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Cruise ships are back and carrying COVID. No, it’s not 2020. But here’s what needs to happen next

<p>Cruise ships carrying passengers with COVID are back in the news. The Coral Princess, with an unconfirmed number of people testing positive on board, is <a href="https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7959796/virus-infected-cruise-ship-to-dock-in-wa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">set to dock</a> at Fremantle, Western Australia. The Quantum of The Seas, with passengers reportedly testing positive, <a href="https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1585194230825246721" target="_blank" rel="noopener">is heading for</a> Brisbane. There have been similar situations at other ports in <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/477429/cruise-ship-with-covid-19-cases-failed-to-follow-current-isolation-guidelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Zealand</a> and <a href="https://www.cruiselawnews.com/2022/10/articles/disease/covid-cruise-ships-return-down-under-with-hundreds-of-infected-guests/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Pacific</a>.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">FIRST ON 9: A COVID-riddled cruise ship is heading for Brisbane, with passengers reporting hundreds of people are confined to their rooms. <a href="https://twitter.com/Anna_Rawlings?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Anna_Rawlings</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9News?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9News</a> <a href="https://t.co/ygLdE5FlqG">pic.twitter.com/ygLdE5FlqG</a></p> <p>— 9News Queensland (@9NewsQueensland) <a href="https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1585194230825246721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p>But this isn’t 2020. The cruise ship industry and health authorities have learned much from large outbreaks linked to the Ruby Princess and Diamond Princess cruise ships early in the pandemic.</p> <p>Yet, there’s even more we can do to limit the impact of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID) spreading from cruise ships to communities on land.</p> <p><strong>Why are we worried about cruise ships?</strong></p> <p>Cruise ships can have epidemics of a variety of infectious diseases, <a href="https://theconversation.com/cruise-ships-can-be-floating-petri-dishes-of-gastro-bugs-6-ways-to-stay-healthy-at-sea-this-summer-126351" target="_blank" rel="noopener">not just COVID</a>, facilitated by large numbers of people in close proximity, especially during indoor social activities.</p> <p>We know SARS-CoV-2 is spread mainly by <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-pressure-is-on-for-australia-to-accept-the-coronavirus-really-can-spread-in-the-air-we-breathe-160641" target="_blank" rel="noopener">inhaling contaminated air</a>, so indoor activities may pose a risk if ventilation is poor.</p> <p>Cruises typically last at least a week, which covers the incubation period for infections such as influenza and COVID. So all it takes is for one infected person to be on the ship to set off an epidemic.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">More than 130 passengers and crew on the first cruise ship to arrive in the country in two years have tested positive for Covid-19.<a href="https://t.co/tA73LTzQad">https://t.co/tA73LTzQad</a></p> <p>— RNZ (@radionz) <a href="https://twitter.com/radionz/status/1584959572342878208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p>Staff stay on ships much longer than passengers, and can continue to infect new passengers, perpetuating a cycle of outbreaks.</p> <p>But <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-020-0869-5#Fig1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">almost half</a> of infections are transmitted asymptomatically. So, without testing everyone on board (before they board and during outbreaks), infectious people can board a ship without being aware they are infected and cause an epidemic. Infected staff can also infect new passengers, and passengers can infect communities they visit on land.</p> <p><strong>What happened with cruise ships and COVID in 2020?</strong></p> <p>Early in the pandemic, large outbreaks on ships, such as the <a href="https://theconversation.com/yes-australians-on-board-the-diamond-princess-need-to-go-into-quarantine-again-its-time-to-reset-the-clock-131906" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Diamond Princess</a> made the headlines. Some 634 of 3,711 (17%) people on board <a href="https://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2020.25.10.2000180" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tested positive</a> for COVID. The ship was quarantined for two weeks.</p> <p>An <a href="https://elifesciences.org/articles/58699?utm_source=content_alert&utm_medium=email&utm_content=fulltext&utm_campaign=26-August-20-elife-alert" target="_blank" rel="noopener">estimated 69%</a> of transmissions on board were transmitted asymptomatically.</p> <p>The Ruby Princess had a COVID outbreak in March 2020 with <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-12/nsw-ruby-princess-class-action-trial-covid-19-testing-sydney/101527156" target="_blank" rel="noopener">around 700 cases</a>. Yet health authorities allowed passengers to disembark in Sydney without testing, who then dispersed around the country at a time we had no vaccines.</p> <p>Our research <a href="http://www.ijtmgh.com/article_119534_550421b9e1139603f85c3fc9af97d25a.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">showed</a> this resulted in growing community clusters for weeks afterwards.</p> <p><strong>But it’s not 2020</strong></p> <p>We now have vaccines. But vaccination rates vary globally (and cruise passengers are often from many countries). Some vaccines are <a href="https://pmj.bmj.com/content/postgradmedj/98/1159/389.full.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">less effective than others</a>, not everyone is up-to-date with their <a href="https://theconversation.com/millions-of-australians-still-havent-had-their-covid-boosters-what-message-could-convince-them-now-190482" target="_blank" rel="noopener">booster shots</a>, <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/377/bmj-2022-071113" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vaccine immunity wanes</a> (even after having a booster), and current vaccines are generally <a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-in-protection-against-omicron-between-2-doses-and-3-doses-of-vaccine-176447" target="_blank" rel="noopener">less-effective</a> against currently circulating Omicron subvariants.</p> <p>This means people can be infected and infectious despite being vaccinated.</p> <p>Many of us have also had COVID, especially in 2022. But our immunity following infection (whether or not we’re also up to date with our vaccines) wanes too. People who were infected with older variants may also have a <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abq1841" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dampened immune response to Omicron</a>, which means limited protection.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Australia’s COVID vax program has lost all momentum: booster rates are going nowhere. The $11 million winter booster communication campaign had no impact. An updated Omicron vaccine is on the way, but have we lost the motivation to get a shot? <a href="https://twitter.com/GrattanInst?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GrattanInst</a> <a href="https://t.co/DjHeW59ssT">pic.twitter.com/DjHeW59ssT</a></p> <p>— #UnhealthyIndustries (@WePublicHealth) <a href="https://twitter.com/WePublicHealth/status/1575705478461419520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p>Cruise ships and health authorities have also tightened up their COVID protocols.</p> <p>The New South Wales government, for instance, publishes on its website <a href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/travel/cruising-rules" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the COVID risk</a> of in-coming vessels. It places ships in one of three categories according to a number of factors, including the number of COVID cases on board.</p> <p>Cruise ships also have <a href="https://cruisepassenger.com.au/news/coral-princess-covid-outbreak/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">strict protocols</a> for controlling and managing outbreaks. This includes masks for close contacts, mandatory isolation for infected passengers for five days, and testing of anyone with symptoms.</p> <p>The problem is that transmission can continue because of asymptomatic infections. The ship may need medical evacuations or assistance for severely ill people. There is also the problem of infection being transmitted to communities on shore after people without symptoms disembark.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/PrincessCruises?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrincessCruises</a> Majestic Princess had at least 116 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cruise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cruise</a> guests with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> when it arrived in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tahiti?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tahiti</a>, according to a local newspaper. <a href="https://t.co/LtvDaVKIaR">https://t.co/LtvDaVKIaR</a></p> <p>— James (Jim) Walker (@CruiseLaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/CruiseLaw/status/1585389753591279616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p><strong>We can do more</strong></p> <p>People disembarking and unknowingly spreading the virus is especially a problem for small towns.</p> <p>The itinerary of the Coral Princess, which has since been modified, included the Western Australian towns of Broome and Geraldton, both of which have large Aboriginal communities, and other towns, such as Albany and Busselton.</p> <p>Small towns may not have a hospital, may have limited access to health care, and would not have capacity to deal with many severely ill patients. Capacity for medical evacuations are also limited.</p> <p>In the map below, we can see how hospitals are distributed in rural areas around Broome. Most hospitals are near Perth and the southwest coast. Broome has one hospital with about 40 beds. Large hospitals in Perth and Darwin are about 2,000 kilometres away, which would be the destinations for medical evacuations of severely ill patients.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/492085/original/file-20221027-36452-5tqk25.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/492085/original/file-20221027-36452-5tqk25.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/492085/original/file-20221027-36452-5tqk25.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=849&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492085/original/file-20221027-36452-5tqk25.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=849&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492085/original/file-20221027-36452-5tqk25.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=849&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492085/original/file-20221027-36452-5tqk25.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1067&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492085/original/file-20221027-36452-5tqk25.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1067&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/492085/original/file-20221027-36452-5tqk25.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1067&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Map showing distribution of hospitals in Western Australia" /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">Most major hospitals are near Perth, which is about 2,000 kilometres from Broome.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Samsung Lim, author provided</span></span></figcaption></figure> <p>So it’s important to monitor for outbreaks in Broome after the Coral Princess docked there this week, and ensure availability of testing to enable early intervention (such as antiviral drugs) to control outbreaks.</p> <p>Cruises with outbreaks on board should ideally <a href="https://ozsage.org/working_group/regional-rural-and-remote/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">avoid</a> small towns or remote locations with limited health services or vulnerable populations, as the impacts on these communities may be much greater than in a large city.</p> <p>Visiting small towns during an on-board epidemic <a href="https://ozsage.org/media_releases/ozsage-position-statement-cruise-ship-epidemic-and-risk-to-small-towns-in-western-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">would be safer</a> if everyone who disembarks is tested first, is negative, and wears a mask on shore.</p> <p><strong>What else could we do?</strong></p> <p>The cruising industry has acknowledged the reality of COVID being a continuing threat. This could be improved by recognising the role of asymptomatic transmission in testing policies.</p> <p>For instance, all passengers and crew should have a negative rapid antigen test at the start of the cruise, and during an outbreak. All close contacts and all disembarking passengers should be tested for COVID, regardless of symptoms. The cost of testing would be much less than the lost costs of large epidemics.</p> <p>During a cruise epidemic, companies also need to consider the locations being visited, how much COVID is already present there (some remote towns have very little COVID) and available health-care systems for locals.</p> <p>Rapid use of antivirals may also help to control epidemics on board as these allow passengers testing positive to <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(22)00644-2/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener">clear the virus faster</a>.</p> <p>The aviation industry <a href="https://www.ashrae.org/file%20library/technical%20resources/covid-19/12-19_walkinshaw.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">does well</a> in providing safe air in-flight. The cruise industry has also started <a href="https://www.cruisecritic.com.au/articles.cfm?ID=5474" target="_blank" rel="noopener">changing ventilation</a> to add fresh air instead of recirculated air indoors.</p> <p>But there is still some way to go before we can say the threat of COVID is over, on-board or on land.<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/193384/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em>Writen by C Raina MacIntyre. Republished with permission from <a href="https://theconversation.com/cruise-ships-are-back-and-carrying-covid-no-its-not-2020-but-heres-what-needs-to-happen-next-193384" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Cruising

Princess Charlotte joins her dad in rare video message

<p>Princess Charlotte has joined Prince William in a rare video message as the royal father and daughter wished England's football team good luck in the Euro 2022 women's final.</p> <p>In the video shared by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on Instagram, William and Charlotte sent a message to the Lionesses, who later made history by winning their first major women's tournament by beating Germany 2-1.</p> <p>"We both want to wish the Lionesses the best of luck for tonight," William said. </p> <p>"You've done amazingly well in the competition and we're rooting for you all the way."</p> <p>Sitting on her father's lap, Charlotte chimes in with a short and sweet declaration of her own, saying, "Good luck, I hope you win. Bye!" and signing off with a wave.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cgq4TEyFBbg/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cgq4TEyFBbg/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@dukeandduchessofcambridge)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The women's team responded to the royal message with their gratitude for the well wishes. </p> <p>Queen Elizabeth later sent a message of congratulations to England, after the match went into extra time on Sunday.</p> <p>"My warmest congratulations, and those of my family, go to you all on winning the European Women's Football Championships. It is a significant achievement for the entire team, including your support staff," Her Majesty said in a statement.</p> <p>"The Championships and your performance in them have rightly won praise. However, your success goes far beyond the trophy you have so deservedly earned."</p> <p>"You have all set an example that will be an inspiration for girls and women today, and for future generations. It is my hope that you will be as proud of the impact you have had on your sport as you are of the result today."</p> <p>Prince William attended the final match at Wembley, and handed out the trophy to England's winning team.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram / Getty Images</em></p>

Family & Pets

Global emissions almost back to pre-pandemic levels after unprecedented drop in 2020, new analysis shows

<p>Global carbon dioxide emissions have bounced back after COVID-19 restrictions and are likely to reach close to pre-pandemic levels this year, <a href="https://essd.copernicus.org/preprints/essd-2021-386/">our analysis</a> released today has found.</p> <p>The troubling finding comes as world leaders meet at the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow in a last-ditch bid to keep dangerous global warming at bay. The analysis was undertaken by the <a href="https://www.globalcarbonproject.org/carbonbudget">Global Carbon Project</a>, a consortium of scientists from around the world who produce, collect and analyse global greenhouse gas information.</p> <p>The fast recovery in CO₂ emissions, following last year’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/global-emissions-are-down-by-an-unprecedented-7-but-dont-start-celebrating-just-yet-151757">sharp drop</a>, should come as no surprise. The world’s strong economic rebound has created a surge in demand for energy, and the global energy system is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels.</p> <p>Most concerning is the long-term upward trends of CO₂ emissions from oil and gas, and this year’s growth in coal emissions, which together are far from trending towards net-zero by 2050.</p> <p><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429724/original/file-20211102-28770-1s1j889.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="people seated around U-shaped table" /> <span class="caption">The troubling findings come as world leaders meet at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Evan Vucci/AP</span></span></p> <h2>The global emissions picture</h2> <p>Global CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels dropped by 5.4% in 2020, compared to the previous year. But they are set to increase by about 4.9% above 2020 levels this year, reaching 36.4 billion tonnes. This brings them almost back to 2019 levels.</p> <p>We can expect another 2.9 billion tonnes of CO₂ emissions this year from the net effect of everything we do to the land, including deforestation, degradation and re-vegetation.</p> <p>This brings us to a total of 39.4 billion tonnes of CO₂ to be emitted by the end of this year.</p> <p>The fast growth in emissions matches the corresponding large increase in energy demand as the global economy opens up, with the help of <a href="https://www.f4b-initiative.net/post/majority-of-17-2-trillion-covid-stimulus-packages-doing-more-harm-than-good-to-environment">US$17.2 trillion</a> in economic stimulus packages around the world.</p> <p>CO₂ emissions from all fossil fuel types (coal, oil and natural gas) grew this year, with emissions from coal and natural gas set to grow more in 2021 than they fell in 2020.</p> <p>Emissions from global coal use were declining before the pandemic hit in early 2020 but they surged back this year. Emissions from global gas use have returned to the rising trend seen before the pandemic.</p> <p>CO₂ emissions from global oil use remain well below pre-pandemic levels but are expected to increase in coming years as road transport and aviation recover from COVID-related restrictions.</p> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429469/original/file-20211031-17-1pa5f0i.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429469/original/file-20211031-17-1pa5f0i.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /></a> <span class="caption">Global fossil CO₂ emissions.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Source: Global Carbon Project, https://www.globalcarbonproject.org/carbonbudget</span></span></p> <h2>Nations leading the emissions charge</h2> <p>Emissions from China have recovered faster than other countries. It’s among the few countries where emissions grew in 2020 (by 1.4%) followed by a projected growth of 4% this year.</p> <p>Taking these two years together, CO₂ emissions from China in 2021 are projected to be 5.5% above 2019 levels, reaching 11.1 billion tonnes. China accounted for 31% of global emissions in 2020.</p> <p>Coal emissions in China are estimated to grow by 2.4% this year. If realised, it would match what was thought to be China’s peak coal emissions in 2013.</p> <p>India’s CO₂ emissions are projected to grow even faster than China’s this year at 12.6%, after a 7.3% fall last year. Emissions this year are set to be 4.4% above 2019 levels – reaching 2.7 billion tonnes. India accounted for 7% of global emissions in 2020.</p> <p>Emissions from both the US and European Union are projected to rise 7.6% this year. It would lead to emissions that are, respectively, 3.7% and 4.2% below 2019 levels.</p> <p>US and EU, respectively, accounted for 14% and 7% of global emissions in 2020.</p> <p>Emissions in the rest of the world (including all international transport, particularly aviation) are projected to rise 2.9% this year, but remain 4.2% below 2019 levels. Together, these countries represent 59% of global emissions.</p> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429471/original/file-20211031-75805-1jh07jf.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429471/original/file-20211031-75805-1jh07jf.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /></a> <span class="caption">Regional fossil CO₂ emissions 2019-2021.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Source: Global Carbon Project, https://www.globalcarbonproject.org/carbonbudget</span></span></p> <h2>The remaining carbon budget</h2> <p>The relatively large changes in annual emissions over the past two years have had no discernible effect in the speed at which CO₂ accumulates in the atmosphere.</p> <p>CO₂ concentrations, and associated global warming, are driven by the accumulation of greenhouse gases – particularly CO₂ – since the beginning of the industrial era. This accumulation has accelerated in recent decades.</p> <p>To stop further global warming, global CO₂ emissions must stop or reach net-zero – the latter meaning that any remaining CO₂ emissions would have to be compensated for by removing an equivalent amount from the atmosphere.</p> <p>Carbon budgets are a useful way of measuring how much CO₂ can be emitted for a given level of global warming. In our latest analysis, we updated the carbon budget outlined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (<a href="https://templatelab.com/climate-change-report-2021/">IPCC</a>) in August this year.</p> <p>From the beginning of 2022, the world can emit an additional 420 billion tonnes of CO₂ to limit global warming to 1.5℃, or 11 years of emissions at this year’s rate.</p> <p>To limit global warming to 2℃, the world can emit an additional 1,270 billion tonnes of CO₂ – or 32 years of emissions at the current rate.</p> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429886/original/file-20211103-19-fl69o8.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429886/original/file-20211103-19-fl69o8.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /></a> <span class="caption">The remaining carbon budgets to limit warming to 1.5℃ and 2℃. Updated from IPCC 2021.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Source: Global Carbon Project, https://www.globalcarbonproject.org/carbonbudget</span></span></p> <p>These budgets are the compass to net-zero emissions. Consistent with the pledge by <a href="https://eciu.net/netzerotracker">many countries</a> to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, CO₂ emissions need to decline by 1.4 billion tonnes each year, on average.</p> <p>This is an amount comparable to the drop during 2020, of 1.9 billion tonnes. This fact highlights the extraordinary challenge ahead and the need to increase short- and long-term commitments to drive down global emissions.<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; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/170866/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/pep-canadell-16541">Pep Canadell</a>, Chief research scientist, Climate Science Centre, CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere; and Executive Director, Global Carbon Project, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/csiro-1035">CSIRO</a></em>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/corinne-le-quere-315624">Corinne Le Quéré</a>, Royal Society Research Professor of Climate Change Science, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-east-anglia-1268">University of East Anglia</a></em>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/glen-peters-114835">Glen Peters</a>, Research Director, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/center-for-international-climate-and-environment-research-oslo-707">Center for International Climate and Environment Research - Oslo</a></em>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/pierre-friedlingstein-903247">Pierre Friedlingstein</a>, Chair, Mathematical Modelling of Climate, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-exeter-1190">University of Exeter</a></em>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/robbie-andrew-422668">Robbie Andrew</a>, Senior Researcher, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/center-for-international-climate-and-environment-research-oslo-707">Center for International Climate and Environment Research - Oslo</a></em>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rob-jackson-213135">Rob Jackson</a>, Professor, Department of Earth System Science, and Chair of the Global Carbon Project, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/stanford-university-890">Stanford University</a></em></p> <p>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/global-emissions-almost-back-to-pre-pandemic-levels-after-unprecedented-drop-in-2020-new-analysis-shows-170866">original article</a>.</p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Olympic and Paralympic athletes light up Sydney Opera House

<p>As the Paralympic cauldron was extinguished, celebrating the end of the Tokyo Games 2020 in the National Stadium on Sunday night, a show of another kind was unfolding on the sails of the Sydney Opera House.</p> <p>With various states of lockdown still affecting many in Australia, there was no chance for ticker tape parades and crowded streets of cheering supporters to celebrate our returning athletes.</p> <p>So, a modern twist for an age-old tradition was found. Athletes and their families everywhere – whether still in Tokyo, in quarantine back in Australia – could tune into a five-and-a-half-hour livestream like no other.</p> <p>All 665 of Australia's Paralympians and Olympians had their faces and names projected onto the Opera House sails for 30 seconds each, giving them their moment in the spotlight.</p> <p>Two official photographers captured thousands of photos from the livestream along with Olympic and Paralympic montages and ‘Thank you Tokyo’ shots, with every athlete to receive a personalised image as an Australian-made gift to remember their Tokyo experience.</p> <p><strong>Largest show of this kind at the Opera House</strong></p> <p>According to the NSW government this was the largest collection of images ever projected onto the Sydney Opera House.</p> <p>Working with the Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia, Sydney Opera House and The Electric Canvas, the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet managed the project, collecting every athlete's image over two weeks then mapping them onto a design concept to fit the Opera House sails.</p> <p>The Games have been credited with giving people in every state and territory a positive boost and a break from the stress of lockdown and the seemingly never-ending coverage of COVID.</p> <p>Australia's athletes were impressive right to the end, with Madison de Rozario winning the women’s Paralympic marathon while teammate and marathon newcomer Jaryd Clifford, finished with a silver in the men's event on the final day.</p> <p>While the Games are nothing without the athletes, and they deserve their Opera House tribute, many of them will tell you their own lasting memories will be of the volunteers who for days on end stood in the heat and humidity directing busloads of competitors and officials.</p> <p>They were also making sure the fridges stayed full of water, or were simply charged with reminding every single person that passed through the security gates to "please, sanitise your hands".</p> <p><strong>Some of the best quotes of the Paralympic Games</strong></p> <p>As a final tribute, the Olympic Information Service in Tokyo compiled some of the best quotes of the Paralympic Games, which we share with you now as a final farewell:</p> <p><em>"I wouldn't change anything. I'd break my neck again if I could."</em> - Australian wheelchair rugby player, Richard Voris on "living the dream" after his friend accidentally jumped on his neck while swimming, leaving him quadriplegic.</p> <p><em>"When I modelled for (US fashion label) Tommy Hilfiger I had this realisation that this perfect body does not exist; only a handful of people have this type of body, this lifestyle. If you look around, all of us have little bumps and bruises all over us and we are all imperfect."</em> - US swimmer Haven Shepherd, who lost both her legs at 14 months old when her parents strapped a bomb to themselves and held her in their arms in an attempted family suicide in Vietnam.</p> <p><em>"I love what the Paralympics represents – it represents more than sport, it represents people with disability, succeeding in what they love, it gives us purpose, it gives us a passion, it changes cultures, changes perceptions. We can work, we can get jobs, we can be teachers, we can be mums, we can be dads, we can travel, we can be partners, we can have kids, we can do so much."</em> - Australia's tennis quad singles gold medalist Dylan Alcott, on the power of the Paralympics.</p> <p><em>"It was so good to have a female on the podium – that just happened to be me."</em> - British track cyclist Kadeena Cox who won the gold medal in the C1-5 750m team sprint, reflecting on being the only woman in the mixed team final.</p> <p><em>"I was literally swimming using one lung. I risked my life by coming here because my right lung is not functioning. But I came here to deliver a message representing millions of refugees around the world. There are thousands and thousands of disabled refugee athletes who are counting on me, so I didn't want to let them down."</em><br />- Syrian-born swimmer Ibrahim Al Hussein, representing the Refugee Paralympic Team, revealing he competed at Tokyo against the advice of his doctor.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Domestic Travel

Team GB rocked by doping controversy at Tokyo 2020 Olympics

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Great Britain's men’s track team is in danger of having their silver medal being stripped, after one of its athletes tested positive for banned substances. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Britain's Olympic 4x100m relay silver medallist Chijindu 'CJ' Ujah has been provisionally suspended for allegedly breaching strict anti-doping rules at the games.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) reported that athlete had returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) from a test carried during the Olympics in Japan. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The substances detected were Ostarine and S-23, which are both classified by the World Anti-doping Organisation, as they have similar effects to steroids. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The substances have been banned from the Olympics for some time, as they help build muscle and enhance overall sporting performance. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">CJ responded to the news of the doping scandal with a cryptic Instagram post that said, “Stay focused… Because truth is madder than fiction.” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">CJ is allowed to request independent analysis of the sample to prove his innocence and keep his Olympic title. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If he is found guilty of using performance-enhancing drugs, it could be devastating for his fellow members of the relay team. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Zharnel Hughes, Richard Kilty and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake will also be at risk of being stripped if the positive is confirmed.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The news comes after three other track and field athletes were suspended during the Games for suspected doping. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Moroccan-born Bahraini 1,500m runner Sadik Mikhou, Georgian shot putter Benik Abramyan and Kenyan sprinter Mark Otieno Odhiambo were listed for using performance-enhancing drugs, and remain under investigation by the AIU. </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image credit: Getty Images</span></em></p>

Legal

Bargain Italian homes sell for under $2

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Houses in Italy are selling for as little as one euro, thanks to a new initiative started by several Italian municipalities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 1 Euro House Project hopes to revitalise particular areas of the country and stem the rate of residents moving away.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sambuca di Sicilia, a municipality in the region of Sicily, has seen incredible success from the initiative, with approximately 16 dwellings being purchased since the scheme was announced in 2019.</span></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/CODg8wLNIqu/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <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="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CODg8wLNIqu/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Bell’Italia (@bellitalia_magazine)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Since then, Sambuca has attracted reporters and foreign buyers looking for a bargain home.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though the reasons behind Sambuca’s huge popularity in comparison to other unpopulated towns involved in the scheme are unknown, the area has hopes to replicate its initial success.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A second batch of abandoned homes have been put on the market for a symbolic two euros (AUD $3.20).</span></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/CKG2wZbslyR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <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="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKG2wZbslyR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Sambuca di Sicilia (@sambucadisicilia)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Since the 2019 scheme, local authorities have continued to receive requests from foreigners interested in buying a bargain property. In response to the continued interest, they have decided to sell about 20 abandoned buildings, many of which are adjacent houses, giving buyers an opportunity to buy more than one and knock them through.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The chosen properties are all within the old “Saracen” neighbourhood, which were abandoned after a catastrophic earthquake devastated the area in 1968.</span></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/CQbEoqpsUP8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <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="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQbEoqpsUP8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Sambuca di Sicilia (@sambucadisicilia)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The homes will be going to auction at a starting price of two euros and will be sold to the highest bidder.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most of the homes are in need of repairs, while others are still filled with forgotten items and broken furniture.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Any who are interested in partaking can complete and submit an application - available from the </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.comune.sambucadisicilia.ag.it/Case%20a%202%20Euro/Index.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">town’s website</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> - until November 5, with the public auction likely to take place several weeks later.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In 2019, the homes sold for prices ranging from one euro to </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">€</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">25,000 (approximately $40,000 AUD).</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, most went for somewhere between </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">€5000 and €10,000 (AUD $8000 to $16,000).</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: irusya_busya / Instagram</span></em></p>

International Travel

“I am sickened”: Prince William blasts racial abuse

<p><span>Prince William has received brutal backlash after condemning the racist abuse of England’s Euro 2020 final players.</span><br /><br /><span>"I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night's match," the royal shared on Monday night from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's official Twitter account.</span><br /><br /><span>"It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour. It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable."</span><br /><br /><span>The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were in attendance at the match on Sunday.</span><br /><br /><span>Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, three Black members of England's squad, all received a slurry of racist abuse after they missed their shots during the penalty shoot-out against Italy.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Saka crying breaks my heart man. He's 19, a kid. Most his age are just figuring out what college is. And here is stepping up to take probably most important pen for his country in 50 years.<br /><br />He's already achieved more than most & there's still so much to come. So so proud of him. <a href="https://t.co/IUvBwwsPMq">pic.twitter.com/IUvBwwsPMq</a></p> — angel (@Angelshi_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Angelshi_/status/1414345218523025408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><br /><span>Italy won the shoot-out 3-2.</span><br /><br /><span>England lost the Euro 2020 final in heartbreaking circumstances in front of their home fans, despite initially taking the lead.</span><br /><br /><span>However, William’s public call out received an icy response with many questioning why the royal kept silent while his sister-in-law, who is bi-racial, received a flurry of racist abuse while she served in the royal family.</span><br /><br /><span>“For years #sussexsquad has been told that we are ‘race baiters’ for highlighting the racism against Meghan Markle. Tonight, seeing the abuse hurled at Saka, Rashford and Sancho literally proves what we’ve been saying for years,” one person said.</span><br /><br /><span>Another added: “Prince William performative ally ship. His words would have legitimate credibility right now if he had condemned racist abuse towards Meghan Markle and Archie. His silence and complicity fuelled what he condemns today.”</span><br /><br /><span>A third asked: “Were you sickened by the racist abuse aimed at your sister-in-law Meghan Markle for years? What [about] your own blood nephew Archie?” asked a user, amid a sea of other tweets criticising William:</span><br /><br /><span>“I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night’s match. But I love it when it’s aimed at my nephew and SIL Meghan Markle (winks),” another tweet said.</span><br /><br /><span>The official England Football Twitter account tweeted, "We're disgusted that some of our squad — who have given everything for the shirt this summer — have been subjected to discriminatory abuse online after tonight's game. We stand with our players."</span><br /><br /><span>The Football Association — England football's governing body — also released a statement via social media.</span><br /><br /><span>"The FA strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and is appalled by the online racism that has been aimed at some of our England players on social media," a spokesperson said.</span><br /><br /><span>"We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behaviour is not welcome in following the team. We will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible.</span><br /><br /><span>"We will continue to do everything we can to stamp discrimination out of the game, but we implore government to act quickly and bring in the appropriate legislation so this abuse has real life consequences.</span><br /><br /><span>"Social media companies need to step up and take accountability and action to ban abusers from their platforms, gather evidence that can lead to prosecution and support making their platforms free from this type of abhorrent abuse."</span></p>

News

Prince George beside himself at Euro2020 Final

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post-body-container"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>The Cambridge family have been spotted enjoying a day out at the Euro2020 finals, cheering for England as they played against Italy in the nail-biting match.</p> <p>Seven-year-old George was delighted and was seen cheering and clapping on England as they took an early lead against Italy.</p> <p>He was wearing a suit, despite dad Prince William's best efforts to let him wear a jersey in support of his team.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842376/gerge-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d9bce633ab38485f9c215761ff5edcc8" /></p> <p>Tennis star Marion Bartoli said William was in favour but his wife was against.</p> <p>She told<span> </span><em>BBC Radio 5 Live</em>: "Yesterday I had an afternoon tea with the duchess and it was very much a discussion whether George will be allowed to wear the jersey tonight at Wembley or not.</p> <p>"William was for it, Kate not so keen, so we'll see."</p> <p>The Duchess of Cambridge appeared to have won that battle.</p> <p>However, Prince George's tie was in the colours of England, with Prince William wearing the same tie.</p> <p>Unfortunately for the royals and the whole of England, Italy beat England 3-2, with Italy winning the match in a penalty shoot-out.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Family & Pets

Princess Mary cheers on Denmark with her outfit

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post-body-container"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, her husband Crown Prince Frederick and their son Prince Christian supported Denmark against England in the highly anticipated Euro 2020 semi-final last night.</p> <p>Princess Mary, 49, opted to wear the colours of the Danish flag and was by her family's side as they cheered on Denmark.</p> <p>The family were preventing the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a protective face mask that was complete with a Danish flag on it.</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/CRCO3eIgI0X/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <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="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CRCO3eIgI0X/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by DET DANSKE KONGEHUS 🇩🇰 (@detdanskekongehus)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>However, the trip wasn't without controversy as the Danish royal family are able to watch the match in person whereas millions of Danish fans are forced to watch the semi-final from home.</p> <p>The country's biggest newspaper, Ekstra Bladet, slammed the Danish royal family, with the newspaper editor Henrik Qvortrup saying that "blue blood gives immunity in all respects" as well as pointing out that it "looks a little unfortunate" that the royal family are able to skip quarantine to go to the match.</p> <p>"It's England and UEFA," Christian Kokholm Rothmann, chairman of Danish Football Fans, told<span> </span><em>Ekstra Bladet.</em></p> <p>"It is the size of the wallet that determines whether one can get to football in England. Class division of society has apparently been reintroduced in England."</p> <p>"The ones you have to be really mad at are UEFA. They should have moved the match [from] where the fans cannot access.</p> <p>"The European Championships should bring people together and spread joy, and now it divides people because many who want to see the semi-finals do not have access to it. It's a shame."</p> <p>The Danish royal family hit back saying that it was "completely natural" that "it represents Denmark" at the match.</p> <p>Unfortunately, the presence of the royal family wasn't enough for Denmark to win the game as England defeated Denmark 2-1.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Beauty & Style

The top 10 baby names in Australia in 2020

<p>Gone are the days of Bruce and Sheila, because these days, you're more likely to meet a Jack or a Chloe.</p> <p>According to data collected by<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="http://mccrindle.com.au/" target="_blank">McCrindle.com.au</a>, the same name has come out on top for the last four years.</p> <p>Charlotte for a girl and Oliver for a boy.</p> <p>Other names that have been deemed popular are ones influenced by celebrities, such as Willow (Pink's daughter) and Luna (Chrissy Teigan's baby).</p> <p>Last year, 2206 boys were named Oliver and 1609 girls were given he first name Charlotte.</p> <p><strong>The top 10 Australian girls names are:</strong></p> <ol> <li class="li1">Charlotte</li> <li class="li1">Olivia</li> <li class="li1">Amelia</li> <li class="li1">Isla</li> <li class="li1">Mia</li> <li class="li1">Ava</li> <li class="li1">Grace</li> <li class="li1">Willow</li> <li class="li1">Harper</li> <li class="li1">Chloe</li> </ol> <p><strong>The top 10 Australian boys names are:</strong></p> <ol> <li class="li1">Oliver</li> <li class="li1">Noah</li> <li class="li1">Jack</li> <li class="li1">William</li> <li class="li1">Leo</li> <li class="li1">Lucas</li> <li class="li1">Thomas</li> <li class="li1">Henry</li> <li class="li1">Charlie</li> <li class="li1">James</li> </ol>

Family & Pets

ALDI’s major blunder results in rejoice

<p>While many are anticipating a new year considering the hardships 2020 has forced many of us to endure, it seems no one is more excited than ALDI.</p> <p>One shopper was surprised to find his calendar for the last month of the year was celebrating ‘New Year’s Eve’ on December 1st – a hilarious printing mistake that seemed to resonate with many who saw the funny blunder.</p> <p>“According to ALDI tonight is New Year’s Eve,” he wrote with a picture of the faulty calendar in a Facebook post.</p> <p>“May need to buy calendars somewhere else this year.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839077/aldi-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/4faf5b378f394dec974a126047947c37" /></p> <p>"ALDI - STUPID Different."</p> <p>Despite the irate post, other shoppers did not quite have the same reaction as they argued that the mix up was the perfect opportunity to close out 2020 much sooner than expected.</p> <p>“I don't know, I wouldn't be calling them stupid - I would be calling them prophetic – wanting to get us out of 2020 asap!” one lady said in the comments.</p> <p>“Why not it's 2020,” another added.</p> <p>“It’s been a crazy year,” a third person pointed out. “Think we need a whole month to celebrate its end!”</p> <p>“Perfect!” another agreed. “Where’s the party at? New Year’s resolution starts tomorrow!”</p>

Food & Wine

Can you rid yourself of 2020’s financial stress as we head into 2021?

<p>2020 has been a tough year for nearly everyone, and that may be especially true for retirees and those nearing retirement who suddenly are worried about whether their careful planning and years of saving could be upended by events beyond their control.</p> <p>After all, retirement is supposed to be a pleasurable and satisfying time when you kick back and enjoy the fruits of all those decades of labor. That’s difficult to do if you’re jittery about a volatile stock market, or you fret over every expenditure because you aren’t sure whether your savings can go the distance in a lengthy retirement.</p> <p>As this year draws to a close, and we look toward 2021, plenty of people still have worries. For them – and maybe for you – the future is uncertain. But frankly, the future is always uncertain, and worrying about your finances without taking charge of your situation does no one any good.</p> <p>So, if you’re already in retirement or plan to be there soon, how can you reduce some of that financial stress that’s weighing you down in these tumultuous times? Let me offer a few ideas:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Take control.</strong> Just stewing and letting the emotional strain rule your days and nights does no good. Instead, focus on actions you can take to help reduce some of that stress. Often, just doing something – anything – can help you feel better. Review your financial assets so you truly know where you stand. Those assets might include savings accounts, investment accounts, retirement accounts, life insurance, real property or other items. You can’t create a plan unless you know exactly where you stand, so taking stock of things should be the first step. That way you aren’t operating in the dark. And what about the “T” word? Taxes! Have you imparted tax-efficiency as a part of your retirement plan? Do you know your options when it comes to this certainty?</li> <li><strong>Reconsider the timing of your retirement.</strong> Whenever the economy is shaky, it’s best to consider your options ahead of time so you can be prepared before problems arise. If you’re still working, for example, and you suddenly lose your job, one option may be to retire earlier than you originally planned and take Social Security. That can come with downsides, though. If you begin drawing Social Security before your full retirement age (between 66 and 67 for most people) you receive a reduced monthly check. That could cost you tens of thousands of dollars over a long retirement. Conversely, if your job situation is stable but you're worried your nest egg is inadequate, consider postponing retirement. That will allow you to save more, potentially increase your Social Security benefits, and can potentially give your investments time to recover from temporary market declines.</li> <li><strong>Review your budget and clean up bad habits.</strong> Many of us have less-than-stellar financial habits that we developed over the years. Those patterns of behavior don’t magically disappear as you approach retirement. You need to be intentional about changing bad habits so you aren’t spending more money than you need to – or should. To help you determine the difference between necessary and discretionary spending, review the past six months to a year of expenditures. As you review your spending, think beyond all those momentary, one-time splurges. Include your regular household bills, such as utilities, cable and cell phone service. You might be able to save money through a family plan, by bundling services, or by cutting the cord altogether.</li> <li><strong>Evaluate the risk in your portfolio.</strong> Perhaps you have had an aggressive investment strategy, and that’s how you accumulated a big nest egg that (you hope) was designed to carry you through decades of retirement. But, in an uncertain market and with retirement already here or close at hand, it may be wise to re-evaluate how much risk you’re holding in your portfolio. Now would be a good time to diversify and consider other investment options so you can help protect what you already have.</li> </ul> <p>Remember, though, that if your unsteady financial situation is getting the better of you, you don’t have to go it alone. Find an experienced financial professional who can help you develop a plan that can potentially ease at least some of your worries.</p> <p>It’s possible to get back on track financially – and, hopefully, set aside those concerns that could mar your enjoyment of life in retirement.</p> <p class="p1"><em>Written by Alan Becker, president and CEO of <a href="http://www.rsgusa.net">Retirement Solutions Group</a> and author of Return on Investment or Reliability of Income? The True Meaning of ROI in Retirement.</em> </p>

Retirement Income

“I am so sorry”: Erin Molan reflects on her tumultuous year

<p>The start of 2020 feels like such a long time ago, but December is finally here, Christmas is a few short weeks away and, of course, New Year straight after that.</p> <p>It’s around this time where we begin to reflect on the year we’re leaving behind and Erin Molan seems to doing exactly that.</p> <p>Writing a piece for Nine Honey, Molan looks back at the tumultuous year she’s had and what she hopes for the future. </p> <p>“Like so many other Australians, our family took a hit financially, emotionally and in plenty of other ways,” she said. “But when I look back now, as we start to emerge out the other side, my glasses are well and truly rose-coloured.”</p> <p>Speaking about the challenges she faces with a toddler and her extremely fast-paced lifestyle, Molan talks about how grateful she is that due to the pandemic, she was able to spend more time with her child.</p> <p>“I essentially got to spend almost every single night with my two-and-a-half-year-old. I got to spend almost every single day with her, too. For a working mum, this is almost unheard of.”</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/CIK2Irvl_jq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <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="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CIK2Irvl_jq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Erin Molan (@erin_molan)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Like many, Molan’s hours at work decreased during the pandemic, saying she was forced to remain in Channel Nine’s studios, and didn’t need to commit to extra appearances, giving her plenty of time to spend with her daughter.</p> <p>Now, as she makes her way into 2021, she can’t wait to see what the future holds.</p> <p>“I’m so excited for 2021, but not because I hated 2020 — quite the opposite,” she said.</p> <p>“I feel almost like this year's circumstances mean I can put in the extra hours next year with a degree of confidence and comfortability that might otherwise have been missing.”</p> <p>The 38-year-old then passed on her blessings to those who have faced an extreme amount of hardship this year, saying she is “so sorry”.</p> <p>“I can only hope 2021 provides you some respite and an ability to rebuild.”</p>

News

2020 word of the year announced

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>Collins English Dictionary has announced the 2020 word of the year, which is "lockdown".</p> <p>The term has quickly wormed its way into conversations around the world due to public health measures against the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe.</p> <p>"Our lexicographers chose '<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/coronavirus-victoria-restrictions-things-you-may-not-know-lockdown-ends-melbourne/1dd707e6-a1d0-44af-bef9-17196b1799db" target="_blank" class="editor-rtflink">lockdown</a>' as Word of the Year because it is a unifying experience for billions of people across the world, who have had, collectively, to play their part in combating the spread of COVID-19," Collins wrote after announcing the award.</p> <p>"It's not a shock to remember that lockdown was originally a piece of prison vocabulary: it's when inmates are confined to their cells because of some disturbance on the wing," it added.</p> <p>"2020 is year that the meaning of the word shifted irrevocably: in most people's minds, lockdown is now a public health measure — its use having increased exponentially since 2019."</p> <p>The dictionary asid it registered over a quarter of a million usages of the word "lockdown", which is an increase of more than 6,000 per cent.</p> <p>Since the initial outbreak in Wuhan, China, virtually every major country has followed suit and enacted some form of lockdown.</p> <p>This makes 2020 a year unlike any other in modern history due to unprecedented social restrictions limiting human interaction.</p> <p>According to the dictionary, the choice of the word was easy.</p> <p> "It's no surprise that quite a few of the words on Collins Word of the Year 2020 shortlist have one big thing in common: the pandemic," the dictionary wrote.</p> <p>"Something that changed everyone's lives so profoundly — leaving no country or continent untouched — was bound to have a significant impact on our language."</p> </div> </div> </div>

Travel Trouble

A litany of losses: A new project maps our abandoned arts events of 2020

<p>There was a time when artists imagined and planned work for 2020. For some, years had gone into the planning. But, as we know, everything scheduled from the middle of March had to be cancelled. Some events may be scheduled again at another time; many will no longer happen.</p> <p>A group of artists have put together a map of the abandoned artistic projects for 2020. Conceived by artist Anna Tregloan and named <a href="https://theimpossibleproject.com.au/final-archive">The Impossible Project</a>, it is a treasury of lost work and a time capsule of what we missed out on this year due to the pandemic.</p> <p>There are already over 150 shows and events listed. More projects are being added all the time.</p> <p>The Impossible Project captures the enormous range of work by Australian artists that could have happened in every Australian city, in regional areas and overseas.</p> <p>We see the breadth and depth of artistic activity across the country; the loss for audiences, artists, and communities. Select a title, and you see the artists involved, the venue, the dates, the expected audience numbers.</p> <p>It is a sobering experience.</p> <p><em><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838514/art-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/480ac80a49974c2699701c72daf4eba7" /></em></p> <p><em>An imagined map lists more than 100 cancelled and postponed works. The Impossible Project</em></p> <p><strong>Those that will never be…</strong></p> <p>There is a re-imagined production of Thornton Wilder’s <a href="https://theimpossibleproject.com.au/our-town">Our Town</a> (projected audience: 5,000+), to be directed by Australian theatremaker Anne-Louise Sarks in Basel, Switzerland. In planning since 2018, involving performers from countries across the world, the play was cancelled five days before its March premiere.</p> <p>Patricia Cornelius’s <a href="https://theimpossibleproject.com.au/donotgogentle">Do Not Go Gentle…</a> (projected audience: 8,000) was to be directed by Susie Dee in July at the Malthouse in Melbourne.</p> <p>The play focuses on the experience of people in an aged care home; Shane Bourne was cast in the lead role. Given the experience of this year, the setting could not be more relevant. The play was presented in one sell-out season in 2009 – this 2020 production was more than 10 years in the making.</p> <p><a href="https://theimpossibleproject.com.au/therivercrossing">The River Crossing</a> (projected audience: 4,000) was to be a large-scale outdoor performance where professional high-wire walkers and Bundjalung community members would cross the Wilsons River in Lismore in August. SeedArts Australia has been planning the project since 2018.</p> <p>The all-female Belloo Creative was the resident theatre company at Queensland Theatre for 2019-20. To premiere in 2020, Katherine Lyall-Watson wrote a re-imagined <a href="https://theimpossibleproject.com.au/phaedra">Phaedra</a> (projected audience: 7,140). The play was set in the future, with war taking place between a seceded Queensland and the rest of the country – another strangely pertinent theme.</p> <p>Matt Whittet’s new play <a href="https://theimpossibleproject.com.au/kindness">Kindness</a> (projected audience: 3,500) was to be directed by Lee Lewis at the Griffin Theatre. This loss feels particularly poignant, as the play looked at the experiences of community kindness – kindness we have all witnessed in 2020.</p> <p>Whittet says he hopes it is only on hold: “<em>Nothing is certain in the world at the moment, which means there’s no promises but always hope.</em></p> <p><strong>… and those that found a new life</strong></p> <p>The Impossible Project also finds silver linings.</p> <p>Sydney performance and visual artist Rakini Devi had planned a project with Melbourne video artist Karl Ockelford. With border closures, they were unable to work together.</p> <p>Instead, Devi developed a solo project examining the position of women from the Indian diaspora who experience violence, being “lockdowned” and various forms of misogyny.</p> <p>Melbourne musical theatre company Watch This specialises in the work of Stephen Sondheim. It had planned an exhibition of design and creative work for shows spanning seven years of the company’s productions.</p> <p>Scheduled to start in March at Northcote Town Hall, the exhibition was cancelled six days before opening. But the company was able to re-mount it as a digital documentary series, <a href="https://theimpossibleproject.com.au/theartofmakingart">The Art of Making Art</a>. Through this, Watch This has been able to expand its audience, with the series selected for Canada’s <a href="https://www.socialdistancingfestival.com/">Social Distancing Festival</a>.</p> <p><strong>Further loss</strong></p> <p>The Impossible Project documents shows that were meant to appear at the Sydney Opera House, Griffin Theatre, the Riverside Theatre and the Ensemble in Sydney; at Malthouse, the Recital Centre, the Arts Centre and Arts House in Melbourne; at La Boite, QPAC and Queensland Theatre in Brisbane.</p> <p>There are touring shows scheduled for cities and regional centres. There are festivals – all now cancelled.</p> <p>We have lost the audiences who haven’t been able to see work in a live venue; the time artists spent developing a new work, only to see it cancelled with no commitment to return; we will, inevitably, lose artists who will give up on the increasingly precarious dream of a creative life.</p> <p>When we talk about the impact of this year on the arts sector, we often focus on the economic losses. In April, the Grattan Institute estimated <a href="https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-3-in-4-australians-employed-in-the-creative-and-performing-arts-could-lose-their-jobs-136505">up to 75% of people</a> employed in the creative and performing arts could lose their jobs. By May, I Lost My Gig had recorded the loss of income for Australian artists of more than <a href="https://ilostmygig.net.au/">A$340 million</a>.</p> <p>Shows began being cancelled in March. The Federal Government didn’t announce a support package until June. Last week it was revealed <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/oct/21/arts-rescue-package-worth-250m-still-waiting-to-be-allocated-senate-estimates-told">none of the $250 million</a> package has been allocated (bar $48 million allowing Screen Australia to underwrite the insurance of films in production, which does not represent money spent).</p> <p>Without support, more work will be lost.</p> <p>It is a mystery why the government does not take the cultural sector seriously, or value the arts, or see how it contributes to our society.</p> <p>We are seeing the arts and humanities <a href="https://theconversation.com/monash-university-plans-to-cut-its-musicology-subjects-why-does-this-matter-147172">removed</a> from our universities, artists left out in the cold during this terrible time, and no indication of a way forward.</p> <p>This is a loss to Australia on a grand scale. The list of cancelled work in The Impossible Project is not one we want to see continue — but it is inevitable the list will grow.</p> <p><em>Image 1: A re-imagined production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town was cancelled five days before opening. Anne-Louise Sarks</em></p> <p><em>Image 2: An imagined map lists more than 100 cancelled and postponed works. The Impossible Project</em></p> <p><em>Written by <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jo-caust-123875">Jo Caust</a>, University of Melbourne. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-litany-of-losses-a-new-project-maps-our-abandoned-arts-events-of-2020-148716">The Conversation. </a></em></p>

Art

Budget ALDI wine beats $100 reds

<p>An ALDI wine has taken two prestigious awards at the 2020 Royal Adelaide Wine Show.</p> <p>The Blackstone Paddock Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 took home the Max Schubert AM Trophy for Most Outstanding Red Wine in Show, which is considered to be one of the most important trophies in the Australian wine industry.</p> <p>The wine also won the Professor A J Perkins Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon in Show. </p> <p>The wine, at just $17.99, beat out many other wines that were priced at more than $100 from Coonawarra and Margaret River regions for the top honour.</p> <p>ALDI wines won two trophies, two gold, two silver and six bronzes at the event, which tops off a successful wine awards season for the German supermarket.</p> <p>The supermarket's $8.99 Venturer Series Riverina Durif 2019 took home the Best Riverina Durif Trophy at the 2020 Riverina Wine Show.</p>

Food & Wine

Emmys 2020: Best red carpet fashion

<p>Celebrities may have attended this years Emmy Awards from the comfort of their own homes, but the night still saw plenty of glamorous looks. </p> <p>TV’s night of nights had to forego the glitzy red carpet due to the coronavirus pandemic, but it still proved to be a momentous occasion.</p> <p>From Zendaya to Jennifer Aniston, many of the night’s nominees made sure to share their looks on Instagram </p> <p>Take a look at some of the best dressed stars at this years Emmy Awards.</p>

Beauty & Style

Comedy awards reveal the funniest animal pictures of 2020

<p>The annual Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards has come back around again for 2020 and this year has definitely taken the cake.</p> <p>Each year, keen-eyed photographers from all around the globe capture some of the funniest photos of animals stuck in moments that seem to replicate human emotions or other hilarious poses.</p> <p>Together the founders Tom Sullam and Paul Joynson-Hicks set out to create the contest in order to raise awareness and funds for wildlife conservation.</p> <p>The hilarious photographs are used to encourage people to shop responsibly, be mindful of their water use as well as giving people everywhere a good chuckle.</p> <p>See Over60’s top 11 picks here!</p> <p><em>Image credits: Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards 2020 / Marcuss Wesyberg, Petr Sochman, Olin Rogers, Martin Grace, Mark Fitzpatrick, Luis Martí, Kay Kotzian, Arthur Telle Thiemann, Sally Lloyd, Yarin Klein, Roland Kranitz.</em></p>

Family & Pets

"I feel lucky": Turia Pitt reflects on 2020

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>Turia Pitt has had quite the year, dealing with the bushfires that ravaged her hometown in early January as well as giving birth to a baby boy.</p> <p>It was the devastation that saw her hometown and national parks ruined by bushfires that inspired her to start <em>Spend With Them</em>.</p> <p><em>Spend With Them</em> is a successful Instagram page that aims to put the spotlight onto small and local businesses whose businesses have been impacted by COVID-19 and the intense bushfire season.</p> <p>Pitt reflected on the moment the idea was born, after a visit from longtime friend Grace McBride.</p> <p>"We both cried. We were thinking, what's happening to this beautiful landscape? Our friends' houses and properties have been lost, and all the beautiful national parks. We both wanted to do something to help, but what?</p> <p>"If you imagine that your energy is a light, then if you're just thinking about how things are affecting you and how scared you are, your light is only shining in. I try to flick that, to shine it outwards. So I started thinking, how could we help others? And that's how Spend With Them was born."</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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CEnsIYYhwh0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" 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="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CEnsIYYhwh0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Spend With Them (@spendwiththem)</a> on Sep 1, 2020 at 9:07pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>She had to step back from <em>Spend With Them</em> though as she was due to give birth to her new son.</p> <p>"I really enjoyed giving birth to Rahiti," says Turia to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nowtolove.com.au/parenting/celebrity-families/turia-pitt-son-rahiti-65177" target="_blank"><em>Now To Love</em></a>.</p> <p>"It made me feel empowered. We had to go to Wollongong for the birth, which is two hours away. So we went up there the night before."</p> <p>"My obstetrician wanted to induce me because of the bushfires. Roads were closing and getting clogged with traffic and I could have ended up having the baby on the side of the road, which I didn't want. I asked for an epidural but by the time they came back with the anaesthetist, I was pushing him out.</p> <p>It was a really positive experience for me. I feel lucky. With birth, anything can happen but I had two really good experiences and I had a really good medical team for both of them."</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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CE7xe_og5lj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" 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="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CE7xe_og5lj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Turia (@turiapitt)</a> on Sep 9, 2020 at 4:18pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>However, she was worried about her mothering ability after the pregnancy of her first son, Hakavai. </p> <p>"When I was pregnant with Hakavai, I was really concerned about my mothering ability," Turia recalls.</p> <p>"I would think about my mother, who is the kindest woman, she's so generous, she does everything for other people, she would give them the shirt off her back, she's so loving, so warm, so compassionate. Then I thought about myself and I thought, f**k, I'll never be as good as my mum was.</p> <p>"I still don't think anyone gets better than my mum but now that I'm a mum, I can see all these more nurturing qualities in me. They've been amplified."</p> <p>"Being a mum has definitely softened me, made me more nurturing, made me more caring and more compassionate, and I like all those qualities."</p> </div> </div> </div>

Family & Pets

All the clues so far for The Masked Singer 2020

<p>As the 12 new celebrities take to the stage in the latest season of <em>The Masked Singer</em> in their hilariously disturbing costumes, <span>Channel 10 has slowly been giving excited fans clues about each of the celebs under the masks.</span></p> <p>All we know for now is that 2020’s contestants include Hollywood actors, a big name from an Emmy award-winning series, ARIA winners, a triple Olympian, Logie winners, a recording artist with 22 platinum and 11 gold records, and World Cup winners.</p> <p>There are rumours that Eurovision star Dami Im, comedian Tommy Little and Neighbours actress Madeleine West are a few of the celebrities believed to be appearing this season.</p> <p>With all the clues that have been released, we have managed to collate them all together in anticipation of the new season beginning on Tuesday.</p> <p><strong>Frillneck</strong> says: "I’ve always been a stand-up guy, who hangs with birds of a feather." </p> <p>Fans believe the masked singer may be a stand-up comedian and guesses include Ed Kavalee, Tommy Little, Sam Pang and Beau Ryan.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837267/masked-singer-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b74df874a74f4b84ab607a135388a734" /></p> <p><strong>Echidna</strong> says: "I only know one way to go... pedal to the metal from start to finish." </p> <p>Echidna's video clue has confused many as it depicts the animal five records that have been arranged to look like the Olympic rings. He's also seen rocking a cradle with a... cat in it. </p> <p>In another scene shared to Instagram, Echidna is shown taking part in some sort of running race. </p> <p>Viewers have guessed this contestant may be a TV presenter and racing enthusiast Grant Denyer and former Olympic sprinter turned race car driver John Steffensen. </p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837268/masked-singer-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9ea0d5b450f3489c99f971663a190f5d" /></p> <p><strong>Dragonfly </strong>says: "I may be classically trained, but I’m famous for some other moves."</p> <p>Fans think that this contestant may just be Kate Miller-Heidke who was trained as a classical singer or <em>Australia’s Got Talent</em> judge Lucy Durack.</p> <p>Other guesses are Dami Im and T<em>he Wiggles’</em> Emma Watkins.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837263/masked-singer-9.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6d291d7367f84694a437d2ef980c91fc" /></p> <p><strong>Cactus </strong>says: "When they hear my voice, they’ll be yelling 'You grow girl'," which doesn't give away too much. </p> <p>In another Instagram post, Cactus says: "Don't let my looks fool you. I'm dangerous, but I would rather keep that private." </p> <p>Names like Sia, Ruby Rose and Lucy Durack have been thrown into the mix so far.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837261/masked-singer-11.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/057c9d6f14094a5ea357b130755170d9" /></p> <p><strong>Wizard </strong>says: "My childhood neighbours hated my singing voice, but who’s having the last laugh now!"</p> <p>Fans think this contestant may be be a previous or current Neighbours star. Jason Donovan, who played Scott Robinson on the show.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837262/masked-singer-10.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f2cc7c6ed72f47678f93e60078e524f3" /></p> <p>Queen says: "My sporting pedigree can’t be denied... and that doesn’t just take the cake."</p> <p>Guesses are former <em>MasterChef</em> contestant Justine Schofield who used to date sports presenter Matt Doran or jockey Michelle Payne.</p> <p><strong>Hammerhead</strong> says: "I’ve never started a fight... but I always nail them in the end!"</p> <p>Viewers think Hammerhead may be TV and radio presenter Tom Williams, retired Australian rules footballer Barry Hall or horticulturist and TV presenter Jamie Durie.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837266/masked-singer-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/04c893ed8fd940a3917f68bde69903c3" /></p> <p><strong>Bushranger</strong> says: "I'm not afraid to take the gloves off... and get my hands a little dirty."</p> <p>Guesses based off of the “glove off” comment surround boxer or gardener. Guesses include Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis or professional boxer Danny Green.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837264/masked-singer-8.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/bf968d8f40384d448589b0ddc7d5912c" /></p> <p><strong>Goldfish</strong> says: "I’m not just gold, I’m quite precious... and a lot tougher than I look."</p> <p>The "gold" in goldfish's clue seems to point to an Olympian or some sort of athlete.</p> <p>Olympic swimmer Stephanie Rice, professional boxer Lauryn Eagle or one of the players from the Australian Diamonds netball team are some of the guesses being made.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837271/masked-singer-3-gold-fish.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/98517d969dd74e20bcbbd101afdabac5" /></p> <p><strong>Puppet</strong> says: "I’ve had my brush with royalty... and a long time in a court of law."</p> <p>Viewers are convinced Anh Do may be hiding under puppet's incredibly disturbing costume. </p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837270/masked-singer-4.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/52dd94c6520043fa9f6dfa120c8255eb" /></p> <p><strong>Sloth</strong> says: "I have quite the way with words, even when they’re not mine."</p> <p>Sloth's clue doesn't give us a lot of information, so guesses are limited.</p> <p>However, many believe this contestant could be an actor or TV presenter.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837275/masked-singer-13.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/5b5f4ec56d6c4bd3ac0b53b4a2d68015" /></p> <p><em>The Masked Singer airs on Monday, August 10 at 7.30pm on Channel 10.</em></p>

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