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Quirky grandfather shocks Today hosts with unusual funeral plans

<p>Michael 'Skip' Field has decided he doesn't want his family crying for him at an ordinary funeral when he dies. </p> <p>Instead, the quirky Queensland grandfather wants a celebration for his final send off and wants his family to remember him in a very unique way. </p> <p>Skip shared his funeral plans with <em>Today</em> hosts Sarah and Alex, who were perplexed by Skip's plans for his final send-off. </p> <p>"I've been to a lot of funerals over the years, I'm an old fart and I never enjoyed any of them," Skip said.</p> <p>"So come the time I turn toes up, they're going to cart me off to the crematorium for a big barbecue, where I'll be the guest of honour, then when the heat dies down, they're going to put me in a little shoe box and give my young son a ring," he said.</p> <p>"He'll come and pick me up and I'm an avid cowboy shooter, we load our own ammunition and one of the things that happens to cowboys when they pass on is they have a cowboy salute where you get a big, long line and everybody fires a shotgun, bang, bang, bang, bang, and have a salute."</p> <p>"Well, I'm going to get my ashes mixed into the shotgun shells and donate the shotgun shells to the range and they can shoot me off down the range."</p> <p>"Plus all the smoke that comes out at the end of the barrel is a bit blue, but being a Queenslander, I've got a bit of maroon chalk that's going to go in with the ashes, so when they come out at the end of the barrel it's going to be a maroon tinge on it," he said.</p> <p>Today hosts Sarah and Alex were gob-smacked by the idea of Skip donating his ash-filled bullets to the local firing range, but that's not all he has planned.</p> <p>"The other thing is a friend of mine's got a cannon and we're going to shoot part of the ashes out of the cannon at Pleasant Range near Dalby," he said.</p> <p>"Then the kids don't need a big, morbid ceremony, so they're going to have a party here at my house and I bought this thing called the 'loved one launcher' that is like a giant party popper, you put your ashes in and it'll shoot you 75 yards into the air with confetti and streamers and all that - Yeehaw! It's going to be great."</p> <p>Skip said the whole process cost less than getting a casket for the ground and it would be the last big thing he gets a say in.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Today</em></p>

Retirement Life

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Sombre Aussie site tops global list of most unusual abandoned places

<p>Each year, thousands of people travel to famous abandoned buildings and hotspots to explore what were once important landmarks. </p> <p>Some deserted sites are more popular than others, as these ten sites received tens of thousands of visitors each year. </p> <p><strong>Buzludzha, Bulgaria</strong></p> <p>The Buzludzha Monument in central Bulgaria has been dubbed the tenth most famous abandoned place in the world, each year welcoming over 18,000 people. </p> <p>The site was constructed in 1981 and used by the Bulgarian communist government, and was in use until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989.</p> <p><strong>Ohio State Reformatory, USA</strong></p> <p>After first opening in 1898, the goal of the Ohio State Reformatory was to truly "reform" and rehabilitate its inmates.</p> <p>The facility was closed in 1990, and each year attracts more than 21,000 visitors.</p> <p><strong>Gereja Ayam, Indonesia</strong></p> <p>The uniquely shaped house of prayer in Central Java continues to be a popular tourist attraction in Indonesia, welcoming more than 50,000 travellers each year. </p> <p>Construction on the church was never completed after work was halted in 2000.</p> <p><strong>Lago di Resia Bell Tower, Italy</strong></p> <p>The 14-century sunken bell tower can be found near the border of Switzerland, emerging from the water from a sunken village where travellers claim they can hear bells tolling, even though there are no bells in the tower. </p> <p>The lonely (and probably haunted) tower receives more than 54,000 tourists each year. </p> <p><strong>Canfranc, Spain</strong></p> <p>The abandoned railway station is located in the Spanish municipality of Canfranc, close to the French border and once was a major hub for cross-border railway traffic.</p> <p>It first opened in 1928, but closed its doors by 1970 before it was reimagined as a hotel.  </p> <p><strong>Beelitz Military Hospital, Germany</strong></p> <p>The large hospital complex was first built in 1898 as a sanatorium, but was transformed into a hospital at the beginning of WWI and has been abandoned since 1990. </p> <p>It's understood Hitler was treated here after being wounded in the Battle of Somme, which could be the reason more than 64,000 travellers flock there each year. </p> <p><strong>Eastern State Penitentiary, USA</strong></p> <p>The prison in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is described as one of the country's most historic prisons and has housed some famous prisoners such as Al Capone.</p> <p>The prison was closed in 1971 and is tagged on social media by more than 79,000 every year. </p> <p><strong>Croix-Rouge, Paris</strong></p> <p>Also known as the Red Cross, this Paris train station has been abandoned since 1939 after France entered WWII.</p> <p>The station was only functional for 16 years, and welcomes more than 95,000 curious travellers each year. </p> <p><strong>Teufelsberg, Germany</strong></p> <p>Teufelsberg was one of the largest listening towers in the world during the Cold war.</p> <p>The site was closed in 1972, but still receives around 128,000 every year. </p> <p><strong>Port Arthur, Australia</strong></p> <p>More than a quarter of a million visitors travel to Port Arthur in Tasmania each year.</p> <p>The site itself was first opened as a timber station in 1830 and is known as a symbol of the country's convict past.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

International Travel

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Mother booted off ride share app for her unusual name

<p>A young Sydney mother has been booted off popular ride sharing app Uber, after they deemed her birth name too inappropriate. </p> <p>Swastika Chandra's first name means good luck and prosperity in her native Sanskrit language, and holds a lot of cultural significance and connection to her Hindu heritage. </p> <p>However, to global transport app Uber, her name was deemed too offensive to be let on the platform, as they said her name violates their terms and conditions. </p> <p>The 35-year-old grew up in Fiji, where she says her name was commonly heard in classrooms throughout her childhood.</p> <p>"It is a very common name. I personally know four or five other girls with the same name," she told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/uber-bans-sydney-woman-from-using-service-because-of-her-first-name/2771dd1f-b9fd-4ba6-8045-671145bc0c02" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>A Current Affair</em></a>. </p> <p>"In school, we had two or three other girls with the same name. It means good luck. It means good things for me."</p> <p>Chandra didn't run into any issues using her name on her birth certificate, Australian citizenship paperwork, her health care card or her driver's licence. </p> <p>However, last October Uber banned her account, claiming her name was a violation of their terms of use due to its appropriation by Adolf Hitler's Nazi Party and neo-Nazis.</p> <p>Coinciding with the start of the Israel-Hamas war, Uber brought in new guidelines on words that could be offensive - including swastika.</p> <p>Inadvertently caught up in the middle of a policy which had the best of intentions, Chandra was told she would have to change her name to get back on the app.</p> <p>"I was putting in an order for food one afternoon and went to the payment stage and this pop-up came up saying, 'Your first name is in violation and you need to change your name on the app'," she explained.</p> <p>Chandra has a deep understanding of her name's very troubling double meaning, but she says the community needs to know the word's origins.</p> <p>"They don't know that the Hindus used it for thousands of years before Hitler used it in the wrong way," she said.</p> <p>"A bit of education, I think, is needed. I'm very proud of my name. I believe in the good that comes with it and I'm not changing it for anyone."</p> <p>Five months later, Uber has backed down from their decision and allowed her to rejoin the app, although it took intervention from Australia's peak Hindu body, The Hindu Council, support from the Jewish community and the NSW attorney-general to make it happen. </p> <p>The Jewish Board of Deputies also backed Chandra's fight, telling A Current Affair: "There is a difference between Ms Chandra innocently using her name and the deployment of a sinister symbol."</p> <p>The young mum has a message for all the other young girls who might have a different name to others, saying "Don't let the past be a stepping stone for your future."</p> <p>"Be proud of your name. It's your identity - it's who you are."</p> <p><em>Image credits: A Current Affair </em></p>

Legal

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“Now THIS is a gift I can get behind”: Couple praised for unusual wedding request

<p dir="ltr">A young couple have come up with an inventive way to pay off a speeding fine, while asking their friends and family to contribute to the cost. </p> <p dir="ltr">Annabelle and James, from Texas in the US, were less than three weeks away from their wedding when James unfortunately received a speeding fine in the mail. </p> <p dir="ltr">With their wedding budget already at capacity, the young couple weren’t sure how they were going to be able to fork out for the $231 fine. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, they came up with a genius way to deal with the fine: by adding it to their wedding gift registry. </p> <p dir="ltr">Annabelle shared their great idea to TikTok, writing, “Wedding in 26 days, timing couldn't be better.”</p> <div class="embed" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 600px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7288095171068103982&amp;display_name=tiktok&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40imthatgurlneb%2Fvideo%2F7288095171068103982&amp;image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign.tiktokcdn-us.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-useast5-p-0068-tx%2FokrbI8IiAf2R6neDQgBDaXXCZ2DEJl8SgCBJIz%3Fx-expires%3D1697760000%26x-signature%3DdT%252FKt%252BrdEhkr8paiK0OSLVuZj0g%253D&amp;key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p dir="ltr">In the video, Annabelle showed her fiancé James sitting in front of a computer holding an envelope containing the $231 penalty for driving over the speed limit. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Feel free to support James in his down-bad era on The Knot at Annabelle and James's Wedding Registry,” she wrote in the caption of the clip. </p> <p dir="ltr">In the 15-second-clip, Annabelle showed their registry list on the computer screen, focusing on a section for 'cash fund' on their digital gift wish list and a picture of a police officer issuing the fine.</p> <p dir="ltr">She then zoomed in on James updating their registry, writing 'PLEASE HELP,' as he added the speeding fine to the cash fund.</p> <p dir="ltr">The video has racked up hundreds of thousands of views, with many people praising their inventive way of repaying the fine. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Now this is a wedding gift I can get behind,” one viewer declared.</p> <p dir="ltr">Others also flocked to the comments to share similar stories that happened around their own wedding days. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I got a speeding ticket the night before our wedding... guess it happens to the best of us,” added one person.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My husband got a speeding ticket the day of our rehearsal dinner, so very relatable,” agreed another. </p> <p dir="ltr">Image credits: TikTok</p>

Relationships

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Paul McCartney’s unusual relationship with Michael Parkinson

<p>Paul McCartney has paid tribute to Michael Parkinson, calling him a “great guy” and a “good friend” in a lengthy and heartfelt post on social media.</p> <p>The iconic interviewer passed away peacefully at home on August 16th after a battle with a brief illness according to a statement from his family.</p> <p>After his death, a flood of tributes poured in from celebrities around the world, including The Beatles frontman Paul McCartney.</p> <p>Parkinson was a personal friend of McCartney’s, as the pair even appeared on a famous album cover together.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p>I first met Michael Parkinson in Liverpool when he and his team came to see us at the Cavern Club. He was a very likeable guy and we eventually did our first TV performances with Granada in Manchester, where Michael worked.</p> <p>Through the years I got to know him more and more, and… <a href="https://t.co/o0fMiXsWwN">pic.twitter.com/o0fMiXsWwN</a></p> <p>— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulMcCartney/status/1692969489980063890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>The two feature on the album cover of Wings‘ coveted "<em>Band On The Run</em>" record as escaped convicts, with Parkinson agreeing to appear on the cover if McCartney would return the favour by being a guest on his chat show.</p> <p>Taking to Twitter on Saturday, McCartney remembered his friend, writing, “I first met Michael Parkinson in Liverpool when he and his team came to see us at the Cavern Club. He was a very likeable guy and we eventually did our first TV performances with Granada in Manchester, where Michael worked.”</p> <p>“Through the years I got to know him more and more, and appeared on his chat show quite a few times. He was a pleasure to talk to and we always had fun. He appeared on the front cover of ‘<em>Band on the Run</em>’ as one of the escaping convicts in the title song. He was very knowledgeable about many subjects and a keen sports-lover.”</p> <p>He added, “I will miss him personally, as a good friend. I send all my love to his family and friends. Cheers Michael, you’re a great guy okay!”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Paul McCartney / Twitter (X)</em></p>

Music

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Queen Bee Catherine delights in unusual getup

<p>Catherine, Princess of Wales, has gotten into the spirit of World Bee Day with a bee-autiful new look. </p> <p>In a picture shared to the prince and princess’s official Instagram account, taken the previous year by photographer Matt Porteous, Kate could be seen standing in front of a beehive in a full beige beekeeper suit - complete with a protective veiled hat and boots - and holding a rack covered in the pollinators.</p> <p>“We are buzzing about #WorldBeeDay,” came the honeyed words of the post’s caption. “Bees are a vital part of our ecosystem and today is a great opportunity to raise awareness of the essential role bees and other pollinators play in keeping people and the planet healthy.”</p> <p>While the image was taken at Kate’s country home in Norfolk, beekeeping is reportedly one of Kate’s long-treasured hobbies, and she even has bees at home at Anmer Hall. And in June 2021, she turned that beloved hob-bee into a sweet - albeit quite sticky - affair, taking a jar of her own honey to give to children at London’s Natural History Museum.</p> <p>The royal honey isn’t limited to just Kate’s hives, either, with both Buckingham Palace and Clarence House producing their own for their hardworking kitchens - enough that they could be considered self-sufficient.</p> <p>Despite their success on the honey front, however, all attention in 2023 was on Kate and her suit - though some made note of her previous gift-giving in their comments, among the loving buzz towards the princess. </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/CsdcUTmNhGk/?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/CsdcUTmNhGk/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“Even in this outfit she looks stunning! Whatever she wears she always looks so classy and beautiful,” one fan wrote. </p> <p>“Oooh, I remember The Princess bringing honey from her bees to an engagement and let the children taste it,” another shared. “Lovely photo!”</p> <p>Meanwhile, another had to ask, “is there anything that this lady can’t do? I don’t think so.”</p> <p>“Awww, a ‘honey’ checking the Bees,” wrote one devoted pun-ster. </p> <p>Some - while pleased with this latest insight into royal life - were grateful to Kate for raising awareness over the important date, with one writing “thanks for shining a light on so many important matters.”</p> <p>“Such an informative update! i have no idea there's something called #WorldBeeDay haha,” one declared. </p> <p>“There is and you can have a small bee lover plant to benefit bees in your area,” came a well-intended suggestion in response, “they love lavender.” </p> <p>And as another put it, “wow she’s a beekeeper too, lucky bees”, before noting that she “will be the queen bee anyway”.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Olympic icon shares pics of new baby with unusual name

<p> Australian Olympic champion Torah Bright has welcomed her second child into the world, a new son with husband Angus Thomson. </p> <p>The 36-year-old snowboarder took to social media to share their happy news, and while congratulations came in thick and fast over the sweet snap of mother and baby, some were left scratching their heads over one particular detail: the newborn’s unique name. </p> <p>“Blissed out with our baby boy in our arms,” Torah captioned her family photo series. “Meet ‘Halo Sundancer Bright Thomson’.”</p> <p>She went on to share that Flow - their eldest son - loved to give his new little brother kisses, while “Dad is glowing and proved to be the best team mate”. </p> <p>Her heart, she said, was “exploding with joy” as their family adjusted to their latest chapter. </p> <p>It had been a home birth for the champion athlete, her second one, and she reported that the experience had been “so different but just as magical. </p> <p>“Being helped to bed and the whole family tucked in… my favourite part … Thank you beautiful midwives for doing what you do”. </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/CsWxWkVvKFW/?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/CsWxWkVvKFW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Torah Bright (@torahbright)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Familiar faces flocked to the post to comment, with presenter Lisa Wilkinson among them, writing that it was “just beautiful news Torah. Much love to you and your beautiful growing tribe.” </p> <p>“Beautiful fam,” champion surfer Stefanie Gilmore declared. </p> <p>“I can’t wait to meet him! Sending so much love to you and the boys,” fellow Olympian Maggie Voisin said. “So happy and excited for your amazing family!”</p> <p>And Torah’s fellow Australian snowboarder, Tess Coady, may have only had one word to offer, but her enthusiasm more than made up for it when she said “CONGRATS”. </p> <p>“Congratulations to you all!!!” said one follower, before asking “you didn’t go with Flow’s name suggestion?”</p> <p>Most were happy to embrace the name the proud parents had chosen, gushing in their replies, with one stating that it was a “gorgeous name for a gorgeous baby boy”. </p> <p>From there, the excited messages continued, as well as a sea of red heart emojis for the family. And the response was similar over on Angus’ account too, when he shared his own announcement with supporters. </p> <p>One, however, couldn’t miss the opportunity to have a little fun, noting “I liked Graham better, but Halo is pretty cool I guess.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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The unusual new words and phrases being considered by the Macquarie Dictionary

<p dir="ltr">Macquarie Dictionary has unveiled their words of the month, with each of them going into the running to be 2023 Word of the Year and possibly included in their next edition. </p> <p dir="ltr">The words and phrases have largely been submitted by the public, with five unique phrases being crowned the words of the month. </p> <p dir="ltr">The words of the month include the phrases gendy nooch, cozzie livs, tiger toast, password child and murder noodle.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the dictionary, the term “gendy nooch” is a shortening of gender-neutral, which means something not relating or specific to a particular gender.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">An online shortening of gender-neutral to become 'gendy nooch' is gaining traction. Find more new words here. <a href="https://t.co/rO6OF4QuRK">https://t.co/rO6OF4QuRK</a> <a href="https://t.co/3QkYLiNLEA">pic.twitter.com/3QkYLiNLEA</a></p> <p>— Macquarie Dictionary (@MacqDictionary) <a href="https://twitter.com/MacqDictionary/status/1648861592421801987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“Cozzie livs” has quickly become slang for the ongoing cost of living crisis, which has been affecting most Australians in 2023. </p> <p dir="ltr">The phrase has become a classic Aussie way of downplaying a quite serious matter.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">The words on everybody's lips these days, the 'cost of living'. But have you ever called it the cozzie livs (crisis)? More new words at the link. <a href="https://t.co/rO6OF4QuRK">https://t.co/rO6OF4QuRK</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZXdOhwNdkv">pic.twitter.com/ZXdOhwNdkv</a></p> <p>— Macquarie Dictionary (@MacqDictionary) <a href="https://twitter.com/MacqDictionary/status/1646302360254177282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Another phrase that Aussies have been adopting more is the patriotic concept of “tiger toast”, which refers to "toast with a topping of Vegemite and strips of cheese" according to the dictionary.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Password child” is another new phrase recognised by the dictionary, meaning "a child favoured over their siblings, as shown by the use of their name in the parent's online passwords".</p> <p dir="ltr">The final top pick for April words of the month is “murder noodle”, which refers to "a snake, especially one that is venomous".</p> <p dir="ltr">Each of these phrases has now gone in the running to be crowned the 2023 Word of the Year, which the Macquarie Dictionary awards each year to a phrase that has seamlessly been integrated into the Aussie vocabulary. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 2022 Word of the Year was Teal, defined by the dictionary as "a political candidate who holds generally ideologically moderate views, but who supports strong action regarding environmental and climate action policies, and the prioritising of integrity in politics (so called as many of the candidates use the colour teal in their electoral material)”.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Books

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13 unusual uses for coffee filters

<p>If you enjoy a cup of the caffeinated stuff of a morning, chances are good you probably have a packet or two of coffee filters knocking around in the pantry. While essential for creating the perfect brew, the simple shape and lint-free design of this beverage essential makes them useful in plenty of other places around the house.</p> <ol> <li>Use them to protect your dishes – Protect your favourite plates or good china from chipping and scratches by slipping a single filter in between each when stacking.</li> <li>Savvy snacking – If you’re serving up something greasy or even a finger food snack, a coffee filter makes the perfect snack bowl. Added bonus? No washing up!</li> <li>Sparkling windows and mirrors – The lint-free design of coffee filters make them perfect for cleaning fragile surfaces.</li> <li>In the garden – When filling up pots with soil, place a filter in the bottom, over the water hole. This allows water to filter through but stops soil seeping out.</li> <li>Smart storage – Lots of loose odds and ends floating around? Corral them all together by using a filter to group similar objects.</li> <li>Clean your screens – Dusty TV or computer screen? A coffee filter is great for grabbing dust and grime from smooth surfaces.</li> <li>The key to micro-sieving – If you’re baking and need a super fine sieve, line your standard utensil with a filter to catch even the smallest particles of food.</li> <li>Ice block savior- Stop sticky fingers in the grandkids by snipping a hole in the centre of a filter and pushing the stick through to create a little “drip dish”.</li> <li>Grease your baking utensils – Ensure a lint free, well-greased surface by using a filter to grease your baking tins or trays.</li> <li>Create spotless glassware – Prevent unsightly streaks by using a filter to dry your glassware.</li> <li>Keep your microwave clean – Use a filter when heating leftovers in the microwave to prevent splatter.</li> <li>Absorb oil – Cooking bacon? Pop the finished product onto a filter to drain away excess oil.</li> <li>Streak free stainless steel – Filters work like magic on stainless steel appliances like your toaster as well as taps and fixtures.</li> </ol> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Home & Garden

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The unusual reason behind Toblerone’s new look

<p dir="ltr">The makers of Toblerone chocolate bars will remove the Matterhorn mountain peak from its packaging after some of its production processes were moved outside of Switzerland.</p> <p dir="ltr">In 2017, Switzerland introduced strict rules about the use of its national symbols in marketing.</p> <p dir="ltr">Companies looking to display Swiss iconography to promote milk-based products must be made exclusively in Switzerland. Other foods need to be at least 80 per cent made in Switzerland.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 4478-metre Matterhorn is shaped like a pyramid, with its form echoed along the lines of the infamous choccy bar.</p> <p dir="ltr">Inside the image of the Matterhorn on Toblerone bars is a bear, the symbol of the town Bern, which is the Swiss capital and where the bars have been produced since 1908.</p> <p dir="ltr">The US firm Mondelēz, which owns Toblerone, told the Aargauer Zeitung newspaper the imagery on its packaging would soon be changed.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The packaging redesign introduces a modernised and streamlined mountain logo that aligns with the geometric and triangular aesthetic," a Mondelēz spokesperson said in a statement.</p> <p dir="ltr">The labelling for Toblerone will now say "established in Switzerland", rather than "of Switzerland”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mondelēz announced in 2022 that it would move some of the production to Slovakia at the end of 2023.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

Food & Wine

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The unusual wedding style trend causing a stir

<p dir="ltr">Every year, a new wave of wedding trends rolls in for brides and grooms to either embrace or reject as they plan their big day. </p> <p dir="ltr">The latest trend, focused around the bride’s attire, has caused a stir online, sparking a heated debate over whether it's stylish or tacky.</p> <p dir="ltr">Instead of opting for the traditional white (or some variation of) heels for their big day, brides are reaching for bedazzled crocs to wear for their nuptials. </p> <p dir="ltr">In some cases, the entire bridal party has stormed the reception wearing the divisive shoes stamped with jewels and words like “wifey”, “bride” and “I do”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Traditionalists have blasted the fad, calling it “classless” and “gross”, while others see the value in the comfortable shoe, saying it makes perfect sense.  </p> <p dir="ltr">“That's the problem. People have no class anymore. No one dresses up, it's all about comfort,” one horrified critic said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I hate few things in life but crocs are at the top of my list, and when coordinated with an outfit. Lord help me I physically shudder,” another wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite the criticism, one bride defended her decision to wear bedazzled crocs on her wedding day, saying she was comfortable all day and all night while insisting she “regrets nothing”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The $70 shoes have long been praised by fans of the shoes for their comfort, breathability and lightweight material, making them a perfect all day wedding shoe. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I am not a heel person at all - Converse for the ceremony and crocs for the reception,” one bride said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The appearance is not unpleasant and let's face it, dancing in heels is painful and challenging. One must be comfortable to enjoy such a wonderful and momentous day,” another said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite the mixed reaction of the wedding trend, online businesses who specialise in personalising and bedazzling crocs for brides are booming, with the shoes regularly retailing for between $200 and $300 a pair. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Twitter</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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The unusual items passengers are stealing from planes to sell online

<p dir="ltr">A flight attendant has revealed one of the main items passengers on planes are trying to take home with them after their journey.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a column for <em>The Sun</em>, a cabin crew member shared that passengers are trying to take lifejackets home with them after their journey and sell them online. </p> <p dir="ltr">"If you have even just a quick glance at eBay, you'll see loads of people flogging them on there, for sometimes as much as £100 ($174.65 AUD) a pop, so it's easy to see why people take them," they said.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the columnist, it is the worst thing to take from a plane. </p> <p dir="ltr">"If the flight after yours has to land in the sea, then you're quite literally putting someone's life at risk, which seems a little unfair for the sake of £100 ," they said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Flight attendants are also able to track down who stole the lifejackets after they go missing, given they keep a record of where passengers are seated.</p> <p dir="ltr">The airline could also cop a hefty fine for not having adequate safety equipment on board if an auditor found out, which the culprit would have to pay for. </p> <p dir="ltr">According to the flight attendant, another item which often goes missing are the safety cards.</p> <p dir="ltr">While taking these information cards is not as life-threatening as taking a lifejacket, it is still not ideal. </p> <p dir="ltr">"These are mostly taken by aviation geeks who collect them from each plane they go on. I'm not sure why, but it's a bit annoying to have to go round and replace them, which often ends up being my job," the flight attendant said.</p> <p dir="ltr">The cabin crew member reinforced that while a passenger is paying for a flight, some items are not designed to be taken home as souvenirs, specially when it might be needed to save someone else's life.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Travel Tips

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Popular IKEA cake recalled for unusual reason

<p>A popular cake sold at IKEA stores is being recalled across the country over fears the variety could contain metal.</p> <p>The NSW Food Authority has issued a notice advising people they should not eat the “Almondy Almond Cake with Daim” with a best before date of November 18, 2023.</p> <p>The cake is sold in a 400g package and may contain metal, which could cause illness or injury if consumed.</p> <p>The cake has been sold at IKEA stores in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.</p> <p>"Consumers should not eat this product and should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund," the NSW Food Authority said.</p> <p>Australia is not the only country impacted, with both the UK and Scotland announcing recalls for the same variety over metal concerns.</p> <p>"Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice."</p> <p><em>Image: Ikea</em></p>

Food & Wine

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"There's no joy": Madonna's unusual family pics spark debate

<p>Legendary pop icon Madonna has shared a rare family photo, as she and her six children gathered to celebrate Thanksgiving in New York.</p> <p>Madonna posed with children Lourdes Leon, 26, Rocco Ritchie, 22, David Banda, 17, Mercy James, 16 and 10-year-old twins Stelle and Estere Ciccone.</p> <p>The collection of photos was shared to Instagram, where fans have commented on the children’s choice of fashion and neutral expressions.</p> <p>Among the almost 9000 comments, one follower wrote: “Y’all the Addams Family?” while another wrote: “There’s no joy in these photos.”</p> <p>Many fans were simply thrilled to see these rare photos of the music legend and all her children together on the special American holiday.</p> <p>“It’s a picture, you can’t tell in a photo what’s real,” wrote one fan while another believed the family’s blank expressions were “... on purpose lol.”</p> <p>In 2019 Madonna revealed to Vogue what life is really like for her being a solo-mother to six:</p> <p>“Nobody does what I do. And that’s kind of scary.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Man beats mobile phone driving charge in “unusual” ruling

<p dir="ltr">A Queensland man has had his charge of using a mobile phone successfully overturned in court - but the ruling could see state legislation changed to close any existing “loophole” that exists.</p> <p dir="ltr">Konrad Gordon Gallaher appeared in the Southport Magistrates Court last week to fight the charge from the transport department after he was photographed holding an electronic device while driving by traffic cameras.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Gallaher provided evidence that he was actually handling an Apple iPod, highlighting the fact that his mobile phone could be seen mounted on the dashboard in the photo.</p> <p dir="ltr">Showing the device in question to the court, he said it had “no phone functionality”.</p> <p dir="ltr">His evidence was accepted by magistrate Dzenita Balic, who also clarified that it was up to the prosecution to prove beyond unreasonable doubt that Mr Gallaher was using a mobile phone.</p> <p dir="ltr">While she found that the device in question was actually an iPhone, Mr Gallaher had testified that the device didn’t have a SIM card and was unable to make calls.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I could not find, and I do not, that he was dishonest in his description of the device as a portable music player,” she said in <a href="https://archive.sclqld.org.au/qjudgment/2022/QMC22-002.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">her verdict</a> delivered on Friday.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Although to my mind he is clearly wrong about the device being an iPod, his other assertions as to the limited musical functionality of the device remained unchallenged.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I should add that to me, the use of this device by Mr Gallaher was just as dangerous as the use of a mobile phone.</p> <p dir="ltr">“(But) a mobile phone therefore must take on its natural meaning. It is a device capable of communication.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My view is that, at the time of the driving, I cannot be satisfied, considering the evidence by Mr Gallaher, which I have now discussed from different angles, that this was indeed a mobile phone at the relevant time.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In Queensland, rules about driver distractions are under the <em>Transport Operations (Road Use Management-Road Rules) Regulation 2009</em>, which states that it’s an offence for a person to hold a phone or rest it on any part of their body while the car is moving or stationary but not parked outside of limited circumstances, such as using it to pay in a drive-through or to provide their digital documents to police.</p> <p dir="ltr">These laws specifically refer to mobile phones rather than any kind of electronic device.</p> <p dir="ltr">Queensland Transport Minister Mark Bailey told <em><a href="https://7news.com.au/news/qld/queensland-man-beats-mobile-phone-driving-charge-in-ruling-set-to-have-major-implications-c-8841473" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a></em> that Balic’s ruling was “unusual” and that he would be seeking advice on the matter.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Clearly the driver was still distracted, which is the intent of the legislation,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So I’ll be getting advice on this matter.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If there is any loophole that exists, we’ll be seeking to close it.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-6c31715d-7fff-53a3-a4d7-80f6fb053f9c"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Legal

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English cottage comes with free theme park tickets

<p dir="ltr">A small cottage in the English countryside is up for sale, and it comes with an unusual bonus for its new owner.</p> <p dir="ltr">The two-bedroom home in Staffordshire has been <a href="https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/126610616#/?channel=RES_BUY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">listed</a> for £200,000 ($AU 349,000), and if its new owner moves in they can access free tickets to a local theme park.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the Alton Towers Resort website, residents located within a three-kilometre radius can apply for 20 entries to its theme park or water park.</p> <p dir="ltr">With the charming cottage only a four-minute drive from Alton Towers Resort, the new residents will simply need to prove they live there with a council tax bill.</p> <p dir="ltr">As well as free tickets, the home also boasts a private garden, exposed stone walls that feature throughout, and a cosy interior of wooden cabinetry, timber floors, terracotta tiles and lattice windows.</p> <p dir="ltr">Barn-style doors are also found throughout the two-storey house, with the kitchen, lounge, and outdoor porch on the ground floor and two bedrooms and a shared bathroom on the first floor.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-6f4326d4-7fff-4918-df41-9a4a6e64b690"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Rightmove</em></p>

Real Estate

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Passenger’s “self-entitled” request sparks unusual confrontation

<p dir="ltr">A passenger’s ridiculous request to another passenger has been subject to a flood of outrage online, after she asked the passenger to turn off their in-flight movie. </p> <p dir="ltr">Sharing the flight experience on Reddit, a 22-year-old woman shared the moment she was approached by a fellow traveller on a Delta flight which led to a series of confrontations. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Today was the first time I've ever had a negative encounter during a flight," she wrote in a lengthy post. </p> <p dir="ltr">The woman explained that she was sitting in an aisle seat on a plane when she began watching the newly released action movie <em>Uncharted</em>, which was available on her in-flight entertainment screen. </p> <p dir="ltr">"The flight took off and maybe 10 minutes into it, I got tapped on my shoulder by a woman who is in the aisle behind me and in the aisle seat across from me," she continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I ask her if everything is okay and she tells me to turn my movie off. Confused, I asked her why. She said it was because she had not seen the movie and didn't want to see my screen and see any spoilers."</p> <p dir="ltr">The woman kept her composure at the ridiculous request, telling the passenger she was welcome to watch the film on her own screen. </p> <p dir="ltr">"I responded that I was going to keep watching my movie. She huffed and she started to complain, but I just ignored her."</p> <p dir="ltr">While the woman ignored the rest of the complainer’s issues, the confrontation continued when the plane landed. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Once we landed, she immediately jumped from her seat and grabbed her bags and blocked the aisle for all those behind her," she wrote, adding that they were “seated towards the back of the plane and it took some time before people started moving."</p> <p dir="ltr">"By the time it got to our aisle, I stood up and then began to grab my bag from the overhead bin. At the same time I did this, the lady from earlier tried to start walking and then started yelling at me for cutting her off and I should let her go.</p> <p dir="ltr">"By this time I was tired and ready to get off the plane and said, 'ma'am if you were in such a rush to get off, then you should have picked a seat closer to the front or got an upgraded seat'.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"She rolled her eyes and called me a 'stuck up b****' and kept going on and on about how people are so disrespectful these days."</p> <p dir="ltr">In the comments of the Reddit post, the complaining passenger was widely roasted, with the poster being praised for keeping her composure. </p> <p dir="ltr">One comment read, "The self-entitled lady was the a--hole, not you. But take pleasure in this: you lived rent-free in her head for the entire flight, and probably the rest of that whole day."</p> <p dir="ltr">"You were very polite and classy with your response. Good job at keeping a level head and not escalating," was another response, while someone else wrote, "You should have told her the spoilers of the movie, you know in case she missed them." </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Travel Tips

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8 unusually great uses for Windex

<p>It’s the glass cleaner that’s been taking the world by storm ever since it was introduced in the 1930s. But as it turns out, Windex does much more than keep windows steak-free. Here’s a few other ways you can use it. </p> <p><strong>1. Banish laundry stains </strong></p> <p>Got a tough stain on your shirt? Windex surprisingly makes a great substitute stain-remover (as long as you’re not spraying on delicate fabrics). Spray uncoloured version of Windex on stain and let sit for 15 minutes. Blot with clean cloth, rinse with cold water and wash as recommended.</p> <p><strong>2. Get rid of grease</strong></p> <p>Windex works a treat as a degreaser, helping to soften up the build-up of grease. It’s great for those hard-to-clean places like oven, rangehood, kitchen fans, or even pots and pans. Spray liberally and let stand for 10 minutes, then wipe. Make sure you thoroughly rinse with water to eliminate any residue.</p> <p><strong>3. Clean microfibre upholstery</strong></p> <p>Synthetic microbfibre upholstery can be difficult to clean – even plain, old water can leave spots! To clean upholstery lightly spritz Windex and gently brush with soft-bristled brush, working in the same direction.</p> <p><strong>4. Polish up jewellery</strong></p> <p>Get your jewellery sparkling with a little Windex. Spay, scrub lightly with an old toothbrush. And rinse with cold water. Make sure you don’t use Windex on items that should not be cleaned with alcohol or ammonia as Windex contains both.</p> <p><strong>5. Freshen outdoor furniture</strong></p> <p>Windex cleans all types of outdoor patio furniture, including aluminium, resin, plastic and glass (of course).</p> <p><strong>6. Zap pesky insect</strong></p> <p>The window cleaner works as both an insect repellent and killer as most insects dislike the scent of ammonia. Keep some handy in summer to keep bugs at bay.</p> <p><strong>7. Wash your car</strong></p> <p>As it’s non-greasy, Windex is good choice for cleaning the insides of your car from the windows, dashboards, steering wheel and upholstery.</p> <p><strong>8. Keep counters spotless</strong></p> <p>The solvent is great to clean countertop surfaces – including granite, marble, and laminate surfaces – and best of all, it won’t erode or damage grout.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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The world’s loneliest home sells after owner’s unusual request met

<p dir="ltr">After sitting on the market for a year, the former owner of the world’s loneliest home has revealed what it took for him to hand over the keys.</p> <p dir="ltr">After landing on the market in June last year, a 50-square-metre home on an island in Maine, US, has been sold for $US 340,000 ($AU 513,000).</p> <p dir="ltr">Billy Milliken, who also works as a real estate agent, told the <em><a href="https://nypost.com/2022/07/05/to-buy-the-loneliest-home-in-the-world-youll-need-to-try-it-first/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New York Post</a></em> that he would sell the tiny property to a buyer willing to stay the night.</p> <p dir="ltr">Duck Ledges Island is home to a single two-bedroom cottage that lacks heating or running water, meaning you’d have to rely on your ability to fish and trips to the windy outhouse to get by.</p> <p dir="ltr">The wooden home, built in 2009, has unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean and sits just a few metres from the water’s edge.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Milliken admitted that the home was inappropriate to visit during rough weather, saying it was no “place for man or beast”.</p> <p dir="ltr">His family and friends have also opted to make day trips to the island, rather than endure staying the night.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In our lives, we’re busy, and there’s so many distractions, but when you’re out on that island, you really feel small,” Mr Milliken told the <em>Post.</em> </p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s very healthy to be there alone where you can really listen to yourself. You’re a guest of nature when you’re there.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“The longer I own the island. I understand even more that it is a special place.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/me/addison/0-wohoa-bay-island/pid_42070630/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The listing</a> highlights the natural views, thanks to a lack of neighbours and trees, as well as the “constant entertainment” provided by seals on the ledges surrounding the island.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There is no better place to spend the weekend in the world!” it says.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-c8e61c3d-7fff-32df-288c-87537f9250f8"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Dean Tyler Photography (Zillow)</em></p>

Real Estate

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Stay the night in King Charles’ most unusual home

<p dir="ltr">Among the 450 people who live in the village of Viscri, Transylvania, one occasional resident is Prince Charles (now the newly crowned King Charles III).</p> <p dir="ltr">In this central Romanian region, you’ll find a cottage belonging to the future King of England, who has a property portfolio spanning London’s Clarence House and Highgrove House in Gloucestershire to a farmhouse in Wales and Dolphin House in the Isles of Sicily.</p> <p dir="ltr">Known as the Prince of Wales’ Guesthouse, the relatively humble abode can be booked by the public, except on the few days a year he stays there himself.</p> <p dir="ltr">Charles purchased the home in 2006, as an extension of his interest in supporting Romanian tourism and traditional practices.</p> <p dir="ltr">One room, dubbed Aunt Ida’s Room, includes a “traditional Transylvanian drawer bed” according to <a href="https://zalan.transylvaniancastle.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the property’s website</a>, while another, called the Prince’s Room, comes with baroque furniture and textiles, along with a double bed and bathtub.</p> <p dir="ltr">The property includes an additional five bedrooms that vary in size, with all rooms equipped with wardrobes, toiletries, safes, books, umbrellas, and heating through central heating and/or wood-burning ceramic stoves.</p> <p dir="ltr">A night’s stay, including dinner and a drink on arrival, tours, transport, activities and breakfast on the day you depart, will set you back between €157 and €167 ($AUD 231-245), with all proceeds going to the Prince of Wales Foundation in Romania.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The Prince of Wales hopes that his guesthouse will encourage more people to visit Transylvania and in this way promote sustainable development,” the website reads.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We strive to offer affordable, yet financially sustainable holidays in this authentic Transylvanian environment.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The royal has been a frequent visitor to Romania for the past 20 years and set up his foundation in the country to support the preservation of traditional farming and highlight the importance of historic buildings.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-f721434b-7fff-75b5-1021-fdb87c770a01"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty Images / The Prince of Wales’s Guesthouses in Transylvania (Facebook)</em></p>

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