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Distraught wife of cricket legend reveals cause of death

<p>The grieving wife of late cricket legend Graham Thorpe has spoken out after her husband's untimely <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/tragic-news-cricket-legend-dies-at-just-55" target="_blank" rel="noopener">death</a>, revealing that he tragically took his own life. </p> <p>After an illustrious cricket career in the UK, Thorpe died on August 5th at just 55 years old, leaving behind his wife and four children. </p> <p>Thorpe had previously been hospitalised in May 2022 following a suicide attempt, but made a full recovery. </p> <p>His wife Amanda has spoken out about her husband's mental illness, sharing how he had been suffering for many years. </p> <p>“Despite having a wife and two daughters whom he loved and who loved him, he did not get better,” Amanda told <em>The Times</em>.</p> <p>“He was so unwell in recent times and he really did believe that we would be better off without him.”</p> <p>She added: “We are devastated that he acted on that and took his own life.”</p> <p>Amanda said Graham had suffered from major depression and anxiety “for a couple of years”, explaining, “Despite glimpses of hope and of the old Graham, he continued to suffer from depression and anxiety, which at times got very severe."</p> <p>“We supported him as a family and he tried many, many treatments but unfortunately none of them really seemed to work."</p> <p>“Graham was renowned as someone who was very mentally strong on the field and he was in good physical health. But mental illness is a real disease and can affect anyone.”</p> <p>Following his sudden death, the England and Wales Cricket Board released a statement that said, “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Graham Thorpe, MBE, has passed away."</p> <p>“There seem to be no appropriate words to describe the deep shock we feel at Graham’s death."</p> <p>“More than one of England’s finest-ever batters, he was a beloved member of the cricket family and revered by fans all over the world."</p> <p><em><strong>Need to talk to someone? Don't go it alone. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">lifeline.org.au</a></strong></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Colorsport/Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

Caring

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“Tragic news”: Cricket legend dies at just 55

<p>England cricket great Graham Thorpe has passed away aged just 55. </p> <p>The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed the news on Monday, with no immediate cause of death announced. </p> <p>He was regarded as one of the best batters of his generation, with a career that spanned 100 Test matches. </p> <p>“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Graham Thorpe, MBE, has passed away,”  a statement from the ECB said.</p> <p>"There seem to be no appropriate words to describe the deep shock we feel at Graham's deaths.</p> <p>"More than one of England's finest-ever batters, he was a beloved member of the cricket family and revered by fans all over the world.</p> <p>"His skill was unquestioned, and his abilities and achievements across a 13-year international career brought so much happiness to his teammates and England and Surrey CCC supporters alike.</p> <p>"Later, as a coach, he guided the best England men's talent to some incredible victories across all formats of the game. The cricket world is in mourning today.</p> <p>"Our hearts go out to his wife Amanda, his children, father Geoff, and all of his family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time.</p> <p>"We will always remember Graham for his extraordinary contributions to the sport."</p> <p>Thorpe made his international debut in 1993 and scored a century on his first Ashes appearance, becoming the first England player to do so in 20 years.</p> <p>He played 82 one-day international games for England and amassed over 6700 runs in the Test arena, including 16 centuries. </p> <p>After retiring from playing duties in 2005, Thorpe transitioned into coaching and spent time as a batting coach for the national side between 2010 and 2022.</p> <p>He was set to take over the head coaching role with Afghanistan before falling ill.</p> <p>Tributes have poured in from Thorpe's fellow teammates and former coaches. </p> <p>“RIP Thorpey. Thanks for all the advice throughout my career, you were a great player and a brilliant teammate. You have gone far too young but you leave as an England cricket legend ... Thoughts with all who knew Thorpey and to all the family xxx,” Michael Vaughan, who captained Thorpe towards the end of his Test career, wrote on social media. </p> <p>Former Australian coach Darren Lehmann paid tribute by tweeting three tear emojis.</p> <p>“Heartbreaking to see Thorpey has passed away. He was one of my heroes growing up and I was fortunate to work with him. My thoughts go out to all of his friends and family during this tough time,” wrote current England opener Ben Duckett. </p> <p>“This is desperately tragic news. Aged just 55," Channel 7 commentator Alison Mitchell said. </p> <p><em>Image: Colorsport/ Shutterstock editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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Iconic Star Trek actor dies suddenly at age 73

<p dir="ltr">Iconic <em>Star Trek: Enterprise</em> actor Gary Graham has passed away suddenly at the age of 73. </p> <p dir="ltr">The actor’s ex-wife Susan Lavelle confirmed the news in an emotional facebook post, sharing their family’s devastation over his death. </p> <p dir="ltr">The family chose not to disclose his cause of death, only writing that his passing was “sudden” and came as a “shock”. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It is with deep profound sadness to say that Gary Graham, my ex-husband, amazing actor and father of our beautiful only child together, Haylee Graham, has passed away today,” Lavelle wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are completely devastated, especially our daughter Haley. His wife, Becky, was by his side.”</p> <p dir="ltr">She went on to share some of her favourite things about her ex-husband, writing that he was “Funny, sarcastic sense of humour but kind, fought for what he believed in, a devout Christian and was so proud of his daughter, Haylee.”</p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsusanashleylavelle%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0XTf8xMGFeD96Ehnk6a8X7RcKQYDxdHvvm3S82J24FX3eaNwtVo3Uax6H4SvQW3YKl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="777" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p dir="ltr">“This was sudden, so please pray for our daughter as she navigates through this thing called grief,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Fly high into the heavens Gar!”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Thank you for our journey and thank you for the gifts you left me in acting, my love of horses and most importantly, our daughter.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Gary shot to fame in Hollywood for his role in the ‘80s series <em>Alien Nation</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">He stayed in the world of sci-fi as he played Vulcan Ambassador Soval on <em>Star Trek: Enterprise</em> between 2001 and 2005.</p> <p dir="ltr">Gary also starred in TV series such as <em>Starsky and Hutch</em> and <em>The Dukes of Hazzard</em>, before acting alongside Tom Cruise in the film <em>All the Right Moves</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

News

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"Beyond excited": Graham Norton announces Aussie TV show

<p>Graham Norton, the beloved Irish television presenter and talk show host, is set to bring a wave of nostalgia to Australian screens with the revival of the iconic game show, <em>Wheel of Fortune</em>.</p> <p>While Norton is best known for his charismatic chat show, he's expanding his horizons and diving into the world of game shows, and fans are in for a treat.</p> <p>In a recent announcement from Channel 10, it was revealed that Norton would be the new face of <em>Wheel of Fortune Australia</em>, making its return in a primetime slot as part of the network's 2024 schedule.</p> <p>For those unfamiliar with the game, <em>Wheel of Fortune</em> is centred around a colossal carnival wheel. Contestants spin the wheel in hopes of landing on a lucky segment, which could lead to a life-changing cash prize. The show is a perfect blend of skill, luck and, of course, plenty of surprises.</p> <p>Interestingly, the revival of <em>Wheel of Fortune</em> also coincides with the news that Norton will be hosting a UK reboot of the same show, while Ryan Seacrest takes on hosting duties in the United States.</p> <p>In a statement, Norton expressed his excitement, saying, "I’m beyond excited to be bringing such an iconic American show to Australia with Network 10.</p> <p>"Hosting game shows is brilliant fun, and even more so when you have a giant wheel to spin! This show has it all, mixing skill, luck, and lots of surprises, and I hope the Australian audience loves it."</p> <p>This is not the first time that <em>Wheel of Fortune</em> has graced Australian screens. The game show was last seen in 2008 when it aired on Channel 7 under the name <em>Million Dollar Wheel of Fortune</em>, hosted by Tim Campbell.</p> <p>Sadly, the show met an untimely demise, being cancelled after just a month due to poor ratings. The decision to bring it back, albeit in a different form, indicates the enduring popularity and appeal of this classic game show.</p> <p>One noteworthy change in this revival is the location. Unlike its previous iteration, the new <em>Wheel of Fortune Australia</em> will not be filmed down under. Instead, it will be produced in the United Kingdom, with the charismatic Norton taking the helm and a variety of Aussie expats appearing on the show. </p> <p>But that's not the only exciting game show news for Australian viewers. Channel 10 also announced that the beloved Australian host, Grant Denyer, will be bringing back the iconic <em>Deal or No Deal</em>.</p> <p>The show, which had a global following and was beloved in 325 countries, will make a comeback in 2024, airing at 6pm on weekdays.</p> <p>Denyer expressed his excitement about the return of the show, saying, "In this time of the high cost of living, I can't wait to be a hyperactive 'human ATM,' handing out big cash and sending Australians off into the sunset with their pockets bulging and their lives changed. It's a magical feeling and a real privilege. I'm so damn excited."</p> <p>Additionally, the popular wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin is set to host I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! alongside Julia Morris (who has <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/julia-morris-promises-a-little-less-shameless-flirting-with-new-co-host" target="_blank" rel="noopener">promised to behave herself</a>) for the show's 10th season, taking over from former host Dr Chris Brown.</p> <p>And for fans of cooking shows, there's a reboot of <em>Ready Steady Cook</em> primed for Friday nights, featuring former <em>The Living Room</em> star and chef Miguel Maestre as the show's host.</p> <p>With these exciting announcements, Australian television is set to have a fantastic lineup of game shows and entertainment in the coming year. Whether it's spinning the iconic wheel or choosing between those elusive briefcases, the fun and thrill of these game shows are set to captivate viewers once again.</p> <p><em>Image: BBC One</em></p>

TV

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Lucy Letby: it is not being ‘beige’, ‘average’ or ‘normal’ that makes her crimes so hard to understand

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lizzie-seal-183829">Lizzie Seal</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sussex-1218">University of Sussex</a></em></p> <p>In seeking to understand the crimes of Lucy Letby, the neonatal nurse who murdered seven babies in her care, a fixation about how “ordinary” she appears to be has emerged. At times like this, we seek answers, which perhaps explains the vague sense that understanding this apparent inconsistency can teach us a lesson for the future. But that is a circle that cannot be squared.</p> <p>Letby was sentenced to whole life imprisonment for the murders of seven babies carried out while she worked at Countess of Chester Hospital, in north-west England. She was found guilty of the attempted murder of six other babies and is suspected of having harmed more. She is variously described as a “serial killer” and a “serial killer nurse”. Letby meets the <a href="https://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi/tandi346">generally accepted criminological definition</a> of a serial killer – that is, someone who commits three or more murders on separate occasions which are not for revenge or material gain.</p> <p>Everyday understandings of serial killing are consistent with the criminological definition and, arguably, the “serial killer” is a compelling example of the overlap – and perhaps cross-pollination – between the academic and wider understandings of crime.</p> <p>Both academic and wider understandings of serial killing are shaped by portrayals and archetypes from fiction, film, television and true crime podcasts and documentaries. The ubiquity of portrayals of serial killers mean we reach for certain stock explanations of their actions.</p> <p>Quoting police officers involved in the investigation and former colleagues of Letby, news articles describe her as <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/who-is-lucy-letby-the-average-nurse-who-became-britains-most-prolific-child-killer-12943602">“average”</a> and <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/23003681/beige-lucy-letby-killer-nurse-death-toll/">“beige”</a>. Shock and confusion abound about the crimes of an “ordinary” young woman who did not stand out in terms of character or ability.</p> <p>The puzzle these descriptions create is how a “serial killer nurse” could possibly be someone so unremarkable. Letby lived in a three-bedroom semi-detached house, with a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/aug/18/lucy-letby-the-beige-and-average-nurse-who-turned-into-a-baby-killer">“happy Prosecco season”</a> sign adorning the wall of her kitchen and a collection of soft toys in her bedroom. Although <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/nurse-lucy-letby-motive-why-would-she-kill-babies-b2397008.html">motives were suggested</a> by the prosecution during her trial, they feel unsatisfactory.</p> <h2>Looking for answers in the wrong place</h2> <p>Our inability to parse “satisfying” explanations for Letby’s actions relates to her departure from accepted cultural scripts of serial killing. A prominent serial killer script is that of perceived deviance and transgression, whereby something pathological about the killer accounts for their personality and actions.</p> <p>Frequently, this pathology is along the lines of mental illness, as in one of the classic templates for modern cultural scripts of serial killing, Norman Bates in the film Psycho. Another recurrent portrayal is the serial killer who is motivated by sexual perversion. Lucy Letby’s apparent normality means she cannot be read through this script.</p> <p>The fact that <a href="https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-87488-9">she is a woman</a> while serial killers are overwhelmingly male adds to this (although serial killing by women, including nurses, is <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12423909/Other-cases-missed-Detective-nailed-Beverley-Allitt-says-like-Lucy-Letby-read-book-chillingly-similar-Angel-Death-case-30-years-believes-killer-nurses-have.html">not without precedent</a>).</p> <p><a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1057/9780230369061_6">Popular culture has taught us</a> that a serial killer is a certain type of person. They are often even glamorised in films and TV shows. In his <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/36061">1996 memoir My Dark Places</a>, the novelist James Ellroy comments on the figure of the serial killer in 1990s popular culture: “serial killers were very unprosaic. They were hip, slick and cool”.</p> <p>Ellroy’s comment gets to the heart of why Lucy Letby feels like a dissonant serial killer. She is prosaic. But this is a red herring. We may have absorbed tropes about serial killers but that does not mean we understand them or their motives in any more depth than we understand why Letby killed.</p> <p>There is nothing truly conclusive about saying someone killed for power or sexual gratification, just as there is nothing conclusive about any of the explanations offered for Letby’s actions. Our belief that we understand reasons for serial killing – and thereby deviations from those reasons such as appearing “ordinary” – is based on familiar but incomplete narratives.</p> <p>Our cultural scripts about serial killers do not offer good explanations for their crimes. In reality, it is incredibly unusual for someone like Lucy Letby to be a serial killer because it is incredibly unusual for anyone to be a serial killer.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/211960/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lizzie-seal-183829">Lizzie Seal</a>, Professor of Criminology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sussex-1218">University of Sussex</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/lucy-letby-it-is-not-being-beige-average-or-normal-that-makes-her-crimes-so-hard-to-understand-211960">original article</a>.</em></p>

Legal

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Life behind bars for serial killer nurse

<p>British nurse Lucy Letby has been handed a life sentence for the murder of seven infants and the attempted murder of six others in a neonatal ward located in Chester, England.</p> <p>Justice James Goss, adhering to the strictest punishment allowed by British law, issued a whole-life order, ensuring that 33-year-old Letby would spend the remainder of her life incarcerated, as capital punishment is not applicable in the UK.</p> <p>In a trial that spanned ten months, Letby was found guilty of killing five male and two female infants and causing harm to other newborns within the neonatal unit of the Countess of Chester Hospital between June 2015 and June 2016. This conviction ranks her among the most prolific child serial killers in the UK's history.</p> <p>Despite her absence from the sentencing proceedings, Justice Goss emphasised the calculated nature of Letby's actions, stating, "There was premeditation, calculation and cunning." He further highlighted the malevolence and absence of remorse in her demeanour, emphasising that no mitigating factors were present.</p> <p>Prosecutors detailed Letby's disturbing actions during her tenure in the neonatal unit. As the hospital witnessed an alarming increase in unexplained infant deaths and health deteriorations, Letby was consistently on duty during these incidents.</p> <p>Prosecutors painted her as a constant, ominous presence when these infants experienced collapses or fatalities, using tactics that were difficult to detect. She even deceived colleagues into believing these incidents were normal.</p> <p>The anguish and outrage from the victims' families were palpable during the sentencing, compounded by Letby's absence from the proceedings, which is permitted under British legal protocol.</p> <p>The mother of a girl identified as Child I said in a statement read in court:</p> <p>"I don’t think we will ever get over the fact that our daughter was tortured till she had no fight left in her and everything she went through over her short life was deliberately done by someone who was supposed to protect her and help her come home where she belonged."</p> <p>Because of Letby's absence at the sentencing, calls for legal reform quickly emerged, urging that prisoners should be compelled to attend their sentencings. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his government's intention to address this matter.</p> <p>Medical professionals raised concerns about Letby's behaviour as early as 2015, but their apprehensions were not heeded by management. Some argue that had these concerns been acted upon promptly, lives could have been saved. An independent inquiry will delve into the hospital's response to the alarming rise in deaths and the actions of the staff and management.</p> <p>In conclusion, British nurse Lucy Letby's life sentence for the murder of seven babies and the attempted murder of six others has sent shockwaves through the nation. Her calculated actions, lack of remorse, and absence from the sentencing have ignited discussions about legal reforms and the responsibility of institutions to heed early warning signs.</p> <p><em>Images: Cheshire Constabulary</em></p>

Legal

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8 fictional places you can visit in real life

<p>Step into the world of your favourite book, movie or TV show with a visit to these fictional locations that represented the original.</p> <p><strong>Hogwarts, <em>Harry Potter</em></strong></p> <p>You won’t see anyone playing Quidditch on the lawns, but Alnwick Castle in Northumberland in the UK played Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films (with a little digital trickery thrown in). The castle has been the home of the Dukes of Northumberland for more than 700 years and is in high demand with film and TV crews – it also stars in the <em>Downton Abbey </em>Christmas specials.</p> <p><em><strong>Jurassic Park</strong></em></p> <p>The lush jungle foliage and towering waterfalls of the island of Kauai in Hawaii served as the backdrop for Stephen Spielberg’s rampaging dinosaurs in all three <em>Jurassic Park</em> movies. You can rent a four-wheel drive and travel through the national park where the movie was filmed though, sadly, none of the dinosaurs remained behind after shooting wrapped.</p> <p><strong>West Egg, <em>The Great Gatsby</em></strong></p> <p>F Scott Fitzgerald modelled West Egg on Great Neck in Long Island, New York. This area on the north coast of Long Island was known as the Gold Coast because of the huge mansions, polo fields, golf courses and country clubs built there by America’s super wealthy (think Vanderbilt, Astor or Guggenheim). The very grand Oheka Castle in nearby Huntington partly inspired Gatsby’s house.</p> <p><strong>Amity Island, <em>Jaws</em></strong></p> <p>Don’t go in the water! The beach on Amity Island was the setting for the first scene in the classic 1970s horror movie, <em>Jaws</em>. As well as looking the part of the perfect American seaside resort, the shallow water of the bay made it easier for the crew to operate the mechanical sharks.</p> <p><strong>Hundred Acre Wood, <em>Winnie the Pooh</em></strong></p> <p>Just over an hour from London you can walk in the footsteps of Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin through Ashdown Forest. There’s only about 25 square kilometres of wooded area left from what was once a mighty forest, but it is still quintessentially English and one could almost expect Pooh, Tigger and Piglet to come bounding around a shady corner.</p> <p><strong>Greenbow, <em>Forrest Gump</em></strong></p> <p>Life is like a box of chocolates in Varnville, South Carolina, which served as the fictional town of Greenbow in the Oscar winning movie <em>Forrest Gump</em>. The old Southern mansion that Forrest and his mamma lived in was a fake however, built just for production (and torn down right after), and even some of the Vietnam War scenes were shot around Varnville. Thank goodness for special effects.</p> <p><strong>King’s Landing, <em>Game of Thrones</em></strong></p> <p>The historic Maltese capital of Mdina played the part of Kings Landing in the first series of <em>Game of Thrones</em>. The medieval walled city is in the centre of the island and has a population of just 300 – many of whom weren’t happy about the series. Maltese officials complained about the damage done and filming moved to Croatia for the following series.</p> <p><strong>Hobbiton, <em>The Lord of the Rings</em></strong></p> <p>The three Lord of the Rings movies were such a smash hit that the village of Hobbiton was completely rebuilt in the original film location near Matamata in the North Island of New Zealand. You can step inside the tiny hobbit holes, visit the Green Dragon Inn and (of course) buy a souvenir at the gift shop.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

International Travel

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Most amazing animal experiences to have when travelling

<p>These are some unbelievable opportunities around the world to get up close (really close) to your favourite wild animals.</p> <p><strong>Monkey business / Viewing</strong></p> <p>The orangutan is Asia’s only great ape and Borneo is one of only two places in the world that they are found. Decades of deforestation have left the Bornean orangutan seriously endangered. At the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre 60 to 80 of the great apes live on a 43 square kilometre reserve while 25 orphaned babies are rehabilitated in the nursery. Though they look perfect for cuddling, guests can’t get too close – but you can visit during the two feeding times each day and walk among the boardwalks through the forest while the orangutans swoop from the trees to eat the fruit and sugar cane left on feeding platforms around 20 metres away from you</p> <p><strong>Baby elephant walk / Hands on</strong></p> <p>The Asian elephant is an endangered species and Thailand is home to more Asian elephants than anywhere in the world. For a hands-on experience with these gentle giants, Patara Elephant Farm in Chiang Mai allows you to participate in their day to day caring. There are six residents elephants that are “adopted” by guests for the day and you are trained to approach the elephant, know its temperament, feed and check its health, bathe and brush it in the river, learn how to ride on its neck and communicate through spoken commands.</p> <p><strong>King of the jungle / Interaction</strong></p> <p>You’re generally not encouraged to get up close to really dangerous animals, but at Lion Encounter in Zambia you can walk alongside some of the eight resident lion cubs – with no fence in between. The cubs range from three to 18 months old and will happily walk through the bush with you, pounce and play with each other and, if you’re lucky, even nuzzle in for a pat. Walks are escorted by guides, scouts and lion handlers so you are never in danger. The program is part of a larger breeding program and once lions graduate from this stage they will be removed from human interaction, integrated with a pack and eventually released into the wild.</p> <p><strong>A whale of a time / Interaction</strong></p> <p>The might be called dwarf minke whales but at eight metres long and weighing several tonnes, they are still pretty substantial. Dwarf minkes pass through the Great Barrier Reef each winter and this is the only place in the world that you can snorkel and dive with them. The whales are very inquisitive and an experience will generally involve interacting with two to three whales for around 90 minutes. Very little is known about these huge mammals so guests are often asked to participate in ongoing research programs and record their observations or submit photos to the minke whale database.</p> <p><strong>One for the bucket list / Viewing</strong></p> <p>With around half of Canada’s grizzly population, British Columbia is the best place to see the bears in the wild. A number of lodges have been established inside the Great Bear Rainforest where guests can participate in guided viewing sessions from boats, getting up very close to the action. Bears can be seen fishing for salmon in rivers, feeding on berries or succulents, and (very rarely) napping in the sun. Tours run from May to October, but visit from August onwards for the best chance to see cubs. At around $1,000 per person per night these tours aren’t cheap, but they are certainly unforgettable.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="../travel/travel-club/2015/02/unusual-places-you-can-stay/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">5 of the most unusual places your spend the night</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="../travel/travel-club/2015/01/classic-rail-journeys-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">All aboard! Classic rail journeys around the world</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="../travel/travel-club/2014/11/worlds-beautiful-landscapes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">6 of the world’s most beautiful (and surreal) landscapes</a></strong></em></span></p>

Travel Tips

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Where to find free wifi when you’re travelling

<p>Data usage overseas can be eye-wateringly expensive so if you want to stay connected with your smartphone, tablet or laptop you’ll need to hunt down a wifi hotspot. And it’s even better when it’s free. These are the most likely places where you’ll be able to log on for no charge.</p> <p><strong>The food chain</strong></p> <p>Most travellers do their best to steer clear of chains like Starbucks and McDonalds while travelling (and with good reason), but they almost always offer free wifi with a purchase. Grab a cup of coffee or some chicken nuggets and settle in. In smaller cafes or restaurants, look out for a sign in the window offering free wifi – many establishments in popular tourist areas will offer it in the hope of attracting more customers.</p> <p><strong>In the bedroom</strong></p> <p>Plenty of hotels are stubbornly sticking to their guns and charging exorbitant fees for wifi and, strangely enough, it tends to be the more expensive hotels that will hit your hip pocket. Check out the Hotel Chatter wifi Report for a list of the wifi winners, and choose brands like Ibis, Mercure, Holiday Inn, Radisson blu or Best Western for free coverage. You also want to make sure that it extends to your room and is not just available in the foyer or restaurant.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-club/2015/01/best-travel-gadgets/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Related link: 8 of the best travel gadgets for your next trip</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><strong>Public property</strong></p> <p>Libraries, shopping centres, museums and even public parks often have their own free wifi hotspots and generally just require you to accept their terms or register your email address. Some cities have gone the whole way and established municipal networks that cover the whole city. So if you’re going to Seoul, Boston, Osaka, Perth or Barcelona you’ll find hundreds of hotspots blanketing the city.</p> <p><strong>Appy trails</strong></p> <p>Download the wifi Finder app before you travel and you’ll never be stuck for a connection. It has a database of over 650,000 hotspots worldwide that you can download and then access without an internet connection. Your phone’s GPS will point you in the right direction.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-club/2014/12/best-day-walks-in-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Easy does it – the best day walks around Australia</a></span></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-club/2015/02/survive-a-long-haul-flight/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Survive a long-haul flight</a></span></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-club/2014/12/how-to-get-an-upgrade/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Insider tips for securing an upgrade</a></span></strong></em></p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p>

Travel Tips

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8 ways to stretch your cruise budget

<p>When it comes to cruising there are plenty of ways you can make your budget stretch further without have to give up on the quality of holiday you want to have.</p> <p><strong>Be flexible</strong></p> <p>You can snag a great deal if you’re flexible with dates and open to new destinations. Fares can fluctuate on a daily basis so, if you aren’t locked in to a certain schedule, you could grab a great last minute bargain. Plus, you might discover an amazing new destination you’d never thought of.</p> <p><strong>Shop the sales</strong></p> <p>The cruise industry has sales on all year round and plenty of cruise lines, travel agents, forums and cruise websites will have deals pages or newsletters you can sign up to. If you stay abreast of all the special offers that are coming out, you can be sure to grab the best one.</p> <p><strong>Buy a package</strong></p> <p>Dining at the main restaurants will be included in your fare, but each ship will have a few specialty restaurants that come at an extra charge. If you want to try them all, buy a package that will come at a significant discount. Same goes for alcohol. If you think you’re likely to drink a few cocktails in the afternoon and wine with dinner, buy a daily drinks package to lower the cost.</p> <p><strong>Save on port days</strong></p> <p>Onboard spas are expensive, often even more expensive than you would find on shore. But most ships will have specials on offer during port days when most people are off the ship. If you don’t mind missing the destination you can get a great deal. The onboard shops will often have special sales or events on port days too. Check your daily cruise calendar.</p> <p><strong>Watch your tips</strong></p> <p>Almost all lines will add a daily gratuity to your account, usually around $12to 15 per person per day. You’ll also find an extra 15 to 18 per cent gratuity added to bar bills or spa treatments. That means you don’t have to tip any extra – even though they leave a space for it on the bill. You don’t want to end up tipping 30 per cent on a round of beers.</p> <p><strong>Disconnect at sea</strong></p> <p>Internet and phone calls are the two most expensive things on a cruise – which makes sense when you realise you’re in the middle of the ocean. Mobile roaming charges are steep and cruise ship wifi extortionate, so the best thing to do is unplug your devices. You can always find a free wifi hotspot or payphone when you’re on shore.</p> <p><strong>Guide yourself</strong></p> <p>Shore excursions are a great way to experience a port, but they can also be really expensive. And many of them aren’t worth the money, like beach days or city bus tours. At most places you can get a taxi to take you to the beach for a fraction of the price or find a local bus that will take you on the same route. Do a little internet research before you go and reap the rewards.</p> <p><strong>Use an agent</strong></p> <p>A lot of money saving tactics come from a little DIY, but using a specialist cruise travel agent can actually save you money in the long run. They will help you find the right ship, the right cruise and the right cabin, plus they will know how to take advantage of the added value extras that cruise lines always have on offer.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>

Cruising

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David Crosby’s cause of death revealed

<p dir="ltr">Rock legend David Crosby’s cause of death has finally been revealed almost three months after the shocking <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/rock-legend-dies-at-81" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the initial statement, Crosby’s wife shared that the music icon passed after “a long illness,” but his former <em>Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young </em>partner, Graham Nash has shared further details.</p> <p dir="ltr">Speaking to <em>Kyle Meredith With… </em>podcast, Nash told him that Crosby was rehearsing just hours before his shock death.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was rehearsing for a show to do in Los Angeles with a full band. After three days of rehearsals, he felt a little sick,” Nash said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And he'd already had COVID and he had COVID again. And so he went home and decided that he would take a nap, and he never woke up. But he died in his bed and that is fantastic,” he added.</p> <p dir="ltr">Nash also shared his grieving process, and how “astonishing” it was that Crosby lived up to 81 despite battling ill-health, but added his death was still “a shock”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was kind of like an earthquake, you know? You get the initial shock and then you figure out that you survived. But these aftershocks kept coming up, and they’re diminishing in size as I go along,” Nash said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Crosby had battled with ill-health for many years, after being diagnosed with hepatitis C in 1994 and receiving a liver transplant that same year. In the following years, Crosby was also diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and had to use insulin to keep it under control.</p> <p dir="ltr">Throughout his career the icon had won numerous awards including the Grammy Award for Best New Artist for Crosby, Stills, and Nash. He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice.</p> <p dir="ltr">Crosby is survived by his wife Jan Dance, his sons Django and James, and his daughters Erika and Donovan.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Caring

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6 ways to save money on your next cruise

<p>Cruising can be great value but don’t be fooled by the idea of “all-inclusive” – there’s still plenty of ways to spend money once you’re onboard. Here are a few tips to cut down your costs.</p> <p><strong>Drink up</strong></p> <p>Consider pre-purchasing a drinks package before you board. These don’t just cover alcoholic drinks – you can get packages for water, soft drinks or coffees. Remember that cruise lines charge restaurant prices for drinks and a gratuity charge of 10 to 15 per cent is generally added on top of each purchase, so your tab can quickly add up. Do the maths and work out how much you would need to drink each day to make the package worthwhile.</p> <p><strong>It’s a shore thing</strong></p> <p>Most onboard experiences, like the spa or a specialty restaurant, will offer deals on port days when they expect most passengers to be off the ship. If you don’t mind missing out on the destination it can be a great day to treat yourself and save as much as 50 per cent.</p> <p><strong>Disconnect</strong></p> <p>Wifi on cruise ships is notoriously expensive and you could be paying up to 75c per minute. Avoid using the onboard service and wait til you’re onshore – you will always be able to find a local wifi hotspot providing free or reasonably priced access. Or you can switch off altogether and embrace the lost art of travelling without technology.</p> <p><strong>Choose your own adventure</strong></p> <p>All cruise lines offer a huge range of activities at each port, but the prices can be exorbitant. Instead of paying $50 per person for a basic bus tour of the city, see if there is a local bus you can take. Do you need to take a “tour” to the beach, or can you just take a taxi? Check out local operators offering the same experience for a better price. Most will be familiar with cruise passengers and can offer a package that will suit your budget and timeframe. The only danger here is that if you are on a privately organised excursion and you’re late getting back, the ship won’t wait for you – so keep a close eye on your watch.</p> <p><strong>Tipping the scales</strong></p> <p>Remember that a daily per person gratuity charge is added to your room account, so don’t feel the need to tip on any extras you pay for (like bar bills or spa treatments). If you thought the service was fantastic and deserves a little extra then go ahead, but don’t feel obliged just because there’s a line for it on the bill.</p> <p><strong>Cheque please!</strong></p> <p>Ships are cash-free environments, so you will have an account and before you disembark you will need to pay any additional costs that you have incurred. Check the bill carefully – mistakes can be made and you could end up paying for things you didn’t have or that were included in a package. Keep a careful record of what you buy and match it to your bill before handing over your credit card.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Travel Tips

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Sam Burgess’ major life update

<p>Former South Sydney Rabbitohs star Sam Burgess is reportedly expecting his third child with girlfriend Lucy Graham. </p> <p>As a friend of the family informed <em>Confidential</em>, Lucy’s pregnancy has apparently progressed past the three-month mark, and the couple are said to be “extremely happy.” </p> <p>“Both Sam and Lucy are happy and healthy and excited about their future together,” a representative for Burgess added.</p> <p>The two only went public with their relationship five months prior to the announcement, though it is believed that they had been friends for roughly 20 years beforehand. Both hail from the United Kingdom, with Lucy reportedly having moved to Australia to start a family with Burgess.</p> <p>The 34-year-old is already a father of two - daughter Poppy and son William - with ex-wife Phoebe. The couple parted ways barely a month after William was born, and while they gave their relationship another try in 2019, they split for good before the year was up. </p> <p>In October 2020, allegations of domestic violence - as well as drug use - were made against him by his ex-wife, and he was stood down from his new position as assistant coach. Burgess denied the allegations, and he was cleared after a year-long investigation. </p> <p>And it was only two years later that his new relationship with Lucy made its public debut on the red carpet of friend Russell Crowe’s Poker Face premiere. At the time, Lucy was labelled by tabloids as a “mystery brunette”.</p> <p>They became ‘social media official’ in January 2023, when Burgess appeared in Lucy’s gallery of New Year’s pictures. Sam’s brother George, and his partner Joanna, were also in attendance at the event. </p> <p>Additionally, the pair have been spotted out and about enjoying a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert in Sydney. </p> <p>Despite their whirlwind romance, a source close to the former rugby league player opened up to <em>The Daily Mail</em>, explaining that Burgess is “mad” about his new partner. </p> <p>“It’s been a whirlwind but she is a fantastic woman. They get along so well. All of his friends are so happy to see how happy he makes her,” they said. </p> <p>“The Burgess are very family oriented and I think there was always a plan to start a family,” they added. “From what I hear, she is genuinely good for him. When they're together apparently they laugh all the time - she cracks him up. </p> <p>“He is likely going to coach South's … so this is a nice step for him.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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The six stages of cruise ship eating

<p>Ah the cruise ship buffet. Faced with all that food, available all the time, many people tend to go a little… crazy. So how can you identify the early signs of waterborne gluttony and then practice some mindful restraint? Read on.</p> <p><strong>Easy does it</strong></p> <p>Do you launch yourself at the first buffet station you see, piling the plate high with whatever is within arm’s reach? Step back and take a deep breath. There’s plenty of food to go around, so you can do a lap around the buffet to decide what you feel like before you dive in.</p> <p><strong>Leave room for seconds</strong></p> <p>Some cruisers look like they are trying to balance one of everything on the buffet onto a single plate. It’s impressive both for sheer volume and for the (frankly unappetising) variety of foods all jostled together. Remember – you can make as many trips to the buffet as you’d like, so there’s no need to grab everything in one go. Eating your meal in a series of courses will give you a better idea of when you’re full and also cut down on wastage.</p> <p><strong>Take a seat</strong></p> <p>It’s not uncommon to see people walking around the ship clutching plates piled high with buffet goodies. Ask yourself – do you really need to be eating a bunch of cheeseburgers as you walk up to the pool deck? Probably not. There’s nothing wrong with grabbing an ice cream or biscuit on the go, but it’s a better idea to sit down in the dining room to eat your meals. It prevents you from mindlessly gorging on the go and it’s also a lot neater for the crew.</p> <p><strong>Plan your day</strong></p> <p>Many days onboard (especially sea days) seem to revolve entirely around eating. Get involved in some of the other activities to avoid spending the day snacking. You might even burn off a few of those extra calories you’ve been putting away.</p> <p><strong>Check out the other options</strong></p> <p>The buffet is easily the most famous onboard option, but most large ships will have up to a dozen other restaurants onboard. Venture away from the shiny lights and endless rows of desserts and try some of the other dining venues. The main dining room will serve a multi course a la carte menu that changes every night, and it’s included in your fare. For just a few dollars extra you can dine in a specialty restaurant serving Italian, Japanese, seafood or prime steak.</p> <p><strong>Get your hands dirty</strong></p> <p>Many ships now give you the option to work for your meal. Passengers can participate in a cooking class led by one of the chefs, before sitting down to enjoy a meal they’ve prepared themselves. On shore days, they can visit local markets or producers with an onboard chef to learn about the provenance of their food. There’s a lot more to the cruise dining experience than just the eating.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Cruising

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“That is what makes him a predator”: Graham Norton names worst ever guest

<p>Graham Norton has called out his "least favourite guest" on his long-running talk show in his new tell-all book. </p> <p>The BBC presenter was on a book tour for his new memoir <em>Forever Home</em> in his native Dublin when he opened up about the star's "chilling" behaviour before he even arrived on set. </p> <p>Two years before the avalanche of allegations about convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein came to light in 2017, he appeared on Graham's famous red sofa. </p> <p>He joined<em> Doctor Who</em> actor David Tennant, Oscar winner Olivia Colman and singer Jessie J in 2015. </p> <p>“I often talk around who my least favourite guest was, but someone reminded me, I have a really good answer to this now,” Norton said, according to Irish news outlet <a title="www.joe.ie" href="https://www.joe.ie/movies-tv/graham-norton-worst-guest-756066?fbclid=IwAR16hRsekgbR7OCKoYxJMIzG08n1nkAKcuASfa4ErXuXOpByUu3Y0X3WXeE">Joe</a>.</p> <p>“And actually, it was weird, because he asked for my e-mail. And he e-mailed me something very nice, a complimentary thing. And then he decided he wanted to be on the show, because he was going to promote something."</p> <p>“And it was a show that was fully booked, so I replied saying ‘Oh, thank you so much, but the show is fully booked’. He e-mailed back: ‘What if I blah de blah de blah’."</p> <p>“And he e-mailed back again, ‘But I think...’, and I just had to turn to my booker and say ‘Can you please deal with this?’ And at the time, I thought that sort of attitude, that kind of ‘Oh no, I’m going on’, that is what makes you a very good producer."</p> <p>“But of course, now that we know what we know, that is what makes him a predator. It was that kind of weird, tunnel-vision thing. And it was sort of chilling in retrospect, because I was just laughing at those emails. But you realise ‘Oh my God, that is an insight into how that man is’.”</p> <p>Weinstein is serving  a 23-year prison sentence after a New York jury found him guilty of sexual assault. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

TV

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Elizabeth Strout’s Lucy By the Sea: a claustrophobic portrait of a terrible pandemic year

<p>In her latest novel, Lucy by the Sea, Elizabeth Strout captures the bewilderment of us all at the onset of the pandemic. Her character Lucy Barton admits not only did she not see it coming, but even when she did notice the virus’s existence, she did not really believe it would ever reach New York.</p> <p>It is March, 2020, and Lucy, a writer, had been scheduled to travel to Italy and Germany, a book tour which she had, with fortuitous prescience, cancelled back in December. Lucy is a woman who is given to sudden flashes of insight – much like her mother, who was known for having “visions” – which is why, looking back at those early days of the pandemic, not having sensed its threat surprises her.</p> <p>Even when her ex-husband William’s oldest friend is put on a ventilator and subsequently dies, it is still difficult for her to accept that this is happening to people she knows. With hindsight, Lucy remarks: “It’s odd how the mind does not take in anything until it can.”</p> <p>William has been quicker to spot the looming danger. He pleads with their two daughters Becka and Chrissy to leave New York city with their husbands, before hastily scooping up Lucy from her apartment and carrying her away to the town of Crosby on the coast of Maine.</p> <p>At this point in the book, devotees of Strout’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Olive Kitteridge, will experience a shiver of recognition and anticipation, for the fictional coastal town of Crosby is “Olive territory”. With this one deft move, Strout draws together the separate threads of much of the fiction she has written since Olive Kitteridge was published in 2008.</p> <p>Before establishing herself as a successful writer in New York, Lucy Barton’s territory was the small Midwest town of Amgash, Illinois. The deprivation of her Amgash childhood has haunted Lucy through Strout’s earlier novels, My Name is Lucy Barton, and Oh William! (the latter now <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-01/booker-prize-shortlist-best-books-2022/101482730" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shortlisted for the 2022 Booker Prize</a>) and in two of the short stories in Anything is Possible. Now it continues to tug at her in the house beside the sea in Maine.</p> <p>In My Name is Lucy Barton, Lucy is told by a writer she admires:</p> <blockquote> <p>You will have only one story … You’ll write your one story many ways don’t ever worry about story. You will have only one.</p> </blockquote> <p>The story Lucy has to tell, over and over, and in many different ways, is the story of her childhood, its poverty and isolation, and her complex relationship with a mother who was unable to tell her own child that she loved her.</p> <p>Even as an adult, Lucy does not know her mother’s story. In Lucy by the Sea she has invented for herself a “nice mother” she can talk to in private as distinct from the real mother with whom the silences that fell between them were necessarily more poignant than words.</p> <h2>Emotional lockdown</h2> <p>Locked down in a house on a cliff with a view of the waves, Lucy and William endeavour to fill their days. Lucy struggles to read, and as for writing, she believes she will never write another word. This sense of being frozen and unable to concentrate was all too common at that uncertain and anxiety-inducing point in the pandemic, especially among writers. But for Lucy there is the realisation that this is a state she recognises, having spent her childhood in a kind of emotional lockdown.</p> <p>In Maine, unable to retreat into the activities that usually soothe her, Lucy is also grieving for her husband David, a cellist with the New York Philharmonic, who has died only a year earlier. William, too, is unexpectedly single since his wife, Estelle, walked out and took their daughter Bridget, along with a good bit of their furniture.</p> <p>With no escape from the monotony of their self-isolation, Lucy, who in ordinary circumstances is endearingly quick to declare her love – especially for people – finds herself continually finding things to hate: she hates being in other people’s houses, hates the smell; she hates being cold, but hates sitting inside a house with a coat on; she hates the jigsaw puzzle of Van Gogh William insists they try; she hates snow, and she hates William after dinner when she suspects he is not really listening to her. With extraordinary patience, William tells Lucy to stop hating everything.</p> <p>To make matters worse, far from being welcome in Maine, some locals are so antagonistic towards the couple that a message urging them to go back to New York is anonymously attached to their car. Then, on a visit to a grocery store, a woman shouts at Lucy: “You goddamn New Yorkers! Get the hell out of our state!”</p> <p>When Lucy reproaches William for not being nice to her after the woman yelled, William, becoming uncharacteristically emotional, answers that hers is the life he has wanted to save.</p> <blockquote> <p>‘My own life I care very little about these days. But Lucy, if you should die from this, it would –’ He shook his head with weariness. ‘I only wanted to save your life, and what if some woman yelled at you.’</p> </blockquote> <p>When their daughters experience difficulties – one still in New York, the other in Connecticut – Lucy and William must support them as best they can from Maine. Many readers will recognise the torment of handling family crises at arm’s length, and of not being able to hug loved ones even when distance is finally overcome.</p> <h2>Not Olive</h2> <p>Elizabeth Strout has captured perfectly the fear, frustration, and boredom experienced by so many of us during the first year of Covid. Even her fragmentary writing style adds authenticity to a time when few of us could concentrate, when we flicked from news broadcast to news broadcast, to tallies of the latest case numbers, and deaths, while feeling that the very air we breathed carried risk.</p> <p>Among Strout fans Lucy Barton is a much-loved character, but it is Olive Kitteridge who has most often made headlines, with the <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3012698/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">television mini-series</a> based on the book, starring Frances McDormand, winning multiple awards. The polarising nature of Olive’s character stirs a strong response in readers, whereas the more reticent Lucy speaks quietly, like someone whispering in the reader’s ear.</p> <p>Strout’s extraordinary achievement as a writer has been to illuminate so many flawed, ordinary, yet far from unremarkable lives, through a series of interconnected stories and novels. Though each book is complete, they work satisfyingly together as a cohesive whole, so that reading them we come to know not just a handful of characters but entire communities in a few small towns on the coast of Maine, and in New York and Illinois.</p> <p>Olive Kitteridge and its sequel are elegantly wrought, with their third-person (and at times omniscient) point of view allowing for more nuanced storytelling. Lucy Barton’s intimate, first-person voice in the reader’s ear, with its tendency to speak in run-on sentences that often end with ‘"… is what I mean"’ or “‘… is what I’m saying"’, can become tiresome.</p> <p>In the end, one feels as if one has spent a year in lockdown inside the head of a small, loving, anxious, slightly neurotic person named Lucy Barton.</p> <p>Lucy By the Sea is a pitch-perfect portrait of a terrible year, and oh, how sweet it is to get out and about, to breathe fresh air, and to see the world from other, less claustrophobic angles, both for Lucy Barton and the reader.</p> <p><strong>This article originally appeared in <a href="https://theconversation.com/elizabeth-strouts-lucy-by-the-sea-a-claustrophobic-portrait-of-a-terrible-pandemic-year-191073" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</strong></p> <p><em>Images: Yahoo/Penguin</em></p>

Books

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Beyond Bali: Indonesia’s other islands

<p>Bali is one of the world's most popular overseas holiday destinations. But did you know that Indonesia has more than 17,500 other islands with just as much to offer? Go off the beaten track and explore some the country’s other gems.</p> <p><strong>Sumba</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/08/sumba-indonesia.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /><br /></strong></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p> <p>This rugged island in the east of Indonesia looks very different to the more touristy volcanic islands in the north. During the dry season the island can go up to seven months without a drop of rain, turning the lush jungle landscape into a parched and arid desert that more resembles Africa than southeast Asia. But once the rains come, the land springs back to life, a sparkling palette of vibrant greens, thundering waterfalls and muddy rice paddies ready for the next crop. The ancient breed of Sumba pony is a part of every day life and can be seen all over the island, used to work farms, as transport and in traditional ceremonies. Sumba is famous for its surfing, most notably for a legendary break simply called The Left that’s considered one of the best in the world. There’s only one resort on the island, the ultra luxe Nihiwatu, and guests stay in Swiss Family Robinson-style fantasy villas with private swimming pools, butler service and incredible views.</p> <p><strong>Gili Islands</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/08/gili-islands.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /><br /></strong></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p> <p>The Gilis, as they are known, are made up of three small islands sitting just off the coast of Lombok, to the east of Bali. They have long been a backpacker haven, but small-scale development is opening them up to a wider audience. There’s a great mix of buzzing bars, quiet beaches and vibrant local culture. It’s one of the best places in Southeast Asia for diving with around 25 dive sites around the islands. The water is crystal clear and a consistent 28 degrees, and once under the surface you’ll see reef sharks, rays, parrot fish, eels, octopus, the occasional whale shark and plenty of turtles – Gili is known as the turtle capital of the world.</p> <p><strong>Java</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/08/java.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /><br /></strong></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p> <p>Java is the geographical and economic centre of Indonesia, and home to the capital Jakarta as well as a number of other major cities. But before you dismiss it as another busy, smoggy Asian capital, there’s much more to Java. A visit to the smaller villages of the island will give you the chance to experience Indonesian life as it is lived every day and, while Java’s not known for its beaches, there are some nice strips of sand that are blissfully crowd-free. The island’s most famous landmark is the vast Borobudur complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating from the ninth century that’s easily one of the most stunning temples in Southeast Asia. Active travellers can climb the moon-like peaks of Mount Bromo to see volcanic craters that still bubble with smoke.</p> <p><strong>Flores Komodo</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/08/komodo-flores-island.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /><br /></strong></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p> <p>These pristine islands form part of the Nusa Tengarra chain of islands that make up the southern arc of the Indonesian archipelago. The name is a giveaway for the islands’ most famous resident – the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard. Reaching up to three metres in length and an impressive 130 (or so) kilograms, these are pretty fearsome beasts and are known to eat wild pigs, deer and even smaller dragons. They can move at around 20 kilometres an hour, so it’s best to keep your distance. Flores is also home to a row of semi-active volcanoes that make for superb hiking and both islands are ringed with sparkling water and unspoilt beaches.</p>

International Travel

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Man accused of shooting family of four identified

<p dir="ltr">The accused shooter who <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/three-confirmed-dead-after-horrific-shooting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">killed two farmers and their son</a> and wounded the other has been identified.</p> <p dir="ltr">Darryl Young has been charged with the murder of his neighbours Mervyn, 71, Maree Schwarz, 59, and their son Graham Tighe, 35, following a dispute of boundary lines on their land in Bogie near Collinsville in Queensland.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 59-year-old was also charged with one count of attempted murder after Mervyn and Maree’s other son Ross Tighe survived following a gunshot wound to the abdomen.</p> <p dir="ltr">Police will allege Young invited the three members to the edge of his property on August 4 before shooting them “execution style”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Young allegedly shot at Ross who managed to escape the farm in a ute and alert police to the horrific attack against his family.</p> <p dir="ltr">Police charged Young with three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder and he is due to appear at Proserpine Magistrates Court on Monday.</p> <p dir="ltr">Acting Superintendent Tom Armitt said it was incredible Ross was able to survive due to the properties being so far apart.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s actually a 45-minute drive between the neighbours,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“At the crime scene, which is at the front gate of one of the premises, it is a 3km drive between the gate and the house at that location.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In another devastating twist of events, Graham’s wife Lucy had just given birth to their second child.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s just devastating shock that things can happen so quickly in the blink of an eye and ruin so many lives so quickly,” Greg Austen, Graham’s uncle told 7News.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: 7News</em></p>

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Three confirmed dead after horrific shooting

<p dir="ltr">A person who allegedly shot four people, killing three of them, is in police custody. </p> <p dir="ltr">Mervyn and Maree Schwarz and her sons Graham Tighe and Ross Tighe were the target of a horrific shooting at a rural property in Bogie near Collinsville in Queensland on Thursday morning.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mervyn, Maree and Graham have been confirmed dead, while Ross remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital due to a gunshot wound to the abdomen.</p> <p dir="ltr">Queensland Police confirmed on Friday morning “the person who has been nominated as the alleged gunman is with us here in custody”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We haven’t pressed any charges at this point in time while our investigations are ongoing,” Mackay District Superintendent Tom Armitt said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Police are currently speaking to five people to help establish the events of the devastating attack. </p> <p dir="ltr">They commended Ross for his bravery after fleeing the scene with a gunshot wound to the abdomen and walking “many kilometres” to alert police.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We believe that the male was able to extract himself from the area when he was spoken to by a police officer many, many kilometres away from the crime scene,” Superintendent Armitt continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was fleeing from the scene…he was able to tell police that he had been shot and three others (were) also shot.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ross was able to speak to police on Thursday, and will once again be asked more questions on Friday in relation to what happened.</p> <p dir="ltr">Superintendent Armitt confirmed that all involved were neighbours and that “some conversation has occurred” before the shooting. </p> <p dir="ltr">“(This) resulted in a meeting up of the parties at the boundary line in the early hours of yesterday (Thursday) morning when the incident occurred,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Detectives have declared several crimes scenes in the area and forensics will conduct examinations.</p> <p dir="ltr">There is no ongoing danger to the public. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: 7News</em></p>

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Radio presenter and recording artist killed in floods

<p>The severe floods taking northern NSW by storm have claimed another victim, bringing the current death toll to four.</p> <p>Residents in Lismore in far northern NSW, already heartbroken by the devastating floods, are now grieving the loss of beloved members of the community.</p> <p>Local radio presenter and recording artist Marge Graham was identified as one of the victims.</p> <p>The 82-year-old was a country music performer who launched Lismore’s annual The Cedar Guitar Country Music Festival.</p> <p>She also hosted her own radio show called Country Breakfast.</p> <p>The Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) and community members posted tributes on their Facebook page after hearing about Ms Graham’s death.</p> <p>“The CMAA is saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Northern NSW country music performer, broadcaster, promoter, and event organiser Marge Graham,” the statement read.</p> <p>“We’d like to extend our thoughts and well-wishes to Marge’s family and friends during this very sad time, and to all those who have been affected by the terrible floods in QLD and NSW. Please stay safe.”</p> <p>One person wrote: “Marge will certainly be missed. She has done a lot for country music and radio for many years. Condolences to her family from country music friends far and wide.”</p> <p>“Condolences to her family, and the entertainment industry of friends,” another posted.</p> <p>“So sad to hear this news. Condolences to her family and the country music family too,” someone else commented.</p> <p>The three other victims so far identified are Stuart Bock, 56, Lorraine Hyman aged in her 80s, and another man believed to be in his 70s, yet to be formally identified.</p> <p><em>Image: Facebook</em></p>

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