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/News/husband-woman-killed-southwest-flight-immediately-thought-kids/story?id=54701767" target="_blank">ABC</a> in his home state of New Mexico about losing his wife that he had met 29 years ago at the shops. Michael revealed that he initially didn’t believe that his wife could be that injured. “The chaplain at the hospital called and said, ‘We need to speak with Mike Riordan who is married to Jennifer. Are you married to Jennifer Riordan?’” Michael said. “I said, ‘Yes, but she wasn’t going through Philadelphia. She was planning on going to Chicago so I don’t think you —’ just absolute denial. I’m still in denial. “He said, ‘I need to have a doctor talk to you’.” After speaking to the chaplain at the Philadelphia hospital, Michael immediately went online and researched the engine explosion. “I saw one passenger was brought to the hospital, like, ‘OK, but the whole plane didn’t crash,’” he said. “I was like, ‘She can’t be injured that bad she’s just in a hospital, but I can get out there and I can hold her hand and tell her I love her, it just can’t be that bad.’” Two minutes after reading the article, Michael received another call from the hospital. “We’re sorry, we tried everything we could but she didn’t make it,” a doctor told him. Michael then had to face the impossible task of breaking the news to his two young children. “I immediately thought of the kids and how do you tell your kids their mum was gone,” he said. Jennifer had planned to meet up with her family at her son’s baseball game after she flew in from New York. Michael instead took their kids to a chapel and broke the tragic news to them. “I just held their little hands and took a knee and said, ‘Mummy’s not going to come home guys,’” he said. Michael explained that he is staying away from reports about what the airline should do and is instead focusing on his two young children. <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-insurance-articles/2018/04/mid-air-disaster-woman-partially-sucked-out-of-plane/" target="_blank">Immediately after the incident</a>, Southwest Airlines chief executive officer Gary Jelly said Jennifer’s death was a “tragic loss”. “This is a sad day, and our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased customer,” he said. Jennifer was partially dragged out of a window on the Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 after shrapnel from an exploded engine smashed the glass. Jennifer was wearing her seatbelt when the incident occurred. Firefighter Andrew Needum and ranch hand Tim McGinty helped pull her back inside the plane. Retired nurse Peggy Phillips was one of the passengers who gave Jennifer CPR. “The window had broken and the suction, the negative pressure, had pulled her outside the plane partially,” Peggy said. “These two wonderful men ... and a passenger managed to get her back inside the plane and we lay her down and we started CPR.”

Travel Tips

Horror as window cracks on flight

Terrified passengers were left fearing for their lives when heavy turbulence rocked an Air India flight from Amritsar to Delhi, causing one of the plane’s windows to fall out. This incident, which occurred days after a similar tragedy on a Southwest Airlines flight, was captured on one of the passenger’s camera phones. The 240 people onboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner look visibly distressed as the flight attendant attempts to force the dislodged window back in its place. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8HoPjvbE9MI" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> <a href="http://www.news.com.au/" target="_blank">News.com.au reports</a> the turbulence rocked the plane shortly after takeoff as it reached 15,000ft, and lasted almost half of the journey. At lease three of the passengers onboard were injured. A probe into the incident has reportedly been launched by aviation regulator the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board (AAIB). What are your thoughts? Do you think the aviation industry is dropping its standards?

Travel Tips

What Windows users must do to protect themselves from ransomware

Lisa Du is director of <a href="https://readytechgo.com.au/" target="_blank">ReadyTechGo</a>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology. Windows 10 has some great hidden features! By now, you've probably heard of Ransomware – a very nasty malicious software which infects PCs and encrypts (locks up) your files. Basically holding it at ransom until you pay a ransom. To defend yourself against Ransomware, you need to: <ul> <li>Backup your files regularly on a separate system such as a portable/external hard drive</li> <li>Make sure this hard drive is not connected to the internet! </li> <li>You also need to ensure you have strong security and antivirus software installed on your computer</li> <li>Always install updates as companies release software updates for your device in order to fix vulnerabilities that can be exploited to install ransomware. </li> </ul> Today, let's look at a Windows 10 feature you can switch on to protect yourself against this malicious software! Controlled folder access This feature will “protect valuable data from malicious apps and threats, such as ransomware.” As explained by Microsoft, “Controlled folder access monitors the changes that apps make to files in certain protected folders. “If an app attempts to make a change to these files, and the app is blacklisted by the feature, you’ll get a notification about the attempt. “You can complement the protected folders with additional locations, and add the apps that you want to allow access to those folders.” How to enable controlled folder access in Windows 10: <img width="467" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/176468db-6a31-423a-9ffc-331b3f1a008f.png" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 600px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: 290px;"/> 1. Open the Windows Defender Security Centre. 2. Click on the Virus & threat protection icon. <img width="410" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/d8513731-88d1-44d2-8d46-e84aefbb8d0b.png" class="mcnImage" style="outline: none; text-align: center; max-width: 600px; line-height: 10px; vertical-align: bottom; height: 363px;"/> 3. On the next page, click the Virus & threat protection settings link. <img width="415" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/1f338cbe-f5b0-4520-a65a-017a0f489332.png" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 600px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: 368px;"/> 4. Enable the option Controlled folder access. Ensure you turn this feature on, and if, for any reason you are attacked, never pay the ransom! Paying the ransom fee encourages attackers and you may not get your files back anyway! If you have a backup of you files on an external hard drive, you can restore your device from your backup. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us! For those of you interested in learning how you can back up files to "Cloud". make sure you come along to our workshop next Wednesday! Only a few places left in this interactive, hands on workshop! Were you aware of this safety feature?

Technology

What’s the best seat on a plane: aisle, middle or window?

The best seat to be in on a plane is an issue as divisive as whether pineapple belongs on a pizza or not. To some people, the aisle will always be the best option. Others couldn’t bear the thought of not being able to take in the view from the window seat. And there are a few (we suppose) who like feeling snug as a bug in the middle seat. So, what is the best seat to choose, when you’re booking a flight? Well, we put it to the Over60 community on our Travel Club page, and we were overwhelmed with the response. To see some of the best answers, scroll though the gallery above. Where do you prefer to sit on a plane?

Travel Tips

If you prefer this seat you're selfish

While the middle seat on planes generally doesn’t win many fans, travellers are generally fiercely divided about what offers the better option out of the aisle or window seat. And according to phycologists, your preference says a lot about your personality: If you choose an aisle seat According to University of Washington professor Jonathan Bricker, PhD, if you chose an aisle seat you’re generally going to be someone who values their freedom. “You know you have the ability to get up and walk around without having to ask anyone or climb over your seat mate,” Professor Bricker says. But apparently also be a sign of an introversion Professor Bricker added: “In a large group of people, introverts feel physically uncomfortable and tend to want to stay on the periphery — they don’t like to be surrounded by people or objects on all sides.” If you choose a window seat The window seat is a tricky one. It’s arguably the comfiest seat on the plane with the extra gap between the armrest and the wall, and a spot to lean on. But the person sitting here also has to ask whenever they’re going to the bathroom. “Passengers who favour the window seat like to be in control, tend to take an ‘every man for themselves’ attitude towards life, and are often more easily irritable,” Dr Becky Spelman, chief psychologist at Harley Street’s Private Therapy Clinic told The Telegraph. “They also like to ‘nest’ and prefer to exist in their own bubble.” Behavioural Psychologist Jo Hemmings added: “Champions of the window seat tend to be more selfish as well as less anxious, seasoned flyers who are more confident in disturbing others.” What do you prefer, aisle or window?

International Travel

10 most stunning photos taken from aeroplane windows

The window seat is a much-maligned part of the aeroplane. You always seem a little more cramped than everyone else, it’s hard to get the flight-attendant’s attention and hobbling over knees to get to the bathroom is never a lot of fun. But sometimes the view makes it more than worth it. We’ve scoured the internet and found 10 of the most stunning photographs taken from aeroplane windows. To see them all, scroll through the gallery above. What’s the most amazing thing you’ve ever seen from an aeroplane window? Have you arranged your travel insurance yet? Save money with Over60 Travel Insurance. <a href="https://elevate.agatravelinsurance.com.au/oversixty?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=content&utm_content=link1&utm_campaign=travel-insurance" target="_blank">To arrange a quote, click here.</a> Or for more information, call 1800 622 966.

International Travel

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Property

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Woman “bullied” on plane over budget seating trick

Flight attendant reveals why planes have tiny holes in their windows

Olivia Newton-John’s daughter shares never seen before footage

Why there is a tiny hole in your airplane window

Young HERO with autism jumps out Maccas drive-thru window to save choking customer

Understanding the “window of tolerance” in trauma recovery

1-year-old girl dies in hot car after father allegedly refuses to break window

The touching moment bride visits her grandmother through care home window on her wedding day

New York wedding officiated from fourth-floor window amid social distancing

Coronavirus in Wuhan: Residents shout ‘stay strong’ from windows

The dangerous 10-minute window you're most likely to have a car accident

Why choosing a window seat just got trickier

Plane victim's husband speaks for first time since tragedy

Horror as window cracks on flight

What Windows users must do to protect themselves from ransomware

What’s the best seat on a plane: aisle, middle or window?

If you prefer this seat you're selfish

10 most stunning photos taken from aeroplane windows