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"That was a scared kitty": Brave Hurricane Ian rescue warms hearts

<p dir="ltr">Hurricane Ian has wreaked havoc in Florida as it made its way through the densely populated city. </p> <p dir="ltr">The category 4 hurricane hit Cayo Costa, just north of the city of Fort Myers, on Wednesday with shocking five metre high waves and winds of around 250 km/h.</p> <p dir="ltr">Videos showing the flow on effects of the powerful hurricane have been shared widely on social media, with one showing a man rescuing a cat warming people’s hearts. </p> <p dir="ltr">“My boyfriend saving a cat from flood waters near Bonita Beach,” Megan Cruz Scavo wrote on Twitter.</p> <p dir="ltr">The man could be seen making his way through knee-high water toward the cat before grabbing it and making his way back to safety. </p> <p dir="ltr">The video soon made the rounds with many congratulating the man for his efforts in saving the poor animal. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">My boyfriend saving a cat from flood waters near Bonita Beach. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HurricaneIan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HurricaneIan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Naples?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Naples</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bonita?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bonita</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FortMyers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FortMyers</a> <a href="https://t.co/BlBC9P1rdy">pic.twitter.com/BlBC9P1rdy</a></p> <p>— Megan Cruz Scavo (@MeganScavo) <a href="https://twitter.com/MeganScavo/status/1575156353865510912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“That sweet cat was so scared!  Your boyfriend rescuing that little feline darling was a beautiful thing. Karma saw it, and will remember you all,” someone wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So good about being slow and calm!  That was a scared kitty too,” another commented. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Watching him approach the cat with respect was beautiful! That poor sweetie was clearly afraid, and trusted him to care for it,” another wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">The storm, which hit Cuba first unfortunately took two victims, before another 23 migrants were reported missing when the boat they were sailing in sank off the Florida Keys. </p> <p dir="ltr">Deanne Criswell from the Federal Emergency Management Agency said there will be “catastrophic impacts” from the hurricane for a while. </p> <p dir="ltr">“There is going to be catastrophic impacts, and not just where we’re going to see the storm make landfall, but we’re also really concerned about all of the inland flooding because it’s bringing with it a lot of rain and it’s going to move slowly,” she told CNN.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Twitter</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Woman accused of killing pro cyclist captured in Costa Rica

<p>The woman accused of <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/pro-cyclist-shot-dead-at-25-suspect-at-large" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fatally shooting</a> pro cyclist Anna Moriah “Mo” Wilson, 25, has been caught by police in Costa Rica after 43 days on the run. </p> <p>Kaitlin Marie Armstrong, 34, was found at a hostel on Santa Teresa Beach in Provincia de Puntarenas on Wednesday, the Marshals Office said in a news release, as they confirmed she will be deported and returned to the US.</p> <p>Armstrong was wanted for the shooting of Wilson, who had previously dated Armstrong's boyfriend — 35-year-old professional cyclist Colin Strickland — in what investigators believe may have been a violent act of romantic jealousy.</p> <p>The shooting took place outside a friend's home in Austin, Texas, on May 11th. </p> <p>After a week in hiding, Armstrong used a fraudulent passport to fly from New Jersey to Costa Rica, according to the US Marshals Office. </p> <p>Wilson’s family is still mourning the loss of their “beautiful daughter and sister,” who excelled as a biker and skier.</p> <p>“Moriah was a talented, kind, and caring young woman. Her life was taken from her before she had the opportunity to achieve everything she dreamed of,” the family said.</p> <p>Moriah was at the top of her game in the relatively new sport of gravel racing, and was just days from participating in the Gravel Locos bike race at the time of her death. </p> <p>The day after the race, an event organiser remembered her on Facebook as a “role model, a shy compassionate person, a spirited tactical racer and a competitor that genuinely cared about those competing against you.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram / US Marshals Office</em></p>

Legal

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Things heat up between Grant Denyer and Tom Gleeson: "Could spell the end of the Logies"

<p>Grant Denyer has opened up about being upset with comedian Tom Gleeson after his campaign to win a Gold Logies award this year turned into “taking the piss” in order to win.</p> <p>Denyer took out the top award last year for the Most Popular Personality on Australian Television and this week he expressed his concerns on his 2Day FM breakfast show, saying he was disappointed with Gleeson’s methods.</p> <p>“It's become a joke this year,” Denyer vented to co-hosts Ed Kavalee and Ash London.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">To win the Gold Logie you have to fight dirty. Going negative works. Here's my Amanda Keller attack ad. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tvweeklogies?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tvweeklogies</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gleeson4Gold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gleeson4Gold</a> Vote here now: <a href="https://t.co/oIgKOm3nip">https://t.co/oIgKOm3nip</a> <a href="https://t.co/G85CVsC6lM">pic.twitter.com/G85CVsC6lM</a></p> — Tom Gleeson (@nonstoptom) <a href="https://twitter.com/nonstoptom/status/1142931605310205952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>“Two of the loudest Gold nominees are just effectively taking the piss.”</p> <p>It seems that the former Logie winner is referring to fellow nominee and <em>Sunrise</em> weatherman Sam Mac, who is currently touring around Australia in an over-the-top campaign bus, while beloved Aussie comedian Tom Gleeson appears to be releasing a number of tongue-in-cheek advertisements attacking his fellow nominees.</p> <p>The <em>Hard Quiz</em> host has also mocked all his fellow candidates in interviews.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">To win the Gold Logie you have to fight dirty. Going negative works. Here's my Waleed Aly attack ad. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tvweeklogies?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tvweeklogies</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gleeson4Gold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gleeson4Gold</a> Vote here now: <a href="https://t.co/oIgKOmkYGZ">https://t.co/oIgKOmkYGZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/DJ26Md2A2Q">pic.twitter.com/DJ26Md2A2Q</a></p> — Tom Gleeson (@nonstoptom) <a href="https://twitter.com/nonstoptom/status/1144017497131294726?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>p&gt;“He’s slagging everyone off,” Denyer said about Gleeson.</p> <p>“He’s having a crack at Amanda Keller. She’s divine, she deserves to win. She’s been in it for 35 years. She’s not doing it because it’s a joke, she’s not ripping the heart out of the Logies. It would mean the world to her to win.</p> <p>“She is a game-changer and a groundbreaker, she’s wonderfully warm, incredibly whip smart and deserves it, however Tom Gleeson is just taking all the headlines,” Denyer explained.</p> <p>“I’m worried if he wins, that’s it for the Logies forever.”</p> <p>In the past and during his campaign to win the top dog award, Gleeson has publicly voiced he thinks the Logies are a joke, however, is adamant he still wants to win.</p> <p>“I’m in this weird position. I do think the campaigning is funny, and I don’t take the awards seriously at all — but that just makes the idea of winning it even more hilarious,” he said to the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/tom-gleeson-the-people-s-hope-irks-industry-with-gold-logie-campaign-20190625-p5213u.html" target="_blank"><em>Sydney Morning Herald</em></a>.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">To win the Gold Logie you have to fight dirty. Going negative works. Here's my Rodger Corser attack ad. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tvweeklogies?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tvweeklogies</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gleeson4Gold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gleeson4Gold</a> Vote here now: <a href="https://t.co/oIgKOm3nip">https://t.co/oIgKOm3nip</a> <a href="https://t.co/XrY2QbYl9g">pic.twitter.com/XrY2QbYl9g</a></p> — Tom Gleeson (@nonstoptom) <a href="https://twitter.com/nonstoptom/status/1143302898345885696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>“The idea of my name being called out and me getting my hands on it … It just sort of makes me laugh.</p> <p>“I’m just reminding everyone not to take the Logies too seriously, and I suspect that’s the way most of Australia sees it.</p> <p>“I feel like if people are being offended by my antics, maybe they should reflect on their own ambitions.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">To win the Gold Logie you have to fight dirty. Going negative works. Here's my <a href="https://twitter.com/MrSamMac?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MrSamMac</a> attack ad. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tvweeklogies?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tvweeklogies</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gleeson4Gold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gleeson4Gold</a> Vote here now: <a href="https://t.co/oIgKOm3nip">https://t.co/oIgKOm3nip</a> <a href="https://t.co/2j0U8sHOm6">pic.twitter.com/2j0U8sHOm6</a></p> — Tom Gleeson (@nonstoptom) <a href="https://twitter.com/nonstoptom/status/1143661559106830336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>Denyer has also pointed out his distaste for Gleeson’s antics last year when the voting period for the 2018 Logies Awards was coming to a close.</p> <p>“He [Gleeson] jumped on at the eleventh hour and basically took over my campaign,” the dad-of-two recalled on air.</p> <p>“I didn't ask him to, I didn't really want him to, but I had no choice in that. Everybody in the country now thinks I won the award because of him, and if I'm honest, that s---s me.</p> <p>“He's done interview after interview after interview claiming the victory last year,” Denyer added.</p> <p>“Forget the 20 years of work I put in to get to that particular point… I didn't even ask for him to jump on board my campaign.”</p> <p>The TV WEEK Logie Awards are on this Sunday, June 30. The Red Carpet Arrivals show starts at 7 pm on Channel 9, and the live broadcast of the awards begins at 7.30pm.</p>

News

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Surprise nominations: This year’s Gold Logie contenders revealed!

<p>The nominees for this year’s Gold Logie have been revealed, and there are a few names that are bound to raise eyebrows up for the coveted trophy.</p> <p>The ones drawing the most attention are Costa Georgiadis, who has hosted <em>Gardening Australia</em> since 2012 and Eve Morey from <em>Neighbours</em>.</p> <p>Other nominees include Sam Mac from <em>Sunrise</em>, Amanda Keller from <em>The Living Room</em>, Waleed Aly from <em>The Project</em>, Tom Gleeson from <em>Hard Quiz</em> and Rodger Corser from <em>Doctor Doctor.</em></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx6vzBblrtO/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx6vzBblrtO/" target="_blank">Six of our #TVWEEKLogies Gold nominees (minus Waleed Aly). Who’s excited for the Logies when they return to @queensland in June? #ThisIsQueensland</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/tvweekmag/" target="_blank"> TV Week Magazine</a> (@tvweekmag) on May 26, 2019 at 12:48am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><em>TV WEEK</em><span> </span>knew that the nominations would cause some confusion from viewers, which is why they spoke to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/awards/logies/surprising-stars-nominated-for-gold-logie/news-story/d649f4c75962ce6667bf14d6b4a44c4a" target="_blank">news.com.au</a> to set the record straight. Thomas Woodgate,<span> </span><em>TV WEEK</em> Editor, explained the choices.</p> <p>“While I do see why people from the outset might be surprised by Costa’s inclusion, people need to remind themselves that<span> </span><em>Gardening Australia</em><span> </span>is a heritage show,” Mr Woodgate said.</p> <p>“It’s celebrating 30 years on air this year, which is quite extraordinary, and Costa is the face of that show. I can understand why people might be surprised but when you think about it, maybe it’s just the right time for the show to get the recognition it deserves.”</p> <p>He also explained the choice behind<span> </span><em>Neighbours</em><span> </span>star Eve Morey.</p> <p>Her character, Sonya Rebecchi, died from cancer in beloved Toadie’s arms. Woodgate said that her character’s death on the show would have “without a question” motivated fans to vote for Morey.</p> <p>“The timing of the storyline was incredible,” he said. “In week one of voting, Sonya passed away so heartbreakingly on screen, so of course it played a role. And you know what, it should play a role. If we’re going to celebrate any actress or actor or host, what they do on air at the time of voting is going to play a part.”</p> <p>However, the question on everyone’s lips is: Who IS going to take home the Gold Logie?</p> <p>Even Woodgate doesn’t have an answer.</p> <p>“Because there are some names we haven’t seen before, I think it really does throw the field quite open,” Mr Woodgate said.</p> <p>“But if you want me to put a name out there that I think is the one to beat at this stage, I think Amanda Keller going back to back in the Gold Logie nominations is telling. I think she is extremely likeable, she’s got a massive radio audience and she’s also just come off a wonderful job as co-host of<span> </span><em>Dancing With The Stars</em>, which I thought was a really nice show.</p> <p>However, Woodgate is aware it’s not up to him to decide.</p> <p>“I would say that Amanda is the one to beat, but I’m not the one who has to make the decision, that’s the Australian public.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx6j_WoHmUr/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx6j_WoHmUr/" target="_blank">Well.. what do you know? I’m thrilled, chuffed, humbled , overwhelmed and other words from the thesaurus at a @tvweekmag Gold Logie nomination! Very grateful.</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/amandarosekeller/" target="_blank"> Amanda Keller</a> (@amandarosekeller) on May 25, 2019 at 11:05pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Keller was thrilled with being nominated for the Gold Logie and shared her joy on her Instagram. She shared a post with her holding the Gold Logie, saying:</p> <p>“Well.. what do you know? I’m thrilled, chuffed, humbled , overwhelmed and other words from the thesaurus at a @tvweekmag Gold Logie nomination! Very grateful.”</p> <p>The 61st TV WEEK Logie Awards are set to air on Sunday, June 30. </p>

TV

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The Land of the Strays where 900 dogs roam free

<p>There’s nothing quite as heartbreaking as a walk through an animal shelter, past abandoned, sometimes frightened dogs with the appearance of prisoners in cells. </p> <p>But as you see in the gallery above, not all strays are consigned to this fate.</p> <p>Home to over 900 rescued pooches, Territorio de Zaguates (Land of the Strays) is a volunteer-run animal shelter located in the rolling hills of Cosa Rica.</p> <p>The Land of the Strays lets neutered canines roam free around the spectacular property and play with visitors, heading back home to comfortable beds at bedtime.</p> <p>Each dog is given a name and unique breed, with no preference given regarding mixes and purebreds. If you’re looking to adopt you can schedule a walking hike on the property and even any of the dogs take a shining to you you’re welcome to adopt them.</p> <p>Doesn’t it look like an incredible place for dogs (and dog lovers)!</p> <p>For more information you can check out their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Territorio-de-Zaguates-Oficial-1459982774272974/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Facebook page here</span></strong></a>.</p> <p>Have you ever taken in a rescue dog? What’s your favourite breed of dog, and why? Please share your story in the comments section.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Facebook / Territorio de Zaguates Oficial</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/06/puppy-born-without-back-paws-gets-second-chance-at-life/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Puppy born without back paws gets second chance at life</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/06/how-to-cope-with-a-jealous-pet-when-grandkids-come-along/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em>How to cope with a jealous pet when grandkids come along</em></strong></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/06/queen-elizabeth-and-her-corgis-help-ptsd-sufferer/"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Queen Elizabeth and her corgis help PTSD sufferer</strong></span></em></a></p>

International Travel

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Stay at this enchanting rainforest treehouse

<p>Perched amid 35 acres of rainforest reserve in the heartland of north-central Costa Rica, this <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/50435/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_costaricatree" target="_blank">enchanting treehouse</a></strong></span> is holiday accommodation like nothing you’ve ever seen.</p> <p>Handcrafted, distinct, yet filled with all the modern amenities, this <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/50435/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_costaricatree" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>captivating treehouse</strong></span></a> is the perfect base for bird-watching, hikes and just feeling close to nature.</p> <p>Visitors also have access to the famous natural hot and cool spring cools, the perfect way to relax and put your feet up after a full day exploring your pristine surrounds. </p> <p><img width="497" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/18598/costa-rica-another-in-text_497x280.jpg" alt="Costa Rica Another In Text" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Stay at <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/50435/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_costaricatree" target="_blank">this treehouse</a></strong></span> and you'll get to enjoy an experience that is authentic Costa Rica – clean, comfortable and close to nature.</p> <p>And even if you’re not on your way to Costa Rica any time soon, make sure you have a look through the gallery above, because one can always dream!</p> <p>To find out more about this property, <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/50435/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_costaricatree" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>click here</strong></span></a>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Whether you want to make money by renting your place or to find affordable accommodation options and stretch your travel budget further, head over to Airbnb now and have a look around.</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/04/charming-italian-holiday-cottage-airbnb/"><strong>Stay at this charming Italian holiday cottage</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/04/6-incredible-airbnb-properties-in-nsw/"><strong>6 incredible Airbnb properties in NSW</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/04/6-uniquely-aussie-airbnbs/"><strong>6 uniquely Aussie Airbnbs</strong></a></em></span></p>

Accommodation

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Costa Cruises appoints robot staff

<p>It might seem like the plot of a science fiction film, but it seems as though Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises are embracing the latest cyborg technology to help passengers.</p> <p>From Spring 2016, Costa and AIDA will employ humanoid robots on-board their ships. </p> <p>Costa has an exclusive agreement (said to be worth over a million Euros) to use Pepper, the world’s first robot that has been designed to read and interpret human options.</p> <p>Pepper is fitted with four mics, two HD cameras, 3D sensors, touch sensors in the head and hands and can interpret human emotions by analysing variations in expressions and voice tones.</p> <p>The first batch of robots will be introduce on the AIDAprima and Costa Diadema in Spring, with the rest of the robots to be rolled out across the fleet by the rest of summer.</p> <p>Technophobes needn’t fear the possibility of a robot uprising however.</p> <p>Instead of steering or doing anything that you’d want a human to be doing, Pepper is on hand to provide tips on restaurants, events and excursions and can communicate in multiple languages.</p> <p>Michael Thamm, CEO of the Costa Group said: "With an emotional robot on board our cruise ships we are once again continuing our tradition of innovation. For us, this is an important step towards a digital future for our brands. I am confident that our guests will love Pepper".</p> <p>This isn’t the first time we’ve seen robots on the high seas however.</p> <p>Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class of ships already feature robot bartenders and the line introduced robot dance shows at Cafe 270 on both Anthem and Quantum of the Seas.</p> <p>And while a robot greeting staff might not be everybody’s cup of tea, you have to agree that it’s a nice little novelty to add to Costa Cruises offering. And on the plus side you don’t have to worry about the robot greeters taking all the prawns away at the ship’s buffet at dinner.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/travel/cruising/2015/12/po-newly-redesigned-cruise-ships/">Inside P&amp;O’s newly-redesigned cruise ships</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/travel/cruising/2015/11/cruising-to-venice/">Does cruising to Venice have a future?</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/travel/cruising/2015/11/picturesque-ports-to-visit/">8 picturesque ports to visit</a></em></strong></span></p>

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Is this the world’s cutest animal?

<p>Lazy. Dirty. Poor lifestyle habits. So just how is it possible for the cutest animal in the world to supposedly possess these traits? You won’t even care after scrolling through these images. Cue the “oohs” and “aahs”! Just look at the charmed faces of this group at the <a href="http://www.slothsanctuary.com/">Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica</a>.</p><p>“It's very easy to fall in love with a sloth,” confirms guide Jeff Rochte, clearly himself smitten with the slow-moving, ever-smiling animals.</p><p>Rochte, an American who has lived in Costa Rica for the past nine years, is here to help carry on the legacy started by his grandparents – Alaskan Judy Avey-Arroyo and her late husband, Costa Rican Luis Arroyo.</p><p>The couple bought 230 acres of land on the Caribbean Coast in 1972, with the aim of protecting the lowland tropical rainforest. In the early days, they found themselves helping injured toucans, pythons, armadillos and other exotic creatures, before the first sloth in need of care arrived in 1992.</p><p>Since then the sanctuary has nurtured hundreds of troubled sloths, releasing 120 back into the wild.</p><p><strong>Related links:</strong></p><p><strong><em><span><a href="/news/news/2015/02/thieves-love-tourists/" target="_blank">Most popular tourist destinations for thieves</a></span></em></strong></p><p><strong><em><span><a href="/news/news/2015/02/bodybuilding-bulls/" target="_blank">Your eyes are not fooling you, these are bodybuilding bulls</a></span></em></strong></p><div><strong><em><span><a href="/news/news/2015/02/village-for-dementia-patients/%20" target="_blank">An amazing village that is care centre for dementia patients</a></span></em></strong></div>

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