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Beloved teddy bear left in airport lounge rescued by airline

<p dir="ltr">Staff at British Airways have rescued a child’s stuffed teddy bear that was left behind in an airport lounge, documenting the toy’s safe journey home. </p> <p dir="ltr">The treasured teddy was found in the British Airways lounge at London’s Heathrow Airport by nine-year-old Alex, who accidentally left the toy behind before boarding a flight home to Dubai. </p> <p dir="ltr">After staff found the stranded toy, a new flight and boarding pass was created for Postman Bear, while members of the BA team gave the teddy the”'VIP treatment”  with a journey on an airport buggy to “catch up” with the Cabin Crew Operations team in the Crew Report Centre.</p> <p dir="ltr">Postman Bear was then taken to meet the cabin crew on his new flight to Dubai and was pictured “patiently” waiting for his flight at the gate, drinking a cup of coffee and enjoying “some great views of the aircraft” while waiting to board. </p> <p dir="ltr">The teddy’s journey home was lovingly captured by British Airways customer manager, Ed Tumath, who sent the snaps back to young Alex to assure him his beloved bear was being looked after. </p> <p dir="ltr">After touching down in Dubai, the cabin crew took Postman Bear to reunite with Alex and the rest of his family for a “bear-y happy reunion”. </p> <p dir="ltr">Stuart, Alex's parent, recalled the moment they knew the teddy was missing, while praising British Airways for their tireless journey to reunite Alex with his bear. </p> <p dir="ltr">Stuart said, “My son had left his teddy bear - huge sentimental value as he has had the teddy since birth - in the British Airways lounge ahead of the flight. We noticed as the aircraft doors were closing so nothing could be done at that point.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“This was very distressing to my son who uses the teddy as a calming item, especially when flying. This was incredibly stressful and we feared that his beloved teddy may be lost forever.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Whilst onboard the flight, I took to a series of Facebook groups to seek help in finding the teddy. A member of the group contacted Ed who came to the rescue. I managed to communicate with Ed on the flight and received a picture showing that the teddy had been found, which calmed my son.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Not only did Ed go out of his way to find the teddy but he communicated so well throughout. He genuinely cared about the situation and worked so hard to get the teddy back to us.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“He arranged for the teddy to board a flight to Dubai a couple of days later and a crew member handed the teddy back to us. Not only did Ed excel in his caring manner and communication, he even provided a few pictures of the teddy's journey, which my son will treasure forever.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“My son was so relieved - words could not express how grateful we are to Ed for his kind act and dedication to getting the teddy back to us. I have been flying with BA for many years - this is the best experience I have had by far and I am overwhelmed by Ed's efforts.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Sometimes amazing people do incredible things and show such kindness along the way... these things matter. This meant a huge amount to my family and I, and we will be forever grateful.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: British Airways</em></p>

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Take a look inside the luxury airport lounge used by the royal family

<p dir="ltr">Around the world, many airports are known to boast luxurious airport lounges that service frequent flyers and elite travellers. </p> <p dir="ltr">These exclusive areas of the airport are reserved for VIP customers, with members of the royal family even utilising the luxury lounges. </p> <p dir="ltr">At London’s Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, the famous Windsor Suite, found next to Terminal 5, has often been used by the royals including the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate.</p> <p dir="ltr">There are eight private suites, but they come at a hefty price, costing £3000 (A$5700) for just three people.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CuRL5p-IcIO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CuRL5p-IcIO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Heathrow VIP (@heathrowvip)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The whopping price tag covers a series of luxuries during your time at the airport, including a chauffeur who picks you up from your door and takes you straight to the lounge, as well as takes you straight to the plane.</p> <p dir="ltr">There is also a private butler, personal shopper, Michelin star food, and priceless artworks adorning the suites. </p> <p dir="ltr">There are added security features too such as bombproof glass and anti-paparazzi nets to ensure privacy. </p> <p dir="ltr">This level of luxury is not exclusive to the London airport, as airports in Germany, America, the UAE and even Australia boast a similar service to VIP travellers. </p> <p dir="ltr">In Australia, the Qantas Chairman’s Lounge membership list includes the country’s top CEOs, A-list celebrities, and politicians.</p> <p dir="ltr">The lounges are in six domestic airports across the country, and offer world-class dining hidden behind unmarked wood-panelled doors.</p> <p dir="ltr">Former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce described the luxury as “probably the most exclusive club in the country” for those who are willing to spend big on the service before their flight. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

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Why do I fall asleep on the sofa but am wide awake when I get to bed?

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/madeline-sprajcer-1315489">Madeline Sprajcer</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sally-ferguson-64">Sally Ferguson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a></em></p> <p>After a long day, you flop onto the sofa and find yourself dozing off while watching TV. The room is nice and warm, the sofa is comfortable, and the background noise of the TV lulls you to sleep.</p> <p>Then a loved one nudges you awake and reminds you to go sleep – in bed. But when you get there, you find to your frustration that you’re wide awake.</p> <p>Why does sleep come so easily on the sofa but not always in bed?</p> <h2>Why is it so easy to fall asleep on the sofa?</h2> <p><a href="https://www.sleepfoundation.org/circadian-rhythm/sleep-drive-and-your-body-clock#:%7E:text=Sleep%2Fwake%20homeostasis%20balances%20our,that%20it's%20time%20to%20sleep.">Sleep pressure</a> is one reason why you fall asleep on the sofa. This refers to the strength of the biological drive for sleep. The longer you’ve been awake, the greater the sleep pressure.</p> <p>Your body clock or <a href="https://www.thensf.org/what-is-a-circadian-rhythm/">circadian rhythm</a> is another factor. This tells you to be awake during the day and to sleep at night.</p> <p>Your environment will also impact how likely it is you fall asleep. You might have just <a href="https://theconversation.com/health-check-food-comas-or-why-eating-sometimes-makes-you-sleepy-44355">eaten a meal</a>, your very comfortable sofa is in a warm room, with dim lighting and maybe a TV program in the background. For many people, this environment is perfect for falling asleep.</p> <p>So by the end of the day, sleep pressure is strong, your circadian rhythm is telling you it’s time for sleep <em>and</em> your environment is cosy and comfortable.</p> <h2>What happens after a nap on the sofa?</h2> <p>If you’ve had a nap on the sofa before heading to bed, your sleep pressure is likely much lower than it was before your nap. Instead of having more than 16 hours of wakefulness behind you, you’ve just woken up and therefore have less sleep pressure. This can make it much harder to fall asleep in bed.</p> <p>If you just fell asleep on the sofa for five minutes, you might not have too much trouble getting to sleep in bed. This is because a nap that short is unlikely to reduce your sleep pressure very much. But if you were asleep for an hour, it might be a different story.</p> <p>Your sleep cycles might also be working against you. Most sleep cycles are about <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mary-Carskadon/publication/287231408_Normal_Human_Sleep_An_Overview_Principles_and_Practice_of_Sleep_Medicine_MH_Kryger_Ed/links/5db0c338299bf111d4c026c5/Normal-Human-Sleep-An-Overview-Principles-and-Practice-of-Sleep-Medicine-MH-Kryger-Ed.pdf">90 minutes long</a>. They start with light sleep, progress to deep sleep, and then end with light sleep again. If you wake up during deep sleep, you’re probably going to feel groggy – and it might be easy to get back to sleep when you go to bed. But if you wake up during light sleep it could be harder to fall asleep again in bed.</p> <p>The activities you might do when you get up from the sofa – like turning on bright lights or brushing your teeth – can also make you feel more alert and make it harder to sleep when you get to bed.</p> <h2>Why can’t I fall asleep in my own bed?</h2> <p>There are other reasons why falling also in your bed could be challenging. Many people experience anxiety about falling asleep. They <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24005330/">worry</a> about getting enough sleep or falling asleep fast enough.</p> <p>In such cases, getting into bed can be associated with feelings of stress and apprehension, which make it even harder to sleep. It might be easier to fall asleep on the couch, where there is less stress involved.</p> <p>It might also be harder to fall asleep in bed because of poor <a href="https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene">sleep hygiene</a>. This refers to your pre-sleep behaviours and sleep environment.</p> <p>Good sleep hygiene, or healthy sleep habits, includes having a regular routine before bed, a dark, quiet room to sleep in, and not using your mobile phone in bed. For many people who don’t have good sleep hygiene, their behaviours before bed and their bedroom environment might not be conducive to sleep.</p> <h2>How can I make it easier to fall asleep in bed?</h2> <p>First, make sure your room is dark, quiet and comfortable. In winter this might mean putting a heater on 20 minutes before you go to bed or taking a heat pack to bed with you. In summer, you might consider air conditioning or a fan to make your bedroom comfortable for sleeping.</p> <p>If you find it easy to fall asleep with the TV on, you might like to play “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iL1Ce1PZFM&amp;t=1s">white noise</a>” in your bedroom as you fall asleep. Some evidence suggests this may make it <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1087079220301283#abs0010">easier to fall asleep</a> by masking other disruptive noises.</p> <p>Your behaviour before bed also impacts how easy it is to fall asleep. Making sure you follow the same bedtime routine every night (including going to bed at the same time) can help.</p> <p>Also, even though it’s hard, try not to look at your phone while you’re in bed. Scrolling on your phone before bed can make it <a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8329667">harder to sleep</a> due to both exposure to blue light and the potentially stressful or alerting effect of the content you interact with.</p> <h2>In a nutshell</h2> <p>The best way to make it’s easier to fall asleep in your bed is to avoid falling asleep on the sofa in the first place.</p> <p>This will ensure all the sleep pressure you build up during the day will be directed towards a deep sleep in your bed.<!-- 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/208371/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/madeline-sprajcer-1315489">Madeline Sprajcer</a>, Lecturer in Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sally-ferguson-64">Sally Ferguson</a>, Director, Appleton Institute, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</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/why-do-i-fall-asleep-on-the-sofa-but-am-wide-awake-when-i-get-to-bed-208371">original article</a>.</em></p>

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The Reject Shop launches affordable new homewares range to compete with Kmart

<p>The Reject Shop is launching an affordable new homewares range that’s set to rival Kmart, IKEA and Target’s range.</p> <p>Fashionable décor items on offer include a gold metal planter, $12, and a pink Himalayan salt lamp for $19.</p> <p>Scented candles are priced at a low $5 each.</p> <p>The new collection is on sale now and available in store.</p> <p>If you’re looking to update your loungeroom, there are items available for that too.</p> <p>The Reject Shop are selling a blush pink velvet “decorator” chair, which is a stylish addition to the bedroom or loungeroom and priced at $58.</p> <p>There is also a velvet footstool available, complete with a gold base, which is selling for $28.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0iI5tqAYQv/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0iI5tqAYQv/" target="_blank">Add a touch of savvy style to your home with this comfy velvet chair, only $58, and foot stool, $28. Perfect touch to any home, without the hefty price tag 😍. Available from this Thursday! #getsavvy</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/therejectshop/" target="_blank"> The Reject Shop</a> (@therejectshop) on Jul 30, 2019 at 1:00am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The interiors on offer have seen an embrace of metallics, which is a trend that seems to be showing no signs of slowing down.</p> <p>A mirror with a gold frame and a black hanging strap is available for a low $12.</p> <p>If you’re sick and tired of watering your plants, there are fake potted plants available, such as the Calla lilies, that start at $12.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzjRKF-AMr1/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzjRKF-AMr1/" target="_blank">Add instant style to your indoors with low maintenance artificial plants, they are sure to bring some zen into your home or office space 🌴 #getsavvy</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/therejectshop/" target="_blank"> The Reject Shop</a> (@therejectshop) on Jul 5, 2019 at 3:00pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Creating a relaxing environment in your home just got easier with an electric LED colour changing diffuser that illuminates and changes colours as aromas are released. It’s available at $29.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0mM-eKHmlU/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0mM-eKHmlU/" target="_blank">Create a relaxing environment in your home with an electric LED colour changing diffuser. For just $29 it illuminates and changes colours as the fragrant aromas are released. Smell those savings 👌 #getsavvy</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/therejectshop/" target="_blank"> The Reject Shop</a> (@therejectshop) on Jul 31, 2019 at 2:53pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote>

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Experience the world’s first underwater lounge on this cruise ship

<p>The world’s first underwater lounge will be offered on a Ponant cruise ship.</p> <p>The lounge will include vibrating sofas and a sound system that captures the acoustics of the sea that will allow passengers to have an “immersive sensory experience of the subaquatic world”.</p> <p>The Blue Eye lounge will sit two-to-three meters below water level within the ship’s hull and slightly resembles a villain’s lair.</p> <p>Passengers will able to observe their underwater surroundings through two giant curved portholes (1.6m x 3.4m) while live footage of marine life in the ship’s vicinity will be projected onto digital screens that will “wallpaper” the room.</p> <p>The innovative sound system incorporates hydrophones that will capture noise across a 5km radius of the ship. The “body listening sofas” will vibrate discreetly so passengers can experience the rhythms of the ocean.</p> <p>Guests will be able to observe subaquatic life from decks and balconies of the ships through underwater projectors that have been said to be non-intrusive to the marine biosphere.</p> <p>The new Blue Eye lounge will feature on Ponant’s fleet of four new luxury yachts, the first of which will be launched in 2018. The other two will be launched in 2019.</p> <p>The luxury ships will also include a resistance infinity pool, a sundeck and a three-position marina platform.</p>

Cruising

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See the world’s first ever underwater cruise ship lounge

<p>There’s nothing like cruising the high seas, but have you ever dreamed of getting a little more up close and personal with the world’s oceans? Now you can, thanks to a gorgeous innovation by French cruise company Ponant, which has created the first ever underwater lounge.</p> <p><img width="497" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/37915/image__497x280.jpg" alt="Image_ (338)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Dubbed the “Blue Eye,” the lounge is a stunning, ultra-modern place for passengers to kick back with a view that few get to see. It features two massive whale eye-esque portholes that provide sweeping views of the ocean’s depths. There are also cameras, surround sound and digital screens to project live images of the deep blue around them.</p> <p>The lounge will be rolled out to four of the line’s Explorer ships – Le Bougainville, Le Dumont-d'Urville, Le Lapérouse and Le Champlain. The newly-designed yachts will set out to sea next year and in 2019, taking passengers to smaller, hard-to-reach ports and offering once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experiences and tours from your very own on-board nature experts.</p> <p>What do you think of the new design? Would you be interested in kicking back under the sea? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.</p>

Cruising

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5 great ways to style throws in your living room

<p>By adding a throw to a living room, you can instantly transform the look and style of your home. Throws are not only great for adding texture and colour to a room but are also very functional. Here are some popular ways to style a throw in a living room.</p> <p><strong>1. Back cushion</strong></p> <p>Use a throw to create a comfortable back cushion for your individual chairs. Fold the throw in half lengthwise and then drape it over the chair. Then tuck the throw under the seat cushion to stop it from moving. If you have pets who like to sit on your furniture, don’t tuck the throw under the cushion as the throw will keep the pet hairs off the seat.</p> <p><strong>2. Over-the-arm chair</strong></p> <p>This throw style is one of the easiest ways to drape your throw but it also provides a classy aesthetic. All you have to do is fold your throw lengthwise and drape it over the arm of the chair, waiter-style. If the throw is still too long, fold it in half again.</p> <p><strong>3. Casual cascade</strong></p> <p>This throw style is for those who want to add a cosy and natural look to their living room. Drape your throw over the back right or left side of a high-back chair. This look works especially well on throws that have <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/home/products/linen-house-140cm-x-180cm-throw-suma?utm_source=Over60&amp;utm_medium=in-article-link-throw-suma&amp;utm_campaign=Over60Shop&amp;utm_content=throw-suma" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">fringed edges</span></strong></a> as the fringes create a soft look.</p> <p><strong>4. Non-folded drape</strong></p> <p>If you have a throw that is made out of a thick material, folding it can make it look very chunky and messy. For throws with a thick material it is better to simply drape the throw over the corner of your sofa and then bring it into the middle of the sofa.</p> <p><strong>5. Corner fold</strong></p> <p>If you have a chaise lounge, fold your throw lengthwise, then in half and then angle the throw on the corner of the edge of the seat cushion. This look works better with throws that have a thin material.</p> <p>How do you style your throw? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><em><strong>To find your winter home essentials, including the throws mentioned above, <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/living?utm_source=Over60&amp;utm_medium=in-article-link-home&amp;utm_campaign=Over60Shop&amp;utm_content=over60-shop" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">head to the Over60 Shop</span></a> for high-quality offerings.</strong></em></p> <p><a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/living?utm_source=Over60&amp;utm_medium=in-article-banner-living&amp;utm_campaign=Over60Shop&amp;utm_content=over60-shop" target="_blank"><img src="http://media.oversixty.com.au/images/EditorialAddon/201706_Shopnow_EditorialAddon_468x60_Living.jpg" alt="Over60 Shop - Living Range"/></a></p>

Home & Garden

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3 secret tricks to get into any airport lounge

<p>Airport lounges are often thought of as the havens of elite travellers, who’ve forked out ungodly sums for their fare, and are pampered before boarding as a result. But these supposedly exclusive areas aren’t as inaccessible as you think.</p> <p>Here are three secret tricks to get into any airport lounge. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the good life before (even if you’re flying cattle class).</p> <p><strong>1. LoungeBuddy</strong></p> <p>This <a href="https://www.loungebuddy.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>free app</strong></span></a> allows you to purchase instant access to lounges at hundreds of airports worldwide, without any annoying membership cards or front up fees. Even if you’re stuck with a cancelled flight or extended layover, LoungeBuddy can pry the doors open.</p> <p><strong>2. Priority Pass</strong></p> <p>Priority Pass is another great deal that can get you <a href="https://www.prioritypass.com/en/member-support/apps" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>access to airport lounges</strong></span></a>, particularly if you’re a frequent traveller. Simply purchase membership and you’ll instantly be granted access to hundreds of airport lounges around the world. Now that’s worth a toast.</p> <p><strong>3. Your credit card</strong></p> <p>You might not realise this, but that piece of plastic in your pocket might be your golden ticket to all things luxury in the airport. A range of credit card companies have reasonable offers for services that can get you into any airport lounge, no matter where you are.</p> <p> Were you aware of these tricks? Do you think you’ll skip the lines next time you’re on a flight and enjoy the airport lounge? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Facebook / Conde Nast Traveller </em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/travel/international/2016/10/best-or-worst-time-to-visit-europe/"><em><strong>How safe it is to travel to Europe</strong></em></a></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/travel/international/2016/10/why-i-will-never-use-a-money-belt-again/"><em><strong>Why I’ll never use a money belt again</strong></em></a></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/travel/international/2016/10/10-foods-every-traveller-has-to-try/"><em><strong>10 foods every traveller has to try (at least once)</strong></em></a></span></p>

International Travel

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World’s first underwater lounge on a cruise ship

<p>Cruising is one of the fastest growing travel sectors at the moment and many cruise lines are looking to offer new, innovative experiences to entice passengers.</p> <p>But this new one from cruise line Ponant is a bit special.</p> <p>The French cruise line, which specialises in expedition-style adventure cruises, is set to launch a range of new vessels that have been outfitted with subaquatic lounges for passengers. This means people cruising with Ponant will be able to enjoy a drink (or two) under the waves, while catching a glimpse of the passing ocean life!</p> <p>The subaquatic lounges will be fitted on all the new vessels set to join Ponant’s fleet, with the first one expected to start sailing as early as 2018.</p> <p><em>Telegraph</em> cruise editor Teresa Machan said this is a reflection on recent trends in the cruising in industry which has seen lines get creative in expanding their offerings.</p> <p>Mr Machan said, “This is the latest in a raft of exciting developments for cruisers. Passengers will soon have access to purpose-built submarines, on-board amenities akin to those found on a luxury yacht and the ability to cruise to some of the most exciting destinations on the planet."</p> <p>The new seven-deck ships are set to be something special. Only accommodating around 184 guests, these cruise ships are diminutive in size and svelte in shape, to help access different cruise experiences by navigating tighter passages and coastline spots.</p> <p>In addition to being able to view some of the ocean’s most spectacular marine life over a gin and tonic, passengers will also have access to an infinity pool, sundeck and scuba facilities. The 92 staterooms are set to be something else as well, offering passengers their own private balconies to view the extraordinary locations this line will visit.</p> <p>Ponant’s vessels will be servicing destinations as diverse as the Great Lakes, Panama Canal, Amazon, Baltic Sea, Indian Ocean, Great Barrier Reef and the Mediterranean.</p> <p>To find out more about this cruise line, click here.</p> <p>How do you feel about these new underwater lounges? What’s the favourite experience you’ve ever had on a cruise ship?</p> <p>Share your story in the comments!</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/cruising/2016/05/historic-rusting-ocean-liner-could-be-restored-to-luxury/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Historic rusting ocean liner could be restored to luxury</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/cruising/2016/05/new-zealand-by-a-cruise-ship/"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Wine, wonder and Lord of the Rings – New Zealand by cruise ship</strong></span></em></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/cruising/2016/05/woman-sells-everything-to-become-permanent-cruise-ship-resident/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Woman sells everything to become permanent cruise ship resident</strong></em></span></a></p>

Cruising

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The cruise ship passengers who love to hog lounge chairs

<p>Wandering the crowded pool deck of the Norwegian Escape one afternoon, I ask if a lounge chair with a folded towel on it is available.</p> <p>"Their stuff has been left here for two hours, and they never came back," one woman says. Then a man pipes up, "That is my brother's chair." And then another woman says, "Isn't that the rudest thing?" And the first woman says to me, "Why don't you just take the chair?" And then the man says, "I'm not the cruise ship police. But that's my brother's chair."</p> <p>I walk away. But it does get you wondering. Where are the cruise ship chair police when you need them? Do they even have cruise ship chair police?</p> <p>On Norwegian Escape, as on many cruise ships, guidelines mention a 60-minute rule. If a lounge chair is empty for 60 minutes, staff can remove the towels and belongings so someone else can use it.</p> <p>I saw no indication that this ever happened on the ship. In fact, I've never seen it happen on any ship.</p> <p>Instead, chair hogs increasingly rule on cruises.</p> <p>Here's how it works: A chair hog is a cruise passenger who, bright and early each morning, runs out of his room, plops his towel, shoes and paperback book on one, two or 10 lounge chairs on the pool deck, and returns to his cabin to sleep or hang around or eat breakfast and generally just take his time until he feels like getting some sun.</p> <p>He may not return to the pool deck for hours.</p> <p>But he has staked his claim, and God forbid that any other passenger try to use the chairs.</p> <p>I am sure there is a doctoral dissertation in here somewhere about negative group behaviour amid scarcity, but what I saw happen as a result was that by day three of the cruise, every passenger realised that lounge chairs were at a premium. A kind of musical chairs mentality got going: quick, reserve your spot early or you and your family won't get one all day.</p> <p>Selfish behaviour led to more selfish behaviour.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the nice, thoughtful people got no chairs at all.</p> <p>From my completely unscientific observation, roughly 50 percent of lounge chairs on sun decks and near pools were empty of sun bathers but covered by towels or belongings for the better part of each day. Some enterprising passengers made do with two uncomfortable straight-back chairs, one to sit in, one for the feet.</p> <p>Some people wandered around, hopelessly looking for a single empty chair and not finding it.</p> <p>I'm not sure what the answer is. Does anyone know?</p> <p>"They should have a weight sensor on chairs," my daughter suggested. "If a chair has not had the weight of a person on it for an hour, the light should turn green."</p> <p>Great idea.</p> <p>If not that, cruise ships could hire a squad of peppy lounge chair police to clear away miscellaneous towels, shoes, paperback books and suntan lotion left too long unattended.</p> <p>Or maybe the captain should install the plank. He can tell chair hogs to walk that way, yes, climb right up there and walk straight ahead for the very, very best spot.</p> <p><em>Written by Ellen Creager. First appeared on <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>.</span></strong><br /></em></p> <p><strong>Related links</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/cruising/2016/03/how-to-make-cruise-ship-towel-animals/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>How to make cruise ship towel animals</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/cruising/2016/03/inside-worlds-biggest-cruise-ship/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Inside one of the world’s biggest cruise ships</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/cruising/2016/02/can-the-historic-queen-elizabeth-2-cruise-ship-be-saved/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Can the historic Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise ship be saved?</span></em></strong></a></p>

Cruising

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