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TV host humiliated live on air by 9-year-old daughter

<p>A TV host has been left mortified after her 9-year-old daughter embarrassed her live on air. </p> <p>Jenna Hager Bush, one of the hosts of the US morning show <em>Today with Hoda &amp; Jenna</em>, had her daughter Mila on the show to chat about fashion. </p> <p>The 9-year-old then shocked her mum by telling viewers that Hager “never wears underwear.”</p> <p>She continued, “She is not wearing it right now! I saw her change!”</p> <p>The little one’s confession came one month after the journalist first confessed that she often skips underwear for a “more pretty silhouette” after co-host Hoda Kotb called her out.</p> <p>Hager, who also shares daughter Poppy, 7, and son Hal, 3, with husband Henry Hager, explained that her controversial wardrobe choice makes her life “easier.”</p> <p>“You don’t have to pack as much,” she pointed out last month. “There [are] a lot of pros to it.”</p> <p>While Mila wasn’t the first to out her mother’s lack of underwear, she did continue to embarrass Hager with another story on Tuesday.</p> <p>“One time she was laughing in our living room and she peed her pants!” Mila said, noting that Hager had to “change [her] pyjamas” at the time.</p> <p>Hager was a good sport, sarcastically thanking Mila before saying, “I think Hoda is trying to get the truth bombs out [of you] but no more.”</p> <div id="ad-hybrid-banner-1" data-type="unruly" data-ad-size="4x4" data-device-type="web"> <div> </div> </div> <p>When Mila showed no signs of keeping quiet, Hager abruptly concluded, “OK, goodbye! Goodbye, I love you!”</p> <p>As Mila exited the stage, Kotb gushed, “What a great kid. … You and her are very similar because you’re both just exactly who you are.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Today with Hoda &amp; Jenna</em></p>

TV

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The W word is tough to talk about, but we need to be better prepared

<p dir="ltr">Widowhood isn’t a topic that is widely discussed. Yet with some women left financially ruined after the unexpected death of their spouse or partner – especially if they suddenly find themselves single parents. It is a discussion we should be having, both to support newly widowed women and to lessen the financial burden on those who may follow.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>‘My partner is gone and I don’t know how I’m going to make ends meet.’ </em>This is a situation that no one wants to face, yet many women sadly do. And it isn’t just elderly women or those in retirement.</p> <p dir="ltr">Between 2018 and 2020, suicide and accidental poisonings were the two <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/life-expectancy-death/deaths-in-australia/contents/leading-causes-of-death" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leading causes of death among 25-44 year-olds</a> – both of which can occur without warning. For the partners left behind, their grief is compounded by another painful loss – the loss of financial stability.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>‘It won’t happen to me’ </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Too many women overestimate their financial resources and protections, while believing their partner will always be there to cover their back. Can you afford to pay the bills after the sudden loss of income – which may have been the bulk of your household earnings? Do you have the full picture of your, and your partner’s, assets, and debts? How will you juggle your job with the new-found constraints of being single, and potentially a single parent? If your partner was self-employed, is the business still profitable or even viable if they’re gone? Has its value suddenly diminished?</p> <p dir="ltr">These are just several of many issues widows face, at an already stressful time.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Preventing the worst </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">While we can’t control death, I think there are two equally important preventative actions women can – and must – take to avoid becoming cash-strapped widows. Firstly, ensure your partner looks after themselves. Men especially often ignore their own health, until it’s too late. Be a source of encouragement and support, and hopefully keep them earthside much longer, with a good diet, regular exercise, stress-relieving activities, and regular medical check-ups for physical and mental health.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, healthy lifestyles don’t guarantee a long life. Which is why contingency plans are crucial. Protecting yourself and your/your partner’s dependents should they die includes having:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Emergency cash fund</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Household savings and investment plan</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Life insurance</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Funeral cover</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Current will</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Nominated superannuation/trust beneficiaries (which are separate from a will)</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Succession/exit plan for any business owned</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Self-employed people paying their worker’s compensation and superannuation</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Qualified tax and financial advice</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Good debt management</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Coping with loss</strong></p> <p>To every widow, let me first say I am so sorry for your loss. You may feel overwhelmed by your new reality. Money worries will only add to this. Some immediate options to ease this pressure and let you focus on processing your grief with loved ones include:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Time off: Work may seem like a good distraction, but you risk making poor decisions under clouded judgement. Take bereavement/annual leave to keep money coming in. For the self- employed, have a business partner/senior employee cover for you.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Notify your partner’s employer: To pay out remaining wages and entitlements.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Life insurance, funeral cover: Check your partner’s policies, including through their superfund. Lodge a claim as soon as you can – it takes time to be processed and paid out.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Get support: You may be eligible for <a href="https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/what-help-there-when-adult-dies?context=60101" target="_blank" rel="noopener">government support measures</a>, including deferred obligations and bereavement payments.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">If your partner died at work: Worker’s compensation or other payouts could be owed to you.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Counselling: Free services include <a href="https://griefline.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Griefline</a> or your/your partner’s Employee Assistance Program.</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Life as a single woman</strong></p> <p>It’s now entirely up to you to manage money and save for retirement. I recommend getting good professional advice to work through:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Transferring assets to be under your name</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Maintaining a roof over your head – which may mean downsizing to a more affordable home</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Adjusting to life on one income</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Maximising earnings; minimising tax</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Investing larger payouts – your late partner’s superannuation, insurances, compensation</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Business strategy – how and whether to sell or continue trading</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Updating your will; providing for dependent children/elderly parents</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Meeting debt obligations</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Should you enter another relationship down the track, whether a binding financial<br />agreement is needed</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">The death of a partner is emotionally devastating. Yet it needn’t devastate you financially too. No matter your situation or life stage, I implore you: take an active role in managing your money. The death of a partner will necessitate it, but you’ll make a difficult situation that bit easier by having financial strategies already in place to fall back on.</p> <p><strong>Helen Baker is a licensed Australian financial adviser and author of the new book, On Your Own Two Feet: The Essential Guide to Financial Independence for all Women (Ventura Press, $32.99). Helen is among the 1% of financial planners who hold a master’s degree in the field. Proceeds from book sales are donated to charities supporting disadvantaged women and children. Find out more at <a href="http://www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au</a>  </strong></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-b1756543-7fff-b2bd-5ecc-d2a34edf3b13"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Retirement Life

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Kate Bush reflects on hit song revival

<p dir="ltr">British singer-songwriter Kate Bush has reflected on a new generation of fans discovering her music that was made popular in the 1980s. </p> <p dir="ltr">After appearing in the highly-anticipated new season of the Netflix series <em>Stranger Things</em>, Bush’s 1985 hit song <em>Running Up That Hill</em> has found itself back in the top 10 of the international music charts. </p> <p dir="ltr">In a rare interview, the singer told <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007qlvb">BBC’s Woman’s Hour</a> radio show how wonderful it has been to have a new legion of younger fans. </p> <p dir="ltr">She said, “Well it’s just extraordinary. I mean, you know, it’s such a great series, I thought that the track would get some attention. But I just never imagined that it would be anything like this. It’s so exciting. But it’s quite shocking really, isn’t it? I mean, the whole world’s gone mad.”</p> <p dir="ltr">She added, “What’s really wonderful I think is this is a whole new audience who, in a lot of cases, they’ve never heard of me and I love that. The thought of all these really young people hearing the song for the first time and discovering it is, well, I think it’s very special.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Bush also discussed the meaning of the song and how it has been reinterpreted by the show, giving the track a new life. </p> <p dir="ltr">She said, “I really like people to hear a song and take from it what they want. But originally it was written as the idea of a man and a woman swapping with each other. Just to feel what it was like, from the other side.”</p> <p dir="ltr">She also revealed that the show led her to listen to <em>Running Up That Hill</em> for the first time in a long while, admitting “I never listen to my old stuff.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“But then you know, when things like this come along, I’m normally involved in something like you know, maybe doing an edit or revisiting the track for some kind of other reason, I’m working on it. So yeah, I hadn’t heard it for a really long time.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Music

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Guy Pearce sells unusual home in Victorian bush

<p dir="ltr">Hollywood star and Geelong local Guy Pearce <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/hollywood-star-guy-pearce-sells-bushland-retreat-near-geelong/?rsf=syn:news:nca:news:spa:strap" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has sold</a> his secluded property less than a year after buying it as a family retreat.</p> <p dir="ltr">The five-bedroom home, which sits on a sprawling seven-hectare property in Beremboke, in central western Victoria, boasts views of the Brisbane Ranges and is built on a hillside with turrets, glass walls, and seven decks and verandahs to soak up the views from.</p> <p dir="ltr">Pearce has <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-beremboke-138584531" target="_blank" rel="noopener">listed</a> the home for between $1.0 and $1.15 million, despite having spent $1.2 million on it last April, only for it to be snapped up for $1.27 million.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, any profits he might have made from the sale will likely be spent on stamp duty and other buying and selling costs.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dozens of buyers inspected the home - which is split into three interconnecting pods - in February, but the agent selling the property withheld the true identity of the home’s owner from potential buyers and simply said it was an “overseas owner”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The “main house” is where you’ll find the lounge room with a wood heater, the atrium-styled dining room, curved kitchen, and loft bedroom with upper and lower balconies.</p> <p dir="ltr">Connected to this is the octagonal “bedroom house”, with its dual balconies, geometric main bedroom, and a lower-level bedroom with a kitchenette.</p> <p dir="ltr">The final self-contained “cottage” features a sunken lounge, main bedroom, a loft bedroom and even more balconies.</p> <p dir="ltr">Having owned the property for a short time and during the pandemic, Pearce never had the opportunity to take up residence in the unusual home.</p> <p dir="ltr">Last year also proved to be a busy year for Pearce and his investment portfolio, having sold a four-bedroom home for $4.2 million just weeks after buying the Beremboke home.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-cca2cc87-7fff-bdb5-e58d-3f0e400cdeea"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty Images, Realestate.com.au</em></p>

Real Estate

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Designer home comes with its OWN footy field

<p dir="ltr">A designer homestead in the middle of the Western Australian bush has been<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-wa-muckenburra-700170614?cid=content-article:buyers:featured-property" target="_blank">listed</a><span> </span>for sale, and its expansive 100-acre surroundings comes with its own private football oval.</p> <p dir="ltr">The home, with its “contemporary industrial meets country resort” aesthetic, took its creator five years to construct.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The purpose-built property is a model of the perfect country retreat dreamed up by its owner, who is an architect and university lecturer,” Nick French, of Dethridge Groves Real Estate,<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/designer-bush-homestead-on-100-acres-just-outside-perth-comes-with-own-afl-oval/" target="_blank">said</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s seamless and all the spaces are huge, which gives a very relaxed flow, and it all sits within a pristine bush setting with no other houses in view.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Along with its three bedrooms and bathrooms, the home boasts oversized entertaining spaces, a library and study, and a courtyard garden and plunge pool belonging to the master suite.</p> <p dir="ltr">The property also comes with a two-storey bunkhouse with two full-sized bedrooms of its own.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite being only an hour from the city, the property has an isolated feel.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The 100 acres of ever-changing natural bush land has many, many species of flowering natives - including some rare orchids,” Mr French said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though the natural beauty surrounding the home is a huge bonus, the highlight of the outdoor spaces has to be the quarter-sized AFL oval, along with its own seating for spectators “to take in all the fun”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There’s also a huge rear entertaining patio with built-in barbeque area and woodfired pizza oven,” Mr French said.</p> <p dir="ltr">With a solar energy system and water tanks capable of storing 90,000 litres, he added that the home also has a 10-star energy rating.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The owners have moved to new employment positions in Victoria and had to sell up both their main home and this holiday home,” Mr French said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It might not be the place you immediately think of when buying a holiday home or a weekender, but it’s only an hour drive from Perth but is completely secluded on its own huge land holding of diverse, native bushland.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The local town is utterly delightful with a number of historic buildings.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The home is open for inspections by appointment, and Mr French said he is welcoming offers starting at $1.7 million.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Realestate.com.au</em></p>

Real Estate

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Hero dog honoured for saving over 100 koalas

<p><em>Image: Nine News</em></p> <p>A former rescue dog who saved over 100 koalas during the catastrophic Black Summer bushfires has been honoured for his work in the United Kingdom.</p> <p>Bear, a six-year-old Australian koolie, was honoured by the International Fund for Animal Welfare at the House of Lords earlier this week.</p> <p>He appeared via video link to accept the award.</p> <p>Bear’s handler Romane Cristescy, of the University of the Sunshine Coast, couldn’t be prouder of the former rescue dog.</p> <p>“We think Bear really deserved this award,” she said.</p> <p>“He’s been such a good boy in helping us find and rescue a lot of koalas, especially during the bushfires but he works throughout the year to help us in our job to make a better and safer place for koalas.</p> <p>“We’ll give bear extra pats and extra play for his award.”</p> <p>Bear was one of two dogs honoured during the ceremony.</p> <p>Jasper, a cockapoo, won “Animal of the Year” for his work in supporting frontline NHS staff through the pandemic.</p> <p>Bear’s boundless energy made him a perfect candidate for the Detection Dogs for Conversation program at the University of the Sunshine Coast.</p> <p>He was trained to recognise the scent of koalas’ fur.</p> <p>Over the 2019-2020 bushfire season Bear is credited with saving 100 marsupials after the habitats were scorched.</p> <p>Once he’d detect their smell, Bear would drop silently to the ground at the base of the tree, to ensure it is not disturbed.</p> <p>A total of 33 people lost their lives in the fires which burned across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.</p> <p>Three billion animals are estimated to have died over, 24 million hectares of land was burnt, and 3000 homes were lost.</p>

Family & Pets

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24 hours to evacuate: Aussie troops move in to assist families fleeing bushfires

<p>Residents are struggling on the South Coast of NSW a there’s no fuel, no food and no power. This is due to bushfires ravaging the area and the Australian Defence Force has been called in to help the affected areas.</p> <p>A fleet of ships and helicopters are making their way to coastal regions to supply and rescue residents that are trapped by the flames.</p> <p>There are currently 110 fires burning across NSW with over 50 yet to be contained, according to the<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://twitter.com/NSWRFS/status/1212444017251647489" target="_blank">NSW RFS</a></em>.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">At 5.30am there are 110 fires burning across NSW with over 50 yet to be contained. <br /><br />Firefighters will make the most of more favourable conditions today to protect properties before deteriorating conditions again this Saturday.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NSWRFS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NSWRFS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NSWFires?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NSWFires</a> <a href="https://t.co/vb3o55n8XU">pic.twitter.com/vb3o55n8XU</a></p> — NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSWRFS/status/1212444017251647489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">1 January 2020</a></blockquote> <p>With around 50,000 homes without power, major phone networks being down, and supermarkets closed, residents are struggling to obtain essentials such as food, fuel and water.</p> <p>NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons says that there will be a “huge effort” to get as many people out of the area before Saturday, as conditions are set to worsen.</p> <p>"It's an extreme challenge for firefighters," he said on<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.skynews.com.au/details/_6119081428001" target="_blank">Sky News</a></em>.</p> <p>RFS Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers agrees.</p> <p>“There is every potential that the conditions on Saturday will be as bad or worse than we saw yesterday (Tuesday),” he told<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/australian-troops-prepare-for-bushfire-emergency-evacuations-by-sea/live-coverage/cf3d149ec9bbb9b7eb808e663eec8a28" target="_blank">reporters</a><span> </span>in Sydney.</p> <p>“Crews are working hard to get some containment before Saturday but we are concerned about that fire because of its potential run into far western Sydney,” Mr Rogers said.</p> <p>With at least 1298 homes destroyed across the state and air quality continuing to worsen in the affected areas, firefighters are run ragged trying to stop NSW from burning.</p> <p>Thousands are fleeing the South Coast, with almost 30 road closures in the region. Live Traffic NSW has issued a warning for heavy traffic conditions as well as significant delays.</p>

News

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The sweet moment between George W. Bush and Michelle Obama at John McCain’s funeral

<p>A small moment of sunshine came out of a rather emotional day, as an exchange between former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Michelle Obama went viral.</p> <p>A memorial service for US Senator John McCain was held on Saturday, who passed away on August 25 due to glioblastoma – the medical term for a brain tumour.</p> <p>As viewers tuned in to watch the service, many noticed a sweet moment between the former President and First Lady, as George was seen delivering a small piece of church candy into the hands of Michelle.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">George W. Bush sneaking a piece of candy to Michelle Obama is warming my heart . <a href="https://t.co/pAtDdIcSeB">pic.twitter.com/pAtDdIcSeB</a></p> — Roland Scahill (@rolandscahill) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandscahill/status/1035904690825908225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">1 September 2018</a></blockquote> <p>The exchange happened with the two seated next to each other, as Sen. Joe Lieberman spoke about the importance of reaching across the political aisle.</p> <p>The video shows former President Barack Obama looking at the pair fondly as his wife responds to George with a “thank you".</p> <p>George has spoken about the Obama’s with high regard in the past, especially Michelle who he said “kind of likes my sense of humour,” he told <a href="https://people.com/politics/george-w-bush-breaks-down-his-affection-for-michelle-obama-we-just-took-to-each-other/"><em>People magazine</em></a> in 2017.</p> <p>“Anybody who likes my sense of humour, I immediately like.”</p>

News

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Barbara Bush dies at 92: US first lady’s parting jab at son George W. Bush

<p>Former US first lady Barbara Bush passed away yesterday at age 92, but as <a href="http://www.news.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>News.com.au reports</strong></em></span></a>, the notoriously witty matriarch of one of America’s most famous political families, was still cracking jokes right up until the end.</p> <p>Her eldest, former US President George W. Bush, has revealed in the days leading up to her passing, she continued to playfully needle him as she had in the past.</p> <p>At one points, Mrs Bush reportedly turned to the doctor and said: “You want to know why George W. is the way he is?”</p> <p>The doctor had looked a little surprised.</p> <p>“Because I drank and smoked when I was pregnant with him,” she replied.</p> <p>Mr Bush spoke in glowing praise of his mother, saying she, “was warm and wonderful, until you got out of line.”</p> <p>This was by no means the first time Mrs Bush gave one of her son’s a gentle ribbing, as she famously joked around with her son Jeb Bush during his bid to become US President.</p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6IuDx88RwUo" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p>“The best news of the day was that my mum finally said I was her favourite,” Jeb Bush, the former Florida governor, quipped to his mum.</p> <p>“Oh no I didn’t,” she said laughing. “You mean of all of the children?”</p> <p>“Yeah,” Bush deadpanned.</p> <p>“No,” she quipped.</p> <p>Bush family spokesman Jim McGrath released a statement from the family following her passing.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Herewith a statement from former President <a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgeHWBush?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GeorgeHWBush</a>. <a href="https://t.co/USSq5RkD4g">pic.twitter.com/USSq5RkD4g</a></p> — Jim McGrath (@jgm41) <a href="https://twitter.com/jgm41/status/986662348017537025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote> <p>Our thoughts are with Mrs Bush’s friends and family.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Twitter / US Secret Service</em></p>

Caring

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Can you spot the brown snake hidden in the bush?

<p>Our slithery friends seem to wind up in the strangest places. From a <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2017/09/can-you-spot-the-snake-hiding-in-this-garage/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">suburban garage</span></strong></a> to even inside a <a href="/finance/insurance/2017/09/spot-snake-in-car-bonnet/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">car bonnet</span></strong></a>, it appears snake season is in full swing. And with so many out and about – even in residential areas – there’s never been a better time to sharpen those snake-spotting skills.</p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SnakeOutBrisbane/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Snake Out Brisbane Snake Catchers</span></strong></a> shared this photo of a very well-hidden eastern brown snake (the second deadliest species on the planet) to Facebook, and it serves as a reminder for all of us to keep an extra keen look out this spring and summer. Can you spot it?</p> <p><img width="500" height="333" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/43741/image__500x333.jpg" alt="Image_ (26)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Here’s a hint – look for its body, not its head. Still stuck? <strong>Scroll through the gallery above for the answer</strong>, and tell us in the comments below, have you ever found a snake on your property?</p> <p><em>Image credit: Snake Out Brisbane Snake Catchers/Facebook.</em></p>

News

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5 best bush tucker experiences in Australia

<p>Australia is home to the world’s oldest surviving culture and the indigenous population has been living off the land for more than 60,000 years. Experience a small slice of their history with these bush tucker experiences.</p> <p><strong>1. Kingfisher Bay Resort, Fraser Island</strong></p> <p>The expert rangers at Kingfisher Bay Resorts on Queensland’s Fraser Island regularly take guests on tours of the grounds and the dedicated herb garden to see native ingredients in their raw state. The tours are followed by a cooking demonstration with plenty of tastings. Finish with a three-course dinner in Seabelle restaurant, where the menu features ingredients like bush tomatoes, lilly pilly, quandong, roselles and warrigal greens.</p> <p><strong>2. Mbantua Dinner Tour, Alice Springs</strong></p> <p>Mbantua is the name given to Alice Springs by the original indigenous inhabitants and this tour explores the area surrounding the town, including the MacDonnell Ranges and Simpson’s Gap. Local Arrernte man Bob (Penunka) Taylor owns the company and runs the tour, taking visitors through the bush to point out plump bush figs or native lemon grass. The tour finished with dinner under the stars with local delicacies like yam fritters, kangaroo fillet or wattleseed pudding.</p> <p><strong>3. The Coorong, South Australia</strong></p> <p>The Coorong is a huge expanse of wetlands and lagoons along the coast south of Adelaide where the Murray River meets the sea and it’s one of the country’s most significant national parks. It’s best explored by kayak, spending hours or days paddling along the extensive system of waterways. Go ashore for a bush tucker walk through the dunes with a local Ngarrindjeri guide who will point out edible plants and show you how to dig for cockles (pipis) in the sand, before cooking them over a campfire.</p> <p><strong>4. Heywood, Victoria</strong></p> <p>The Budj Bim National Heritage Landscape is the traditional land of the Gunditjamara people and sits in the southwest corner of Victoria. Budj Bim Tours operates guided tours led by local indigenous people that take in aquaculture systems constructed thousands of years ago for farming eel. A bush tucker lunch is served featuring things like kangaroo, smoked eel, water parsnip, warrigal greens and wattle seed damper. Traditional dancers will also perform, giving a deeper insight into the Gunditjmara culture.</p> <p><strong>5. Walkabout Park, Central Coast</strong></p> <p>This wildlife park on the northern outskirts of Sydney is a great local introduction to bush tucker. The rangers have worked with local indigenous elders to create special bush tucker walks that look at how native plants are used for food and medicine. You can also learn how to throw a boomerang and come face to face with more than 180 species of native animals in their natural (protected) habitat.</p> <p>Have you had any of these bush tucker experiences? Do you have any holidays on the cards? Let us know in the comments.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/03/longreach-queensland-the-real-australia/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Longreach Queensland: “This is the real Australia”</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/07/damper/">Damper</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/05/a-spiritual-oasis-in-the-outback/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>A spiritual oasis in the outback</strong></em></span></a></p>

International Travel

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Damper

<p>First made by Australian swagmen, drovers, stockmen and settlers, damper is as much a part of Aussie culture as Vegemite and Ned Kelly.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Serves:</span> </strong>12</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>4 cups self-raising flour</li> <li>1 tsp. salt</li> <li>20g butter, softened</li> <li>1 cup milk</li> <li>½ cup water</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Preheat oven to 220°C.</li> <li>Stir the flour and salt together in a large bowl and rub in butter using your hands.</li> <li>Make a well in the centre of the mixture and add the milk and water. Stir until a dough forms.</li> <li>Place the dough on a lightly-floured surface and knead into a round loaf, about 20cm in diameter.</li> <li>Place dough onto a greased baking tray and cut a cross in the top with a sharp knife.</li> <li>Bake for 25 minutes before lowering the temperature to 180°C. Bake for a further 5-10 minutes until golden brown.</li> <li>Serve with a soup or stew for a hearty meal.</li> </ol> <p><em><strong>Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, The Way Mum Made It, yet? Featuring 175 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now</span></a>.</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/05/banana-chocolate-and-almond-cake/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Banana, chocolate and almond cake</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/05/diy-pumpkin-bread/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>DIY pumpkin bread</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/03/gluten-free-beef-stew/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Gluten-free beef stew</strong></em></span></a></p>

Food & Wine

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Macadamia, bush tomato and pumpkin scones

<p>For the perfect savoury snack, why not try this scone recipe? When dried it has a caramel-like flavour and slightly tangy acidity.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Makes:</span> </strong>18</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>2 cups self-raising flour</li> <li>½ teaspoon salt</li> <li>1 tablespoon sugar</li> <li>60g butter, cold, diced</li> <li>½ cup macadamias, roasted, roughly chopped</li> <li>1 cup bush tomatoes, finely chopped</li> <li>¾ cup pumpkin, cooked, mashed</li> <li>¾ cup buttermilk</li> <li>Extra buttermilk, for brushing</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Preheat oven to 200°C fan-forced. Line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper.</li> <li>Sift the flour and salt into a large bowl, stir in the sugar. Use your fingers to rub in the butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir through the macadamias and bush tomatoes.</li> <li>Make a well in the centre and pour in the pumpkin and buttermilk. Using a flat bladed knife, stir until a sticky dough forms. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead lightly until smooth. Using a lightly floured rolling pin, gently roll dough out to a 2cm thickness.</li> <li>Cut into rounds with a 6cm cutter, dipping the cutter into the flour each time before cutting. Place the scones close together on the lined baking tray. Brush the tops with a little buttermilk and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden and hollow when tapped on top.</li> </ol> <p><em>Recipe courtesy of Australian Macadamias –</em> <a href="http://www.australian-macadamias.org/consumer/en/taste/recipes"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">visit their site for more yummy food ideas.</span></em></strong></a></p> <p>Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, The Way Mum Made It, yet? Featuring 175 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, head to the <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">abcshop.com.au to order your copy now.</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/01/rocket-feta-pomegranate-salad/">Rocket, feta and pomegranate salad</a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/01/spinach-feta-muffins/">Spinach feta muffins</a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/01/macadamia-salad-dressing/">Macadamia salad dressing</a></span></em></strong></p>

Food & Wine