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Woman baffled by mother-in-law’s insane ask over baby name

A woman has gone head-to-head with her mother-in-law over the name she has chosen for her unborn child. The pregnant woman took to Reddit to share her unusual predicament, explaining how her mother-in-law has demanded she change the name of her baby. The soon-to-be mum shared how she recently had dinner with her husband’s family, where she decided to reveal the baby’s gender and name. She had been keeping the information secret, but with only a few weeks of her pregnancy left, she decided to share the happy news that she was having a baby boy and had chosen the name Shawn for her son. But not everyone shared her happiness over the moniker, as her mother-in-law went pale with shock and demanded she choose a new name. “My in-laws got quiet for a moment before asking if there were other options we'd considered. Apparently, Shawn is the name of my 17-year-old sister-in-law Ashley's former bully who tormented her [for years],” the pregnant woman explained on Reddit. While she empathised with her in-laws, she didn’t want to change the name as it was the only one her and her husband agreed on for their son. She also explained that she hadn’t known about the family connection when they picked the name, and hadn’t picked it out of any malicious intent. “We took forever to pick a name,” she said. “Shawn is the only one we could agree on.” The dinner party soon ended after the argument began, but the mother-in-law didn’t back down, sending the expecting mum demanding messages. “She texted me and my husband again to ask us to find a new name for Ashley's sake.” “Would I be the a**hole for not wanting to change it? We were only able to agree on it a few weeks ago.” Commenters were torn over the subject, with many rushing to the pregnant woman’s defence, saying she can pick whatever name she wants for her son. “My spouse and sibling have the same name. Somehow, you just compartmentalise it,” one shared. “I feel like if a new baby in my family shared a name with my bully I'd just adapt,” another wrote. “After all, Shawn is a VERY common name, so I can't freak out every time I hear it and survive in this world.” However, a select few sided with the mother-in-law, sharing how stunned they were that the couple couldn't find enough compassion to pick another name. One person said, “I understand the difficulty of finding a name that feels right, but for me, after learning this, Shawn would quickly become another name that didn't work. It's only been decided on it for a few weeks so I'd just go back to the drawing board.” Image credits: Shutterstock

Family & Pets

Why do airlines charge so much for checked bags? This obscure rule helps explain why

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jay-l-zagorsky-152952">Jay L. Zagorsky</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/boston-university-898">Boston University</a> Five out of the six <a href="https://www.oag.com/blog/biggest-airlines-in-the-us">biggest U.S. airlines</a> have <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/05/delta-is-the-latest-airline-to-raise-its-checked-bag-fee.html">raised their checked bag fees</a> since January 2024. Take American Airlines. In 2023, it cost US$30 to check a standard bag in with the airline; <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2024/02/20/american-airlines-bag-fees-mileage-earning/72669245007/">today, as of March 2024, it costs $40</a> at a U.S. airport – a whopping 33% increase. As a <a href="https://www.bu.edu/questrom/">business school</a> <a href="https://www.bu.edu/questrom/profile/jay-zagorsky/">professor who studies travel</a>, I’m often asked why airlines alienate their customers with baggage fees instead of bundling all charges together. <a href="https://www.vox.com/2015/4/16/8431465/airlines-carry-on-bags">There are</a> <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/columnist/2023/06/21/bag-fees-will-stay-a-while-cruising-altitude/70338849007/">many reasons</a>, but an important, often overlooked cause is buried in the U.S. tax code. <h2>A tax-law loophole</h2> Airlines pay the federal government <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-26/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-49/subpart-D">7.5% of the ticket price</a> when <a href="https://www.pwc.com/us/en/services/tax/library/aircraft-club-nov-2023-air-transport-excise-tax-rates-for-2024.html">flying people domestically, alongside other fees</a>. The airlines dislike these charges, with their <a href="https://www.airlines.org/dataset/government-imposed-taxes-on-air-transportation/">trade association arguing</a> that they boost the cost to the consumer of a typical air ticket by around one-fifth. However, the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-26/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-49/subpart-D/section-49.4261-8">specifically excludes baggage</a> from the 7.5% transportation tax as long as “the charge is separable from the payment for the transportation of a person and is shown in the exact amount.” This means if an airline charges a combined $300 to fly you and a bag round-trip within the U.S., it owes $22.50 in tax. If the airline charges $220 to fly you plus separately charges $40 each way for the bag, then your total cost is the same — but the airline only owes the government $16.50 in taxes. Splitting out baggage charges saves the airline $6. Now $6 might not seem like much, but it can add up. Last year, passengers took <a href="https://www.transtats.bts.gov/Data_Elements.aspx?Data=1">more than 800 million trips on major airlines</a>. Even if only a fraction of them check their bags, that means large savings for the industry. How large? The government has <a href="https://www.bts.dot.gov/topics/airlines-and-airports/baggage-fees-airline-2023">tracked revenue from bag fees</a> for decades. In 2002, airlines charged passengers a total of $180 million to check bags, which worked out to around 33 cents per passenger. Today, as any flyer can attest, bag fees are a lot higher. Airlines collected over 40 times more money in bag fees last year than they did in 2002. When the full data is in for 2023, <a href="https://www.bts.dot.gov/baggage-fees">total bag fees</a> will likely top $7 billion, which is about $9 for the average domestic passenger. <a href="https://viewfromthewing.com/the-real-reason-airlines-charge-checked-bag-fees-and-its-not-what-you-think">By splitting out the cost of bags</a>, airlines avoided paying about half a billion dollars in taxes just last year. In the two decades since 2002, flyers paid a total of about $70 billion in bag fees. This means separately charging for bags saved airlines about $5 billion in taxes. <iframe id="88MYD" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/88MYD/2/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe> It seems clear to me that tax savings are one driver of the unbundling of baggage fees because of a quirk in the law. The U.S. government doesn’t apply the 7.5% tax to <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-26/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-49/subpart-D/section-49.4261-3">international flights that go more than 225 miles</a> beyond the nation’s borders. Instead, there are fixed <a href="https://www.airlines.org/dataset/government-imposed-taxes-on-air-transportation">international departure and arrival taxes</a>. This is why major airlines charge $35 to $40 <a href="https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/baggage/checked-baggage-policy.jsp">for bags if you’re flying domestically</a>, but don’t charge a bag fee when you’re flying to Europe or Asia. <h2>Do travelers get anything for that money?</h2> This system raises an interesting question: Do baggage fees force airlines to be more careful with bags, since customers who pay more expect better service? To find out, I checked with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, which has been <a href="https://www.bts.gov/content/mishandled-baggage-reports-filed-passengers-largest-us-air-carriersa">tracking lost luggage for decades</a>. For many years, it calculated the number of mishandled-baggage reports per thousand airline passengers. The government’s data showed mishandled bags peaked in 2007 with about seven reports of lost or damaged luggage for every thousand passengers. That means you could expect your luggage to go on a different trip than the one you are taking about once every 140 or so flights. By 2018, that estimate had fallen to once every 350 flights. In 2019, the government <a href="https://www.bts.gov/topics/airlines-and-airports/number-30a-technical-directive-mishandled-baggage-amended-effective-jan">changed how it tracks</a> mishandled bags, calculating figures based on the total number of bags checked, rather than the total number of passengers. The new data show about six bags per thousand checked get lost or damaged, which is less than 1% of checked bags. Unfortunately, the data doesn’t show improvement since 2019. Is there anything that you can do about higher bag fees? Complaining to politicians probably won’t help. In 2010, two senators <a href="https://www.nj.com/business/2010/04/us_senators_present_bill_to_ba.html">tried to ban bag fees</a>, and their bill went nowhere. Given that congressional action failed, there’s a simple way to avoid higher bag fees: <a href="https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/packing-expert-travel-world-handbag/index.html">travel light</a> and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/08/opinion/carry-on-packing-airlines-lost-luggage.html">don’t check any luggage</a>. It may sound tough not to have all your belongings when traveling, but it might be the best option as bag fees take off.<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/225857/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jay-l-zagorsky-152952">Jay L. Zagorsky</a>, Associate Professor of Markets, Public Policy and Law, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/boston-university-898">Boston University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-do-airlines-charge-so-much-for-checked-bags-this-obscure-rule-helps-explain-why-225857">original article</a>.

Travel Trouble

Why we need to stop being so judgemental – and the 4 steps to do it

As a society, we've become increasingly judgmental. We tend to judge not only others but ourselves as well. From a person's physical appearance to their actions, we criticise and judge everything. Everyone is too fat, too thin, too old, or too young, creating an environment where nothing seems to be good enough. This constant pattern of judgment is now harming our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. When we judge, we compare ourselves to others, leaving us emotionally vulnerable. Through this judgement, we seek to establish a sense of security and control over our lives and surroundings, often without even realising it. However, by increasing our emotional resilience and sense of control, we become consciously aware of this behaviour and can take steps to change it. So, is it possible to become less judgemental? As an educator and researcher, I developed an Emotional Resilience language (ER). It introduces simple changes that can reduce judgment, foster empathy, compassion, and personal responsibility, and bolster emotional intelligence and resilience when integrated into everyday life. Using a driving metaphor, ER simplifies the intricate world of emotions, providing an innovative way to integrate emotional vocabulary into daily life. It enhances understanding and establishes new neural pathways and healthier thought patterns. The following outlines the initial steps of ER, which can effectively manage judgement towards yourself and others. Though the changes may appear simplistic, they are instrumental in establishing lasting transformation. 1. Removing judgement towards how you or others may feel: Instead of labelling emotions as good or bad, view them as rough or smooth emotional roads. Just as roads serve different purposes, so do emotions. Rough emotions build resilience, while smooth emotions promote well-being, removing the need to lift everyone off a rough road. This makes it easier to recognise and accept emotions without feeling like a failure when things aren't going smoothly. You don’t know why someone is on a rough road, so resist the temptation to judge them. 2: The metaphorical steering wheel in ER represents emotional control and the power of choice in navigating life's challenges. As in a car, you should be the only one controlling your emotional steering wheel. Rather than judging yourself and others, this logical approach empowers you to regain control over your focus, emotions, and destination. Just because someone else is on a rough road doesn’t mean you must join them, fostering resilience and responsibility. 3. Shifting judgement and blame to responsibility involves removing phrases such as "You are making me angry, " which inadvertently hands your emotional steering wheel to others. Replace it with, "I am choosing to feel angry in response to this situation." This subtle alteration, substituting "making" with "choosing," helps reclaim ownership of your steering wheel rather than relinquishing control to external factors. Assigning blame—"It's your fault, it's the government's fault, it's my partner’s fault"— leaves you feeling like a victim, and you then resort to judgement and retaliation to regain control. 4. The importance of taking control: Understanding that judgement cannot be contained nor emotional resilience built when you are out of control on either road is crucial. Out-of-control scenarios activate the amygdala, the brain's fight, flight or freeze mode, disabling the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for thinking and creativity. It is only possible to discuss a situation once the involved parties have regained control and can access the thinking part of their brain. Therefore, regaining control is essential for reducing judgement, as then you can have productive discussions that help maintain emotional well-being. This includes your conversations with yourself, which can often be the harshest! ER helps reduce judgement by developing your emotional resilience. Awareness of the emotional state of yourself and others fosters emotional intelligence, while learning to regain control builds resilience. Recognising that navigating rough emotions is crucial for growth alleviates the pressure from always needing to be on a smooth road and judging yourself and others if they aren’t. It shifts focus from dwelling on challenges and comparing yourself to others to being able to understand and manage your responses. Incorporating language changes into daily life builds new neural pathways, creating new thought patterns that reduce judgment and blame. By avoiding the tendency to judge yourself or others, you take back control of your reactions to people and circumstances. This leads to better mental and emotional well-being and fosters positive relationships with yourself and others. Does this mean you will never judge again? Of course not. You’re human. It’s what you do with the judgment that can make all the difference. Dr Jane Foster is a leading educator, researcher, presenter and author of It’s In Your Hands; Your Steering Wheel, Your Choice. Combining her educational skills with neuroscience and positive psychology, Jane equips people with strategies to help build emotional resilience and manage their daily stresses, successfully changing perspective and creating new neural pathways. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.emotionalresiliencetraining.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.emotionalresiliencetraining.com.au</a> Image: Getty

Mind

“My sister-in-law announced she was pregnant at my child’s funeral”

A woman has asked for advice on how to navigate her relationship with her sister-in-law, after the woman overheard an inappropriate conversation at her child’s funeral. The grieving mother, a 28-year-old named Melissa, took to Reddit to share the heartbreaking story of how her toddler passed away after a battle with cancer. Melissa described the time as the “hardest in my life”, explaining how she felt she lost “a part of herself” after the funeral. While Melissa expected her toddlers’ memorial service to be difficult, she never predicted a family member would make it even harder. The mother said that when she heard her sister-in-law telling people about her pregnancy, she thought the move was just cruel. “She didn't make a big announcement but more than ten people at the service 'heard' and it's what everyone was talking about. To understate it, I was livid,” Melissa wrote on Reddit. Melissa’s post then asked social media users for advice, as she was unsure how much of a relationship she wanted to have with her sister-in-law after the stunt. The 28-year-old shared that she had fallen pregnant herself, and was facing pressure to have a party in celebration, but she didn’t want her whole family in attendance. “I've been working on who I want to invite, and I really don't want my SIL there,” she said. “Besides what she did, she's a vindictive and mean person and I cannot stand her.” “I mentioned it to my husband and he says he couldn't care less whether she's there or not. But for the sake of saving face, I want opinions before I do this.” She asked the online forum if she would be “an a**hole” for not inviting her, addin that she would still be inviting her husband's other sister and husband's brother's wife. “The original SIL will be the only one not invited,” she clarified. The post was flooded with comments as many backed up Melissa, slamming the sister-in-law for her selfish behaviour. “I wouldn't want someone like that around me. Announcing a pregnancy at a child's funeral is insane,” one said. “Cut her off and ignore everyone close to her. You are right to have nothing to do with her. She's totally classless.” However, others encouraged her to have an adult conversation with her sister-in-law in an attempt to mend their relationship. “Please let it go,” one person began. “This happened on a terrible day during a bad time for you. It's possible that could be clouding how you're looking at this, she may not have been malicious at all.” Image credits: Shutterstock

Family & Pets

Could you cope with a shock to your bank balance? 5 ways to check you are financially resilient

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/bomikazi-zeka-680577">Bomikazi Zeka</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-canberra-865">University of Canberra</a> Imagine the dentist has just said you urgently need a A$2,000 dental crown. A week later, a pipe in your bathroom bursts, causing $8,000 worth of damage. Suddenly, you’ve been hit with a $10,000 financial shock. As the cost-of-living crisis plunges more households into financial uncertainty and at least <a href="https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/data/taking-the-pulse-of-the-nation-2022/2023/australians-face-challenging-budgetary-constraints#:%7E:text=Over%20the%20past%20six%20months,has%20increased%20to%2060%20percent.">one-third</a> of Australians struggle to make ends meet, it’s more important than ever to ask yourself: how financially resilient am I? Being financially resilient means you aren’t left financially devastated when an expensive emergency creeps up on you. Here are five key signs of financial resilience. <h2>1. You have a plan for what you’d do if you suddenly lost your salary</h2> Financial resilience means having a plan to fall back on during tough times. This extends to how you’d make money if you lost your job. In practice, that means things like making sure your skills and contacts are kept up to date so you can more easily find a new job. You might also consider whether a “side hustle” job such as tutoring could work for you in the short term, and how you’d put that plan into practice if needed. Perhaps you have a spare room in your home you could rent out for a period of time if you lost your salary. Those examples won’t work for everyone, of course, but it’s still worth asking yourself the question: what would I do if I lost my salary tomorrow? <h2>2. You have enough liquid assets to meet an unexpected financial expense</h2> Liquid assets means money that can be accessed quickly and easily to overcome an unplanned financial expense. Savings are a good example. They provide a buffer so you can cope in the short term if a financial shock strikes. The federal government’s Moneysmart website suggests you aim to have enough in your emergency savings fund to cover <a href="https://moneysmart.gov.au/saving/save-for-an-emergency-fund">three months of expenses</a>. Having an <a href="https://moneysmart.gov.au/glossary/offset-account">offset account</a> as part of a mortgage is another option that provides a buffer. Putting money in an offset account helps you save while reducing the amount of interest on a home loan. You can still access the money in an offset account at any time. <h2>3. You have bought the right financial products, such as insurance</h2> Financial products, such as insurance, hedge against potential losses. Personal insurance is important because it provides income in the event of death, illness or injury. Examples include: <ul> <li> life insurance (which pays out to your beneficiaries, such as your partner or children, when you die) </li> <li> total and permanent disability insurance (which means you may get some money if you acquire a disability that prevents you from working) </li> <li> income protection (which provides you with an income if you can no longer work) </li> <li> trauma cover (which covers a life-changing illness or injury, such as cancer or a stroke). </li> </ul> Check if your superannuation has any of these insurances included in it. <a href="https://www.griffith.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0030/295770/FPRJ-V4-ISS1-pp-53-75-insurance-literacy-in-australia.pdf">Research</a> has found that many Australians are underinsured. <h2>4. You can still pay your debts when times are tough</h2> Being able to borrow money can help when you’re in a tight spot. But knowing where to borrow from, how much to borrow and how to manage debt repayments is crucial. Financially resilient people use debt responsibly. That means: <ul> <li> not using debt for frivolous expenses like after-work drinks </li> <li> staying away from private money lenders </li> <li> being cautious about buy-now-pay-later services </li> <li> watching out for debts with high interest rates, such as payday loans and credit card debt </li> <li> maintaining debt repayments consistently. </li> </ul> If you’re having debt problems, talk to your lender about renegotiating your repayment arrangements, or contact the <a href="https://ndh.org.au/">National Debt Helpline</a> on 1800 007 007. <h2>5. You are financially literate</h2> Being financially literate means you can assess the benefits and risks of using savings or taking out debt to meet an unplanned financial need. As I have <a href="https://theconversation.com/are-you-financially-literate-here-are-7-signs-youre-on-the-right-track-202331">written</a> before on The Conversation, key signs of financial literacy include tracking your cashflow, building a budget, as well as understanding what debts you have and which to pay first. It also means storing your money across different places (such as superannuation, savings accounts, property and the share market) and understanding how financial assets like cash, shares and bonds work. Being aware of your financial strengths and weaknesses, and having financial goals is also important. Nobody is born knowing how to make sound financial decisions; it’s a skill that must be learned. It’s good to think about the resources you would draw upon to help get yourself out of a difficult financial situation – well before disaster strikes.<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/218126/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/bomikazi-zeka-680577">Bomikazi Zeka</a>, Assistant Professor in Finance and Financial Planning, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-canberra-865">University of Canberra</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/could-you-cope-with-a-shock-to-your-bank-balance-5-ways-to-check-you-are-financially-resilient-218126">original article</a>.

Money & Banking

The sky’s the limit: A brief history of in-flight entertainment

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/olusola-adewumi-john-1490381">Olusola Adewumi John</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-regina-3498">University of Regina</a> As the winter holidays draw near, many of us are already booking flights to see friends and family or vacation in warmer climates. Nowadays, air travel is synonymous with some form of in-flight entertainment, encompassing everything from the reception offered by the aircrew to the food choices and digital content. These services all add value to flying for customers. Passengers are now so familiar with in-flight entertainment that to travel without it is unthinkable. <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/10/19/2762903/0/en/In-Flight-Entertainment-Connectivity-Market-to-Worth-21-03-Bn-by-2030-Exhibiting-With-a-15-9-CAGR.html">The in-flight entertainment and connectivity market grew to US$5.9 billion as of 2019</a>, a testament to its economic impact on both the airlines and the GDP of countries with airline carriers. In-flight entertainment is so ubiquitous that, even if all other airline services were offered, <a href="https://travel.stackexchange.com/questions/19427/will-airlines-compensate-me-if-my-entertainment-system-is-not-working">the airline ensures a refund is made to the passenger affected</a> if television content cannot be accessed. <h2>A brief history</h2> In-flight entertainment has evolved significantly over the years. Before in-flight entertainment media was introduced, passengers entertained themselves by reading books or with food and drink services. The original aim of bringing in-flight entertainment into cabins was to attract more customers, drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, including the theatrical and domestic media environments. It was not initially for the comfort and ease of travelling, as it is today. <a href="https://www.academia.edu/5023683/A_History_of_INFLIGHT_ENTERTAINMENT">Inflight entertainment began as an experiment</a> in 1921, when 11 Aeromarine Airways passengers were shown the film Howdy Chicago! on a screen hung in the cabin during the flight. Four years later, another experiment was carried out in 1925 when 12 passengers on board an Imperial Airlines flight from London were shown the film The Lost World. <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/when-did-inflight-movies-become-standard-on-airlines-180955566/">It wasn’t until the 1960s</a> that in-flight movies became mainstream for airlines. Trans World Airlines became the first carrier to regularly offer feature films during flights, using a unique film system developed by <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1962/06/02/inflight">David Flexer, then-president of Inflight Motion Pictures</a>. Starting in 1964, in-flight entertainment evolved to include various media types like 16-mm film, closed-circuit television, live television broadcasts and magnetic tape. In the 1970s, for example, airplanes might feature a large screen with a 16-mm projector in one part of the plane, while small screens hung overhead in another section. <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/reviews-and-advice/when-did-airlines-install-seatback-entertainment-20190711-h1g51b.html">Seatback screens were introduced in 1988</a> when Airvision installed 6.9-centimetre screens on the backs of airline seats for Northwest Airlines. They have since morphed into the larger screens we are familiar with today, which are found on nearly every airline. <h2>In-flight entertainment today</h2> Most airlines nowadays have personal televisions for every passenger on long-haul flights. On-demand streaming and internet access are also now the norm. Despite initial concerns about speed and cost, in-flight services are becoming faster and more affordable. In-flight entertainment now includes movies, music, radio talk shows, TV talk shows, documentaries, magazines, stand-up comedy, culinary shows, sports shows and kids’ shows. However, the rise of personal devices, like tablets and smartphones, <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/comment/the-weird-and-wonderful-history-of-in-flight-entertainment/">could spell the end for seatback screens</a>. A number of U.S. airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines and Alaska Air, have <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-10-09/airline-seatback-screens-may-soon-become-an-endangered-species">removed seatback screens from their domestic planes</a>. This decline is par for the course. To arrive at the complex system used by aircraft today, in-flight entertainment went through a number of different stages, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-0641-1_10">as identified by aviation scholar D.A. Reed</a>. It started with an idea phase, which saw the conception of the idea, followed by an arms race phase where most airlines adopted some form of it. Currently, airlines are facing challenges in the final — and current — phase of evolution, and are dealing with failures linked to business concept flaws or low revenue. Now that most air travellers carry electronic devices, fewer airlines are installing seatback screens. From an economic standpoint, this makes sense for airlines: removing seatback screens <a href="https://mobile.nytimes.com/2018/01/01/business/airlines-travel-entertainment.html">improves fuel costs</a> and allows airlines to <a href="https://www.flightglobal.com/systems-and-interiors/united-ups-757-density-with-new-slimline-seats/126574.article">install slimmer seats</a>, allowing for more passengers. <h2>More than entertainment</h2> At some point in the evolution of in-flight entertainment, it started to serve as more than just a form of entertainment or comfort. Now, it’s also a competitive tool for airline advertisements, and a form of cultural production. In-flight entertainment has become an economic platform for investors, business people, manufacturers and entertainment providers, especially Hollywood. It also plays a key role in promoting the national culture of destination countries. However, the evolution of in-flight entertainment hasn’t been without its challenges. As a form of cultural production, it often reflects the interests of advertisers, governments and business entities. It also follows that <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-0641-1_10">certain ideas, products and cultures are sold to passengers</a> via in-flight entertainment. The lucrative practice of capturing and selling passengers’ attention to advertisers was not limited to screens, either. In-flight magazines have always been packed with advertisements, and by the late 1980s, these advertisements had spread to napkins and the audio channels. Despite its shortcomings and precarious future, in-flight entertainment still offers passengers a sense of comfort, alleviating concerns about being suspended over 30,000 feet above sea level. If you end up flying during the holidays, remember your comfort is partly thanks to this innovation.<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/218996/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/olusola-adewumi-john-1490381">Olusola Adewumi John</a>, Visiting Researcher, Centre for Socially Engaged Theatre, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-regina-3498">University of Regina</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-skys-the-limit-a-brief-history-of-in-flight-entertainment-218996">original article</a>.

Travel Tips

Update on Hamish and Zoe Foster Blake's terrifying break-in

Hamish and Zoe Foster Blake have revealed details of the terrifying break-in at their rental home in Woollahra, while the couple and their two children, Rudy and Sonny, slept. The thief, identified as Daniel Booth, broke into the couple's four-bedroom home in December 2021 and stole the keys to their Land Rover and Zoe's bag which contained the keys to her Tesla, $1000 in cash, and her designer wallet. Booth was arrested hours later, with the help of a tracking device installed in the stolen Land Rover, and faced Sydney Downing Centre District Court on Tuesday. He pleaded guilty to a raft of charges related to a crime spree which occurred at the time, including a few other stolen vehicles and bags. Booth also admitted to groping a female Corrective Services officer while in custody before telling her: "Sorry miss." In 2018, Booth was serving a jail sentence for robbery with a serious weapon, and was released on parole in late 2021 before committing his Sydney-wide crime spree only weeks later, before getting arrested again after stealing from the Blakes. Crown prosecutor Maeve Curry revealed that the thief has been complaining of "paranoia and delusional thoughts" over the past 18 months, so the sentencing judge would have to balance "the community's interest in protection and also in punishment being imposed' against the difficulty of 'his personal circumstances'." Judge Donna Woodburne will sentence Booth in February 2024. He will remain behind bars until he returns to court. Image: Getty

Legal

"They checked the lungs": Jackie O rushed to hospital mid-show

Radio star Jackie O Henderson, known for her vibrant presence on the airwaves, has faced a serious health scare that led to her being rushed to Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital in the middle of the Kyle and Jackie O show. The 48-year-old opened up about the incident, revealing details of the tests and emotions she experienced during this unexpected hospital visit. Jackie O's health ordeal unfolded during a live segment on her KIIS FM radio show, where she left the show abruptly, citing symptoms akin to a heart attack, including tingling down her arm – a classic indicator of cardiac distress. Upon arriving at the hospital, Jackie O underwent a battery of urgent tests, ranging from an ECG to a CAT scan. Speaking to her concerned listeners the next morning, she highlighted the professionalism and dedication of the hospital staff, emphasising the seriousness with which they approached her situation. “I just got a bunch of tests done all day and they have to go all out on everything so I had to get an ECG done," she explained. “Then they checked the lungs because those are the two things that cause chest pains. They take it super seriously, and they were incredible at the hospital.” Despite the initial concerns, Jackie O shared the relief of being given the all-clear by the hospital. Surprisingly, her symptoms were attributed to an infection rather than cardiac issues. Even in the midst of health concerns, Jackie O found moments of levity during her hospital stay. She humorously recounted an encounter with a man who, even in a post-anaesthesia haze, was able to recognise her. “He looks at me and he locks eyes with me and gives me this puzzled look of recognition," she recounted. "I’m laughing so much because I’ve never seen someone bewildered so much in my life.” Henderson said the man then looked at another man resting on the other side of her before he “turned to me and said, ‘Is that Kyle?’” Jackie O had recently undergone surgery to remove a uterine polyp, a procedure she <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/body/john-laws-hangs-up-in-disgust-on-kyle-and-jackie-o" target="_blank" rel="noopener">infamously shared with her audience</a>. The lack of sleep post-surgery, combined with the impact of melatonin tablets and energy drinks, likely contributed to her overall fatigue and health episode.

Caring

5 important things to check off your list before your next cruise

The tickets are booked! Here’s what you need to do before you set sail. 1. Visit your doctor Hope for the best and plan for the worst – it’s a good motto to travel by. Visit your doctor to see if you need any vaccinations or medications for exotic locations, and make sure you’re stocked up on all your regular medications. It is a good idea to bring some extras as well as some basic first aid meds (think pain killers and anti nausea tablets) as these can be expensive or hard to come by. 2. Research your ports You only have a short time in each port, so you’ll want to make the most of it. Do some research before you leave and decide what you want to see, how long it will (realistically take) and think about whether you want to take an organised tour. We’re not saying you have to plan a rigid schedule and stick to it, but a rough plan of how you want to spend your day will save time and stress. 3. Check the weather It’s amazing how quickly the weather can change or an unexpected storm can spring up. Keep an eye on the weather for the days before your cruise so you can pack accordingly. That might mean adding in a few extra jumpers or doubling up on the sunscreen. You will have limited opportunities to buy these things onboard and they can be really expensive. You also don’t want to waste a day in port running around looking for something to wear. 4. Talk to your travel buddy How do you imagine you’ll be spending your days? Flopped by the pool or out exploring your next port? Hitting the dancefloor til the wee hours or getting an early night so you can be up for sunrise yoga? These are good conversations to have with your travel partner before you set sail. There’s no right or wrong answer, but many travel arguments have started because people have different ideas of the perfect holiday. 5. Organise your insurance You really should do this when you book your tickets as you’ll be covered from then right up until your cruise at no extra cost. But if you’re left it to the last minute, never fear! Jump online and get yourself insured. Many companies offer policies specific to cruising, so everything you need will be covered. And don’t think that you can skip it if you’re only cruising in Australian waters – Medicare won’t cover you onboard. Image credits: Getty Images

Cruising

Should I be getting my vitamin D levels checked?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/elina-hypponen-108811">Elina Hypponen</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> Australia has seen a <a href="https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2023/29/gps-urged-not-to-routinely-test-children-for-vitamin-d/">surge in vitamin D testing</a> of children, with similar trends reported for adults around the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29659534/">world</a>. GPs are now <a href="https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2023/29/gps-urged-not-to-routinely-test-children-for-vitamin-d/">being urged</a> not to test for vitamin D unnecessarily. So when is low vitamin D a potential concern? And when might you need to get your levels tested? <h2>How much vitamin D do we need?</h2> Vitamin D is not only a nutrient – when metabolised in the body it acts as a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29080638/">hormone</a>. We have receptors for this hormone all around our body and it helps regulate the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D also has many other roles, including helping our immune defences and contributing to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11295155/">DNA repair</a> and cell differentiation. We can thank the sun for most of our vitamin D. A chemical in our skin called 7-dehydrocholesterol is converted to vitamin D after contact with UVB radiation from the sun. While we get some vitamin D also <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35253289/">through our diet</a>, this makes a relatively small contribution. It’s difficult to get much more than one-third of our daily vitamin D requirement from diet without supplementation. Nutritional vitamin D status is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcifediol">typically measured</a> via a blood test. This checks the calcidiol (calcifediol, 25-hydroxyvitamin D) concentrations, which reflect the average intakes from the sun and diet over the past three to four weeks. The <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22708765/">current recommendation</a> is that we should all aim to have at least 50nmol/L (20ng/mL) at the end of winter. However, one problem with vitamin D tests is that there is <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37182753/">variation</a> in measured concentrations between the laboratories and between the assays, and whether you’re deemed to have a deficiency can depend on the testing method used. Doctors do not always agree with what is deficiency. While very low concentrations are likely to prompt doctors to recommend a supplement (and, potentially, follow-up testing), some may consider even relatively high concentrations as inadequate. This is all understandable as research in this space is still evolving, and we know low concentrations do not always cause any symptoms. <h2>Why avoid vitamin D deficiency?</h2> Prolonged, severe vitamin D deficiency will lead to softening of bone tissue and cause diseases such as rickets (children) and osteomalacia (adults). However, avoiding low concentrations is likely to be good for <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37483080/">many aspects of health</a>, with consistent evidence suggesting benefits for <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/356/bmj.i6583">infectious diseases</a> and autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Randomised trials have also provided evidence for lower <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35676320/">cancer</a> and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24414552/">all cause mortality</a> by daily supplementation, although any benefit is likely to be restricted to those who otherwise have insufficient intakes. <h2>Who is at risk of deficiency?</h2> Most of us do not need tests to have a relatively good idea whether we might be at risk of a clinically important deficiency. If it’s not late winter, we spend regularly at least some time outside with skin exposed to the sun, and we do not belong to a specific high-risk group, it is unlikely that our <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22168576/">levels would be very low</a>. The two main reasons for vitamin D deficiency typically relate to: 1. not getting (enough) vitamin D through sun exposure. Deficiency risk <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vitamin-d-deficiency">can be high</a> for anyone who is housebound, such as older or disabled people in residential care. The risk of deficiency increases if we always cover our skin carefully by <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19211395/">modest cultural dress,</a> and also <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6119494/">dark skin pigmentation</a> is known to reduce vitamin D synthesis. 2. having a chronic disease that alters your requirement. Medications such as anticonvulsants used to treat epilepsy, and conditions such as <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15050-vitamin-d-vitamin-d-deficiency">liver and kidney diseases</a> can interfere with vitamin D metabolism. Some <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15050-vitamin-d-vitamin-d-deficiency">digestive diseases</a> can reduce vitamin D absorption from your diet, while <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30020507">obesity</a> will increase your vitamin D requirement and make it more difficult to raise your blood levels. <h2>Am I getting enough sun exposure?</h2> In Australia, it is possible to get enough vitamin D from the sun <a href="https://healthybonesaustralia.org.au/your-bone-health/vitamin-d-bone-health">throughout the year</a>. This isn’t so for many people living in the northern hemisphere. For those who live in the top half of Australia – and for all of us during summer – we <a href="https://healthybonesaustralia.org.au/your-bone-health/vitamin-d-bone-health">only need</a> to have skin exposed to the sun a few minutes on most days. The body can only produce a certain amount of vitamin D at the time, so staying in the sun any longer than needed is not going to help increase your vitamin D levels, while it will increase your risk of skin cancer. During winter, catching enough sun can be difficult, especially if you spend your days confined indoors. Typically, the required exposure increases to two to three hours per week in winter. This is because sunlight exposure can only help produce vitamin D if the UVB rays reach us at the correct angle. So in winter we should regularly spend time outside in the middle of the day to get our dose of vitamin D. If you are concerned, you have very dark skin, or are otherwise in a high-risk group, you may want to talk to your GP. In any case, taking a modest daily dose of vitamin D (1,000-2,000 IU) during the darker winter months is unlikely to cause harm and it <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37483080/">may be beneficial</a>. <h2>Why does excess vitamin D testing matter?</h2> When not indicated, testing can cause unnecessary worry and promote a cascade of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32675268/">laboratory, prescription and imaging services</a> that are of low value. Excessive testing is also a waste of health-care resources, with one <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.5694/mja2.50619">single test</a> costing about the same as a years’ worth of vitamin D supplementation. Very often, we can make relatively small changes to our lifestyles to reduce the risks of vitamin D deficiency. <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/211268/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/elina-hypponen-108811">Elina Hypponen</a>, Professor of Nutritional and Genetic Epidemiology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/should-i-be-getting-my-vitamin-d-levels-checked-211268">original article</a>.

Body

Don’t believe the hype. Menopausal women don’t all need to check – or increase – their testosterone levels

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/susan-davis-10376">Susan Davis</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a> Ever heard “low testosterone” blamed for low mood, brain fog and loss of vitality? Despite all evidence to the contrary, social media influencers are increasingly promoting testosterone therapy as an elixir for women experiencing troubling symptoms of menopause. In a series of documentaries and <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-11792553/Davina-McCall-effect-sparks-menopause-testosterone-treatment-rush-putting-women-risk.html">social media posts</a> about menopause in 2021 and 2022, British TV presenter Davina McCall promoted the use of testosterone therapy in addition to standard <a href="https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/combined-menopausal-hormone-therapy-mht">menopausal hormone therapy</a>. The “<a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/02/17/davina-effect-fuels-surge-menopausal-women-using-testosterone/#:%7E:text=Chelsea%20Magazine%20Company-,'Davina%20effect'%20fuels%20surge%20in%20menopausal%20women%20using%20testosterone,NHS%20prescriptions%20for%20the%20hormone">Davina effect</a>” has helped fuel a <a href="https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/news/nhs-testosterone-prescribing-in-women-rises-ten-fold-in-seven-years#:%7E:text=The%20number%20of%20women%20in,The%20Pharmaceutical%20Journal%20has%20revealed">ten-fold increase</a> in prescribing of testosterone for women in the United Kingdom since 2015. Data isn’t available for Australia, but in my clinical practice, women are increasingly asking to have their testosterone level checked, and seeking testosterone to treat fatigue and brain fog. But while testosterone continues to be an important hormone before and after menopause, this doesn’t mean women should be having a blood test to get their testosterone levels checked – or taking testosterone therapy. <h2>What does testosterone do?</h2> Testosterone is an important hormone in women’s bodies, affecting the blood vessels, skin, muscle and bone, breast tissue and the brain. In both women and men, testosterone can act on its own or be converted into estrogen. Before menopause, testosterone is made in the ovaries, where it helps developing eggs grow and aids in estrogen production. The ovaries release both testosterone and estrogen into the bloodstream, and the levels of the two hormones in the blood peak around ovulation. Some of the testosterone measured in blood is also produced outside the ovaries, such as in fat, where it is made from “pre-hormones” secreted by the adrenal glands. This source of production of testosterone takes over after menopause. <h2>Do we have more testosterone before menopause?</h2> The claim is often made that pre-menopausal women have more testosterone in their bloodstream than estrogen, to justify the need for testosterone replacement after menopause. But, when sex hormones have been measured with precision, studies have shown this is not true. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31390028/">Our research</a> found estrogen levels are higher than testosterone levels at all stages of the menstrual cycle. Blood testosterone levels <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31390028/">fall</a> by about 25% between the ages of 18 and 40 years in healthy women. The fall in testosterone coincides with the decline in eggs in the ovaries but whether this is a marker of the decline, a consequence, or a cause of the decline is not known. From around 40, the rate of decline slows and blood testosterone levels don’t change when <a href="https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/what-is-menopause">menopause</a> occurs naturally. Studies have not shown testosterone levels change meaningfully during the menopause transition. <h2>Can blood tests detect ‘low testosterone’?</h2> Some influencers claim to have a condition called “testosterone deficiency syndrome” or low levels of testosterone detected in blood tests. But there is no “normal” blood level below which a woman can be diagnosed as having “testosterone deficiency”. So there’s no such thing as having a testosterone deficiency or testosterone deficiency syndrome. This is also in part, because women have very low testosterone concentrations compared with men, and most commercial methods used to measure testosterone cannot separate normal from low levels in women with any certainty. Pre-menopausal women might also be told they have “low” testosterone if blood is drawn early in the menstrual cycle when it is normal for testosterone to be low. (However, it would only be clinically necessary to do this type of blood test to look for high testosterone, in someone with with excessive hair growth or severe acne, for example, not for low testosterone.) In post-menopausal women, much of the action of testosterone occurs in the tissues where it is made, after which testosterone is either converted to estrogen or broken down before it leaks back into the circulation. So blood testosterone concentrations are not a true reflection of tissue concentrations. Further complicating the picture is the enormous variability in the effects of testosterone. At a given blood level of testosterone, some women might have oily skin, acne, increased body hair growth or balding, while others will have no such effects. So, looking for a “low” blood testosterone in women is not helpful. <h2>Can testosterone improve sexual desire? What about other conditions?</h2> There is sound evidence that testosterone therapy may improve sexual desire in post-menopausal women who have developed low sexual desire that bothers them. This was <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13697137.2019.1637079">confirmed by</a> a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31353194/">systematic review</a> of clinical trials comparing testosterone with a placebo or an alternative. These trials, all of which involved a treatment time of at least 12 weeks, showed testosterone therapy, overall, improved desire, arousal, orgasm and sexual satisfaction in post-menopausal women with low desire that caused them distress. Treatment is only indicated for women who want an improvement in sexual desire (after excluding other factors such as depression or medication side effects) and its success can only be determined by each woman’s personal self-reported response. But there is <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13697137.2019.1637079">not enough evidence</a> to show testosterone is beneficial for any other symptom or medical condition. The overall available data has shown no effect of testosterone on mood or cognition. As such, testosterone therapy <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13697137.2019.1637079">should not be used</a> to treat symptoms such as fatigue, low mood, muscle weakness and poor memory, or to prevent bone loss, dementia or breast cancer. However research continues to investigate these potential uses, including from my <a href="https://www.monash.edu/medicine/sphpm/units/womenshealth">research team</a>, which is investigating whether testosterone therapy can <a href="https://asbmr.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jbmr.534">protect against bone density loss and muscle loss after menopause</a>. You can learn more about participating in one of our studies <a href="https://www.monash.edu/medicine/sphpm/units/womenshealth/join-a-study">here</a>. <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/209516/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/susan-davis-10376">Susan Davis</a>, Chair of Women's Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/dont-believe-the-hype-menopausal-women-dont-all-need-to-check-or-increase-their-testosterone-levels-209516">original article</a>.

Body

5 memorable locations from ‘80s films to check out

Everyone loves a good movie, and everyone loves a holiday, so what do you get when you combine the two? The time of your life! It’s widely known that the ‘80s spawned a whole host of films that went on to become cult classics - from the likes of Heathers to Footloose, Dirty Dancing, and The Terminator - and forged the way for cultural changes that ring true decades later. But did you also know that for many of these iconic films, real-life locations served as the inspiration for many memorable scenes? And while some may have changed slightly in the years since cast and crew flocked to them, some are like stepping into a time capsule - or a stage for you to re-enact the films as you see fit. Lake Lure, North Carolina - Dirty Dancing (1987) Anyone who’s seen Dirty Dancing can tell you that ‘the lift scene’ is one of the film’s most iconic moments. And it - along with a few others from the film - were filmed in North Carolina’s very own Lake Lure. And with the spot boasting its very own Lake Lure Inn & Spa - where, coincidentally, the movie’s stars stayed while working on the project - it could be the perfect getaway location for your next holiday. Guesthouse International Hotel, California - National Lampoon Vacation (1983) For those embarking on their very own National Lampoon Vacation, you’re in luck - the hexagonal pool is near exactly the same as it was when Chevy Chase’s Clark Griswold enjoyed a nighttime swim with Christie Brinkley’s The Girl in the Ferrari. New York Public Library, New York - Ghostbusters (1984) The 1984 film sparked an entire host of sequels, games, parodies, and conventions for avid fans across the globe - as well as one incredibly catchy song. However, for those that would like to go above and beyond just calling their friendly neighbourhood ghostbusters, the New York Public Library’s flagship Stephen A Schwarzman building is the spot where the team had their very first encounter with the film’s ghosts. Griffith Observatory, California - The Terminator (1984) Fans of The Terminator should immediately recognise this site as the one where Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator arrived in the nude, and basked in the glory of LA at night. It’s a popular location, and while a must-see for fans of the film, it also makes for a good afternoon out - the observatory itself boasts free entry, stunning views, and a range of fascinating exhibits inside to entertain the keen mind. The Grand Hotel, Michigan - Somewhere in Time (1980) The Grand Hotel was the primary location for romantic drama Somewhere in Time, and they’re proud of it. In fact, a poster for the film is reportedly even still on display there, and hosts weekends of celebration for the 1980 hit, too. The island the hotel is set on doesn’t allow cars, so anyone hoping to throw themselves back in time and fully immerse themselves in a ‘different world’, this National Historic Landmark may be just the place to do it. Images: Getty, Booking.net

Movies

Dr Chris Brown calls out Seven’s “stupid” Logies decision

Dr Chris Brown has jokingly called out Seven’s “stupid” decision to make him co-host of this year’s TV Week Logies red carpet. The Bondi Vet star is set to present at the red carpet alongside Sonia Kruger on July 30, but he is still unsure as to why he was chosen. “Can I just tell you, it is one of the more stupid decisions ever made by Channel 7 to put me on the Red Carpet,” he joked during his guest appearance on Triple M’s Mick & MG in the Morning on July 13. “I know nothing about fashion... and I am also colourblind,” he said, which made the radio hosts chuckle. Brown wondered how he would comment on the stars’ gowns given his condition. “The joy that I’m going to have in telling women that I love their green dress and (I’m) gonna be told it’s red... what could possibly go wrong?” he told the radio hosts. “The insulting nature of my commentary is going to be worth it.” Mick Molloy then joked that he was “going to make the carpet green” for extra laughs, to which Brown replied: “it might as well be, Micky”. Brown and Kruger will present the star-studded event and bring viewers straight into the action from the Logies red carpet at Sydney’s The Star on Sunday, July 30. This will be Brown’s first official role at Seven since he<a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/the-doctor-is-out-chris-brown-changes-the-script" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> left Network Ten</a> in February, where he had worked for the last 15 years. Image: News.com.au/ Triple M’s Mick & MG in the Morning

Urgent calls for help after blind dog stolen from home

A desperate search is underway after a family’s beloved blind dog was stolen from their Gold Coast home in broad daylight. Police are calling for public assistance to help find Bowie, the beautiful Australian shepherd with black, white and gold fur, and blue eyes. They believe that the dog was stolen after a group of people broke into the family’s home along Regatta Parade in Southport some time between 10am and 1.15pm on Wednesday. Police also report that a few other things were stolen including the resident’s grey 2022 Hyundai Tucson station wagon with the Queensland plate number 021FO8. Anyone with information is urged to call the police. Images: Queensland Police Service

Family & Pets

Christmas in July sale: Sleep soundly with these half price mattress deals

When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, the last thing you want is an uncomfortable mattress. Even when you’re getting a bad night’s sleep, the tossing and the turning is just unbearable and we all know you’ll be waking up in a mood. And if you’re putting off getting a great mattress for your back just because it's expensive, it’s your lucky day. For a limited time, Emma Mattress is having a <a href="https://www.emma-sleep.com.au/sale/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Christmas in July sale</a> with many of their popular mattresses reduced to a nice sum. It doesn’t even matter what your sleeping pattern is, <a href="https://www.emma-sleep.com.au/sale/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Emma Mattress</a> has something for everyone and helps with spinal alignment through its patented technology. <a href="https://www.emma-sleep.com.au/sale/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out what’s on offer:</a> <a href="https://www.emma-sleep.com.au/emma-diamond-hybrid-mattress/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Emma Diamond Hybrid Mattress</a> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/orange-bed.jpg" alt="" width="1062" height="705" /> Enjoy a stunning 55 per cent off the <a href="https://www.emma-sleep.com.au/emma-diamond-hybrid-mattress/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Emma Diamond Hybrid Mattress</a> going for $809.55, down from $1,799.00. The Emma Diamond Hybrid Mattress is a foam and spring hybrid one, featuring the patented technology which will help with your spine. It also has the 7-zone dynamic support on each layer which is sure to help keep you in a deep sleep. A bonus is the machine washable covers so that’s one less thing you need to stress about. <a href="https://www.emma-sleep.com.au/emma-comfort-mattress/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Emma Comfort Mattress</a> You know it’s got to be good when a mattress has won an award and the <a href="https://www.emma-sleep.com.au/emma-comfort-mattress/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Emma Comfort</a> has done just that. Twice in a row, the Emma Comfort has been dubbed the Top Scoring Mattress 2021 AND 2022 by CHOICE. Emma Comfort Mattress is perfect for all types of sleepers and thanks to the innovative airocell helps regulate body temperature. The high-quality foam also adapts to your body ensuring that your sleep remains uninterrupted. It also has 50 per cent off going for $499.50, down from $999.00. <a href="https://www.emma-sleep.com.au/emma-boxbed/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Emma Signature Bed</a> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/emma-boxbed.jpeg" alt="" width="1337" height="761" /> May as well go all out with this incredible sale and buy a new bed while you’re at it! The <a href="https://www.emma-sleep.com.au/emma-boxbed/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Emma Signature Bed</a> is extremely easy to assemble with a step-by-step instruction booklet. It is made from the most durable and premium materials and the bed base uses patented FlexiSlats technology giving ultimate support and breathability. The bed is usually sold for $999.00 but thanks to 50 per cent off it is $499.50 for a limited time. <a href="https://www.emma-sleep.com.au/emma-foam-pillow/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Emma Foam Pillow</a> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/emma_foam_pillow.jpeg" alt="" width="1062" height="705" /> The <a href="https://www.emma-sleep.com.au/emma-foam-pillow/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Emma Foam Pillow</a> is designed to ensure you have the most comfortable headrest. It is also customisable for maximum comfort and designed for any sleeping position. For just $100, this is sure to help you get the best sleep. <a href="https://www.emma-sleep.com.au/emma-cloud-hybrid-pillow/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Emma Cloud Hybrid Pillow</a> The <a href="https://www.emma-sleep.com.au/emma-cloud-hybrid-pillow/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Emma Cloud Hybrid</a> is described as “Like Sleeping on Cloud-9” and is able to be adjusted in height. The removable memory foam core will work perfectly with those who sleep on their backs, side and even stomach. You’re guaranteed to sleep cool and soundly with its breathable and hypoallergenic design. There is 50 per cent off the Emma Cloud Hybrid Pillow selling for $175.00. <a href="https://www.emma-sleep.com.au/emma-mattress-topper/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Emma Flip Topper</a> The <a href="https://www.emma-sleep.com.au/emma-mattress-topper/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Emma Flip Topper</a> is a nice addition to your mattress providing you with the necessary comfort for a better night’s sleep. There is extra support thanks to the ZeroGravity foam and extra comfort from the Breathable Airgocell Foam. The UltraDry cover also helps with keeping you at the right temperature all while you’re enjoying your rest. The Emma Flip Topper has been reduced by 25 per cent for $201.75. <a href="https://www.emma-sleep.com.au/emma-all-seasons-duvet/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Emma All Seasons Duvet</a> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/emma-quilt-_detail-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="2560" height="1706" /> Made from 100% cotton the<a href="https://www.emma-sleep.com.au/emma-all-seasons-duvet/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Emma All Seasons Duvet</a> lives up to its namesake. It will make you want to stay in bed all day, or just that tiny bit longer as it helps you keep warm through those chilly autumn nights and cool in summer. You can save 25 per cent off the duvet which is currently being sold for $179.25. <a href="https://www.emma-sleep.com.au/emma-mattress-protector/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Emma Mattress Protector</a> The <a href="https://www.emma-sleep.com.au/emma-mattress-protector/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Emma Mattress Protector</a> ensures your mattress is protected from any spills or messes. It will protect you from dust mites and allergens while at the same time is 100% water, moisture and spill proof. Enjoy 25 per cent off the Emma Mattress Protector for $126.75. <em style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">Editor's note: When you buy something using the retail links in our stories, Over60 may earn a small commission. We do not accept money for editorial reviews, and we only write about products we feel comfortable recommending to our readers. Thank you.

Money & Banking

Olympic champ unable to sleep following break in

Olympic swimmer Emily Seebohm has opened up about a frightening late night invasion at the home she shares with her fiancé David Gallagher. Emily, who is now having trouble getting to sleep in the wake of the break in, told Seven about the ordeal, detailing how she and David had come to discover the worrying scene early on a Sunday. “We had someone break into our garage yesterday morning between 5:30 and 6:30,” Emily said, before noting that while that was a normal time for her to be up and about on a weekday, on Sundays she preferred to have a sleep in. “So, I didn’t hear anything, but we first noticed - when Ryan woke up and was heading to work at 9:30 - that the garage door was left open,” she continued. “Which is really odd, because I’m pretty meticulous about making sure that everything’s closed up and locked.” Emily went on to share that she’d made sure the pantry door was locked before going to bed, as their garage led to the laundry, and to the pantry from there, providing access to their home. She was “very thankful for [that], because they couldn’t get into the house.” However, as Emily pointed out, “somehow they did manage to get into all of our cars. Not sure how, we believe that they might have opened the garage door from Ryan’s car - he has a buzzer in his car - but why just open the garage? Why not open the gate? “All of our keys were inside, so luckily they couldn’t steal any of the cars.” But while the thieves had not succeeded in entering the house itself, they hadn’t gone away empty handed, with Emily revealing that “they did steal my wallet, my credit cards, basically everything in my wallet, and they rummaged through the cars.” She and David had gone to investigate the state of the garage, but hadn’t wanted to disturb the cars and any potential evidence contained within them, and so they’d opted to leave the vehicles alone. Emily did go on to show the vehicles though, both inside and out, noting the open glove boxes and items strewn across the front seats, as well as pointing out the spot in the door where her wallet typically sits. According to Emily, it had been “very scary waking up to that” and that she “didn’t sleep well” the following night, but she had hopes that they’d get some answers soon, with police on their way to inspect the scene, and “hopefully get some fingerprints”. Images: Seven

Legal

Advice on dealing with tricky in-laws

From heated discussions to awkward family dinners, your relationship with your in-laws can have a big impact on family time. Here’s how to navigate this sometimes tricky dynamic. There’s nothing worse than heading to a family engagement when you have a son-in-law (or your daughter’s parents-in-law) that you just don’t get along with. Whether there's been a fight that you haven’t been able to move on from, or you simply don’t get along, if you find your in-laws draining or annoying, you may need to change the boundaries. Do you know the old saying, “good fences make good neighbours”? Think of your in-laws like your neighbours – there needs to be really good fences (aka boundaries) in place for the relationship to run smoothly. The best way to go about this is in such a way that you don’t make anyone feel as though you're closing them out, but rather comes off that you are simply focussing on yourself and things you have going on. Once you’ve set boundaries, don’t be afraid to talk to your family and in-laws about them, they’re not as fragile as you think. But do choose your words carefully and keep the focus on you and what your needs are, rather than making any judgements or comments about them or their behaviour. Still not sure how to deal with your son, daughter, sister or brother in-law? Here are some top tips for setting boundaries and dealing with awkward situations: <ol> <li>The person with the primary relationship (for example your daughter, not your son-in-law) should be the one to step in and help fix a problem if it arises. You should never be the messenger or go straight to an in-law. Gently raise the issue or concern with your immediate family member. </li> <li>Decide with your partner, or in your own time if you are single or widowed, what type of role you want your in-law/s to play in your life. If you don’t get along and spending time with them just seems to cause issues, then you might want to limit catch-ups to birthdays and big events. This is ok. Just be gentle if asked to explain. And keep your explanation brief and about you. Something along the lines of, my schedule is quite busy at the moment or I don’t feel up to going out too much, but I am looking forward to the next family get together. </li> <li>Never criticise your family for their relationship with his or her spouse/your in-laws, nor comment on your in-law to your immediate family member – for example don’t criticise your son-in-law to your daughter/his wife. This tends to only lead to complications and awkwardness. And remember, you only know what your daughter tells you and if they come to you everytime they’re upset or angry with their partner or their partner’s extended family, you’re only hearing the problems when your daughter is frustrated and upset. You might not hear all the good things and about when they make up. Don’t take these things on board and stay out of it by reserving any judgement or comments. </li> <li>Don’t get involved. Easier said than done, right? You have to trust that you have brought your children up right and they are responsible enough to navigate their own relationships, treat others respectfully and can stand up for themselves if need be. As such, you should not get involved in their issues, arguments and general day-to-day dealings with their other relationships. Stay on the peripheral, be there for some light guidance if need be, but ultimately you should just help them come to their own opinions, decisions and judgements on things rather than sharing your ones with them. </li> <li>Don’t get pulled into arguments by your child and in-law. You can be supportive and still let the couple handle their own problems. Take a step back and trust that you have raised an adult who has the vision and the courage to resolve the problems that concern his/her own family. Couples need to set boundaries for their own relationships and this can, as I am sure you know, take some time to find the right ones. </li> <li>Think of yourself as a guest. When spending time with family in big groups, and especially when you’re at someone else’s home, it is best to think of yourself as a guest and act accordingly. For example you may not like the way you son’s wife is doing things in her home (child rearing, cooking, cleaning etc), but unfortunately it is not really any of your business. This is between your son and his wife. A good checkpoint is to ask yourself if you have a sense of entitlement and expectancy that is inappropriate. If there are issues that you just can’t stand but can’t let go, then you may need to consider not visiting them.</li> </ol> Image credits: Getty Images

Family & Pets

Jackie O sends welfare check for concerning caller

Radio giant Jackie ‘O’ Henderson has requested a welfare check for a listener after receiving a distressing phone call on The Kyle and Jackie O show. The caller, Michael, who made it on air at about 6:30 am during the First Calls segment on the show, proceeded to sing a song about suicide, blindsiding the presenters. The song was Fade to Black by U.S heavy metal band Metallica, from their 1984 album Ride the Lightning. The bleak track is about wondering if life is worth living and wishing for death. Michael did not advise the hosts that he would be singing the song, and had told producer ‘Intern Pete’ Deppeler off air that he was a ‘comedian’ and ‘had a few jokes to tell’. Henderson seemed concerned and asked the team to make sure the listener was okay. The dismal segment started soon after an ad break, with host Kyle Sandilands asking, “You want to ring up for anything? First Calls, 13 10 65 will get you through. Michael has called in. Hey, Michael.” “Hello,” Michael responded, sounding dismal, which the hosts recognised was off as Sandilands was quick to mimic ‘hello’ back. Sandilands asked how the listener was doing, to which Michael replied, “Oh, not bad. I [inaudible] have a quick ten-second song I'd like to... sing for you.” 'What, sorry? A song?' Henderson asked. “It goes like this,” Michael said, before singing the lyrics to Fade to Black, “.. lost the will to live / Simply nothing more to give / There is nothing more for me / Need the end to set me free.” Michael put his own spin on the song, singing lyrics that don’t appear on the track, “Never cared for no one else” before quickly hanging up. “Don't be like that…”, a baffled Sandilands said after Michael abruptly ended the call. Henderson feared the worst, immediately asking producers, “Is he alright? That didn't sound good, guys. What were you getting off air? Because that sounded like a goodbye song to me.” Sandilands tried to reassure Henderson, saying “He seems fine. He seems fine.” Deppeler, who had spoken to Michael during the ad break and briefed him on what would be discussed on air said, “He was normal to me,” When Henderson asked what they’d spoken about during the ad break, Deppeler told the presenter, "He said, 'I'm a comedian, I've got a few jokes to tell, I've got a new song.'” “So he went rogue on you?' Henderson asked, with Deppeler replying, “A little bit rogue, yeah”. Henderson asked Deppeler to “call him back and check he's okay,” adding, "He just hung up and said this is the end for me. Just check he's alright, that guy.” She awkwardly laughed as she and Sandilands scolded Deppeler for having such a grim listener as the first caller following a two-week break. The presenters then moved on to the second caller, A woman called Debbie. Help is available, speak with someone today. Crisis support is available from <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lifeline</a> on 13 11 14. Support is available from <a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beyond Blue</a> on 1300 22 4636. Image credit: Instagram

Caring

12 things you should always do before you leave your hotel room

Check under the bed and dresser “I always get down on my hands and knees and look under the bed and under the dresser,” says Suzanne Markham-Bagnera, a former general manager at hotels. Young kids especially like to hide things, and then forget about them. “You get the frantic phone call that a child has left their Lovey, their stuffed animal, or their toy and they realised once they get in their car and start driving, but they’re not able to come right back to the hotel,” she adds. Pull the bed linens back Markham-Bagnera typically removes the bedding to both help out the housekeeper and make sure she hasn’t forgotten anything. “That’s my way of securing: I’ve done the clean sweep of the bed. I’m good,” she says. Guest aren’t expected to strip the bed, but should you decide to, make sure to leave the comforter on a chair or in the closet, not on the floor. And don’t ball the bed linens up with the blanket, keep them separate. Leave the used towels in the tub Markham-Bagnera puts all the towels on the bathtub, especially if they’re still wet. That way they’re out of the way and all together in the pile. And the room attendant only has to pick up one pile of dirty linen. “It makes it a lot faster to pick up,” Markham-Bagnera says. Take the food you want to keep If you’ve used the refrigerator, make sure that you take out the items that you want. “The ones that you don’t want, throw away,” she says. Some guests leave alcohol as a tip for the housekeeper, but policies vary from hotel to hotel on whether they can accept it or not. Stack overflow takeaway boxes next to a waste bin Hotel waste bin are pretty small, and the remnants of last night’s dinner may not fit. If you’ve got overflow, pile the boxes next to the waste bin instead of leaving them scattered all around the room. “The messier you leave the room, the harder it is for the room attendant to clean that room,” Markham-Bagnera says. Check between the mattress and box spring When a room doesn’t have a safe, hotel guests will sometimes hide items they don’t want to leave around the room between the mattress and the box spring. Housekeepers have recovered weapons and sex toys there, Markham-Bagnera says. Move the furniture back If hotel guests are travelling with children, they sometimes move one of the beds against the wall so there’s less opportunity for a child to fall out of the bed. That’s fine, but the courtesy is to move the furniture back where you found it before you leave. Take your medications and supplies with you Forgetting your medication can be dangerous for you, but leaving supplies like needles in your room could also be hazardous to your housekeeper. Also, if you gashed yourself shaving and used a towel to stop the blood flow, separate the towel out from the rest. “Hotels will have protocols for how to clean it or for how they have to bag it and have a company come and dispose of it. Because they can’t just put that in the regular trash and be done with it in a hotel,” Markham-Bagnera says. Make sure you have your charger! “If I had a dollar for every charger that I found, I could take my whole family on vacation,” says hotel manager, Adam Sperling. These days, it’s bad news if your phone dies, so take that last look around. “It’s things that get left behind that can often cause you stress at the end of your journey,” he says. Think about a tip Room attendants are typically paid hourly, so their position is different from a bellhop or a server that might make less per hour with the expectation that they will make more in gratuities, Markham-Bagnera says. That said, room attendants work incredibly hard and tipping is appreciated. Things to consider? The quality of the hotel, whether you’re staying one night or multiple nights, and how messy you’re leaving the room. “If you’ve got a lot of people staying in the room and you’ve got a pullout sofa or a cot, and you’ve used a lot more towels, it certainly is nicer to leave a little extra,” Markham-Bagnera says. Call down to the front desk for transportation Mornings can be hectic at hotels, with out-of-town guests rushing to make meetings and flights in cities they don’t know. You can save yourself some of the hassle by doing a little prep before you leave the hotel room. “Call down and say, ‘hey, I’m leaving at 7.30 tomorrow, can my car be waiting for me?’” Sperling suggests. “That helps everybody. Your car’s waiting for you and we’re not scrambling to go get it at 7.25 when you need it at 7.30.” Book your next stay If you really liked your room and are planning to be back in the area, before you leave your hotel is a great time to rebook, Sperling says. He recommends you ask for the front desk manager for face-to-face treatment that can trump the savings online. “You’re likely to get a great rate, and you’re likely to get upgraded,” he says. Image credits: Shutterstock This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/12-things-you-should-always-do-before-you-leave-your-hotel-room?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Travel Tips

Dad left “furious” after mother-in-law rubs whiskey on baby’s gums

A dad has been left “furious” after learning his mother-in-law had rubbed whiskey on his six-month-old daughter’s gums as an “old fashioned” remedy for teething. Some have pointed out that the father’s response is a “red flag”, and perhaps the most concerning part of the story. Posting on Reddit’s “Am I the A**hole” forum, the baby’s 28-year-old first-time mother described the ordeal and asked whether she was in the wrong. She said she was at her mother’s house with her daughter, who is “teething horribly”. “My mum does some old fashion things and she’s really into herbs and natural healing and such, so she wanted to try rubbing whiskey on my daughter’s gums,” she wrote. “She said she did it to me and all three of my siblings. I let her, and it did seem to calm my daughter down a bit.” She told her husband when she got home and said “he was furious”. “He said that’s harmful to our daughter and it does not relieve any pain,” she continued. “He got really upset and said I shouldn’t let my mum do something like that, and told me I couldn’t bring our daughter to my mother’s anymore. “He’s since called the next two days off of work, and is super paranoid watching me every second with our daughter. I feel this is unfair.” While experts emphasise parents should never give whiskey or any other alcohol to teething babies, Reddit users had differing opinions. One wrote, “You’re the a**hole, yeah.” “I mean, you know alcohol is unsafe. It also happens not to work as a topical analgesic – if the baby quietens down, it’s because of the general sedative effect of alcohol. I think it’s hilarious how your mother conflates the use of a well understood but completely inappropriate drug with ‘herbs and natural healing’.” The second most popular reply said the woman was not in the wrong. “A tiny drop of alcohol on someone’s finger is absolutely not sedating a baby and is in no way harmful,” the user wrote. “Alcohol absolutely does have a numbing effect and is used topically for infants and adults with toothache as well. It’s absurd to get up in arms over something so mundane and he’s treating her like she allowed the baby to drink shots or something. I swear this sub is off the rails lately. Is it just solely populated by teenagers now?” A third chimed in, saying she made a “bad judgement call” but it was natural to take her own mother's advice. “It’s natural to look to our elders for guidance and to trust them,” they wrote. “While many mothers (including my own) have used this method, we know a lot more about these older ‘tried and true’ remedies these days … You’re not some monster that’s going to harm your child.” Others expressed that the husband’s reaction was worse than the old-fashioned teething remedy. “Honestly, if this is how your husband is reacting, that’s a red flag,” they said. “He’s right, it doesn’t relieve pain, and if you were to start doing it regularly, yeah, it can be harmful. However, it was a one-time thing that you told him about, and now you know not to do it again. “He shouldn’t be acting like it was a conspiracy to intentionally hurt your daughter.” Another user had the same opinion, writing, “Her husband literally took two days off work to micromanage parenting because of this? That’s excessive. It’s called having a conversation between two adults, saying, ‘We shouldn’t do this again’, and moving on!” A third said, "Your husband’s response is actually the most concerning part of this post … taking off work multiple days to ‘watch over’ your wife over something like this. “This should have been an easy discussion about how that’s not the right way to handle teething and then move on. “This isn’t real a big deal, the damage done to the child was literally zero. If this is how something like this is handled how are things that matter going to handled?” Image credit: Shutterstock

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Woman baffled by mother-in-law’s insane ask over baby name

Why do airlines charge so much for checked bags? This obscure rule helps explain why

Why we need to stop being so judgemental – and the 4 steps to do it

“My sister-in-law announced she was pregnant at my child’s funeral”

Could you cope with a shock to your bank balance? 5 ways to check you are financially resilient

The sky’s the limit: A brief history of in-flight entertainment

Update on Hamish and Zoe Foster Blake's terrifying break-in

"They checked the lungs": Jackie O rushed to hospital mid-show

5 important things to check off your list before your next cruise

Should I be getting my vitamin D levels checked?

Don’t believe the hype. Menopausal women don’t all need to check – or increase – their testosterone levels

5 memorable locations from ‘80s films to check out

Dr Chris Brown calls out Seven’s “stupid” Logies decision

Urgent calls for help after blind dog stolen from home

Christmas in July sale: Sleep soundly with these half price mattress deals

Olympic champ unable to sleep following break in

Advice on dealing with tricky in-laws

Jackie O sends welfare check for concerning caller

12 things you should always do before you leave your hotel room

Dad left “furious” after mother-in-law rubs whiskey on baby’s gums

Our Partners

News

Shop

Catalogues

Newspaper

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Compare

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Woman baffled by mother-in-law’s insane ask over baby name

Why do airlines charge so much for checked bags? This obscure rule helps explain why

Why we need to stop being so judgemental – and the 4 steps to do it

“My sister-in-law announced she was pregnant at my child’s funeral”

Could you cope with a shock to your bank balance? 5 ways to check you are financially resilient

The sky’s the limit: A brief history of in-flight entertainment

Update on Hamish and Zoe Foster Blake's terrifying break-in

"They checked the lungs": Jackie O rushed to hospital mid-show

5 important things to check off your list before your next cruise

Should I be getting my vitamin D levels checked?

Don’t believe the hype. Menopausal women don’t all need to check – or increase – their testosterone levels

5 memorable locations from ‘80s films to check out

Dr Chris Brown calls out Seven’s “stupid” Logies decision

Urgent calls for help after blind dog stolen from home

Christmas in July sale: Sleep soundly with these half price mattress deals

Olympic champ unable to sleep following break in

Advice on dealing with tricky in-laws

Jackie O sends welfare check for concerning caller

12 things you should always do before you leave your hotel room

Dad left “furious” after mother-in-law rubs whiskey on baby’s gums

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