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Alice Springs plunged into curfew after wave of violence

<p>The city of Alice Springs has been plunged into a three-night curfew after a wave of violence that saw four police officers allegedly attacked. </p> <p>Northern Territory Police Commissioner Michael Murphy declared the curfew on Monday, which will prevent people of all ages going into the city centre between 10pm and 6am over the next three nights without good reason.</p> <p>"Some of those reasons are if you're fleeing from domestic violence, if you're visiting family, if you have to care for someone, if you're here for employment purposes, if you go into a fast food restaurant or some lawful purpose," Murphy said.</p> <p>He said the curfew area would cover "Anzac Hill, Schwarz Crescent, down to the hospital, from the Stuart Highway across to Leichhardt and Stott Terrace".</p> <p>The curfew is a result of a crime-ridden weekend, where several incidents of violent crime allegedly took place. </p> <p>In the early hours of Sunday morning, a group of four off-duty police officers were allegedly assaulted by a group of 20 young men, while another officer was allegedly run over by a drunk driver outside a bottle shop.</p> <p>"The offending in Alice Springs over the last few days has been unacceptable," NT Chief Minister Eva Lawler said.</p> <p>"The curfew will provide police extra powers to get on top of the situation on the ground in Alice Springs."</p> <p>Commissioner Murphy said he will consider requesting an extension of the curfew if required.</p> <p>"If there is a continuation of harmful conduct, which I hope there is not, we apply some measures now and use the community to help us we should see a turnaround," he said.</p> <p>Lawler said she believed the curfew would be an effective "circuit breaker", but Swinburne University criminology expert Dr Joel McGregor said longer-term measures were required for broader change in the region.</p> <p>"To address any crime problem, interventions that lead to long-term behaviour change are required," he said.</p> <div>"While the Northern Territory curfew may be stopping crimes being perpetuated during the evening, it should not be thought of as a solution to the problems the state is facing."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> </div>

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Paris in spring, Bali in winter. How ‘bucket lists’ help cancer patients handle life and death

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/leah-williams-veazey-1223970">Leah Williams Veazey</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alex-broom-121063">Alex Broom</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/katherine-kenny-318175">Katherine Kenny</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></p> <p>In the 2007 film <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0825232/">The Bucket List</a> Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman play two main characters who respond to their terminal cancer diagnoses by rejecting experimental treatment. Instead, they go on a range of energetic, overseas escapades.</p> <p>Since then, the term “bucket list” – a list of experiences or achievements to complete before you “kick the bucket” or die – has become common.</p> <p>You can read articles listing <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/11/cities-to-visit-before-you-die-according-to-50-travel-experts-and-only-one-is-in-the-us.html">the seven cities</a> you must visit before you die or <a href="https://www.qantas.com/travelinsider/en/trending/top-100-guide/best-things-to-do-and-see-in-australia-travel-bucket-list.html">the 100</a> Australian bucket-list travel experiences.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UvdTpywTmQg?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>But there is a more serious side to the idea behind bucket lists. One of the key forms of suffering at the end of life <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pon.4821">is regret</a> for things left unsaid or undone. So bucket lists can serve as a form of insurance against this potential regret.</p> <p>The bucket-list search for adventure, memories and meaning takes on a life of its own with a diagnosis of life-limiting illness.</p> <p>In a <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/14407833241251496">study</a> published this week, we spoke to 54 people living with cancer, and 28 of their friends and family. For many, a key bucket list item was travel.</p> <h2>Why is travel so important?</h2> <p>There are lots of reasons why travel plays such a central role in our ideas about a “life well-lived”. Travel is often linked to important <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2003.10.005">life transitions</a>: the youthful gap year, the journey to self-discovery in the 2010 film <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0879870/">Eat Pray Love</a>, or the popular figure of the “<a href="https://theconversation.com/grey-nomad-lifestyle-provides-a-model-for-living-remotely-106074">grey nomad</a>”.</p> <p>The significance of travel is not merely in the destination, nor even in the journey. For many people, planning the travel is just as important. A cancer diagnosis affects people’s sense of control over their future, throwing into question their ability to write their own life story or plan their travel dreams.</p> <p>Mark, the recently retired husband of a woman with cancer, told us about their stalled travel plans: "We’re just in that part of our lives where we were going to jump in the caravan and do the big trip and all this sort of thing, and now [our plans are] on blocks in the shed."</p> <p>For others, a cancer diagnosis brought an urgent need to “tick things off” their bucket list. Asha, a woman living with breast cancer, told us she’d always been driven to “get things done” but the cancer diagnosis made this worse: "So, I had to do all the travel, I had to empty my bucket list now, which has kind of driven my partner round the bend."</p> <p>People’s travel dreams ranged from whale watching in Queensland to seeing polar bears in the Arctic, and from driving a caravan across the Nullarbor Plain to skiing in Switzerland.</p> <p>Nadia, who was 38 years old when we spoke to her, said travelling with her family had made important memories and given her a sense of vitality, despite her health struggles. She told us how being diagnosed with cancer had given her the chance to live her life at a younger age, rather than waiting for retirement: "In the last three years, I think I’ve lived more than a lot of 80-year-olds."</p> <h2>But travel is expensive</h2> <p>Of course, travel is expensive. It’s not by chance Nicholson’s character in The Bucket List is a billionaire.</p> <p>Some people we spoke to had emptied their savings, assuming they would no longer need to provide for aged care or retirement. Others had used insurance payouts or charity to make their bucket-list dreams come true.</p> <p>But not everyone can do this. Jim, a 60-year-old whose wife had been diagnosed with cancer, told us: "We’ve actually bought a new car and [been] talking about getting a new caravan […] But I’ve got to work. It’d be nice if there was a little money tree out the back but never mind."</p> <p>Not everyone’s bucket list items were expensive. Some chose to spend more time with loved ones, take up a new hobby or get a pet.</p> <p>Our study showed making plans to tick items off a list can give people a sense of self-determination and hope for the future. It was a way of exerting control in the face of an illness that can leave people feeling powerless. Asha said: "This disease is not going to control me. I am not going to sit still and do nothing. I want to go travel."</p> <h2>Something we ‘ought’ to do?</h2> <p>Bucket lists are also a symptom of a broader culture that emphasises conspicuous <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JH_Pa1hOEVc">consumption</a> and <a href="https://productiveageinginstitute.org.au/">productivity</a>, even into the end of life.</p> <p>Indeed, people told us travelling could be exhausting, expensive and stressful, especially when they’re also living with the symptoms and side effects of treatment. Nevertheless, they felt travel was something they “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/14461242.2021.1918016">ought</a>” to do.</p> <p>Travel can be deeply meaningful, as our study found. But a life well-lived need not be extravagant or adventurous. Finding what is meaningful is a deeply personal journey.</p> <hr /> <p><em>Names of study participants mentioned in this article are pseudonyms.</em><!-- 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/225682/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/leah-williams-veazey-1223970">Leah Williams Veazey</a>, ARC DECRA Research Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alex-broom-121063">Alex Broom</a>, Professor of Sociology &amp; Director, Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/katherine-kenny-318175">Katherine Kenny</a>, ARC DECRA Senior Research Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</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/paris-in-spring-bali-in-winter-how-bucket-lists-help-cancer-patients-handle-life-and-death-225682">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Caring

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"Tears started rolling": First glimpse of Molly the magpie shared by carers

<p>The first photo of Molly the magpie has been released by his carers, 43 days after he was removed from his adoptive family's home. </p> <p>In March, Molly's adoptive family from Queensland were forced to surrender the bird after complaints that his owners don't hold a wildlife permit. </p> <p>Molly the magpie has lived with Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen and their two dogs Peggy and Ruby since 2020, when he - originally thought to be a she - fell out a nest in their backyard. </p> <p>Ever since the family were forced to hand over the magpie, Premier Steven Miles said the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation was working to help them secure the permits needed to bring Molly back home. </p> <p>While the permit application is in the works, the carers at the facility where Molly is currently being held have released a photo of the bird to ease the minds of his adoptive family. </p> <p>Wells and Mortensen shared the photo to their Instagram, saying, “We have our first photo!”</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/p/C5o4_CUSeC7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5o4_CUSeC7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Peggyandmolly (@peggyandmolly)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"This photo was taken by the carers of Molly (wherever he is) and sent us yesterday. After 43 days... Tears started rolling.”</p> <p>The Gold Coast family then included a poem they had written: “They came and told us they wanted to take you away. We couldn’t even picture what that would look like? I will never forget that day."</p> <p>“If Molly had a voice what would he say? If Molly had a choice where would he stay?"</p> <p>“The silence has been broken. People have awoken. I haven’t been placed on this Earth to hide. Let me soar again and be your guide."</p> <p>“In unity and harmony you will see, what the world needs right now is Peggy, Ruby and me.”</p> <p>In a special message to Molly, Wells and Mortensen said: “We look forward to the day very soon to be able to see you with our own eyes and be reunited again.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p> <div class="hide-print ad-no-notice css-qyun7f-StyledAdUnitWrapper ezkyf1c0" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: #292a33; color: #292a33; font-family: HeyWow, Montserrat, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"> </div> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

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Streets of purple haze: how the South American jacaranda became a symbol of Australian spring

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/susan-k-martin-107846">Susan K Martin</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/la-trobe-university-842">La Trobe University</a></em></p> <p>Jacaranda season is beginning across Australia as an explosion of vivid blue spreads in a wave from north to south. We think of jacarandas as a signature tree of various Australian cities. Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth all feature avenues of them.</p> <p>Grafton in New South Wales hosts an annual <a href="https://www.jacarandafestival.com/">jacaranda festival</a>. Herberton in Queensland is noted for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jacarandafestivalherberton/">its seasonal show</a>.</p> <p>There are significant plantings in many botanic, public and university gardens across Australia. <em>Jacaranda mimosifolia</em> (the most common species in Australia) doesn’t generally flower in Darwin, and Hobart is a little cold for it.</p> <p>So showy and ubiquitous, jacarandas can be mistaken for natives, but they originate in South America. The imperial plant-exchange networks of the 19th century introduced them to Australia.</p> <p>But how did these purple trees find their stronghold in our suburbs?</p> <h2>Propagating the trees</h2> <p>Botanist Alan Cunningham sent the first jacaranda specimens from <a href="https://mhnsw.au/stories/general/dream-tree-jacaranda-sydney-icon/">Rio to Britain’s Kew gardens</a> around 1818.</p> <p>Possibly, jacaranda trees arrived from Kew in colonial Australia. Alternately, Cunningham may have disseminated the tree in his later postings in Australia or through plant and seed exchanges.</p> <p>Jacarandas are a widespread imperial introduction and are now a feature of many temperate former colonies. The jacaranda was exported by the British from Kew, by other colonial powers (Portugal for example) and directly from South America to various colonies.</p> <p>Jacarandas grow from seed quite readily, but the often preferred mode of plant propagation in the 19th century was through cuttings because of sometimes <a href="https://mhnsw.au/stories/general/dream-tree-jacaranda-sydney-icon/">unreliable seed</a> and <a href="https://academic.oup.com/histres/article/93/262/715/5938031?login=true">volume of results</a>.</p> <p>Cuttings are less feasible for the jacaranda, so the tree was admired but rare in Australia until either nurseryman Michael Guilfoyle or gardener George Mortimer succeeded in propagating the tree in 1868.</p> <p>Once the trees could be easily propagated, <a href="https://www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/library/local_history/woollahra_plaque_scheme/plaques/michael_guilfoyle">jacarandas became more widely available</a> and they began their spread through Australian suburbs.</p> <h2>A colonial import</h2> <p>Brisbane claims the earliest jacaranda tree in Australia, <a href="https://blog.qagoma.qld.gov.au/godfrey-rivers-under-the-jacaranda-a-quintessential-image-of-brisbane-queensland/">planted in 1864</a>, but the Sydney Botanic Garden jacaranda is dated at “around” 1850, and jacarandas were listed for sale in <a href="https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/13055858?searchTerm=Jacaranda%20OR%20Jakaranda">Sydney in 1861</a>.</p> <p>These early park and garden plantings were eye-catching – but the real impact and popularity of jacarandas is a result of later street plantings.</p> <p>Jacaranda avenues, in Australia and around the world, usually indicate wealthier suburbs like Dunkeld in <a href="https://www.wisemove.co.za/post/top-10-richest-suburbs-in-johannesburg">Johannesberg</a> and Kilimani in <a href="https://gay.medium.com/hashtag-jacaranda-propaganda-2f20ac6958b9">Nairobi</a>.</p> <p>In Australia, these extravagant displays appear in older, genteel suburbs like Subiaco and Applecross in Perth; Kirribilli, Paddington and Lavender Bay in Sydney; Parkville and the Edinburgh Gardens in North Fitzroy in Melbourne; Mitcham, Frewville and Westbourne Park in Adelaide; and St Lucia in Brisbane.</p> <p>The trend toward urban street avenue plantings expanded internationally in the <a href="https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.2307/3983816?journalCode=foreconshist">mid 19th century</a>. It was particularly popular in growing colonial towns and cities. It followed trends in imperial centres, but new colonial cities offered scope for <a href="https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/whp/eh/2009/00000015/00000003/art00004">concerted planning of avenues in new streets</a>.</p> <p>Early Australian streets were often host to a mix of native plants and exotic imported trees. Joseph Maiden, director of the Sydney Botanic Gardens from 1896, drove the move from mixed street plantings towards avenues of single-species trees in the early 20th century.</p> <p>Maiden selected trees suitable to their proposed area, but he was also driven by contemporary aesthetic ideas of <a href="https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/whp/eh/2009/00000015/00000003/art00004">uniformity and display</a>.</p> <p>By the end of the 19th century, deciduous trees were becoming more popular as tree plantings for their variety and, in southern areas, for the openness to winter sunshine.</p> <p>It takes around ten years for jacaranda trees to become established. Newly planted jacarandas take between two and 14 years to produce their first flowers, so there was foresight in planning to achieve the streets we have today.</p> <p>In Melbourne, jacarandas were popular in post-first world war plantings. They were displaced by a move to native trees after the second world war. Despite localised popularity in certain suburbs, the jacaranda does not make the list of top 50 tree plantings for <a href="https://www.proquest.com/docview/220356756/714CC7FF6134038PQ/6?accountid=12001">Melbourne</a>.</p> <p>In Queensland, 19th-century street tree planting was particularly ad hoc – the <a href="https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/heritage-register/detail/?id=602440">Eagle Street fig trees</a> are an example – and offset by enthusiastic forest clearance. It wasn’t until the early 20th century street beautification became more organised and jacaranda avenues were planted in areas like New Farm in Brisbane.</p> <p>The popular plantings on the St Lucia campus of the University of Queensland occurred later, in the <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/queensland-review/article/abs/for-shade-colour-and-in-memory-of-sacrifice-amenity-and-memorial-tree-planting-in-queenslands-towns-and-cities-191555/459CD1E02E7FD581B4B89ADD7073D705">1930s</a>.</p> <h2>A flower for luck</h2> <p>In Australia, as elsewhere, there can be too much of a good thing. Jacarandas are an invasive species <a href="https://weeds.brisbane.qld.gov.au/weeds/jacaranda">in parts of Australia</a> (they seed readily in the warm dry climates to which they have been introduced).</p> <p>Parts of South Africa have limited or banned the planting of jacarandas because of their water demands and <a href="http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&amp;pid=S0006-82412017000200020">invasive tendencies</a>. Ironically, eucalypts have a similar status in South Africa.</p> <p>Writer <a href="https://gay.medium.com/hashtag-jacaranda-propaganda-2f20ac6958b9">Carey Baraka argues</a> that, however beloved and iconic now, significant plantings of jacarandas in Kenya indicate areas of past and present white population and colonial domination.</p> <p>Despite these drawbacks, spectacular jacaranda plantings remain popular where they have been introduced. There are even myths about them that cross international boundaries.</p> <p>In the southern hemisphere – in Pretoria or Sydney – they bloom on university campuses during examination time: the first blooms mark the time to study; the fall of blooms suggests it is <a href="https://mhnsw.au/stories/general/dream-tree-jacaranda-sydney-icon/">too late</a>; and the fall of a blossom on a student bestows <a href="https://newcontree.org.za/index.php/nc/article/view/34">good luck</a>.<!-- 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/214075/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><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/susan-k-martin-107846"><em>Susan K Martin</em></a><em>, Emeritus Professor in English, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/la-trobe-university-842">La Trobe University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</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/streets-of-purple-haze-how-the-south-american-jacaranda-became-a-symbol-of-australian-spring-214075">original article</a>.</em></p>

Home & Garden

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Tributes flow for Tina Turner

<p>Tributes from fans and celebs alike are flowing in for rock legend Tina Turner, who has died aged 83.</p> <p>Turner passed away at her home in the town of Küsnacht near Zurich, Switzerland, following years of suffering health issues including cancer, a stroke and kidney failure.</p> <p>Amongst the star-studded tributes, actress Angela Bassett, who played Turner in the film <em>What's Love Got to Do With It</em>, penned a sweet message, with the late David Bowie's estate paying homage as well.</p> <p>The official social media accounts of the late Bowie, who died 2016, shared a lengthy statement pointing out how Bowie will now "see [Turner] in the sky tonight”.</p> <p>"Sad to hear of the passing of Tina Turner, the legendary singer whose career dated back to 1960,” Bowie’s statement began.</p> <p>"Bowie fans will be aware of the duet she recorded with David for the title track of 1984's <em>Tonight</em> LP.”</p> <p>"The Bowie/Iggy Pop penned track was released as a single later that year. On 23rd March, 1985, at a Tina Turner concert at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham in the UK, Bowie performed the song live with Tina along with a section of the Chris Montez hit, Let's Dance, segueing into Bowie's song of the same name. This live duet of Tonight was released as a single becoming a #1 hit in the Netherlands," the statement continued.</p> <p>"We'll finish with some words Tina said to The Guardian newspaper in 2020 that despite having some serious health problems, the last 10 years of her life had embodied her ideal vision of happiness.</p> <p>"'True and lasting happiness comes from having an unshakeable, hopeful spirit that can shine, no matter what,' she said. 'That's what I've achieved, and it is my greatest wish to help others become truly happy as well.’"</p> <p>In a statement obtained by <em>The Hollywood Reporter,</em> Basset, said, "How do we say farewell to a woman who owned her pain and trauma and used it as a means to help change the world?"</p> <p><em>The Black Panther</em> actress, who starred opposite with Laurence Laurence Fishburne's Ike Turner in the film, continued, "Through her courage in telling her story, her commitment to stay the course in her life, no matter the sacrifice, and her determination to carve out a space in rock and roll for herself and for others who look like her, Tina Turner showed others who lived in fear what a beautiful future filled with love, compassion and freedom should look like.”</p> <p>"Her final words to me – for me were, 'You never mimicked me. Instead, you reached deep into your soul, found your inner Tina, and showed her to the world.' I shall hold these words close to my heart for the rest of my days. I am honoured to have known Tina Turner," she said.</p> <p>"I am humbled to have helped show her to the world," Bassett continued.</p> <p>"So on today, while we mourn the loss of this iconic voice and presence, she gave us more than we could have ever asked. She gave us her whole self. And Tina Turner is a gift that will always be 'simply the best.' Angels, sing thee to thy rest … Queen.”</p> <p>Diana Ross took to Twitter to pay tribute to the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, writing, "Shocked. Saddened. Sending condolences to Tina Turner's family and loved ones. ”</p> <p>Magic Johnson also shared a photo taken with Turner on Twitter.</p> <p>"Rest in peace to one of my favorite artists of all time, the legendary queen of rock n' roll Tina Turner," he wrote.</p> <p>"I've seen her many many times and hands down, she gave one of the best live shows I've ever seen. She always gave you your moneys [sic] worth."</p> <p>Actress Viola David took to Instagram, sharing an image of the late star, alongside the caption, "Iconic. Beautiful. Brilliant. A Survivor. Our first symbol of excellence and unbridled ownership of sexuality!! You were my childhood. Oh man!!! God is getting an angel today!!! Rest well Queen Tina Turner. We will bask in your legacy!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️”</p> <p>Mick Jagger wrote on Twitter, "I'm so saddened by the passing of my wonderful friend Tina Turner. She was truly an enormously talented performer and singer. She was inspiring, warm, funny and generous. She helped me so much when I was young and I will never forget her.”</p> <p>"We have lost one of the [world's] most exciting and electric performers. A total legend on record and on stage. She was untouchable,” Sir Elton John wrote on Instagram. "Condolences to Erwin and her family.</p> <p>"What a woman, what a life, what a warrior!!!” Singer Alicia Keys wrote on Instagram.</p> <p>"The day I met you Ms Tina, I couldn't believe I was standing in the presence of your greatness!! (Thanks to my big sis [Oprah]!!!)," Keys continued her caption.</p> <p>"I got to celebrate and thank you for all the love you've poured out around u. The songs you sang gave us courage to step out and be our full selves.</p> <p>"You are a fierce force as a woman and a performer! All of these things have been beacons of light for not only me, but all the people around the world finding ourselves and our fearlessness, through our vulnerability!!</p> <p>"Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts beautiful big sister! Rest well! We love and adore you infinitely!”</p> <p>Giorgio Armani also shared a statement on his fashion house’s official Twitter account.</p> <p>"I heard of the passing of Tina Turner with sadness and disbelief: with her incredible energy she seemed eternal. Her music certainly is," his statement began.</p> <p>"I will miss a great friend, whom I have also had the pleasure to dress many times. In life, she was like she was on stage – pure energy. I am deeply saddened.”</p> <p>Author Stephen King wrote on Twitter, "Tina Turner: Simply the best. ”</p> <p>Actor Josh Gad shared on Twitter, "This one hits way too hard. #riptinaturner 🙏🙏🙏💔”</p> <p>Sylvester Stallone wrote a short message alongside a photo with Turner on Instagram, "see you forever Tina Turner ❤️ #tinaturner #slystallone.”</p> <p>Director Paul Feig took to Twitter, writing, "Ugh. This is so sad. She was someone who seemed like we'd have her forever. What a huge huge loss. There will never be another like her. Rest in power, Tina."</p> <p>"RIP Tina Turner. Simply, the best," Piers Morgan wrote on Twitter.</p> <p>Musician Bryan Adams recalled the time he and Turner spent working together in his tribute, shared in a since-deleted Twitter post.</p> <p>"My condolences to Erwin and Tina's family," he wrote. "I'll be forever grateful for the time we spent together on tour, in the studio and as friends.”</p> <p>"Thank you for being the inspiration to millions of people around the world for speaking your truth and giving us your gift of your voice," Adams continued.</p> <p>"It's Only Love and that's all," he concluded, referencing the single the pair released in 1985.</p> <p>Bette Midler posted a heartfelt tribute to her Twitter account.</p> <p>"Our beloved #TinaTurner has died. From #Nutbush to the top, she was an absolutely brilliant performer and inspiration to us all,” she wrote.</p> <p>"May flights of angels sing her to her rest, but if I know Tina, she is singing lead. ”</p> <p>Singer-songwriter Ciara called Turner a "QUEEN, LEGEND, ICON” in a comment underneath an Instagram post, she followed with a tweet.</p> <p>"Heaven has gained an angel," she wrote. "Rest in Paradise Tina Turner. Thank you for the inspiration you gave us all. ”</p> <p>Lord of the Rings star Elijah Wood labelled Turner as "a force of nature and a legend” in his tribute.</p> <p>His Tweet concluded, ”Rest in peace, Tina Turner.”</p> <p>"A true legend has passed," actor George Takei wrote on Twitter.</p> <p>"Tina Turner has died at the age of 83. She was our <em>River Deep</em> and our <em>Mountain High</em>, the <em>Private Dancer</em> in our hearts.”</p> <p>"She showed us that love really does has everything to do with it, and that we really did need another hero," he continued. "And she was it. Rest now, Proud Mary. Raise your voice high in the heavens.”</p> <p>Founding member of Black Sabbath, Geezer Butler, also penned a heart-warming tribute for the star on Twitter.</p> <p>"Sad to hear of Tina Turner passing," he wrote. "I saw her on her first major tour, supporting The Rolling Stones at Birmingham Odeon on 1966 & became an instant fan. RIP .”</p> <p>While Actress Sarah Jessica Parker wrote on Instagram, "Simply the best. RIP Ms. Turner. I loved and love you. Thank you. Godspeed. X, SJ.”</p> <p>"Legends never die. They live on in our collective psyche forever. Thank you for enriching our lives, Tina. Rest in power… #tinaturner 1939-2023," actor Cary Elwes wrote on Twitter.</p> <p>Andy Cohen paid homage to the star on Twitter, writing, "SIMPLY THE BEST BEST BEST. WE LOVE YOU TINA ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️”</p> <p>Even NASA shared a tribute for the beloved star.</p> <p>"Simply the best. Music legend Tina Turner sparkled across the stage and into millions of hearts as the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll," NASA wrote on Twitter, alongside a photo of the stars in the sky.</p> <p>"Her legacy will forever live among the stars."</p> <p><em>Image credit: Twitter</em></p>

News

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The ultimate guide to beating hay fever

<p>The sniffles, itchy eyes, incessant sneezing – yes these are just some of the pesky things that accompany dreaded hay fever. An allergic reaction to the naturally occurring pollens in the air that our body detects as harmful, hay fever triggers the release of histamines, which is when you find yourself itching and reaching for yet another tissue. Before you panic and freak out, take heed: Whilst it may well be hay fever season once again, we’ve compiled a list of natural ways to help overcome those irritating symptoms.</p> <p>Ordinarily treatment for hay fever involves a round of medicine and nasal sprays, but this can see you spending a pretty penny on cures. Before you head to the chemist, try these instead…</p> <p><strong>1. Just add horseradish</strong></p> <p>Regarded as a natural decongestant, and may temporarily relieve the symptoms of nasal congestion associated with hay fever and sinusitis, horseradish is thought to open the nasal passages and increase blood flow to the respiratory mucous membranes, helping mucous and congestion to clear.</p> <p><strong>2. Hit the hay</strong></p> <p>As an essential component in maintaining a healthy and functioning body, an article published by Harvard Medical School states that sleep deprivation alters our body’s immune function and hormone levels. Thus making sleep another easy but crucial step in wading off the irritable symptoms of hay fever.</p> <p><strong>3. Limit alcohol</strong></p> <p>While no one is ever over the moon when they hear they should cut back on their beverage of choice, alcohol can stimulate the release – and inhibit the breakdown – of histamines; the compounds which our body releases that triggers many of the symptoms of hayfever in the first place. So it’s best to have alcohol free days where possible or at least cut back your intake to one or two drinks per day.</p> <p><strong>4. Washing day</strong></p> <p>It might sound a little odd, but washing your hair and clothes more frequently can really make a difference to your symptoms. As pollen is a very sticky matter it can get stuck on your clothes and hair, which will then transfer to your pillow overnight.</p> <p><strong>5. Stress less</strong></p> <p>While this can be a little harder to keep in check than the other tips here, it is something that will benefit more than just your hay fever symptoms. The same survey conducted by the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit found that seven of the 10 participants who were in stressful circumstances were showing the most severe levels of irritation. While we all cope with it in different ways, if you are feeling stressed it may be worth talking to someone about.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Body

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Pets can suffer from allergies too

<p>Spring has well and truly sprung and if you’re suffering from some seasonal sniffles, spare a thought for you pet, too. Did you know dog and cats can suffer from seasonal allergies just as you do?</p> <p>“Pets can definitely suffer from seasonal allergies but the allergic response is slightly different in pets when compared to people,” says Felicia Tam, who is the PAW by Blackmores veterinarian.</p> <p>Dr Tam says don’t expect pets to get a bout of hayfever though as “pets are much more likely to get itchy skin and have ‘allergies’ after coming into contact with allergens such as dust mites or pollens.”</p> <p><strong>Signs that your dog has a seasonal allergy</strong></p> <p>Pet allergies most often take the form of skin irritation or inflammation, and according to Dr Tam, the main sign to look for is “constant itching or rubbing in your dog”.</p> <p>But Dr Tam reminds that allergies can look different from pet to pet. “Details like seasonality and location, age and breed can provide clues on what your dog is allergic to, whether it is something in the environment like dust mites or even the food he or she is eating,” she says.</p> <p>Dr Tam recommends using this helpful 10-point itch scale tool to assess your dog’s itch level. This will help you assess any improvement or deterioration from normal or after treatment.</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/pets-can-suffer-from-allergies-too-graph_500x705.png" alt="" width="500" height="705" /></p> <p><strong>Allergies should be cause for concern</strong></p> <p>Like us humans, allergies in pets can range from mild to severe. If not adequately controlled or managed, allergies can be a cause for concern for pet owners.</p> <p>As Dr Tam reminds, “an itchy dog is definitely an uncomfortable dog,” adding, “dogs will continue to scratch as long as they are itchy so can do a lot of damage to their skin if the cause of their itch isn’t addressed.”</p> <p>If you believe your dog has an allergy, pay a visit to your vet. It will not only give you peace of mind but the vet will be able to help you manage your pet’s allergies.</p> <p>“Some allergies, such as allergies to fleas or food can be easily managed by ensuring flea control is applied on time or specific foods are fed. Other allergies can be more difficult to manage but most pets can be kept comfortable as long as their owners are on board with their pet’s special needs,” says Dr Tam.  </p> <p><strong>How you can help your pet with seasonal allergies </strong></p> <p>Dr Tam uses a concept called the “itch threshold” when thinking about our itchy pets. “The additive effect of multiple factors in the environment can tip your pet over the itch threshold,” she says.</p> <p>In order to stay under the itch threshold, Dr Tam recommends owners:</p> <ul> <li>Make sure flea treatments are applied on time</li> <li>Pets are bathed regularly to make sure that the allergen load on the skin doesn’t build up</li> <li>Provide ingredients such as omega-3 and omega-6’s either topically or via supplementation to support the skin barrier to reduce the access of allergens to the immune system</li> </ul> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Achoo! 5 essential reads for pollen season

<p>As spring expands across North America, trees, shrubs and flowers are releasing <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/pollen">pollen</a>. This fine, powdery substance is produced by the male structures of cone-bearing and flowering plants. When it’s carried to the plants’ female structures by wind, water or pollinators, fertilization happens. </p> <p>As pollen travels, it also triggers allergies in <a href="https://www.aafa.org/allergy-facts/">some 25 million Americans</a>. Pollen exposure can cause sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, runny nose and postnasal drip – unwelcome signs of spring for sufferers. This roundup of articles from our archives describes recent findings on protecting pollinators and coping with pollen season.</p> <h2>1. Hey pollinators, over here</h2> <p>Since pollen grains carry the cells that fertilize plants, it’s critical for them to get where they need to go. Often wind or gravity is all it takes, but for many plants, a pollinator has to carry the pollen grains. Some plants offer nectar or edible pollen to attract insects, bats or other animals, which carry pollen from plant to plant as they forage. Many flowers also <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-do-flowers-smell-151672">lure pollinators with scent</a>.</p> <p>“Similar to the perfumes at a department store counter, flower scents are made up from a large and diverse number of chemicals which evaporate easily and float through the air,” writes Mississippi State University horticulturalist <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=dJ8gD7MAAAAJ&amp;hl=en">Richard L. Harkess</a>. “To differentiate itself from other flowers, each species’ flowers put out a unique scent to attract specific pollinators. … Once pollinated, the flower stops producing a floral scent and nectar and redirects its energy to the fertilized embryo that will become the seed.”</p> <h2>2. Bees at the buffet</h2> <p>It’s well known that many species of insects have <a href="https://theconversation.com/insect-apocalypse-not-so-fast-at-least-in-north-america-141107">declined in recent years</a>. One big focus is <a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/plant-pest-and-disease-programs/honey-bees/honeybees">honeybees</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/beyond-honey-bees-wild-bees-are-also-key-pollinators-and-some-species-are-disappearing-89214">other species of bees</a>, which pollinate many important crops. </p> <p>In a 2021 study, University of Florida agricultural extension specialist <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=I8IjAnIAAAAJ&amp;hl=en">Hamutahl Cohen</a> found that when bees visited fields where sunflowers, grown as crops, were blooming over many acres, they <a href="https://theconversation.com/planting-mixes-of-flowers-around-farm-fields-helps-keep-bees-healthy-170527">picked up parasites at a high rate</a>. In contrast, bees that foraged in hedgerows around crop fields and could choose from diverse types of flowers to feed on spread out farther and had lower rates of infection.</p> <p>“The more bees in sunflower fields, the more parasites,” Cohen observed. “Sunflower blooms were aggregating bees, which in turn was amplifying disease risk.” However, “in the presence of many flower types, bees disperse and spread across resources, reducing each individual bee’s likelihood of encountering an infected individual.”</p> <h2>3. Warmer weather means more pollen</h2> <p>As climate change raises average temperatures across the U.S., growing seasons are starting earlier and ending later in the year. That’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/pollen-season-is-getting-longer-and-more-intense-with-climate-change-heres-what-allergy-sufferers-can-expect-in-the-future-179158">bad news for allergy sufferers</a>. </p> <p>“The higher temperature will extend the growing season, giving plants more time to emit pollen and reproduce,” write University of Michigan atmospheric scientists <a href="https://clasp.engin.umich.edu/people/zhang-yingxiao/">Yingxiao Zhang</a> and <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3dWPwz8AAAAJ&amp;hl=en">Allison L. Steiner</a>. And by increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere, climate change will make it possible for plants to grow larger and generate more pollen. </p> <p>“Southeastern regions, including Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, can expect large grass and weed pollen increases in the future. The Pacific Northwest is likely to see peak pollen season a month earlier because of the early pollen season of alder,” Zhang and Steiner report.</p> <h2>4. Providing better forecasts</h2> <p>With all that pollen out there, how can allergy sufferers know when counts are high? Today the U.S. has only a rudimentary network of 90 pollen observation stations across the country, staffed by volunteers and run only during pollen season, so often there isn’t good information available when people need it.</p> <p><a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=sUwveOEAAAAJ&amp;hl=en">Fiona Lo</a>, an environmental health scientist at the University of Washington, is working with colleagues to develop a model that can predict airborne pollen releases. “Our forecast can predict for specific pollen types because our model includes information about how each plant type interacts differently with the environment,” Lo reports.</p> <p>So far, the model only predicts levels of four types of common pollen in areas where there are observation stations. Ultimately, though, Lo and her collaborators “want to provide a forecast every day during pollen season to give allergy sufferers the information they need to manage their symptoms. Allergies are often undertreated, and knowledge about self-care is limited, so a reliable pollen forecast that is easy to access – for example, via an app on your phone – along with education on allergy management, could really help allergy sufferers.”</p> <h2>5. Support pollinators in your garden</h2> <p>Pollen season is also gardening season, since it’s when plants are blooming. West Virginia University mycologist <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Brian-Lovett">Brian Lovett</a>offers advice for gardeners who want to <a href="https://theconversation.com/to-help-insects-make-them-welcome-in-your-garden-heres-how-153609">attract beneficial insects to their yards</a> for pollination and other purposes. </p> <p>One step is to replace grass with native wildflowers, which will provide pollen and nectar for insects like ants, bees and butterflies. “Just as you may have a favorite local restaurant, insects that live around you have a taste for the flowers that are native to their areas,” Lovett notes.</p> <p>Replacing white lightbulbs with yellow or warm-hued LED bulbs, and providing water in dishes or other containers, are also insect-friendly steps. Local university extension offices and gardening stores can offer other suggestions. </p> <p>“In my view, humans all too often see ourselves as separate from nature, which leads us to relegate biodiversity to designated parks,” Lovett observes. “In fact, however, we are an important part of the natural world, and we need insects just as much as they need us.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/achoo-5-essential-reads-for-pollen-season-181672" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>

Home & Garden

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4 essential reads on pesticides and the environment

<p>In 1962 environmental scientist Rachel Carson published “<a href="http://www.rachelcarson.org/SilentSpring.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Silent Spring</a>,” a bestselling book that asserted that overuse of pesticides was harming the environment and threatening human health. Carson did not call for banning DDT, the most widely used pesticide at that time, but she argued for using it and similar products much more selectively and paying attention to their effects on nontargeted species.</p> <p>“Silent Spring” is widely viewed as <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/23/magazine/how-silent-spring-ignited-the-environmental-movement.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">an inspiration for the modern environmental movement</a>. These articles from The Conversation’s archive spotlight ongoing questions about pesticides and their effects.</p> <h2>1. Against absolutes</h2> <p>Although the chemical industry attacked “Silent Spring” as <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/170448/on-a-farther-shore-by-william-souder/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">anti-science and anti-progress</a>, Carson believed that chemicals had their place in agriculture. She “favored <a href="https://theconversation.com/would-rachel-carson-eat-organic-94967" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a restrained use of pesticides, but not a complete elimination</a>, and did not oppose judicious use of manufactured fertilizers,” writes Harvard University sustainability scholar <a href="https://wcfia.harvard.edu/people/robert-l-paarlberg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Robert Paarlberg</a>.</p> <p>This approach put Carson at odds with the fledgling organic movement, which totally rejected synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Early organic advocates claimed Carson as a supporter nonetheless, but Carson kept them at arm’s length. “The organic farming movement was suspect in Carson’s eyes because most of its early leaders were not scientists,” Paarlberg observes.</p> <p>This divergence has echoes today in debates about whether organic production or steady improvements in conventional farming have more potential to feed a growing world population.</p> <h2>2. Concerned cropdusters</h2> <p>Well before “Silent Spring” was published, a crop-dusting industry developed on the Great Plains in the years after World War II to apply newly commercialized pesticides. “Chemical companies made broad promises about these ‘miracle’ products, with little discussion of risks. But pilots and scientists took <a href="https://theconversation.com/farmers-and-cropdusting-pilots-on-the-great-plains-worried-about-pesticide-risks-before-silent-spring-91976" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a much more cautious approach</a>,” recounts University of Nebraska-Kearney historian <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=37kbK3MAAAAJ&amp;hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Vail</a>.</p> <p>As Vail’s research shows, many crop-dusting pilots and university agricultural scientists were well aware of how little they knew about how these new tools actually worked. They attended conferences, debated practices for applying pesticides and organized flight schools that taught agricultural science along with spraying techniques. When “Silent Spring” was published, many of these practitioners pushed back, arguing that they had developed strategies for managing pesticide risks.</p> <p>Today aerial spraying is still practiced on the Great Plains, but it’s also clear that insects and weeds rapidly evolve resistance to every new generation of pesticides, trapping farmers on what Vail calls “a chemical-pest treadmill.” Carson anticipated this effect in “Silent Spring,” and called for more research into alternative pest control methods – an approach that <a href="https://www.usda.gov/oce/pest/integrated-pest-management" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has become mainstream today</a>.</p> <h2>3. The osprey’s crash and recovery</h2> <p>In “Silent Spring,” Carson described in detail how chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides persisted in the environment long after they were sprayed, rising through the food chain and building up in the bodies of predators. Populations of fish-eating <a href="https://raptor.umn.edu/about-raptors/learn-about-raptors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">raptors</a>, such as bald eagles and ospreys, were ravaged by these chemicals, which thinned the shells of the birds’ eggs so that they broke in the nest before they could hatch.</p> <p>“Up to 1950, ospreys were one of the most widespread and abundant hawks in North America,” writes Cornell University research associate <a href="https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/person/alan-poole/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alan Poole</a>. “By the mid-1960s, the number of ospreys breeding along the Atlantic coast between New York City and Boston <a href="https://theconversation.com/ospreys-recovery-from-pollution-and-shooting-is-a-global-conservation-success-story-111907" target="_blank" rel="noopener">had fallen by 90%</a>.”</p> <p>Bans on DDT and other highly persistent pesticides opened the door to recovery. But by the 1970s, many former osprey nesting sites had been developed. To compensate, concerned naturalists built nesting poles along shorelines. Ospreys also learned to colonize light posts, cell towers and other human-made structures.</p> <p>Today, “Along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, nearly 20,000 ospreys now arrive to nest each spring – the largest concentration of breeding pairs in the world. Two-thirds of them nest on buoys and channel markers maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, who have become de facto osprey guardians,” writes Poole. “To have robust numbers of this species back again is a reward for all who value wild animals, and a reminder of how nature can rebound if we address the key threats.”</p> <h2>4. New concerns</h2> <p>Pesticide application techniques have become much more targeted in the 60 years since “Silent Spring” was published. One prominent example: crop seeds coated with neonicotinoids, the world’s most widely used class of insecticides. Coating the seeds makes it possible to introduce pesticides into the environment at the point where they are needed, without spraying a drop.</p> <p>But a growing body of research indicates that even though coated seeds are highly targeted, much of their pesticide load washes off into nearby streams and lakes. “Studies show that neonicotinoids are <a href="https://theconversation.com/farmers-are-overusing-insecticide-coated-seeds-with-mounting-harmful-effects-on-nature-176109" target="_blank" rel="noopener">poisoning and killing aquatic invertebrates</a> that are vital food sources for fish, birds and other wildlife,” writes Penn State entomologist <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=AAdZM1UAAAAJ&amp;hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">John Tooker</a>.</p> <p>In multiple studies, Tooker and colleagues have found that using coated seeds reduces populations of beneficial insects that prey on crop-destroying pests like slugs.</p> <p>“As I see it, neonicotinoids can provide good value in controlling critical pest species, particularly in vegetable and fruit production, and managing invasive species like the spotted lanternfly. However, I believe the time has come to rein in their use as seed coatings in field crops like corn and soybeans, where they are providing little benefit and where the scale of their use is causing the most critical environmental problems,” Tooker writes.</p> <p><strong>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/silent-spring-60-years-on-4-essential-reads-on-pesticides-and-the-environment-192232" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. </strong></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Books

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Proof that Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman are our sweetest rock and roll couple

<p dir="ltr">Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman will forever be known as the sweetest rock and roll couple. </p> <p dir="ltr">The loved up couple once again proved that during one of Keith’s shows where Nicole made a surprise appearance on stage.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We love you Nashville,” a smiling Nicole said as Keith embraced her. </p> <p dir="ltr">She then turned to get off stage for her husband to start his show before telling him to “play some music”. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Happy wife, happy life. You guys know what I'm talking about,” Keith responds.</p> <p dir="ltr">Nicole later shared a stunning noir photo of her and Keith with their arms around each other backstage at the show in Nashville. </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-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CjeWh7NpWdG/?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/p/CjeWh7NpWdG/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Nicole Kidman (@nicolekidman)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Fans went crazy at the photo, with many thanking the couple for being incredible and sweet during tour. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Nicole you looked amazing last night. I loved your outfit. I waved to you as I was very close to you. You and Keith are such a beautiful blessed couple. Love to you both and your family,” someone wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Love you two Nicole and Keith! You guys are so beautiful together!” another commented. </p> <p dir="ltr">“You two were the sweetest last night - I love seeing a couple still thriving together- gives us all hope,” someone else wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Do you know what I love the most about this photo? It’s the utter love the two of you share — you’re close, you're touching, you’re communicating, you’re supporting, you're in it together. Love it!” another read. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Music

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5 hidden beaches in Australia to try in spring

<p>Don’t fight it out with the crowds at Bondi. Escape to your own secret slice of sand with one of these five hidden beaches in Australia to try in spring.</p> <p><strong>1. Sunshine Beach, Queensland</strong></p> <p>Noosa (just up the coast) gets all the publicity, but Sunshine Beach is definitely our pick. This sleepy seaside town on the Sunshine Coast has a long strip of sand fronting directly onto the Pacific Ocean. The waves can be a little rough, especially if the wind is blowing, but it’s so quiet that there’s a good chance you’ll be the only swimmer there. Don’t miss a post-swim beer at the surf club, set right over the dunes.</p> <p><strong>2. Store Beach, New South Wales</strong></p> <p>Head to Manly on a spring day and you’ll find it packed with locals and tourists alike. So hire a kayak and paddle around to Store Beach, surrounded by the lush bushland of the Sydney Harbour National Park. It's a world away from the hubbub of Manly and feels like a private little enclave for those in the know. Just make sure you pack your own supplies, including drinking water, because there’s nowhere to stock up. And keep an eye out for fairy penguins – the beach is a known breeding ground.</p> <p><strong>3. Gnarabup Beach, Western Australia</strong></p> <p>This white sand wonder is a well-kept secret among the locals from Margaret River. Just a 10-minute drive from the town, its calm turquoise waters are protected by an offshore reef so it’s a great option for families or those looking for a quiet paddle. If you’re looking for seclusion, steer clear of the popular boat ramp and head north for more than a kilometer of untouched sand where the only footprints you’ll see will be your own.</p> <p><strong>4. Godfreys Beach, Tasmania</strong></p> <p>You don’t automatically think of beaches when you think of Tasmania, our coldest state, yet Godfreys is something special. Set just outside the town of Stanley in the state’s northwest, Godfreys Beach is a kilometre of squeaky clean sand surrounded by some of the cleanest air in the world. Its east facing aspect protects the beach from much of the wild weather that can batter the Tasmanian coast, though it still has its rough days. The town itself is just as charming, stocked with colonial buildings and cute B&amp;Bs.</p> <p><strong>5. Memory Cove, South Australia</strong></p> <p>Part of the Lincoln National Park on the tip of the Eyre Peninsula, Memory Cove is one of the finest beaches in the state. Rough and rugged, it’s a secluded beach with stunning scenery that you can only access with a four-wheel drive. One of the best bits is that you can camp right on the beach and with no more than 15 vehicles allowed at any one time, you’ll have a five-star experience for less than $40 per night. The fishing is excellent – so bring your gear – and keep an eye out for dolphins and sea lions.</p> <p>Have you been to any of these hidden beaches? Are there any that you think we should add to the list? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Sneezing with hay fever? Native plants aren’t usually the culprit

<p>Hay fever is a downside of springtime around the world. As temperatures increase, plant growth resumes and flowers start appearing.</p> <p>But while native flowering plants such as wattle often get the blame when the seasonal sneezes strike, hay fever in Australia is typically caused by introduced plant species often pollinated by the wind.</p> <h2>A closer look at pollen</h2> <p>Pollen grains are the tiny reproductive structures that move genetic material between flower parts, individual flowers on the same plant or a nearby member of the same species. They are typically lightweight structures easily carried on wind currents or are sticky and picked up in clumps on the feathers of a honeyeater or the fur of a fruit bat or possum.</p> <p>Hay fever is when the human immune system overreacts to allergens in the air. It is not only caused by pollen grains but fungal spores, non-flowering plant spores, mites and even pet hair.</p> <p>The classic symptoms of hay fever are sneezing, runny noses, red, itchy, and watery eyes, swelling around the eyes and scratchy ears and throat.</p> <p>The problem with pollen grains is when they land on the skin around our eyes, in our nose and mouth, the proteins found in the wall of these tiny structures leak out and are recognised as foreign by the body and trigger a reaction from the immune system.</p> <h2>So what plants are the worst culprits for causing hay fever?</h2> <p>Grasses, trees, and herbaceous weeds such as plantain are the main problem species as their pollen is usually scattered by wind. In Australia, the main grass offenders are exotic species including rye grass and couch grass (a commonly used lawn species).</p> <p>Weed species that cause hay fever problems include introduced ragweed, Paterson’s curse, parthenium weed and plantain. The <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5102629/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">problematic tree species</a> are also exotic in origin and include liquid amber, Chinese elm, maple, cypress, ash, birch, poplar, and plane trees.</p> <p>Although there are some native plants that have wind-spread pollen such as she-oaks and white cypress pine, and which can induce hay fever, these species are exceptional in the Australian flora. Many Australian plants are not wind pollinated and <a href="https://blog.publish.csiro.au/austpollinatorweek/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">use animals</a> to move their clumped pollen around.</p> <p>For example, yellow-coloured flowers such as wattles and peas are pollinated by insect such as bees. Red- and orange-coloured flowers are usually visited by birds such as honeyeaters. Large, dull-coloured flowers with copious nectar (the reward for pollination) are visited by nocturnal mammals including bats and possums. Obviously Australian plant pollen can still potentially cause the immune system to overreact, but these structures are less likely to reach the mucous membranes of humans.</p> <h2>What can we do to prevent hay fever attacks at this time of the year?</h2> <p>With all of this in mind, here are some strategies to prevent the affects of hay fever:</p> <ol> <li>stay inside and keep the house closed up on warm, windy days when more pollen is in the air</li> <li>if you must go outside, wear sunglasses and a face mask</li> <li>when you return indoors gently rinse (and don’t rub) your eyes with running water, change your clothes and shower to remove pollen grains from hair and skin</li> <li>try to avoid mowing the lawn in spring particularly when grasses are in flower (the multi-pronged spiked flowers of couch grass are distinctive)</li> <li>when working in the garden, wear gloves and facial coverings particularly when handling flowers consider converting your garden to a native one. Grevilleas are a great alternative to rose bushes. Coastal rosemary are a fabulous native replacement for lavender. Why not replace your liquid amber tree with a fast growing, evergreen and low-allergenic lilly pilly tree?</li> </ol> <h2>If you do suffer a hay fever attack</h2> <p>Sometimes even with our best efforts, or if it’s not always possible to stay at home, hay fever can still creep up on us. If this happens:</p> <ul> <li>antihistamines will reduce sneezing and itching symptoms</li> <li>corticosteroid nasal sprays are very effective at reducing inflammation and clearing blocked noses</li> <li>decongestants provide quick and temporary relief by drying runny noses but should not be used by those with high blood pressure</li> <li>salt water is a good way to remove excessive mucous from the nasal passages.</li> </ul> <p>Behavioural changes on warm, windy spring days are a good way of avoiding a hay fever attack.</p> <p>An awareness of the plants around us and their basic reproductive biology is also useful in preventing our immune systems from overreacting to pollen proteins that they are not used to encountering.</p> <p><strong>This article first appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/sneezing-with-hay-fever-native-plants-arent-usually-the-culprit-190336" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</strong></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Body

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Microwave cinnamon roll

<p>If you find yourself craving a cinnamon roll at home, this single serve microwavable cinnamon bun recipe couldn’t be easier.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Serves:</span></strong> 1</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>⅓ cup and 1 tablespoon of oat flour</li> <li>½ teaspoon of bi-carb soda</li> <li>⅛ teaspoon of salt</li> <li>1 tablespoon of coconut oil, melted</li> <li>2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons of mashed banana</li> </ul> <p><em>Filling</em></p> <ul> <li>2 soft pitted dates</li> <li>½ teaspoon of cinnamon</li> <li>Vanilla icing</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method: </span></strong></p> <p>1. Combine flour, bi-carb soda, and salt in a bowl.</p> <p>2. Melt coconut oil in microwave. Add bananas and oil to flour mixture.   </p> <p>3. Stir until a dough is formed and roll into a ball.</p> <p>4. To create the filling, dice dates and mash with a fork until they form a paste.</p> <p>5. Mix together with cinnamon.</p> <p>6. On a floured surface, roll out dough into a rectangle and straighten sides using a knife. Reincorporate cut dough into the rectangle, making sure that it is long.</p> <p>7. Spread filling across dough and, lengthwise, fold dough in half.</p> <p>8. Roll dough into a cinnamon bun shape.</p> <p>9. Place into a greased mug or ramekin and microwave for one and a half to two minutes.</p> <p>10. Top with vanilla icing.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Here’s what’s happening across Australia in September

<p dir="ltr">Spring has well and truly sprung, which means there’s plenty to do wherever you are in the country.</p> <p dir="ltr">From festivals celebrating spring blooms to displays of Aussie art and theatre, here’s what’s happening this September.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition in Adelaide</strong></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-061e444a-7fff-b159-0725-b65e46b9cd4e">Enjoy a taste of Sicily's finest art without needing your passport at <em>Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition</em>. The exhibit, running until October 9, includes all 34 of the frescoes Michelangelo painted across the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, reproduced in life-size form using special printing techniques.</span></p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/sistine-chapel1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Supplied</em></p> <p dir="ltr">The art is accompanied by an audio guide that will give visitors an insight into the artist's life.</p> <p dir="ltr">Hosted at Adelaide's Rundle Place, seeing the exhibit will set you back $30.20 for adults, $23.50 for seniors or $21 for kids, with tickets available <a href="https://feverup.com/m/116574" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Sydney Fringe Festival</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">After a two-year hiatus, Sydney’s celebration of the arts is back for another year, with the 2022 program boasting its longest ever runtime.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-9ffdfa1d-7fff-d002-5355-b08c93560c1f"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">From August 16 til September 30, nine festival hubs around Sydney will host more than 500 events, with over 80 percent of the program being world premieres.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/sydney-fringe.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr">L<em>ocal talent and entertainers across all art forms will be featured in this year’s program. Images: Sydney Fringe Festival (Facebook)</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Films, theatre, musical acts, spoken word, comedy shows, and visuat art la will form the bulk of the program, with highlights including Sydney Fringe Sideshow, top-notch local talent at Made in Sydney, and Global Fringe - an online program taken straight from Edinburgh Fringe Festival.</p> <p dir="ltr">To find out what’s happening near you and lock in tickets, head <a href="https://sydneyfringe.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Darwin International Film Festival</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Australia’s Top End will be welcoming a flood of cinema from all over the world for the Darwin International Film Festival.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-3a04e626-7fff-3038-8c9e-3889e7383363"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The annual film festival will be showcasing 50 films from over 20 countries, with a focus on South-East Asian cinema, as well as Northern Australian and Indigenous stories and some of the NT’s top talent.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/darwin-film-fest.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Darwin International Film Festival (Facebook)</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Kicking off from Thursday, September 15, the 11-night festival will be taking place across multiple venues, including a deckchair cinema, sundown screen on the Darwin waterfront and the Darwin Ski Club.</p> <p dir="ltr">To get tickets and scope out the full program, head <a href="https://www.diff.net.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Brisbane Festival</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">For the entire month, Brisbane will be hosting a bounty of installations, theatre, circus acts, and more, with hubs in South Bank, Northshore Brisbane, West Village, and another seven mini-festivals in the surrounding suburbs.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-f7160de1-7fff-6fea-f954-add3a1cbc8e3"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">This year’s Brisbane Festival offers more than 580 performances across the city, including 230 free events, as well as the premiere and return of top-notch theatrical events at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC).</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/bris-fest.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>This year’s program is packed with jawdropping installations and top-notch shows. Images: Brisbane Festival (Facebook)</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Highlights include:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/precincts/boq-festival-garden" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBQ Festival Garden</a>, the all-ages playground offering plenty of food, wine and entertainment</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/precincts/west-village" target="_blank" rel="noopener">West Village</a> - the home to larger-than-life installations of the planets, including the Museum of the Moon, Mars, and Gaia.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/whats-on/2022/brisbanes-art-boat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brisbane’s Art Boat</a>, a celestial floating art experience that boasts a unique water bar and performance program of sunset and sunrise cruises inspired by this year’s artwork, called The Spheres.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/whats-on/brisbane-serenades" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brisbane Serenades</a> - a summery series of festivals heading to the suburbs - including block and warehouse parties, the MOSAIC Multicultural Festival, and music and food enjoyed in nature or by the water.</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">To find out more about this year’s program and secure tickets, head <a href="https://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>S&amp;R Blossom Festival</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">What better way to celebrate spring than with some bright and cheerful blooms, and the <a href="https://www.srorchard.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">S&amp;R Blossom Festival</a> in Walliston, Perth, has you covered.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-7eb648d2-7fff-cacd-7a8f-317220e9ac1d"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The three-week celebration of all things flowery - running from September 5-26 - is also packed with plenty of activities, including free tractor rides, bouncy castles and an animal farm, as welt as on-site food trucks, flower crown making on the weekends, and rides for the kids to enjoy.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/blossom-fest.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: S&amp;R Orchard Perth (Facebook)</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Pets and picnic blankets are welcome, with tickets setting you back $12 for adults and $5 for kids over three.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Wisdom and Light</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The rooftop of Melbourne’s Golden Square parking lot will be taken over by a multi-sensory audio and visual experience called <em><a href="https://www.wisdomandlight.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wisdom and Light</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-002b251c-7fff-17ff-b2a5-3283933bf2d1"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Relying on cutting edge tech and fusing light, art and sound, the exhibit promises to take visitors through the story of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Buddhist organisation Fo Guang Shan, and his artwork.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/wisdom-light.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Wisdom and Light (Facebook)</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Once you’ve had your fill of vegetarian delicacies and enjoyed the illuminated Lotus Flower Sanctuary, the celebration continues in the adjacent gallery exhibiting his rare one-stroke calligraphy artwork - and the chance to try your hand at creating your own art.</p> <p dir="ltr">Running from September 1 until October 2, the exhibit will be open from 10am until 10pm daily, with tickets starting at $22 for concession, $27 for adults and free entry for kids under seven.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-c0ff0410-7fff-584b-b982-93a4a84e0105"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Supplied / S&amp;R Orchard Perth (Facebook)</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Selecting plants for spring

<p>Any green thumb knows spring means one thing: planting, planting and more planting. Spring is a time of regeneration and renewal so gardening at this time of the year means you’ll enjoy the first burst of vibrant hues and fragrant scents from blossoming flowers. To get you started on a stunning garden, here is a list of the best flowers to plant in spring to ensure your garden is thriving come summer.</p> <p><em><strong>Lilacs</strong></em></p> <p>Famed for their sweet fragrance, lilacs bloom from spring to early summer. They come in all shapes and sizes as well as a variety of colours ranging from white, pale yellow, pink, mauve and purple.</p> <p>Growing condition: Full sun or light shade and well-drained, sandy and gravelly soil.</p> <p><em><strong>Tulips</strong></em></p> <p>The bloom of tulips never fails to delight especially since they come in every imaginable colours (except true blue). Tulips are perfect for any type of garden setting from the more formal to the casual.</p> <p>Growing condition: Full sun and well-drained soil. </p> <p><em><strong>Hyacinths</strong></em></p> <p>Hyacinths cluster together in bright shades of pink, red and purple making it a great flower to brighten up your garden.</p> <p>Growing condition: Full sun or part shade and well-drained soil.</p> <p><em><strong>Azaleas</strong></em></p> <p>The burst of colour Azaleas bring make them one of the most popular and best flowering shrubs in Australia. They look great planted en masse and provide a beautiful feature for a spring garden.</p> <p>Growing conditions: Part shade and moist but well-drained acidic soil</p> <p><em><strong>Daffodils</strong></em></p> <p>The sunny disposition of daffodils will not only brighten your mood, but your garden. There are many varieties and their sweet scent will keep you outside in the garden all throughout spring.  </p> <p>Growing condition: Full sun or part shade, well-drained soil.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Home Hints & Tips

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Allergic to cleaning? 13 ways to keep allergies in check when Spring cleaning

<p><strong>Wear gloves and a mask</strong></p> <p>Before you start cleaning, put on a face mask and rubber gloves, recommends board-certified allergist Dr Neeta Ogden. The mask will help you avoid breathing in allergens, and the gloves will keep them away from your whole face.</p> <p>“Even quickly touching your eye or face can lead to allergens reaching your eyes and portals to your airway through the nose and mouth,” says Dr Ogden.</p> <p><strong>Clean one window at a time</strong></p> <p>Spring-cleaning is the time to hit spots you don’t clean every week, like windows. But keeping the panes open too long could let pollen, mould, and other allergens inside.</p> <p>“I would do one window at a time,” says Dr Stephen Kimura, an allergist and immunologist. “Open it, clean it, and shut it right away.” Keep the AC running as you go so the air can filter, he says.</p> <p><strong>Let clothes dry inside</strong></p> <p>No matter how much you love the idea of letting clothes dry in the natural sunlight, stay away from an outdoor clothesline.</p> <p>“If you’re pollen or mould allergic and have clothes out there, they will attract those pollens and you’ll be exposed in high quantities to those allergens,” says Dr Kimura. Any clothes that can’t go in the dryer should hang dry indoors.</p> <p><strong>Pick the right vacuum</strong></p> <p>Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which is designed to keep dust in the vacuum instead of blowing back up into the air, says Dr Ogden.</p> <p>Also look out for new models with complete seal technology to keep even more allergens in, she suggests. “You definitely don’t want to go with a regular old vacuum,” she says.</p> <p><strong>Leave carpet shampoo to the pros</strong></p> <p>Shampooing a carpet obviously means getting your carpet wet. The problem is, dust mites love spots with more than 50 per cent humidity and might start gathering in the damp wood or padding under the carpet, says Dr Mark Aronica, an allergist.</p> <p>“It should be done by a professional cleaner, where things are cleaned up and dried as quickly as possible,” he says.</p> <p><strong>Don't dust dry</strong></p> <p>Dusting with a dry cloth could work against you, says Dr Ogden. “Dusting in and of itself is not very helpful if you’re just disseminating dust back in the air,” she says.</p> <p>She recommends using a damp cloth or a vinegar solution when wiping down surfaces to actually trap the dust.</p> <p><strong>Pay attention to clutter</strong></p> <p>Don’t ignore your usual decluttering when you’re spring cleaning. “Piles of books and magazines and things collect dust,” says Dr Kimura.</p> <p>Toss the junk while you spring clean to keep the allergens in your home low.</p> <p><strong>Clean mould hands-off</strong></p> <p>Mould can trigger allergies, so cleaning it out effectively can be a challenge. The last thing you want is to hover over the shower scrubbing away at the allergen, so Dr Ogden suggests using a product you can spray. “You can hold them away from yourself and spray into the shower,” she says.</p> <p>“You return in 15 minutes and run the shower, and that’s it.” Use a solution that’s 10 per cent bleach, which is strong enough to kill mould but weak enough for your allergies to tolerate, says Dr Aronica.</p> <p><strong>Run a fan</strong></p> <p>Opening windows to air out fumes will just bring allergens in, but running a fan can help.</p> <p>“Make sure you’ve got the exhaust hood running in the bathroom or kitchen to keep strong odours from bothering you,” says Dr Kimura.</p> <p><strong>Use natural products</strong></p> <p>Stick with fragrance-free cleaning products because scented options can make allergies worse. “It’s not a direct allergic reaction so much as an irritant to a nose that’s already inflamed or irritated,” says Dr Aronica.</p> <p>Use natural cleaning products when you can, like mopping with a vinegar and water solution, suggests Dr Kimura.</p> <p><strong>Invest in a mattress cover </strong></p> <p>Make sure you use an allergy cover on your mattress, pillows and quilt. “The covers are impermeable to dust mites,” says Dr Aronica.</p> <p>“What does accumulate during the week gets killed in the laundry.” Wash your sheets in the hottest setting, or at least 48.8°C, to kill any mites, he says.</p> <p><strong>Give your dog a bath</strong></p> <p>Spring-cleaning doesn’t have to mean your house only – make it an opportunity to give your cat or dog a good wash, too.</p> <p>“That cuts down on whatever pollen they have on their fur or coats, and also cuts down on dander,” says Dr Kimura.</p> <p><strong>Clean our your dehumidifier</strong></p> <p>A dehumidifier will help avoid mould at bay in basements – but only if you clean it regularly.</p> <p>“Rinse it out and use a weak bleach to kill mould spores,” says Dr Kimura. Make sure to refresh it during your spring-cleaning chores.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/allergic-to-cleaning-13-ways-to-keep-allergies-in-check-when-spring-cleaning?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.</em></p>

Home & Garden

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Get your glow on this spring

<p dir="ltr">As we wish winter a fond farewell, there’s no better time to rejuvenate ourselves to welcome the sun back. </p> <p dir="ltr">It's no secret that our skin can suffer in winter, with harsh conditions making our skin look and feel dull, dry and lifeless. </p> <p dir="ltr">To get ready for warmer months, there is no better answer to our skin woes than the underrated ingredient of vitamin C. </p> <p dir="ltr">So, if you're looking for the answer to bright, even skin this spring and summer, the No7 Radiance+ Range is how you're going to glow and get it. </p> <p dir="ltr">With two holy grail products, your skin will feel more hydrated, and look glowing and radiant to recover from the dreary winter elements. </p> <p dir="ltr">A match made in heaven, the Vitamin C Serum and Hydrogel Eye Masks work to smooth skin and revitalise a tired and lacklustre complexion, completely restoring your radiance. </p> <p dir="ltr">The <a href="https://www.priceline.com.au/no7-radiance-15-vitamin-c-serum-25-ml">No7 Radiance+ 15% Vitamin C Serum</a> is formulated with 15% Vitamin C to transform your skin and leave you with a noticeably brighter complexion.</p> <p dir="ltr">I have personally been using this serum for a number of months, and my skin has never looked healthier and brighter, giving me a natural glow everyday.</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/p/CJy4J7IIOe5/?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/p/CJy4J7IIOe5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by No7 (@no7uk)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">To get an extra daily boost of vitamin C goodness, the <a href="https://www.priceline.com.au/no7-radiance-eye-masks-3g-5-pack">No7 Radiance+ Illuminating Hydrogel Eye Masks</a> work to reduce the appearance of puffiness and darkness under the eyes in a matter of minutes. </p> <p dir="ltr">The masks adhere seamlessly to the under-eye area maximising the delivery of ingredients to energise sensitive skin under the eyes. </p> <p dir="ltr">These under-eye masks help make you look well rested, rejuvenated and ready to tackle anything!</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/p/CJ6mjf8Itp1/?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/p/CJ6mjf8Itp1/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by No7 (@no7uk)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The No7 Radiance+ range is available now exclusively at <a href="https://www.priceline.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Priceline</a>. </p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em><span id="docs-internal-guid-bf52039e-7fff-51cc-d684-52352e5ae9ac"></span></p>

Beauty & Style

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5 ways to Spring clean your finances

<p>Running a stocktake of your personal finances is a worthwhile process to go through on a regular basis. Reviewing the numbers is good for both your pocket and your peace of mind, ensuring your nest egg is not only protected but also working effectively for you.</p> <p><strong>1. Budget and financial planning</strong></p> <p>Review your budget and spending. It’s a valuable exercise to break out the highlighters particularly on your savings and credit card statements. You might be surprised at your spending patterns. Identify necessary and discretional costs and get ruthless on reducing unnecessary spending.</p> <p>Also look at updating your financial calendar and plan. If you don’t already have them, think about talking to a financial planner or accountant to assist on these to put you on top of future spending income and costs. If you haven’t got a budget, create one and ensure you stick to it!</p> <p><strong>2. Debt</strong></p> <p>It’s always worth reviewing your personal debt to shrink and shave wherever you can. Ensure you’re paying off the highest interest non-tax deductible debt first, consolidate your debt where possible, reduce non essential spending and pay off as much interest as you can on the credit cards.</p> <p><strong>3. Housekeeping</strong></p> <p>Having all your financial records organised in an orderly, accessible way can do wonders for getting on top of your finances and feeling in control.</p> <p>Create an ICE (in case of emergency) folder to centralise and consolidate all your key documents and accounts so they can be easily located by a trusted person such as a spouse, the executor of your will or a trustee if required.</p> <p>Update and streamline your accounts where possible, and look at automating your payments for a more time and cost-effective approach to bills. If you’re comfortable with it, go paperless. Pretty much all financial documentation these days can be provided online, giving you the benefit of less paperwork, more convenience and simpler record-keeping. Not to mention being better for the planet!</p> <p><strong>4. Getting the best deal</strong></p> <p>Take a fresh look at how much you’re spending on services like mortgages and insurance policies, as well as telco, internet and utility plans. Plus the interest rates you’re getting on your savings and investment accounts. As products get more and more competitive and it becomes easier to compare different services, this should be a regular exercise to ensure you’re always getting the best deals available.</p> <p><strong>5. Estate planning</strong></p> <p>As your circumstances change, make sure you check whether you need to update your estate planning or review your will including your beneficiaries. Ensure you’ve got an executor organised and your assets allocated through a trust or will.</p>

Money & Banking

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The benefits of steam cleaning your home

<p>Steam cleaning is fast becoming the preferred method for keeping homes dirt and grime free. As well as saving you money, it is easy, non-toxic and highly sanitary.</p> <p>As we age we can sometimes become more susceptible to germs, allergies can be more common and cleaning thus becomes all the more important. Here are the many reasons why you should consider steam cleaning.</p> <p><strong>Non-toxic:</strong> Not only is steam cleaning an effective way to clean, sanitise and deodorise almost every surface in your home, it will also kill 99 per cent of bacteria and doesn’t require the use of toxic and potentially harmful chemicals such as bleach or ammonia. Only heat and water are used, so as a result your house remains free from chemical residue and pollution. Say goodbye to E.Coli, salmonella, and staph, as well as dust mites and bed bugs.</p> <p><strong>Easy peasy:</strong> Most steam cleaners are lightweight and therefore easy to maneuver so you can easily clean hard-to-reach areas and also clean cushions, pillows, pet bedding, curtains and other soft furnishings.</p> <p><strong>Child and pet friendly:</strong> The non-toxic nature of steam cleaning makes your home a much safer environment for children and pets.</p> <p><strong>Allergies:</strong> As steam cleaning only uses water and heat to create an all-natural steam that removes dirt and grim from any non-heat sensitive surfaces, it won’t aggravate allergy symptoms or cause respiratory issues.</p> <p><strong>Penny pinching:</strong> On top of the initial purchase, the only money outlay for steam cleaning is for the water and electricity used to heat it. Thus, it can end up saving you money in the long term that you would’ve spent of detergents, cleaners and other products used throughout the home.</p> <p><strong>Effective:</strong> Steam cleaning, unlike bleach, will actually kill mould in your bathroom, which could otherwise cause all sorts of healthy problems. While bleach just turns mould white so it blends in with the surface, steam cleaning kills the mould from the cracks and hard to reach places.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

Home & Garden

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Sausage rolls

<p>Make it gluten free by swapping the regular puff pastry for a gluten-free variety and us other gluten free substitutes!</p> <h3>Ingredients</h3> <div> <p>• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil</p> <p>• 1 brown onion, finely chopped</p> <p>• 500g sausage mince</p> <p>• 250g beef mince</p> <p>• 2 Tbsp tomato paste</p> <p>• 3 tsp dried Italian herbs</p> <p>• ½ tsp sea-salt flakes</p> <p>• ½ tsp finely ground black pepper</p> <p>• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, partially thawed</p> <p>• 1 egg, beaten</p> <p>• 2 tsp black sesame seeds</p> <p>• Sweet chilli relish, to serve</p> <p>• Cos lettuce salad, to serve</p> </div> <div id="TeadsContainer0"></div> <div> <h2>Method</h2> <ol> <li> <p>Line an oven tray with baking paper. Heat oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until soft. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside to cool.</p> </li> <li> <p>Add minces, tomato paste, dried herbs, salt and pepper, then stir until well combined.</p> </li> <li> <p>Preheat oven to 200°C. Put 1 sheet of puff pastry on a clean and dry work surface. Cut off the top ¹⁄³ of sheet and reserve. Roll ¼ of the mince mixture into a sausage shape and put down 1 long edge of sheet. Brush opposite long edge with egg. Roll up firmly to enclose filling. Repeat with remaining pastry, mince mixture and egg, reserving a little of the egg.</p> </li> <li> <p>Cut reserved small pastry rectangles into 1cm strips. Put sausage rolls on prepared tray. Brush top of rolls with reserved egg, then arrange pastry strips to form crosses on top of rolls. Brush again with egg and scatter over black sesame seeds.</p> </li> <li> <p>Bake for 35 minutes or until pastry is golden and filling is cooked through. Slice and serve with relish and cos lettuce salad on the side.</p> </li> </ol> <p><em>Image: Better Homes &amp; Gardens</em></p> </div>

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