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"World's biggest" amber nugget worth over $1 million used as doorstop for decades

An elderly woman in Romania has unknowingly used one of the largest known amber nuggets in the world - worth over €1 million ($1.6 million) - as her doorstop for decades. The woman found the stone in the bed of a stream in Colti, a village in the southeast Romania, and used it as her doorstop for years without realising its value. Members of her family also reported that thieves had once broken into her home, but only stole a few pieces of gold jewelry, missing the seemingly insignificant rock. “In their frantic search for valuables, they overlooked the real treasure that was there before their eyes,” they said. It wasn't until after the woman died in 1991 that a relative who inherited her home suspected the doorstop might be more than meets the eye - and he was right. When he sold the amber to the Romanian state, experts at the Museum of History in Krakow, Poland appraised the rock and found that the amber is likely between around 38 and 70 million years old. “Its discovery represents a great significance both at a scientific level and at a museum level,” Daniel Costache, director of the Provincial Museum of Buzau, told local news outlet El Pais. The expert also claimed that the amber is one of the largest pieces in the world and the largest of its kind weighing a hefty 3.5-kilograms. It has now been classified as a national treasure of Romania, and can be found in the Provincial Museum of Buzau, where it has been since 2022. Romania is one of the countries with significant deposits of amber, with Buzau County being one of the areas where you can find these beautiful stones in abundance. The protected area also contains the old Stramba amber mine, which was very productive during the first half of the 21st century, before it was shut down by the communist regime as it was considered unprofitable. Image: Buzău County Museum

Home & Garden

Supermoons are boring – here are 5 things in the sky worth your time

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michael-j-i-brown-113">Michael J. I. Brown</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a> A <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/moon/what-is-a-supermoon/">supermoon</a> may sound exciting, but it’s a modest coincidence. As the Moon orbits Earth, its distance from us varies from 357,000 to 407,000 kilometres. When the Moon and the Sun are in almost opposite directions from Earth, we get a full moon. A “supermoon” is a full moon where its position along its orbit is within 10% of its closest approach to Earth. That’s it. This means a supermoon has an apparent diameter that’s 14% larger than the smallest possible full moon. That’s not a lot. You can’t really notice the difference by eye. As an astronomer, I have a problem with supermoons. There are genuine wonders to see in the night sky, so don’t be disappointed by a dull, overhyped supermoon. <h2>When is the best time to view the Moon?</h2> Articles hyping supermoons are easy. ChatGPT can do it. Say it’s the first supermoon since whenever, add some superlatives, and throw in a telephoto lens photo of a full moon with a landmark. Perhaps the supermoon coincides with another otherwise normal full moon, so it can be a “<a href="https://moon.nasa.gov/news/197/super-blue-moons-your-questions-answered/">blue supermoon</a>” or a “<a href="https://www.accuweather.com/en/space-news/super-worm-moon-how-to-see-the-final-full-moon-of-winter/695656">worm supermoon</a>” or whatever. It’s still just a full moon. If you do want to look at the Moon and it happens to be a supermoon, go for it. But there are better times to admire our only natural satellite, particularly with binoculars or a telescope. The best time to look at the Moon is when its shadows, as seen from Earth, are longest. These long shadows help the craters and mountains stand out from the surrounding plains, so you can appreciate the dramatic landscape of our neighbouring world. The shadows are longest when the Moon appears as a half moon in the night sky. During a full moon or a supermoon the shadows are at their shortest – not nearly as impressive. <h2>Supermoons are a distraction</h2> Have you seen the craters of the Moon, <a href="https://skyandtelescope.org/observing/viewing-saturn-the-planet-rings-and-moons/#:%7E:text=Viewing%20Saturn's%20Rings,the%20ball%20of%20the%20planet.">the rings of Saturn</a>, the clouds of Jupiter or <a href="https://skyandtelescope.org/observing/celestial-objects-to-watch/observing-the-great-orion-nebula/#:%7E:text=First%20locate%20Orion's%20Belt%2C%20which,ll%20find%20the%20Orion%20Nebula.">the Orion nebula</a> with a telescope? They truly are awe-inspiring. Even the most dedicated astronomers return to view them time and time again. <figure class="align-right zoomable"></figure> In fact, astronomers prefer to avoid nights with supermoons and catch up on lost sleep. Full moons flood the night sky with light and make it harder to view more subtle and interesting sights. Want to look at the grand expanse of the Milky Way with the unaided eye? Want to see a meteor shower, comet or aurora? Best done without a damn supermoon. It can be fun to see something truly rare or unusual in the sky. But supermoons don’t qualify for that either. Using the definition I mentioned earlier, there are typically three or four supermoons each year. More restrictive definitions give us one or two supermoons per year. Not only is that not rare, it still just looks like a full moon. There are rarer celestial events that really can inspire. Millions of people across the globe saw <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/science-research/heliophysics/how-nasa-tracked-the-most-intense-solar-storm-in-decades/">bright auroras in May 2024</a>, including places where truly spectacular auroras are few and far between. Comets can also be wonderful. Every decade or so, a comet swings into the inner Solar System and produces a bright tail, millions of kilometres long and visible from Earth. Back when I was a student, I saw <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comet_Hyakutake">Comet Hyakutake’s bright blue tail</a> stretch across a huge expanse of sky. Sometimes comets fizzle, but when they’re great they are amazing. <h2>Want something impressive? Try an eclipse</h2> Auroras and comets can be fickle, but eclipses are predictable and put on a reliable show. Take total solar eclipses, when the Moon covers the Sun and day turns briefly into night. Thousands travel across the globe to see them. I will be travelling to New South Wales for the <a href="https://eclipse.asa.astronomy.org.au/eclipse-australia-2028/">2028 eclipse</a>. <figure class="align-left zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/613126/original/file-20240813-17-ewfavl.jpeg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"> </a></figure> <a href="https://www.space.com/15689-lunar-eclipses.html">Lunar eclipses</a>, when the Moon falls within Earth’s shadow, can be a more accessible eclipse experience, which is visible from your own home <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_lunar_eclipses_in_the_21st_century">every few years</a>. During the best lunar eclipses, the Moon turns a dark red as the only light that reaches it comes through Earth’s atmosphere. As an astronomer, I encourage people to look at celestial sights. Go out and see the Moon when it can really impress – during an eclipse or viewed through a telescope. Or enjoy the planets, auroras, comets and meteor showers when there is no Moon at all. But please don’t waste time on supermoons.<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/236416/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michael-j-i-brown-113">Michael J. I. Brown</a>, Associate Professor in Astronomy, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock 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/supermoons-are-boring-here-are-5-things-in-the-sky-worth-your-time-236416">original article</a>. </div>

Travel Tips

Retirement tips for Australians without a full superannuation safety net

Most people who commenced paid work before the 1992 launch of compulsory employer contributions won’t have enjoyed money going into their retirement fund for the full duration of their working lives. Others have spent most or all of their adult lives as caregivers – stay-home parents, carers for elderly parents or relatives living with disability. Unquestionably valuable work, yet sadly unpaid – meaning no superannuation. Then there other factors impacting retirement savings – the gender pay gap, periods of unpaid leave, unemployment, working abroad, being a low income earner and more. So don’t think you are alone if you don’t have enough in superannuation for a comfortable retirement. Consider the following options to fall back on instead of, or as well as, your super: Age pension This is the most obvious alternative. What fewer realise, though, is that you may still be eligible for a part-pension, even if your assets exceed the eligibility threshold for the full amount. Claiming a part-pension will stretch what super you do have further. Plus, the related concession card entitles you to a range of discounts, reducing your living costs. Don’t overestimate the value of your assets under the pension means test – potentially denying yourself a legitimate source of income. Semi-retirement Consider transitioning to part-time work instead of retiring outright, allowing you to reduce your workload while still generating both income and employer contributions into your super. This could include self-employment – many retirees begin building a business out of their hobby or do paid consulting work within their industry (often a much higher hourly rate than as a permanent employee). Your home If you own your home, chances are you are sitting on a pile of equity. Yes, you would need to sell and move in order to unlock those funds. But it’s tax-free money. And it can be as much of a lifestyle opportunity as a financial one: downsize to a home with less maintenance needs; relocate nearer to grandkids; enjoy a seachange or treechange. Downsizer provisions also allow you to contribute a chunk of the proceeds into your superannuation over-and-above voluntary contribution caps. Investments Certain investments can deliver a lucrative passive income stream, which you can use in lieu of – or alongside – income from super. Think investment property rents, share dividends, even renting out your car/caravan/boat when you’re not using it. Or you could sell investments you own and use the proceeds to top up your super, which is typically more tax effective than holding as cash. Family business/trust If you have a family business or family trust, you may be able to draw down a regular income from it if structured correctly. Doing so over time from operating profits/investment returns, rather than as a lump sum, means a trust can continue as normal without being forced to sell assets or be wound up, while a business can continue trading under family ownership without the remaining directors having to find the cash to buy out your share (though this may be another option to explore with them). Living costs Your living costs are quite different in full-time retirement compared to full-time work. Goodbye to many commuting, clothing, personal grooming, professional development, registration/certification, lunches and coffees, and work-from-home expenses. Hello to greater energy bills (more time at home and no more remote working tax deductions), travel and lifestyle spending. Don’t overlook the power of updating your household spending and investments plan to reflect this new reality, cancel work-related outgoings and cut unnecessary spending. Timing Perhaps the most far-reaching, yet most commonly overlooked, aspect around retirement is timing. For instance: <ul> <li>the later in the financial year you retire, the more employment income you have accrued – potentially pushing you into a higher tax bracket and ballooning your tax bill.</li> <li>the proceeds from investments differ depending on when in the market cycle you sell them.</li> <li>retiring early may reduce employment bonuses, leave payouts, share option entitlements etc.</li> <li>both spouses/partners retiring simultaneously may reduce overall employment earnings, while conversely unlocking greater opportunities to do things together (like travel, shared hobbies, visiting family).</li> </ul> A qualified financial adviser can help you work through your various options and alternatives, allowing you the peace of mind to enjoy your golden years comfortably – whether that is with or without superannuation. Helen Baker is a licensed Australian financial adviser and author of On Your Own Two Feet: The Essential Guide to Financial Independence for all Women. Helen is among the 1% of financial planners who hold a master’s degree in the field. Proceeds from book sales are donated to charities supporting disadvantaged women and children. Find out more at <a href="http://www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au/">www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au</a> Disclaimer: The information in this article is of a general nature only and does not constitute personal financial or product advice. Any opinions or views expressed are those of the authors and do not represent those of people, institutions or organisations the owner may be associated with in a professional or personal capacity unless explicitly stated. Helen Baker is an authorised representative of BPW Partners Pty Ltd AFSL 548754. Image credits: Shutterstock

Retirement Income

Bruce Springsteen is officially a billionaire

Bruce Springsteen has officially become a billionaire. Financial magazine Forbes announced his achievement, with the 74-year-old's fortune at an estimated $US 1.1 billion (approx. $1.7 billion), with the outlet emphasising that they were just "conservatively estimating". The rock star had a six-decade long career, with over 140 million albums sold worldwide, an autobiography, Born to Run, and a sold-out Broadway show called Springsteen on Broadway, as a few of the factors that helped him become a billionaire. But of course, the biggest reason would be due to selling his entire music catalogue — featuring hits such as Dancing in the Dark, Brilliant Disguise and Streets of Philadelphia — to Sony in 2021 for $US 500 million (approx. $748 million). In 2023, his world tour raked in $US380 million ($569 million), according to Pollstar, and he is still touring to this day, having recently been in Stockholm for the European leg of his tour, Springsteen and E Street Band. Springsteen also dabbles in real estate, with two lavish properties in Wellington, Florida and a residence in Beverly Hills he bought in 2010, which is now estimated at $US15 million ($22 million). The rock star has certainly come a long way from his humble beginnings as a bartender at the Stone Pony club in Asbury Park, New Jersey. “I wasn’t much of a bartender, but I’d serve up the beers and just have fun with the fans, and just enjoy myself,” Springsteen said in his new book I Don’t Want to Go Home: The Oral History of the Stone Pony. “[My signature] was beer. With a Jack Daniel’s on the side, maybe.” No matter how much money he has earned, Springsteen stays true to his roots as the boy from New Jersey, and just last year he was spotted at a cheap diner, Roberto’s Freehold Grill, in his home town. “I just still like it here,” he told Variety in 2017. “I think Jersey Shore is a great place to live … I’m still a beach bum so I’ll swim until November. It’s just still a place that we love, man.” Image: JUANJO MARTIN/EPA-EFE/ Shutterstock Editorial

Money & Banking

The types of insurance that aren’t worth your while

While it’s important to make sure you’ve been covered, some forms of insurance aren’t really worth your while in the long run. We’ve taken a look at several types of insurance you shouldn’t really bother with, why they’re not worth your money and how you can find an alternative. Yes, it’s essential to make sure you’re covered, but at the same time you don’t need to waste any money. Extended warranties Many a salesperson has made a customer fork out that little bit extra for an “extended warranty” to go with a major electronic purchase. The thing is though, in many cases the period of time covered by the warranty is actually exactly the level you’re automatically entitled to under consumer law. Credit protection insurance While this type of insurance can be useful and a way to insure yourself against the possibility of something happening to your income as the result of an injury or a condition, credit protection insurance has tendency to be pretty expensive. A more cost effective way to ensure your payments to your credit card, personal loans or mortgages are fulfilled would be to take out a life insurance or total and permanent disability insurance policy through your individual superannuation fund. Funeral insurance Many people see this as a good way to ease the financial burden on their family that comes with their passing, but in reality funeral insurance is quite expensive and the premiums add up every year. A far better option is a prepaid funeral, funeral bonds life insurance or even a special savings account with money set aside. Just make sure you let your family know! ID theft insurance This is one of those types of insurance that isn’t really protecting your from becoming a victim, rather helping you deal with the costs once it’s already happened. And what’s more, you bank is usually willing to cover the costs of credit card fraud, which is one of the major problems to be associated with ID theft. Instead of spending money on a policy you can protect yourself from ID theft by simply keeping your personal documents safe, shredding documents such as bank account statements before throwing them away, and using antivirus software that is up to date. You can also check your credit file each year to make sure nobody’s using your identity for fake accounts. Image credits: Getty Images

Money & Banking

Is Valentine’s Day worth the romantic investment? Here’s what we can learn from economics

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/selma-wather-1510222">Selma Wather</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sussex-1218">University of Sussex</a> Expressing affection can be expensive. Spending on heart-shaped gifts, romantic cards, chocolates and flowers (other gifts are available) to celebrate Valentine’s Day has reached <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/510981/valentines-day-total-spending-great-britain/#:%7E:text=In%20the%20United%20Kingdom%20%28UK%29%20alone%2C%20Valentine%E2%80%99s%20Day,increased%20by%20just%20over%20300%20million%20British%20pounds.">close to £1 billion</a> in the UK. So the value of Valentine’s to retailers seems clear enough. But just how valuable is the annual ritual to consumers? What return can you expect for the money you invest in that bouquet of roses or candle lit meal? Broadly speaking, and depending on your relationship status, buying into Valentine’s Day traditions suggests two possible scenarios. You might be sending a card or gift to a potential partner to inform them of your interest; or you might be giving something to your current partner to remind them of your continuing love. Research suggests that both options have intrinsic economic value. For those seeking to express interest, sending a card is like dipping your toe into what economists might refer to as the “marriage market” – the search for someone you like, who likes what you have to offer in return. This search can happen smoothly, with plenty of information about your potential match, or it can be paved with obstacles, where you may not know much about who is available, and <a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1703310">learning about potential partners</a> takes time. So suppose you are searching for a partner, and comprehensive information about potential matches is not freely available. What do you do? One option might be to put all your hopes into meeting someone on your daily journey to work. You pray that one day, just like in the movies, you will simply bump into “the one”. A second option might be to focus your search on single work colleagues, or people you know socially, and send Valentine’s Day cards to those you are attracted to. The option with the highest chance of success is the second one. You are using reliable information – knowledge of who is single. And sending a card to them can provide them with important information about you – that you’re also single, and that you’re interested. This is why research suggests that sending a Valentine’s Day card can be a <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/2938374?origin=crossref">logical investment</a> of time and money. <h2>‘Match quality’</h2> Fast forward five years or so and imagine you are happily married to the recipient of one of those cards. Is it worth repeating the gesture now that you’re settled down together? Economists think of marriages or partnerships as having an inherent “<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1468-2354.2006.00385.x">match quality</a>”, which reflects how good (or bad) your relationship is – and the likelihood of you breaking up. If match quality falls below the level of happiness you might expect to have if you were to leave, a <a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2759255">separation may well follow</a>. But many studies also show that <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/2535409">match quality is malleable</a> – that it can change, for better and indeed for worse, over time. You can invest in trying to improve match quality in various ways. It might be starting a family, sharing hobbies and interests, or gestures such as cooking a special meal or exchanging gifts on the 14th day of February. Improving your match quality <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228431914_How_Does_the_Change_of_Marriage_Quality_Affect_Divorce_Decisions">directly reduces the probability</a> of a separation. Then there’s the question of commitment – the willingness to stay in a relationship rather than walking away. And again, gestures can make a difference. Imagine you have just started a new job, and your employer asks you to complete an intensive training session in your free time, for a skill that would only be useful for that particular role. If you expect to hold the job for a long period, you might happily invest your time. But if your employer is struggling financially and redundancy is on the cards, you are much less likely to agree to perform the task. Relationships work in a similar way. People are more prepared to invest in things like having children or buying a house together if they expect the relationship to last. Given that commitment is not guaranteed by a marriage certificate, people <a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=950688">need to find other ways</a> to signal their continued devotion. Celebrating Valentine’s Day is one way of making such a signal. It can show faith in your shared commitment, signify that you wish to continue investing in the relationship and improve match quality, further stabilising the partnership. So even if deep down you think that Valentine’s Day has become over commercialised and meaningless, research suggests it makes good economic sense to send that card.<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/223128/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/selma-wather-1510222">Selma Wather</a>, Senior Lecturer in Economics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sussex-1218">University of Sussex</a> Image credits: Getty Images 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/is-valentines-day-worth-the-romantic-investment-heres-what-we-can-learn-from-economics-223128">original article</a>.

Money & Banking

Maintaining friendships after a dementia diagnosis can spur feelings of joy and self-worth

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/colleen-whyte-1281976">Colleen Whyte</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/brock-university-1340">Brock University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/darla-fortune-1363967">Darla Fortune</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/concordia-university-1183">Concordia University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rebecca-genoe-1363968">Rebecca Genoe</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-regina-3498">University of Regina</a> What would our lives be like if we could no longer depend on our most cherished friendships? The people who know us best, who have been there through our ups and downs, and share a history with us? For many people living with dementia, this is a reality. Over 500,000 Canadians <a href="https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/what-dementia/dementia-numbers-canada">are currently living with dementia</a>, and a diagnosis often leads to <a href="https://www.alzscot.org/news/friendship-and-dementia">a loss of friendships</a> and social opportunities. The reactions of friends greatly affect the experience of someone living with dementia. When friends distance themselves because they don’t know what to say or presume they no longer know how to interact with their friend, a person with dementia can experience <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275353356_Friendships_for_People_Living_with_Dementia_in_Long-Term_Care">feelings of isolation and loneliness</a>. When people living with dementia can depend on their friends, they continue to enjoy meaningful leisure activities, experience <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afx186">feelings of joy and self-worth</a>, and see themselves as <a href="https://alzheimer.ca/en/take-action/become-dementia-friendly/meaningful-engagement-people-living-dementia">valued members of their social circles</a>. <a href="https://dementiaandfriendship.ca/">Our research</a> had us interview friends together, asking them to share tips and strategies for navigating dementia. We heard moving stories of deepened bonds of friendship, genuine acceptance and the joy of simply being together. <h2>Adapting to changes</h2> Our research allowed us to speak with people who shared a 70-year friendship and couldn’t imagine life without each other. We learned that for some, a neighbourhood walk together was an opportunity to say a quick hello and how a weekly trip to the pub enabled some friends to connect and re-connect in a familiar space. People living with dementia and their friends <a href="https://doi.org/10.1017/S0714980821000301">may adapt to changes</a> brought about by the diagnosis in several ways. For example, they may prioritize their friendship by setting aside time for regular phone calls and visits. They may alter the way they think about the friendship by being accepting of the changes. They may also use practical strategies, like providing reminders for plans, and offering additional support when spending time together. Friends of individuals living with dementia may seek ways to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1471301220980898">continue enjoying meaningful time together</a>. Sometimes this involves identifying activities that are comfortable and familiar. It may also involve providing direction and encouragement to support the continuation of enjoyable experiences, such as visiting a favourite restaurant. For some, additional comfort may come from hanging out as a group because there is extra support available if needed. <h2>Open and honest communication</h2> Open and honest communication is key to maintaining any friendship and becomes particularly important following a diagnosis of dementia. Yet, that may be the biggest challenge. Below are <a href="https://dementiaandfriendship.ca/">some questions that friends might find helpful</a> to ask over a cup of coffee, on a walk or in a quiet, shared moment: <ul> <li>What do you value about our friendship? Can I tell you what our friendship means to me?</li> <li>What is one thing I do that makes you laugh? Here’s something you do that makes me laugh…</li> <li>How can we make sure we maintain our friendship (i.e., talk on the phone, over the internet, go for coffee)? How often do you want to connect? How do we need to change our time together? What can stay the same?</li> <li>How can we support each other to continue enjoying the leisure activities that are meaningful to us?</li> <li>What are the best times and days to plan activities (i.e., morning, afternoon, weekday, weekend)? Are there exceptions?</li> <li>Do we need to schedule something in advance (need time to prepare, or get more rest the day before) or can we be spontaneous?</li> <li>Where do you feel safe and able to be yourself?</li> <li>When we are in public and you need me to step in for you, how will I know? What is “our” signal?</li> <li>What do I do if I notice you’re starting to make decisions that are not like you?</li> <li>Can I ask you these same questions in a few weeks?</li> </ul> The need for friendship <a href="https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-living-dementia/living-well-dementia/staying-socially-connected">does not diminish with age</a> and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/happiness-in-world/201312/the-true-meaning-friendship">friendships continue to deeply enrich our lives</a>. Given that a dementia diagnosis often puts individuals at an increased risk of social isolation, we must pay careful attention to understanding ways to ensure that friends remain engaged with their networks in personal and meaningful ways. The first step is to trust in the friendship and begin to explore how it can be sustained over time.<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/187038/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/colleen-whyte-1281976">Colleen Whyte</a>, Associate Professor in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/brock-university-1340">Brock University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/darla-fortune-1363967">Darla Fortune</a>, Associate Professor, Applied Human Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/concordia-university-1183">Concordia University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rebecca-genoe-1363968">Rebecca Genoe</a>, Professor, Kinesiology and Health Studies, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-regina-3498">University of Regina</a> Image credits: Getty Images 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/maintaining-friendships-after-a-dementia-diagnosis-can-spur-feelings-of-joy-and-self-worth-187038">original article</a>.

Relationships

"Worth it": Insane amount woman spends to clone dead cat

Kelly Anderson from Texas, US was devastated when she lost her "soulmate" cat Chai more than four years ago. Not long after, in what she calls "fate", Anderson decided to clone her beloved pet, a process which cost her a whopping $USD25,000 ($AUD38,000). "It was just one of those moments where I had been talking about cloning a few weeks before and fate kicked in," she told Weekend Today. "I remembered the conversation and decided to clone." The process took about four years, which is roughly twice the average time it takes to clone a pet. "It was not money that I had come easily to me but it was a very important process for me to do," she said. "It was 100 per cent worth it. The process saved my life." Anderson added that Belle, the successfully cloned cat, has grown to be as "bold, bossy, sassy" as Chai, and their personalities have become more alike. Despite the similarities, Anderson said that she doesn't set any expectations on Belle to be Chai's replacement. "I would still say she's very much her own cat and I treat her that way. I always try to treat them as individuals. "I never wanted to put expectations on Belle to be Chai. But I would say that they're very similar in a lot of ways." According to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/business-60924936" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC</a>, the process itself involves extracting DNA from the pet to be cloned, then injecting that into a donor egg that has had its genetic material removed. The egg then grows into an embryo before being implanted into a surrogate mother, who then gives birth to the kitten. Pet cloning has become an increasingly popular practice, , despite how controversial and expensive it is, with celebrities like Barbra Streisand and Simon Cowell using the process to clone their own beloved pets. Anderson, who decided to document her story on social media added that people have mixed reactions to the process. "I think there's people who are fascinated and don't even realise that we're cloning animals ... so a lot of people are learning about cloning," she said. "But a lot of people also have opinions. So it's a mixed bag." Images: Weekend Today

Money & Banking

“Worth the wait”: Jacinda Ardern ties the knot

Jacinda Arden and her long-term partner Clarke Gayford have tied the knot, five years after getting engaged. The former New Zealand prime minister shared a series of loved-up photos from the big day, as she beamed from ear to ear as she embraced her new husband. Posting the photos to Instagram, she captioned the post, “13.01.24 Worth the wait”. Ardern, 43, and Gayford, 47, tied the knot at the Craggy Range vineyard in New Zealand’s Hawkes Bay region on Saturday, surrounded by their friends and family. The couple’s five-year-old daughter, Neve, accompanied her father down the aisle, wearing a dress made from her grandmother’s wedding dress. Jacinda wore a white halter neck gown by New Zealand designer Juliette Hogan, paired with a floor-length white veil and an all white bouquet. The wedding came after almost five years of engagement, with the former first couple originally planning to hold the ceremony in 2022 before the Covid pandemic forced the plans into disarray. “My wedding won’t be going ahead but I just join many other New Zealanders who have had an experience like that as a result of the pandemic,” she told reporters in January 2022, adding, “Such is life.” The couple began dating in 2014 after Gayford, a marine enthusiast and host of local fishing shows, contacted the then-Labour list MP about proposed legislation in 2013. Image credits: Instagram - Felicity Jean Weddings

Relationships

New commemorative Queen coin worth serious cash

The Royal Australian Mint has confirmed that it will be releasing a commemorative 50c coin to celebrate the life of Queen Elizabeth II, on Thursday. The coin will feature all six effigies which have been featured on Australian coins during the late monarch’s reign, with two versions up for sale. One is an uncirculated version which will cost $15 and, the other is silver proof edition for $135. “With limited mintage, this coin is expected to be a highly prized addition to any coin collection,” the Mint said. Australian coin expert Joel Kandia said that online marketplaces are already selling the coin at “seven times the RRP”. Royal Australian Mint CEO Leigh Gordon added that this latest release is the perfect tribute to the late Queen. “Historically, coins bear witness to a Monarch’s reign with their royal effigies appearing on the obverse. In keeping with that tradition, this exceptional coin showcases the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Effigy by Jody Clark on the obverse,” he said. “The Mint’s trademark storytelling is strongly represented on the coin’s reverse, which features a central design depicting the first six effigies, fanned above the Queen’s royal cypher.” This surprise release will be in high demand, with a “frenzy” expected for coin collectors, according to the Perth coin and bank note expert. “It is essentially the last coin commemorating the Queen,” Kandiah said in an interview with 7News. “It is extremely special because it features all six effigies of the Queen that have appeared on Australian coinage since 1954, so it unique in that respect. “There will definitely be a frenzy, which is why the RAM have reduced the allocation to just one per person through their physical store, through the phone and their authorised distributors. “There have been murmurings about the coin for a while, so collectors are really excited to see it confirmed and able for purchase.” The uncirculated coin itself will have a mintage of 25,000 and the silver proof version has an even lower mintage of 7,500. The coins will be for sale at the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra from 8.30am on Thursday November 23, through the Mint’s Contact Centre on 1300 352 020, or through the Mint’s authorised distributors. Image: Royal Australian Mint

Money & Banking

Matthew Perry's huge net worth revealed

As the world <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/you-were-loved-tributes-flow-over-tragic-passing-of-matthew-perry" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mourns the loss </a>of one of its beloved Friends stars, Matthew Perry, whose iconic portrayal of Chandler Bing left an indelible mark on fans worldwide, it's important to remember the legacy he leaves behind – a legacy encompassing not only his role in Friends but also his achievements in film, television, literature, real estate and more. While his presence will be missed, his work will continue to inspire and entertain fans for generations to come. Let's take a look at the legacy he leaves behind. The Friends Phenomenon Matthew Perry's fame skyrocketed when he became Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom in 1995. Initially earning US$35,000 per episode, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/so-utterly-devastated-friends-cast-break-silence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Perry and his five co-stars</a> (Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer and Matt Le Blanc) rewrote history in 2002 when they negotiated a groundbreaking deal to earn US$1 million per episode during the show's final season. Each season consisted of 23 episodes, meaning that Perry made well over US$20 million for just one season. Over the course of the show's ten successful seasons, each cast member earned a staggering $141 million. To add to his wealth, Friends continues to be one of the most popular streaming series globally, guaranteeing the stars royalties of approximately $16 to $31 million annually. Even Warner Bros., the show's producer, reaps substantial profits, with an estimated $1.5 billion yearly from reruns. The 2021 Friends reunion special on HBO Max further contributed to Perry's financial success, with each principal cast member receiving $3.9 million. Film and Television Matthew Perry's talents extended beyond the realm of Friends. He starred in various film and television projects, including The Whole Nine Yards alongside Bruce Willis, Aaron Sorkin's Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip alongside West Wing alum Bradley Whitford, 17 Again, and The Odd Couple, where he also served as an executive producer. In his memoir, Perry disclosed that he negotiated his Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip salary from an initial offer of $79,000 per episode to $275,000 per episode. In the romantic comedy Fools Rush In (1997), he earned $1.57 million. Memoir Perry's memoir, titled Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir, was released in November 2022. Despite a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/keanu-reeves-attacked-for-still-being-alive" target="_blank" rel="noopener">minor hiccup involving actor Keanu Reeves</a>, where he questioned why Reeves was still alive while others like River Phoenix and Heath Ledger had tragically passed, Perry's memoir received a warm reception. Perry swiftly apologised for the comment and promised to remove all mention of Reeves from future editions. It's rumoured that Perry secured a "seven-figure" book deal for the candid memoir, which is bound to generate significant earnings through book sales. Real Estate Ventures Perry also dabbled in real estate throughout his life. In 2011, he purchased a $17 million beachfront home in Malibu, later listing it for $23 million in 2020. Ultimately, the property sold in 2021 for $20 million. In 2015, Perry sold another Malibu home for $17 million. In 2017, he acquired a luxurious 40th-floor condo in Century City for $30 million. Two years later, he listed the condo for $46.4 million but eventually sold it in 2021 for $28.3 million, 38% less than the initial asking price. One of his most recent acquisitions was a $7.8 million Hollywood Hills home, purchased in June 2021. In 2020, Perry bought his Pacific Palisades residence, where he resided until his passing. This midcentury modern ranch-style home boasted four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a fire pit and a raised pool overlooking the ocean. Car Collection Apart from his real estate ventures, Perry was known for his impressive car collection. It included various luxury vehicles, such as a Lincoln Navigator, a BMW 6 Series Convertible, a BMW 7 Series sedan, a Porsche Panamera, and a Porsche 911 Carrera Convertible. He also owned a BMW Z8, an Aston Martin Vantage Convertible, a Porsche Taycan 4S, and an Audi R8 Spyder, each valued between $300,000 and $500,000. Perry's enduring legacy spans far beyond the confines of the Friends universe. His multifaceted career, literary contributions, and real estate ventures have solidified his status as an entertainment icon. While his presence will be missed, his work will continue to inspire and entertain fans for generations to come. Image: NBC

Money & Banking

"Worth every cent": Robert Irwin's I'm A Celeb salary revealed

Crikey! It seems like Robert Irwin is about to make a serious splash in the entertainment industry. The 19-year-old wildlife warrior has just landed a deal to co-host the upcoming season of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here alongside the ever-entertaining Julia Morris, and the paycheck he's bagged is leaving jaws dropped - even those of the crocodiles he's used to wrestling. Daily Mail Australia, always on the prowl for celebrity news, <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-12668557/Robert-Irwins-staggering-Im-Celebrity-pay-cheque-revealed.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has uncovered</a> that Irwin is set to pocket nearly half a million dollars for his month-and-a-half-long adventure in the wilds of South Africa. Yep, you read that right; $430,000 for six weeks of living in the jungle and mingling with celebrities who are just a tad less famous than his family's favourite marsupials. Now, you might be wondering, "Why on Earth is a teenager getting paid more than some seasoned celebs?" Well, according to a well-placed source at Channel 10, Irwin's star power is the real deal. They believe he'll be "worth every cent" - a sentiment shared by everyone except maybe the critters he'll be sharing the jungle with. But why Robert? Turns out it's not just his rugged good looks and charming Aussie accent. It's his magnetic appeal and the adoration he commands from fans around the globe. The source at Channel 10 spilled the beans on the reason behind this financial safari expedition: "His pairing with the witty and ever-entertaining Julia [Morris] has all the makings of a dynamic duo, promising viewers an unforgettable experience." So, not only will we get to see Irwin in action, but we'll also witness Julia trying to teach him how to make a proper cup of tea while being chased by hungry lions. In April, we learned that other celebrities on the show are getting paid anywhere from $35,000 to $180,000. The top earner before Robert's arrival was TV legend <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/kerri-anne-kennerley-heads-to-the-jungle-on-one-condition" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kerri-Anne Kennerley</a>, with a generous salary of $300,000. That's a lot of khaki shirts right there! The show must've really wanted Irwin because they pulled out all the stops to outbid big names like Sam Pang, Jimmy Rees, Curtis Stone, Beau Ryan, and Tristan MacManus for the role. It wasn't an easy task to replace <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/darryl-somers-jumps-the-gun-with-major-dr-chris-brown-announcement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr Chris Brown</a>, who is loved by many, but casting agents were impressed with Robert's natural charm during the audition. "He had charisma and spontaneity. He was funny and had amazing instincts," said an insider. "It was actually part of the original brief back when Dr Chris got the job that animal experience was required - which Robert has in spades." So, it's safe to say that Robert's ability to charm a crocodile probably came in handy during the audition. And as for the age difference between Robert, 19, and veteran host Julia Morris, 55, casting agents weren't worried at all. They believe that Robert's maturity and the fact that he can wrangle a croc as well as he can tell a dad joke made him the perfect match for the job. (And, bless her, Morris herself <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">has promised to be very mature also</a>... for once!) Images: Instagram / Network 10

Money & Banking

Diary worth over $50,000 found in mother's attic

The world of diaries often holds a realm of personal musings and daily chronicles, but for one fortunate woman, a hidden treasure in her mother's attic turned out to be far more valuable than she ever imagined. In a captivating episode of Antiques Roadshow, an unsuspecting woman sought the expertise of the renowned Richard Price, presenting him with a diary that held not just sentimental value but an astonishing historical significance. With a sense of anticipation in her voice, she began, "We believe that it is the transcript of the diary written by one of the Shackleton expedition crew members aboard the Endurance." This remarkable artefact had been handed down to her father 45 years earlier and had subsequently resided in her mother's attic, concealed beneath layers of dust beside an old television set. The Shackleton expedition, set against the stark backdrop of Antarctica, unfolded in the year 1915. The woman eloquently narrated the captivating tale, "That was the famous expedition that got stuck in the ice, and the crew members survived on the ice for a number of months. Then they made a journey in the lifeboats to Elephant Island, and Shackleton, along with five others, embarked on a perilous voyage to South Georgia as a rescue party. "They managed to secure a ship to retrieve the remaining men stranded on the ice. Astonishingly, every member of the expedition survived, a testament to their incredible resilience." This remarkable diary bore witness to the harrowing journey and contained invaluable insights into the crew's survival tactics, including details of their sustenance during their ordeal. Price, the seasoned expert, meticulously examined the diary's condition. While a few pages had become detached from the spine, the document was, for the most part, remarkably well-preserved. However, one crucial mystery lingered – the identity of the diary's author remained elusive. Recognising the importance of this missing puzzle piece, Price urged the woman to seek out an expert capable of uncovering the writer's identity, emphasising that this revelation could significantly enhance the diary's value. As the moment arrived for the much-anticipated valuation, Richard declared, "I'm just going to say off the top of my head, £30,000 (over $50,000)." The room fell into a collective state of shock, with audible gasps emanating from the captivated audience. The guest herself was visibly taken aback by the astronomical figure. Despite the woman's earnest efforts to safeguard this extraordinary document over the years, Price issued a stern warning, "I don't want it back under your bed or wherever it was before. You must go to Cambridge to let the real experts work on it." In the end, this unassuming diary, tucked away for decades in an attic, not only unveiled an epic Antarctic adventure but also carried an unexpected fortune, proving that sometimes, the most extraordinary treasures are hidden in the most unlikely places. Images: Antiques Roadshow / 9Now

Money & Banking

Too big, too heavy and too slow to change: road transport is way off track for net zero

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/robin-smit-594126">Robin Smit</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936">University of Technology Sydney</a> The need to cut the emissions driving climate change is urgent, but it’s proving hard to decarbonise road transport in Australia. Its share of the nation’s total greenhouse gas emissions <a href="https://ageis.climatechange.gov.au/">doubled</a> from 8% in 1990 to 16% in 2020. New vehicles sold in Australia have <a href="https://theconversation.com/we-thought-australian-cars-were-using-less-fuel-new-research-shows-we-were-wrong-122378">barely improved</a> average emissions performance for the last decade or so. The federal government <a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/climate-change/publications/australias-emissions-projections-2022">publishes</a> emission forecasts to 2035 – 15 years short of 2050, the net-zero target date. Our <a href="https://www.transport-e-research.com/_files/ugd/d0bd25_7a6920bdd9e8448385863a7c23ec9ecf.pdf">newly published study</a> forecasts road transport emissions through to 2050. The estimated reduction by 2050, 35–45% of pre-COVID levels in 2019, falls well short of what’s needed. Our findings highlight three obstacles to achieving net zero. These are: Australia’s delay in switching to electric vehicles; growing sales of large, heavy vehicles such as SUVs and utes; and uncertainties about hydrogen as a fuel, especially for freight transport. These findings point to policy actions that could get road transport much closer to net zero. <h2>How was this worked out?</h2> Emissions and energy use vary from vehicle to vehicle, so reliable forecasting requires a detailed breakdown of the on-road fleet. Our study <a href="https://www.transport-e-research.com/software">used</a> the Australian Fleet Model and the net zero vehicle emission model (n0vem). The study focused on so-called <a href="https://www.cummins.com/news/2022/05/26/well-wheel-emissions-simplified">well-to-wheel emissions</a> from fuel production, distribution and use while driving. These activities account for about 75–85% of vehicle emissions. (<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-climate-friendly-is-an-electric-car-it-all-comes-down-to-where-you-live-179003">Life-cycle assessment</a> estimates “cradle-to-grave” emissions, including vehicle manufacture and disposal.) Working with European Union colleagues, our emissions simulation drew on an updated <a href="https://www.transport-e-research.com/_files/ugd/d0bd25_7a6920bdd9e8448385863a7c23ec9ecf.pdf">EU scenario</a> (EU-27) showing the changes in the EU vehicle fleet needed to meet the latest (proposed) CO₂ targets. Our study assumed Australia will be ten years behind the EU across all vehicle classes. We further modified the scenario to properly reflect Australian conditions. For instance, the EU has a much higher proportion of plug-in hybrid vehicles than Australia, where buyers are now bypassing them for wholly electric vehicles. <h2>Energy use is shifting, but too slowly</h2> Using this modified scenario, the simulation produces a forecast fall in total wheel-to-wheel emissions from Australian transport from 104 billion tonnes (Mt) in 2018 to 55-65Mt in 2050. Within the range of this 35–45% reduction, the outcome depends largely on the balance of renewable and fossil-fuel energy used to produce hydrogen. The modelling nonetheless predicts a large shift in energy use in road transport in 2050, as 2019 was basically 100% fossil fuels. The on-road energy efficiency of battery electric vehicles is roughly twice that of fuel cell electric (hydrogen) vehicles and roughly three times that of fossil-fuelled vehicles of similar type. The modelling results make this clear. In 2050, battery electric vehicles account for about 70% of total travel, but 25% of on-road energy use and only about 10% of total emissions. In contrast, fossil-fuelled vehicles account for about 25% of total travel in 2050, 60% of energy use and 75-85% of emissions. That’s even allowing for expected efficiency improvements. This means the shift to a mostly electric fleet by 2050 plus the use of hydrogen is predicted to fall short of what’s needed to get to net zero. It will require aggressive new policies to increase the uptake of electric vehicles across all classes. <h2>Lighter vehicles make a big difference</h2> But that is not the whole story. One neglected issue is the growing proportion of <a href="https://theconversation.com/we-may-be-underestimating-just-how-bad-carbon-belching-suvs-are-for-the-climate-and-for-our-health-190743">big, heavy passenger vehicles</a> (SUVs, utes). This trend is very noticeable in Australia. The laws of physics mean heavier vehicles need much more energy and fuel per kilometre of driving, and so produce more emissions. Currently, a large diesel SUV typically emits a kilogram of CO₂ for every 3 kilometres of driving, compared to 15km for a light electric vehicle and 200 kilometres for an e-bike. An average electric vehicle currently emits 1kg of CO₂ every 7km. This distance is expected to be around 60km in 2050, when renewables power the electricity grid. A lightweight electric car will more than double the distance to 125km per kilogram of CO₂. Reducing vehicle weights and optimising energy efficiency in transport will be essential to meet emission targets. The study modelled the impacts of <a href="https://www.automotiveworld.com/special-reports/vehicle-lightweighting-2/">lightweighting</a> passenger vehicles while keeping buses and commercial vehicles the same. If Australians had driven only small cars in 2019 for personal use, total road transport emissions would have been about 15% lower. The reduction in emissions from simply shifting to smaller cars is <a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/climate-change/publications/national-greenhouse-accounts-2019/national-inventory-report-2019">similar to</a> emissions from domestic aviation and domestic shipping combined. Importantly, lightweighting cuts emissions for all kinds of vehicles. <h2>The uncertainties about hydrogen</h2> Fuel cell electric vehicles using hydrogen account for only a few percent of all travel, but most will likely be large trucks. As a result, in our scenarios, they use a little over 10% of total on-road energy and produce 5-20% of total emissions, depending on the energy source used for hydrogen production and distribution. The modified EU scenario includes a significant uptake of hydrogen vehicles by 2050. That’s by no means guaranteed. The uptake in Australia has been negligible to date. That’s due to costs (vehicle and fuel), the need for new hydrogen fuel infrastructure, less mature technology (compared to battery electric vehicles) and limited vehicle availability. <a href="https://theconversation.com/we-must-rapidly-decarbonise-transport-but-hydrogens-not-the-answer-166830">Unresolved aspects</a> of hydrogen in transport include lower energy efficiency, the <a href="https://theconversation.com/for-australia-to-lead-the-way-on-green-hydrogen-first-we-must-find-enough-water-196144">need for clean water</a>, uncertainty about leakage, fuel-cell durability and value for consumers. <h2>How do we get back on track?</h2> Our study suggests Australia is on track to miss the net-zero target for 2050 mainly because of the large proportions of fossil-fuelled vehicles and large and heavy passenger vehicles. These two aspects could become targets for new policies such as public information campaigns, tax incentives for small, light vehicles, bans on selling fossil fuel vehicles and programs to scrap them. Other options to cut emissions include measures to reduce travel demand, optimise freight logistics and shift travel to public transport, to name a few. The study confirms the scale of the challenge of decarbonising road transport. Australia will need “all hands on deck” – government, industry and consumers – to achieve net zero in 2050.<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/208655/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/robin-smit-594126">Robin Smit</a>, Adjunct Associate Professor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936">University of Technology Sydney</a> Image credits: Getty Images 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/too-big-too-heavy-and-too-slow-to-change-road-transport-is-way-off-track-for-net-zero-208655">original article</a>.

Travel Trouble

Aussie patient given new drug worth $5 million per dose

A potential cure for a rare genetic disease is being trialled, and it comes with a hefty price tag. Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital is part of a groundbreaking new trial aimed at potentially curing haemophilia B – a hereditary bleeding disorder. Patients with haemophilia B have a mutation on the F9 gene, which causes excessive bleeding and damage to joins as they lack the protein that helps blood to clot. A mere 40 patients worldwide will be infused with the gene therapy, with each dose the equivalent of $5 million, or over $1,000 a drop. A safe virus carrying the F9 gene is infused into the body, sending it to the liver cells, where doctors hope the protein is made for the rest of the patient’s life. Professor John Rasko, Head of Cell and Molecular Therapies at RPA, said the process is a “thrilling moment in the history of gene therapy” "We are pushing the boundaries of medical technology hoping to bring cures to individuals," he said. "It's a massive international effort that takes time and money and ultimately the manufacturing alone costs millions and millions of dollars." Haemophilia B patients currently require three injections a week. This revolutionary treatment could mean just one infusion in a lifetime. The infusion on May 22 was the culmination of more than two decades of work. Image credit: Shutterstock

Caring

4 seemingly boring cities worth visiting

They might not have all the flashy bells and whistles of the world’s top tourist destinations, but these ‘boring’ cities actually make for excellent travel destinations. 1. Geneva, Switzerland Switzerland regularly tops polls for the best country to live in or the happiest country in the world. Yet for many travellers, the fact that it’s a great place to live doesn’t seem to translate into a great place to visit. Sure, a city that’s known for making watches and housing the UN doesn’t sound like it would be much fun, but we think it’s definitely worth a visit. First of all it’s beautiful, strung gently around the shores of Europe’s largest alpine lake. A multicultural population makes for friendly people and good dining, and the high-end shopping is among the best in the world (even if you can only afford the window variety). 2. Adelaide, South Australia Poor Adelaide, always the butt of Australian jokes. People claim that it’s woefully backward, has no culture and is full of bogans. The mayor of Melbourne even said it has so little going for it that it should be shut down. We disagree. Adelaide is an elegant colonial capital surrounded by acres of lush parkland and gorgeous beaches, and it’s home to an emerging small bar scene to rival any other Australian city. Then you’ve got the incredible wineries of the Adelaide hills, which are reason enough to put this South Australian gem on your list. 3. Brussels, Belgium A TripAdvisor survey found Brussels to be the most boring city in Europe and it’s a sentiment that most experts agree with. As the ‘capital of Europe’ and the seat of the EU, most people regard Brussels as a centre for boring political types and not travellers. Look beyond that though and you’ll find a fascinating city filled with hidden architectural marvels, a buzzing café scene and a contented population living a very good life. And then there’s all the delicious chocolate, waffles and beer you can eat. What’s not to love? 4. Toronto, Canada Toronto has always been happy to accept its boringness and leave the flashy, good-time fame to cities like Vancouver or Montreal. Not anymore. The city has undergone enormous growth in recent years and has emerged as a prosperous, stylish, well-adjusted destination that that is emblematic of the ‘new Canada’. Toronto is one of the country’s most multicultural cities, so you can eat and drink your way around the world, and the shopping is equally good. It’s Canada’s largest city, but still manages to be arguably the safest city in North America. Image credit: Shutterstock Related links: <a href="../travel/international/2016/09/10-stunning-shrines-and-temples-to-visit-in-kyoto/">10 stunning shrines and temples to visit in Kyoto</a> <a href="../travel/international/2016/08/magical-french-region-of-alsace/">France’s Alsace is like something from a fairy-tale</a> <a href="../travel/international/2016/08/10-of-the-most-enchanting-churches-in-france/">10 of the most enchanting churches in France</a>

International Travel

10 vintage baking tips that are still worth using

When it comes to baking, some techniques remain relevant no matter what decade you’re in. These tried and true baking methods are worth remembering today. 1. Add two tablespoons of vinegar to one cup of milk to create soured milk 2. Make whipping cream a breeze by adding a dash of lemon juice. 3. Place a bowl of water in the oven while baking for moist fruit cakes. 4. A pinch of salt in the bottom of a bowl will keep ingredients from sticking. 5. Heat a bowl up with warm water, empty, and place your butter in the still-warm bowl for softer butter. 6. Measure butter post melting, not before to get the perfect measurement. 7. Adding a tablespoon of jam to your biscuit dough keeps them softer for longer. 8. Substitute whipped cream for a slice of banana beaten with an egg white until stiff. 9. When separating eggs, if you get egg yolk in your whites, wet a cloth and touch the yolk, which will then stick to the cloth. 10. Prevent the curdling of custards by adding half a tablespoon of flour and half of sugar. Image credits: Getty Images

Food & Wine

King Charles’ eye-watering net worth revealed

The royal family’s net worth has always been up for speculation, but The Times has analysed the King’s various income streams and unveiled the King’s personal net worth. King Charles reportedly has a personal net worth of £600 million or around $1.1 billion. The King’s fortune surpasses the late Queen’s net wealth of £370 million or $684 million, by more than double the amount. A former aide told The Times that King Charles had managed to accumulate a significant net wealth over the years following his costly divorce from Princess Diana in 1996 - where he paid her a $31 million lump sum and $740,000 annual salary. “He became prudent at tucking away some money from the Duchy [of Cornwall] after that wipe-out [of capital],” said the source. The duchy is where most of King Charles’ income comes from. There are two duchies in the UK, the Duchy of Lancaster and the Duchy of Cornwall. Both of these property empires primarily invest in land. King Charles inherited the Duchy of Lancaster following his mother’s death last September, and Prince William is now in charge of overseeing the Duchy of Cornwall, which is estimated to be worth $1.8 billion. When King Charles was in charge of overseeing the Duchy of Cornwall, he had increased its annual profits by 42.6 per cent to $47 million between 2011-2022. He made $393.6 million from the duchy in that time period, which isn’t liable to tax, though King has been voluntarily paying income tax since 1993. A lot of the revenue comes from “renting commercial properties” from other parts of the UK according to The Times. The Duchy of Lancaster has $1.2 billion of net assets, and although the royal in charge of overseeing the duchies are not allowed to sell the assets, they can keep the annual revenue. Sandringham and Balmoral are a couple of other income streams for King Charles, with an estimated value of $453 million for Sandringham and $388 million for the Balmoral castle and its estate. Image: Getty

Money & Banking

“Once-in-a-lifetime find”: Man discovers gold nugget worth six figures

A man from Victoria has struck gold armed with his budget metal detector. The man, who wishes to not be named, discovered a 4.6kg rock in Victoria’s “Golden Triangle” which stretches between Ballarat, Bendigo and up to St Arnaud. Unsure of whether it was worth anything, he brought the rock to Lucky Strike Gold in Geelong for evaluation where Gold trader Darren Kamp discovered it contained a staggering 2.6kg of gold worth $240k. “He said, ‘Oh, do you think there’s $10,000 worth in it?’, and as soon as it hit my hand I looked at him and said: ‘Try a $100,000’,” Kamp told 9News. "And he said, 'Oh wow, the wife's going to be happy with that," said Kamp. Funnily enough, the man had only brought in half of the rock and left the other half “at home”. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime find,” said Kamp. Small nuggets of gold are worth up to $1000, but the value of gold has soared due to inflation. “You’ll hear the term, ‘if it’s got your name on it, you’ll find it’,” Kamp said. “You just need some luck and persistence. It’s like a Tattslotto ticket, you’re never going to win it unless you’ve got a ticket,” he added. The gold nuggets from this region were famous for their quantity, size and purity, and were mostly found in streams or river beds. Image: Nine News

Money & Banking

“Worth the wait”: Backstage with Rod Stewart

Rod Stewart has finally returned to Australia, after years of Covid-19 restrictions meant he had to postpone his highly anticipated tour Down Under. Long time fan and friend of the musician Richard Wilkins was one of many who saw the entertainer at his very best during his show in Melbourne, with Wilkins telling Today that the show did not disappoint. "He was in sparkling form last night, putting on a fabulous show and I had the pleasure of catching up with the great man, both backstage and on stage in his inner sanctum," Wilkins said. Stewart have Wilkins an exclusive tour of the stage being set up, while he candidly shared one of the many reasons behind his success: the closeness of his band. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> EXCLUSIVE: We went backstage with Sir Rod Stewart ahead of his Melbourne show last night! 🌟<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9Today?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9Today</a> | WATCH LIVE 5.30am <a href="https://t.co/0RhkPD0k8J">pic.twitter.com/0RhkPD0k8J</a> — The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTodayShow/status/1635756324712480772?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2023</a></blockquote> "They're a good bunch of guys, brothers and sisters - We party with each other, go out to dinner, drink together - No shagging though, they're all spoken for," Stewart said with a cheeky grin. Rod Stewart has regularly toured in Australia since the 1970s and has been itching to get back to the place that has always been encouraging of his music. "This is very special, we haven't been able to come down here since 2017 - we waited a long time for this," he said. "I wouldn't take their money without putting on a show. You know that, Richard, I'm an old showman." Rod Stewart's <a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/rod-stewart-tickets/artist/736200" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australian tour</a> will conclude with his performance at the A Day on the Green festival in Bowral, NSW, before he heads to New Zealand where he will share the stage with Cyndi Lauper. Image credits: Today

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