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Bunnings' inspired makeover proves a smash hit with Bluey fans

<p>Bunnings' latest <em>Bluey</em> inspired makeover has proven to be a hit among fans, as they brought to life part of the cartoon-world. </p> <p>The hardware giant collaborated with the hit children's cartoon and rebranded six of its Australian stores and one New Zealand outlet with the moniker "Hammerbarn."</p> <p>This is an homage to a popular episode with the same name, where the cartoon heelers go to a hardware store that looks exactly like Bunnings. </p> <p>“We’re excited to be working with BBC Studios and Ludo Studio to bring Hammerbarn to life in stores across the country,” says Ryan Baker, chief customer officer of Bunnings.</p> <p>The rebranding goes beyond the exterior with special Hammerbarn merch, Bluey-branded trolleys, and Bluey-themed workshops, meet-and-greets and scavenger hunts every weekend.</p> <p>“Our team across Australia have had kids and parents referring to Bunnings as Hammerbarn ever since the episode aired, so making this a reality in our stores for customers is really special," Baker said. </p> <p>“We wanted the Hammerbarn experience to be accessible to as many ‘Bluey’ fans and customers as we could, so it’s great to have a Hammerbarn transformation in each state – even down to the kids’ trolleys that have been rebranded."</p> <p>Hammerbarns resemblance to Bunnings is no coincidence as the episode reportedly took inspiration from a real store in Keperra, Queensland.</p> <p>“The design of Hammerbarn draws inspiration from the Bunnings Keperra store in Brisbane, the home of Bluey, which adds an extra layer of significance," Ludo Studios, the creators of the series said. </p> <p>“We are thrilled to offer fans the opportunity to experience Hammerbarn for real life; it’s everything we’ve ever wanted!”</p> <p><em>Images: Perth Now</em></p> <p> </p>

Home & Garden

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"Ended for good": Prince William launches project inspired by Lady Di

<p>Prince William has launched his most ambitious project to date, announcing his plan to end homelessness in the UK within five short years. </p> <p>The Prince of Wales set out to visit six areas in the UK that experience different types of homelessness with a distinct set of challenges, outlining a detailed plan to see homelessness eradicated. </p> <p>On his two-day tour, the 41-year-old royal shared that his late mother, Princess Diana, was a big inspiration behind the project, after she helped open William's eyes to the nation-wide problem. </p> <p>In the south London borough of Lambeth, Prince William described how he was inspired by "heart-breaking" visits to shelters he made with his mother as a child. </p> <p>"My first visit to a homelessness shelter was when I was 11 with my mother," he told the Mosaic Clubhouse, which supports people with mental health problems.</p> <p>"The visits we made, left a deep and lasting impression."</p> <p>"I met so many extraordinary people and listened to so many heart-breaking personal stories. Too many people have found themselves without a stable and permanent place to call home."</p> <p>"Through these visits, I have seen first-hand the breadth and complexities of homelessness."</p> <p>William said he hoped the Homewards program would "inspire belief throughout the UK and beyond that homelessness can be ended for good".</p> <p>Prince William's Homewards program focuses on preventing homelessness before it begins, bringing together all organisations working in the sector to create solutions that target local challenges.</p> <p>The launch of the project, which was two years in the making, comes days before what would have been Diana's 62nd birthday on July 1st. </p> <p>A major focus of Homewards will be on providing homes to those who need them.</p> <p>"I am pleased to stand here today at the start of our path to ending homelessness," he said.</p> <p>"Over the next five years, I believe that we have a unique opportunity to develop innovative new solutions and scale tangible impact. This will inspire belief throughout the UK – and beyond – that homelessness can be ended for good."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

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10 truly inspirational movies

<p>Have you got a favourite film that just makes you feel good? Inspiring movies come in all shapes and sizes, but often they involve stories of love and strength, overcoming obstacles, or changing people’s lives for the better. See if your favourite fee-good film made our top 10.</p> <p><strong>1. DEAD POETS SOCIETY</strong></p> <p>This film resonates with a lot of people as it shows how much a good teacher can be a role model for the kids they teach. This is one of Robin William’s most well known roles, and even Ethan Hawke makes an appearance.</p> <p><strong>2. A BEAUTIFUL MIND</strong></p> <p>It’s nice to see an action star like Russell Crowe in such a different style of movie. Just like the title suggests, this really is a beautiful film. The fact that the story of the brilliant mathematician who also happens to be a paranoid schizophrenic is true makes it even more moving. It shows how someone who has faced adversity and prejudice can overcome the odds to come out on top as a Nobel Prize winner.</p> <p><strong>3. BILLY ELLIOT</strong></p> <p>Overcoming adversity is nearly always a sure-fire way to move the audience to tears. Not only is Billy trying to do ballet when his father doesn’t approve, but he is also growing up in a single parent family without much money to live on. This is a great film about following your dreams.</p> <p><strong>4. ERIN BROCKOVICH</strong></p> <p>Another true story that shows you how important it is to stand up for the people who need it most. Julia Roberts is great as go-getter Erin Brockovich in this film. The great humour adds a fun element to this film.</p> <p><strong>5. FORREST GUMP</strong></p> <p>One of Tom Hanks most famous roles, Forrest Gump is another story that follows the underdog overcoming obstacles within so many parts of his life. The soundtrack is amazingly nostalgic and takes you back to a simpler time. The supporting cast really brings the story to life too.</p> <p><strong>6. SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE</strong></p> <p>Underdog alert! Well, slumdog that is. This hugely popular film gives us an insight into life in an Indian slum. It shows that despite abject poverty, it is absolutely possible to find love and happiness. </p> <p><strong>7. THE BLIND SIDE</strong></p> <p>Another great true story with leading lady Sandra Bullock as the tough talking mother. After taking in a homeless boy, the family encourages him to follow his destiny and become a football star. </p> <p><strong>8. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE</strong></p> <p>Not just one to watch at Christmas, let this classic inspire you at any time of year. A great film that shows us how easy it is to get caught up in our own problems.</p> <p><strong>9. SOUL SURFER</strong></p> <p>The true-story element is both shocking and moving in this film based on surfer Bethany Hamilton who lost an arm in a shark attack. Despite her horrific ordeal, she didn’t do what most people would have done and quit surfing. Instead she followed her dream to achieve amazing success.</p> <p><strong>10. PAY IT FORWARD</strong></p> <p>A great concept here, about doing something nice for people and not expecting anything back. It could be family, friends or even strangers. The story will really make you think about the way society works.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p>

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Baby names inspired by music icons

<p>Parents these days are finding baby name inspiration everywhere: from the characters in Disney film Frozen to their favourite chart-topping musicians.</p> <p>Take a look at these popular baby names inspired by leading music icons.</p> <p><strong>Alanis</strong></p> <p>Singer Alanis Morissette made this unique twist on the name Alannah famous. She was named after her father Alan, who is said to have found the name Alanis in a Greek newspaper.</p> <p><strong>Bowie</strong></p> <p>English singer David Bowie could never have guessing he’d inspire a generation of parents to use his iconic surname for their babies.</p> <p><strong>Dylan</strong></p> <p>Bob Dylan is another singer whose last name has been turned on its heard for naming inspiration.</p> <p><strong>Elton</strong></p> <p>Sir Elton John captured a generation with award-winning songs like Tiny Dancer and Candle in the Wind, so it’s little surprise his name is catching on as a unique option.</p> <p><strong>Taylor</strong></p> <p>Once a common American boy’s name, Taylor has become popular as a girl’s name thanks to country pop star Taylor Swift.</p> <p><strong>Enya</strong></p> <p>Irish singer and instrumentalist Enya, whose real name is actually Eithne Ni Bhraonain, is known for chart-topping solo songs such as Sail Away.</p> <p><strong>Fergie</strong></p> <p>Reminiscent of Fergie the Duchess of York and singer Fergie, born Stacy Ann Ferguson, this is a name with attitude.</p> <p><strong>Hendrix</strong></p> <p>Revered American rock guitarist Jimmy Hendix may have only had a career spanning four years, but his name lives on as a modern first name.</p> <p><strong>Joss</strong></p> <p>Musician Joscelyn Eve Stoker, also known by her stage name Joss Stone, made this nickname a household name.</p> <p><strong>Kelis</strong></p> <p>The RnB singer Kelis Rogers is said to have gotten her one-of-a-kind name when her parents combined their names Kenneth and Eveliss.</p> <p><strong>Lennox</strong></p> <p>While Lennox is an aristocratic Scottish surname by tradition, songstress Annie Lennox brought it in vogue as a potential first name.</p> <p><strong>Mya</strong></p> <p>Popularised by RnB singer Mya Harrison, this became a twist on the classically spelt Mia.</p> <p><strong>Ray</strong></p> <p>Jazz musician Ray Charles brought this name back into popularity. It’s also a choice for girls, with spelling switched to ‘Rae.’</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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14 inspiring movies about teachers that will uplift you

<h2>Our favourite movies about teachers</h2> <p>Teachers are the foundation for pretty much everything in our society. Not only do they provide academic instruction, they often offer guidance, provide life lessons and inspire us. If you’ve been lucky enough to have a great teacher even once in your life – or you’re just a fan of teacher movies – you understand how much of an effect they can have both in and out of the classroom.</p> <p>That’s probably why there’s no shortage of teacher movies in Hollywood, celebrating great educators, coaches and principals who face daunting challenges and often overcome insurmountable odds along the way. Here’s our roundup of some of the very best.</p> <h3>How we chose the most inspiring teacher movies</h3> <p>For this list, we focused on films with messaging about overcoming the odds, movies that feature teachers who help their students realise their full potential – either through tough love or by teaching them a new way of looking at the world. While there are loads of teen movies that take place in high school, only some of them show the power of great teachers. While not every one of these films has a happy ending, each and every one is inspiring and shows just how powerful a great teacher can be.</p> <h2>Dead Poets Society</h2> <p>Released: 1989</p> <p>Memorable quote: “Carpe Diem! Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.”</p> <p><em>Dead Poets Society </em>was one of Robin Williams’s first drama movie roles, and what a role it was. Williams was nominated for an Oscar for his role as English teacher John Keating, an instructor at a stuffy New England prep school. His unorthodox teaching style is an inspiration to many of his students, who take to heart his advice to live their lives on their own terms.</p> <p>After Keating is blamed for the death of a student who had been struggling with his identity and rejection from his family, he loses his job. But in one of the most tear-jerking scenes from any of the teacher movies on this list, his students rally behind him, reciting Walt Whitman’s “O Captain! My Captain!” in support.</p> <h2>Lean on Me</h2> <p>Released: 1989</p> <p>Memorable quote: “Self-respect permeates every aspect of your existence. If you don’t have respect for yourself, you’re not gonna get it from anyone else.”</p> <p>Morgan Freeman’s resume contains everything from action movies to sci-fi movies to thrillers, but in 1989, he starred in the inspiring drama <em>Lean on Me</em>, based on the true story of high school principal Joe Clark. In 1987, Clark was the head of Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jersey, which had deteriorated as a result of crime and drug use.</p> <p>Clark’s mission is simple: raise the school’s standardised test scores or the school will get turned over to the state. To meet the goal, Clark’s tactics were often extreme and controversial, he expelled students and used tough love and threats to intimidate others. After he implemented more rigorous academics and enforced a strict code of conduct, the school’s tests scores improved, and Clark proved an inspiration to the students at his school.</p> <h2>Critical Thinking</h2> <p>Released: 2020</p> <p>Memorable quote: “We start by showing up.”</p> <p>One of the newer movies about teachers on our list, 2020’s <em>Critical Thinking</em> is a movie based on a true story of the Miami Jackson High School chess team, the first inner-city team to win the US National Chess Championship. The film was directed by John Leguizamo, who also stars as the teacher who coached the team, Mario Martinez.</p> <p>When Martinez, known as Mr T, begins coaching a chess team in his Miami high school, no one, including the school’s principal, sees the value in it. Despite the fact that few people believe in the team, Mr T sees chess as a way out for his students, so he throws all his money and support behind them. The result is an underdog victory that will make you stand up and cheer.</p> <h2>Dangerous Minds</h2> <p>Released: 1995</p> <p>Memorable quote: “I believe one should fight for what one believes. Provided one is absolutely sure one is absolutely right.”</p> <p>While the 1980s had more than a few inspiring teacher movies, <em>Dangerous Minds</em> was one of the most popular ‘90s movies, and it even led to a spinoff TV series of the same name. The film was based on the autobiography of retired Marine LouAnne Johnson (played by Michelle Pfeiffer in the film), a teacher at a California school known for its criminal and drug activity.</p> <p>LouAnne, who is white, begins teaching a class of at-risk Black and Hispanic students who dismiss her. But eventually, she motivates and inspires them, winning their trust. Though the film can feel dated and predictable, it’s one of the classic teacher movies that celebrates an unconventional but life-altering mentor who helps students overcome adversity through education.</p> <h2>Goodbye, Mr Chips</h2> <p>Released: 1939</p> <p>Memorable quote: “I thought I heard you saying it was a pity… Pity I never had any children. But you’re wrong. I have. Thousands of them. Thousands of them. And all boys.”</p> <p><em>Goodbye, Mr Chips</em> stars Robert Donat at the title character, a teacher at an all-male prep school where he served for more than 55 years. After the death of his wife and child during childbirth, Mr Chipping (lovingly referred to by his students as Mr Chips) threw himself into his work, guiding generations of young boys on a path to adulthood.</p> <p>The film is shown in flashbacks as he becomes ill and nears the end of his life, reflecting on his life’s work and the hearts and minds he touched along the way. Donat won Best Actor at the 1940 Academy Awards for his portrayal of Mr Chips, a character who ages in the film from his mid-20s through his 80s.</p> <h2>Freedom Writers</h2> <p>Released: 2007</p> <p>Memorable quote: “You can’t make someone want education.”</p> <p>Another one of our movies based on true stories,<em> Freedom Writers </em>stars Hilary Swank as teacher Erin Gruwell, who taught at a Long Beach, California, high school in the early ’90s, a time when racial tension was high and many of her students were at risk. Gruwell immersed herself in her work in an effort to expose her students to racial injustice and oppression throughout history.</p> <p>Inspiring them to write about their own experiences on the subject, the real Gruwell compiled her students’ stories into a nonfiction book called The Freedom Writers Diary, which she published in 1999. Though the film takes its name from the Civil Rights activists known as the Freedom Riders, it has little to do with that. But you can learn more about the subject in one of the best documentaries about race, called <em>Freedom Riders: 1961</em> and the <em>Struggle for Racial Justice</em>.</p> <p> </p> <h2>Mona Lisa Smile</h2> <p>Released: 2003</p> <p>Memorable quote: “I thought that I was headed to a place that would turn out tomorrow’s leaders, not their wives.”</p> <p>In 2003’s <em>Mona Lisa Smile</em>, Julia Roberts stars as Katherine Ann Watson, a first-year art history professor at the all-female Wellesley College in 1953. Progressive in her views and unmarried, Watson encourages her students to think outside the box and consider professions beyond becoming wives and mothers after they graduate.</p> <p>Playing Watson’s students are a who’s who of young, talented actresses, including Kirsten Dunst, Julia Stiles, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Ginnifer Goodwin, each of whom is influenced and inspired by Watson sooner or later. Especially Dunst’s character, Betty, who initially reviled Watson for her unorthodox lifestyle and eventually realises Watson is the only adult she’s ever received unconditional support from. Roberts has a solid streak of inspirational, feminist movies from around this time, including Mona Lisa Smile and Erin Brockovich, and this film cemented her status as the highest-paid actress in Hollywood at the time too.</p> <h2>Good Will Hunting</h2> <p>Released: 1997</p> <p>Memorable quote: “How do you like them apples?”</p> <p>The funny thing about <em>Good Will Hunting</em> being on a list of great teacher movies is that the main character, Will Hunting (Matt Damon), doesn’t actually attend school. Hunting is a self-taught math genius who works as a janitor and has no personal or professional aspirations.</p> <p>When a Harvard math professor (Stellan Skarsgard) discovers Will’s abilities, he introduces him to a psychology professor (another appearance on this list from Robin Williams) named Sean Maguire, who encourages Will to realise his true potential. The two men form a bond, with Sean helping Will realise he’s squandering his life and his talents.</p> <p>As Sean Maguire, Williams, who is beloved for his funny movies, gets serious once again and gives an incredibly heartfelt, empathetic performance; he won an Oscar for the role in 1998, and Damon and co-writer Ben Affleck also won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.</p> <h2>The Great Debaters</h2> <p>Released: 2007</p> <p>Memorable quote: “I and every professor on this campus are here to help you to find, take back, and keep your righteous mind … because obviously you have lost it.”</p> <p>Based on an astonishing and inspirational true story, <em>The Great Debaters</em> takes place in the 1930s at a small, historically Black school called Wiley College, where debate team coach Melvin B Tolson (Denzel Washington) sought to have his team compete against predominantly white colleges at a time when racial segregation and Jim Crow laws permeated the country.</p> <p>Through sheer will and determination, and while staring down the blatant racism of the era, Tolson and his students would eventually go on to beat the reigning debate champions, Harvard College. It’s an underdog movie that will have you cheering, but the fact that it’s based on real events is what’s truly uplifting. If you’re looking for a great Black history movie, The Great Debaters is the perfect place to start.</p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/culture/14-inspiring-movies-about-teachers-that-will-uplift-you" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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Tina Turner’s 12 daily habits that helped her live 83 inspired years

<h3>How did Tina Turner live such a long and successful life?</h3> <p>If you’ve ever seen Tina Turner perform live – which she last did on New Year’s Eve 2022 – you might have thought the music icon seemed ageless… immortal, even. From her powerhouse voice to electrifying stage presence and energetic dancing, you would never have known she was 83 years old. But earlier this year she became ill, with some sources reporting intestinal cancer and a stroke. On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, Tina Turner’s family announced she died peacefully at her home in Switzerland.</p> <p>Born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, in Nutbush, Tennessee, Turner never had an easy life. In the 1960s and ’70s, she rose to fame as the lead singer of the Ike &amp; Tina Turner Revue, performing with her then-husband, before launching her decades-long solo career. Tina Turner was known just as much for her personal struggles and shared her experiences openly with her fans, earning a reputation for female strength.</p> <p>So how did Tina Turner live such a long and successful life despite her many struggles? The answer is that good genetics and chance likely played their roles, but a lot of the credit goes to her healthy lifestyle. Tina Turner had some famously great health habits and a resilient attitude. Ready to take notes from the Queen of Rock-n-roll? Following her lead won’t make you a famous singer (but who are we to crush your dreams?), but it will definitely make you happier and healthier.</p> <h4>1. Tina Turner maintained a spiritual practice</h4> <p>Turner grew up Southern Baptist but as her spirituality evolved, she eventually turned to Buddhism, crediting it for giving her a purpose in life – one of the best things you can do for your health and happiness. “After I began practicing Buddhism, I realised that my hardships could give me a mission – a purpose. I saw that by overcoming my obstacles, I could build indestructible happiness and inspire others to do the same,” she said in an interview with the Harvard Business Review. “I credit my spiritual practice with all the positive transformations – from the smallest to the largest – I’ve had in my career and personal life.”</p> <h4>2. Getting 10 (!) hours of sleep each night</h4> <p>Thanks to her rigorous touring schedule, Turner’s internal clock was set to ET (entertainment time, that is). “I am late to bed and late to rise, a habit of years of rock and roll touring,” she told Vogue in an interview. But, she admitted, she still prioritised getting enough shut-eye – “a good night’s sleep is the key,” she said, adding she aimed for about 10 hours each night.</p> <h4>3. Tina Turner meditated daily</h4> <p>Turner meditated daily and chanted a mantra when she felt anxious or stressed. One of her go-to mantras was change poison into medicine, to remind her to reframe negative situations or roadblocks and transform or remove them through positivity. “This allowed my true self to come out, and I became cheerful, confident, and resilient,” she wrote in her book Happiness Becomes You. “My approach to life and work became calmer and more thoughtful, and my reactions were more tempered.”</p> <h4>4. Tina Turner Loved to move</h4> <p>The key to making exercise a regular habit is to find something you genuinely love doing. For Turner that was clearly dancing, something she did with unabashed joy on stage. When Vogue asked what her exercise routine was to shape her famous legs, she replied, “Dancing! Any excuse and I will dance anywhere.”</p> <h4>5. Tina Turner had a strong a creative outlet</h4> <p>Songwriting was one of Turner’s greatest gifts, alongside her singing. But it wasn’t something that came easily to her and she dedicated countless hours to writing and composing. This creative outlet not only gave her a healthy outlet for her feelings but doing creative things, like writing, singing and painting have huge cognitive benefits. Not sure where to start to be creative? Write what you know: “I started with the topic I knew best: my own life. I wrote about my hometown of Nutbush in what became the 1973 hit ‘Nutbush City Limits,’” she said.</p> <h4>6. Tina Turner had a sensible diet</h4> <p>From Thai food to vegetarian to local delicacies, Turner was photographed enjoying a wide variety of delicious foods. So how did she keep her healthy muscular physique? Not by starving! “I knew a very long time ago that I always wanted to be as slender and attractive as I possibly could be,” she said in an interview with the Daily Mail. “But I hate all that calorie counting. I eat what I want and then if my weight starts to go up, I cut back.”</p> <h4>7. Tina Turner made time for friends and family</h4> <p>Fame can be isolating, as Turner found out when her ex-husband Ike used it as a way to abuse her. But as she got older Turner made it a point to spend time with her loved ones, including her four children. She also made friends wherever she went, recognising the joy and benefits of having a large social circle. “I do my best to see people as individuals and emphasise common ground,” she said.</p> <h4>8. Following a self-care routine</h4> <p>“I am blessed to have very good skin,” Turner told Vogue. But it wasn’t all genetics. No matter how tired she was after a show, she made it a point to practice self-care by washing off her makeup and using a deep moisture cream before bed. Clearly it worked: Tina Turner had glowy, supple skin well into her eighties!</p> <h4>9. Tina Turner exited a toxic relationship</h4> <p>Not all relationships are worth saving, especially those that are toxic or abusive. Staying with people who hurt you takes a terrible toll on your mental and physical health. Tina Turner’s escape from her abusive marriage was very public but, like many victims of domestic violence, it took the singer a long time to figure out how to leave. “For a long time I felt like I was stuck, with no way out of the unhealthy situation I was in,” she said. “Once I could see myself clearly, I began to change, opening the way to confidence and courage. It took a few years, but finally I was able to stand up for my life and start anew.” Not only did she save her own life, but she provided a powerful inspiration to other women in similar situations.</p> <h4>10. Tina Turner spent time outdoors</h4> <p>After retiring from the public eye, Turner and her husband Erwin moved their family to Switzerland – largely for the beautiful and relaxing scenery. “I love spending days in Switzerland with my husband driving into the mountains,” she said. “It’s relaxing and very spiritual to be surrounded by the lake and beautiful nature.”</p> <p>Are you a nature lover too? Being outdoors has powerful health benefits and is linked with a longer life in the research. It’s not just the exercise that boosts your health. Science has shown that simply being outdoors, in nature, lowers stress hormones, slows your heart rate, reduces blood pressure, and increases feelings of safety and well-being, according to a study on ‘forest bathing.’</p> <h4>11. Tina Turner embraced ageing</h4> <p>Ageing in showbiz is seen as one of the worst things a woman can do (as if she has any other option!), and many stars fight it as long as they can with surgery, drugs and photoshop. Not Tina Turner, though! “Of course, I’ve aged a bit in the face, but not enough to worry about it. I have common sense enough to know that if I’m [ageing], something has to happen,” she said to the Daily Mail. “As time passes, a woman goes through changes with her body, her hormones and all of that, but I don’t have a problem with that. So I am fortunate.” This happy attitude toward ageing is revolutionary and sets a great example, especially because how we talk about ageing has a powerful effect on our health and happiness as we get older.</p> <h4>12. Tina Turner chose happiness every day</h4> <p>Experts agree: happiness is a choice, not a circumstance. No one knew this better than Tina Turner. After suffering a stroke and cancer, she shared, “My challenges can either make me a better version of myself or break me apart, and I have a choice as to which it will be. It’s so important to remember that you do have a choice, even when it feels as if you don’t. I choose to be hopeful and to honour each experience in my life, negative and positive, as a chance to increase my wisdom, courage, and compassion.”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p> <p><em>Written by: </em><em>Charlotte Hilton Andersen</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/articles/backtips-advice/tina-turners-12-daily-habits-that-helped-her-live-83-inspired-years" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

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5 films you didn’t know were inspired by Shakespeare

<p>Hands up who had to study Shakespeare in high school English class? You may have had to sit through some B grade telemovie versions of the classic novels during your teen years, but many have actually been re-written as blockbuster films. See how many of these you knew were based on Shakespeare’s plays.</p> <p><strong>1. <em>10 Things I Hate About You</em> – ‘The Taming Of The Shrew’</strong></p> <p>It might be an obvious one if you know the play, but in the modern film Heath Ledger is paid to take the highly strung Julia Styles to the prom so that his friend can date her younger sister.</p> <p><strong>2. <em>The Lion King</em> – ‘Hamlet’</strong></p> <p>An evil uncle kills the king and usurps the throne – yes, that’s right, it’s Shakespeare for kids (with lions). If you already knew this one, did you know this – Simba’s pals Timon and Pumbaa are based on Hamlet’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. The good news is, the film ends on a happy note and there is a lot less bloodshed.</p> <p><strong>3. <em>Forbidden Planet</em> – ‘The Tempest’</strong></p> <p>Considered one of Shakespeare’s finest works, The Tempest is all about the supernatural, while Forbidden Planet is more a sci-fi style. But while there were no lasers, aliens or robots in the original, it’s the themes and stories in the film where you can see the similarities. Swap a group of sailors for a space crew and it’s very much the same.</p> <p><strong>4. <em>She’s The Man</em> – ‘Twelfth Night’</strong></p> <p>This time the main characters (and many others) even have the same name (and the same predicament - love). Shakespeare’s story begins on a shipwreck where Viola decides to disguise herself as her twin brother, while in the film Viola dresses as her twin brother in order to play on the boys’ soccer team. In both stories she falls in love and has to deal with the fallout of her betrayal.</p> <p><strong>5. <em>West Side Story</em> – ‘Romeo and Juliet’</strong></p> <p>While Shakespeare didn’t have any catchy numbers in his play, he did have young lovers from rival gangs whose relationship led to tragedy. Interestingly, the modern version of Romeo and Juliet did rely heavily on the music to support the story. Essentially though, you can’t beat forbidden love for a rollicking good show.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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Inspiration, influence and theft: what the Ed Sheeran case can tell us about 70 years of pop music

<p>a US court <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/may/04/ed-sheeran-verdict-not-liable-copyright-lawsuit-marvin-gaye">ruled in favour of singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran</a>, agreeing his song <em>Thinking Out Loud</em> did not breach musical copyright. </p> <p>The high-profile court case, brought by the estate of soul singer Marvin Gaye, claimed Sheeran’s song was too similar to Gaye’s song <em>Let’s Get It On</em>.</p> <p>On the stand, Sheeran <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/apr/28/ed-sheeran-sings-in-court-as-part-of-marvin-gaye-copyright-case">defended his songwriting process</a>, stating: “I draw inspiration from a lot from things in my life and family.”</p> <p>Sheeran’s case brought up some difficult questions around what we understand as inspiration and influence, and what we may hear as theft.</p> <p>Musical copyright cases are part of songwriting history. Radiohead’s <em>Creep</em> was found to be <a href="https://entertainment.time.com/2013/08/22/11-suspiciously-sound-alike-songs/slide/the-hollies-the-air-that-i-breathe-1974-vs-radiohead-creep-1992/">too similar</a> to the Hollies’ <em>The Air That I Breathe</em>, and in 2018, Lana Del Rey’s <em>Get Free</em> <a href="https://variety.com/2018/biz/news/lana-del-rey-claims-lawsuit-with-radiohead-is-over-watch-1202736177/">was found to plagiarise Creep</a>. </p> <p>Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars altered the credits to <em>Uptown Funk</em> to <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lawsuit-bmg-uptown-funk-royalties-gap-band-heirs-1234660379/">acknowledge the similarity</a> to The Gap Band’s <em>Oops Upside Your Head</em>. </p> <p>Here in Australia, the flute solo in Men at Work’s <em>Down Under</em>, which quoted the melody of folk song <em>Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree</em>, was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/jul/06/men-at-work-down-under">ruled as plagiarism</a>.</p> <p>In this case against Sheeran, the song’s chord progression was at the heart of the claim. The prosecution argued Sheeran’s chord progression was too similar to the chord progression of Gaye’s.</p> <p>But can we copyright a chord progression if it is used extensively in other pop songs? </p> <p>Gaye’s song uses four chords that gradually move upward (I-iii-IV-V). These same chords can be heard in the Beach Boys’ <em>I Can Hear Music</em>, the Seekers’ <em>Georgy Girl</em>, the Beatles’ <em>I Feel Fine</em>, in the Motown tune <em>This Old Heart of Mine</em> by the Isley Brothers, Elvis Presley’s <em>Suspicious Minds</em>, Cher’s <em>Believe</em> and ABBA’s <em>Knowing Me Knowing You</em>, among many others. </p> <p>This chord progression and many others are part of the songwriting toolkit of rock and pop and have been heard continuously over the past 70 years. </p> <h2>The 12 bar blues</h2> <p>A chord progression is the main instrumental part you hear in most pop music, usually played by a guitar, piano or synth. </p> <p>One of the oldest chord progressions in pop is the 12-bar blues – a looping pattern of three chords that is very identifiable. </p> <p>As the name suggests, this set of chords stems from early blues and was a way for musicians to easily play together and improvise. A version of this progression can be heard in Muddy Waters’ I<em>’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man</em> or John Lee Hooker’s <em>Boom Boom</em>. </p> <p>You can also hear this progression in a number of other pop songs – listen to verses of Queen’s <em>I Want to Break Free</em> and <em>Kiss</em> by Prince – both use the same chord progression, but sound very different to each other. </p> <p>More recently, Lizzo’s <em>Better in Colour</em> uses the 12-bar blues in a way that makes an old formula fresh.</p> <h2>The ‘doo-wop’ progression</h2> <p>The “doo-wop” progression has appeared in pop music for close to 80 years, and is named because most doo-wop songs feature this chord progression – it was an essential part of its sound. </p> <p>You can hear it in 1950s hits such as the Penguins’ <em>Earth Angel</em> and Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers’ <em>Why Do Fools Fall in Love?</em>.</p> <p>The strength of these chords means they are used in pop music of all kinds, including ELO’s <em>Telephone Line</em>, <em>Don’t Dream it’s Over</em> by Crowded House, Destiny’s Child’s <em>Say My Name</em>, <em>Blank Space</em> by Taylor Swift, and <em>Flowers</em> by Miley Cyrus. </p> <p>Despite its consistent use, these chords still cross genres and eras, and still catch our ears. </p> <p>Comedy act Axis of Awesome use a similar progression in their video for 4 Chords, where they cleverly play almost 50 different songs with a variation on these four simple chords.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oOlDewpCfZQ" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <h2>The I-IV-V (the ‘one, four, five’)</h2> <p>Perhaps the most common chord progressions in rock and pop are those that use the I, IV and V chords in various combinations.</p> <p>They’re usually the first three chords you learn on an instrument and open up thousands of songs to play – from the rock and roll of <em>Summertime Blues</em> by Eddie Cochran, the garage rock of <em>Wild Thing</em> by the Troggs, the bubblegum of Hanson’s <em>Mmmbop</em> and the indie rock of Coldplay’s <em>Yellow</em>, to the modern pop of <em>bad guy</em> by Billie Eilish and <em>good 4 u</em> by Olivia Rodrigo.</p> <h2>Going forward</h2> <p>Rock, pop, blues, doo wop and other musical genres can often be defined by their use of repeated chord progressions. These chord progressions are part of a songwriter’s toolkit in a similar way to how an artist may use different paint brushes. </p> <p>As Sheeran’s lawyer Ilene Farkas <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/may/04/ed-sheeran-verdict-not-liable-copyright-lawsuit-marvin-gaye">noted</a>, chord progressions are, "the letters of the alphabet of music […] these are basic musical building blocks that songwriters now and forever must be free to use."</p> <p>It is how these “building blocks” are used, and in what combinations, that gives us a great variety of pop songs over many decades. The true craft of great pop music is to take these formulas and turn them into something unique (while simultaneously making it sound easy).</p> <p>The ruling in Sheeran’s case supports the rights of musical artists to continue to use these progressions as part of a songwriter’s toolkit, and to build from the artists who came before them. It also acknowledges that influence and inspiration from previous works are part of the construction of the pop music we love.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/inspiration-influence-and-theft-what-the-ed-sheeran-case-can-tell-us-about-70-years-of-pop-music-204747" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>

Music

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Fitness inspiration from a 75-year-old tennis champion

<p>Being 60 no longer means sinking deeper into armchair and shying away from the fitness world. In fact, new research commissioned by over-50s insurer, Apia, shows that most of Australia’s mature residents are fighting fit and loving life.</p> <p>Local tennis champion Gordon, 75, says there is “no age barrier” when it comes to accomplishing great feats in sport. He recently won the singles in the NSW Seniors Tennis Championships after only starting to play at 40.</p> <p>The tennis star also volunteers his time at his local tennis club through mentoring members on the health benefits that result from exercising on a regular basis and supports his fellow players in reaching their potential.</p> <p>Gordon hopes that his experience and commitment to health and fitness will help change misconceptions of age and encourage others to have a more positive outlook towards keeping fit. He spoke to Over60 about motivation, the joy of volunteering and getting out of life what you put in.</p> <p><strong>How have you found the motivation to stay focused on your tennis for the last thirty years? Have there been any obstacles, be it mental or physical?</strong></p> <p>I realise only too well that as we age, it is important to stay as active and involved as possible - ‘If we don't use it, we lose it.’ So shortly after I retired at 55, I decided to fully engage in the sport of tennis, joining tennis seniors and my local club, both of which I am very active in socially and competitively. I find that I love this sport and am very passionate about all aspects, and I think that one must have this sort of commitment in order to excel at anything you do. Despite having some setbacks over the years, I can honestly say that the wonderful friendships, esprit de corps, and support of this tennis fraternity and family, have helped me through. Everyone has their life challenges. If you get knocked down, just get up and keep going. For me, the burning desire to keep improving at whatever I do, is the motivation to keep playing the demanding physical sport of tennis, where with the support of family and friends, I am still competing at 75. </p> <p><strong>How does volunteering at your local tennis club enrich your day to day life and what made you decide to do it?</strong></p> <p>You get out of life what you put into it, and I so thoroughly enjoy tennis and the fantastic friends and connections I make both locally and overseas, that I try to put back into this sport whatever I can contribute, since it has been so good to me. Consequently, any volunteer work I and others do for the club and community is not viewed as work, rather as pleasure, and I am grateful to be of service. When nominated to be on the club committee, I happily accepted the opportunity to participate and contribute even more.</p> <p><strong>What advice would you give to someone who is over 60 and looking to make a change to a more active lifestyle? </strong></p> <p>If I was 60-years-old and planning to change from a sedentary to a more active lifestyle, I would probably proceed as follows:</p> <p>1. Start slowly on any exercise or activity undertaken, and build up gradually. </p> <p>3. Engage in a body strengthening regime of some sort.</p> <p>4. Do whatever you enjoy, so it is easy to repeat, little and often better than too much at one time.</p> <p>5. Some people may want to join a gym, others walk or swim etc. There are plenty of good books on the general subject, after you have made the choice of your favoured activity.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Body

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How an inspired moment led to a creative new path after retirement

<p>Seventy-year-old Bruce Blomfield is an inspirational character who decided to pursue his passion for yoga when he retired. Here 54-year-old yoga instructor, Tracy Adshead, interviews Bruce about his story and why he thinks that yoga offers something for everyone.</p> <p><strong>Tracy:</strong> How did it all start?</p> <p><strong>Bruce:</strong> When I decided to retire in 2014, I joined a yoga group on a trip to Nepal, where we assisted with resource development in a remote village and also practiced yoga with the spectacular Himalayas as a backdrop. Our yoga teacher on the trip was very enthusiastic about the success she was having with her chair yoga classes for seniors in her Australian hometown. This got me thinking – maybe this was something I could work toward as a retirement pursuit and offer as a service to other seniors in my community.</p> <p><strong>Tracy: </strong>As someone over 60 were there any particular challenges to completing the teacher training?</p> <p><strong>Bruce:</strong> I had a ‘mid-life crisis’ about 20 years ago and changed career direction, this entailed quite a bit of academic study which I thrived on. However, when I launched into the academic content of the yoga teacher training, along with the physical and emotional challenges, the brain took some ‘serious encouragement’ to take up the challenge; bit of a wake-up call. My brain believed it had been pensioned off!</p> <p>Anything worthwhile requires effort and the teacher-training programme certainly endorsed this! Squatting on the floor for long periods with my old bones was interesting and it quickly forced my brain and body out of retirement mode. Physical, mental/academic and emotional challenges meant I had to dig deep but the rewards have been enriching in every way – new friendships, a renewed personal commitment and confidence.</p> <p>What I experienced was an ongoing ‘tension’ between challenging myself with new mental, emotional and physical tasks whilst at the same time needing to offer myself, and my body forgiveness, along with a lot of self-love, when some parts were out of reach!</p> <p><strong>Tracy: </strong>Have your experiences of teaching or practicing yoga changed your view of ageing at all?</p> <p><strong>Bruce:</strong> I took up yoga about 14 years ago largely due to injuries from a 30+ year farming career – including a hip replacement. As I age and my yoga journey progresses, I gain great confidence and solace from the physical and mental benefits that yoga provides me with. Yoga offers something for everyone – there is no need to vegetate due to restricted mobility, or some form of physical incapacitation. I believe now that ageing does require you to maintain a certain non-judgemental demeanour about yourself as you stumble through.</p> <p><strong>Tracy:</strong> What advice would you offer anyone approaching retirement about pursuing a new venture?</p> <p><strong>Bruce:</strong> Probably for the first time in your life you can really ‘go with the flow’ – if you have a passion for something - give it a shot. Whether it works or not the experience is a huge growth curve – you learn so much about yourself. Maintain self-love it will bring you contentment, as I mentioned - anything worthwhile requires effort! Take a deep breath and give it a go.</p> <p><strong>Tracy:</strong> What are you up to when you're not teaching yoga?</p> <p><strong>Bruce:</strong> My wife and I have three children and six grandchildren who are a big part of our lives. We like to travel each year and spend time with friends. I also read, swim and have a gym routine which I practice on a regular basis. And of course now I’m very involved in my community teaching Chair Yoga at our local retirement village. I’m not sure who motivates who – but we have a blast during these classes!</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Retirement Life

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"I loved him very much": Pink reveals heartbreaking inspiration behind hit track

<p>Multi award winning singer-songwriter Pink has opened up about the heartache that inspired her 2006 hit song ‘Who Knew’. </p> <p>The 43-year-old was chatting to fellow singer Kelly Clarkson on Kelly’s talk show when she made the tragic admission that ‘Who Knew’ is about the loss of two of her friends to drug overdose. </p> <p>“I lost several friends, unfortunately, to overdose,” she told Kelly, “and the second one was very, very, very close to me, and I loved him very much.” </p> <p>The singer was referring to her dear friend Sekou Harris, who died of a heroin overdose at just 14 years old.</p> <p>In a 2012 interview with <em>Entertainment Weekly</em>, Pink said of the song and its inspiration, “I always wanted to write a song for a friend of mine, Sekou Harris, who overdosed on heroin and died. And I never knew how because I didn’t want to force it and write some cheesy overdose song.”</p> <p>When Kelly mentioned that experiencing so much loss “sucks”, Pink countered that loss is unavoidable and that people “need music for that”. </p> <p>“I need music to help me through my feelings,” she said, “and I can numb down really easy.” </p> <p>She opened up about how the song has evolved over the years, and provided her comfort when faced with the deaths of those close to her heart. </p> <p>"But the thing that I love about the song now, after all these years, is that I never get tired of performing it, and it's taken on so many different meanings over the years,” she admitted, “it was about my grandmother at one point. It was about my dog.</p> <p>"I've lost people, so it's always sort of fresh in my heart." </p> <p>This isn’t the first time that Pink has been honest about her history with drugs. In her 2012 <em>EW </em>interview, the singer confessed that she understood addiction, as she “was a hardcore partier from 12 to 15. I was like a candy raver and I was on all the club drugs. Selling Ecstasy and crystal meth and Special K. I overdosed on Thanksgiving of ’95. And then I never took drugs again, ever.”</p> <p>In the same year, Pink told <em>Shape Magazine </em>that although she wasn’t hospitalised, she got the wake-up call she needed, and turned her attention to her wildly successful music career. </p> <p>Viewers of <em>The Kelly Clarkson Show</em> got a bonus look at that very career after the interview, with Pink and Kelly taking to the stage to perform a stunning duet of Pink’s ‘Who Knew’. </p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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From Elfin to Garlick: Take inspiration from this list of medieval dog names

<p dir="ltr">In a world of Bellas, Spots, Lunas, Milos and more, one 600-year-old document could be the source of a unique name for your new best friend.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <em>Names of All Manner of Hounds </em>is one of several texts included in a manuscript dating back to the 15th century, with an apparently unknown author, which includes a hefty list of 1065 medieval names used for hunting dogs.</p> <p dir="ltr">While the manuscript itself is owned by a private collector (and unavailable to be analysed), one researcher, David Scott-Macnab, has compiled a list of the names, which include proper names, descriptions, virtues, vices, and human occupations.</p> <p dir="ltr">The list categorises the names for the type of dogs, like running hounds, terriers and greyhounds, as well as by gender.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to Scott-Macnab, the list has plenty of names taken from history and mythology, including Boleyne, Charlemagne, Nero, Arture, Achilles, Hercules, Romwlus and Pompeye.</p> <p dir="ltr">Others refer to desirable qualities for hunting dogs, such as Birdismowthe, Fynder, Corage, and Cachefaste, while some, like Filthe, Oribull, Plodder and Cruell, are less positive.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-9caea0a3-7fff-433e-671b-4fc9f112a6ea"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The names also seem to be inspired by nature - like Dolfyn, Flower, Garlik, Sycamore and Dyamound - as well as nationalities - Jewe, Romayne, and Ducheman are just a few - and occupations and human categories, such as Leper, Archere, Wodeman (or woodsman), and Monke.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">in the early 15th century, edward, 2nd duke of york, wrote a list of 1,126 names he considered to be suitable for dogs. highlights from the list:<br />-nosewise<br />-garlik<br />-pretyman<br />-gaylarde<br />-norman<br />-filthe <a href="https://t.co/7MuvHJKM5f">pic.twitter.com/7MuvHJKM5f</a></p> <p>— weird medieval guys (@WeirdMedieval) <a href="https://twitter.com/WeirdMedieval/status/1595169422448201751?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The lengthy list of names in Middle English, known as the language of Chaucer, also contains Middle English words found nowhere else in the texts that have survived from that time period, adding to its value and giving us a snapshot of 15th century life.</p> <p dir="ltr">These include Mownferaunt (<em>mun </em>‘my’ + <em>ferant </em>‘grey’), Aufyne (a term of contempt), Kilbucke (‘kill buck’), and Lwfkyn (‘little love’).</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>A snapshot of life</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">While it’s amusing to think of dogs named Clowder, Crabbe, Pretiboy or Plodder, Scott-Macnab argues that <em>All Manner of Hounds</em> sheds light on the language spoken day-to-day in the fifteenth century, a period where writing things down wasn’t the norm or accessible to everyone.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It is clear from the hunting treatises that I quoted earlier that high-status hunters felt little need to record the names of entire packs of hounds; they make their point with a few representative names,” he writes.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But dog-handlers who trained, bathed, nursed and fed the hounds on a daily basis, and who whipped them into line when hunting, must have lived by a different imperative, one that required them to know their dogs as individuals.”</p> <p dir="ltr">These names also show that the relationships between us and dogs hasn’t changed much hundreds of years later, with equal numbers of names showing affection and “ironic displeasure” - from Litilman, Nise (Nice) and Best-of-all to Rude, Noty (Naughty) and Symple.</p> <p dir="ltr">To see the full list and read Scott-Macnab’s full paper, head <a href="https://www.academia.edu/44222801/THE_NAMES_OF_ALL_MANNER_OF_HOUNDS_A_UNIQUE_INVENTORY_IN_A_FIFTEENTH_CENTURY_MANUSCRIPT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-2d827b29-7fff-7de9-026d-31b2406bd8bb"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Trivulzio Book of Hours</em></p>

Family & Pets

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How Heath Ledger inspired Johnny Depp’s donation to Australian hospital

<p dir="ltr">Johnny Depp has made a significant donation to an Australian children’s hospital, as part of a larger $1.17 million gift to charities around the world.</p> <p dir="ltr">The sum comes from the sale of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) - digital assets that represent real-life products such as art and video games - which Depp raised through his NFT community, Never Fear Truth.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e5849e45-7fff-f569-d5d9-a9750f426720"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Depp’s donation will be split between the Perth Children’s Hospital, UK-based Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, and Robert Downey Jr’s Footprint Coalition, which fundraises for non-profit organisations that focus on environmental sustainability.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/PCHFWA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PCHFWA</a> Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (via CAF America)<a href="https://twitter.com/GOSHCharity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GOSHCharity</a> Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (via CAF America)<a href="https://twitter.com/fp_coalition?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fp_coalition</a> The Footprint Coalition<a href="https://twitter.com/ChildrensLA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChildrensLA</a> The Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA)</p> <p>— Never Fear Truth (@JohnnyDeppNFT) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnnyDeppNFT/status/1544413863839514625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“Johnny Depp’s Never Fear Truth NFT sale was always intended to benefit charities and we are pleased to be able to confirm that nearly $800,000 ($AUD 1.17 million) in total donations have been contributed,” Never Fear Truth tweeted.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation issued a statement thanking the actor for his donation.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Thank you so much for your generosity in helping support PCHFWA and WA sick kids,” the organisation wrote on Twitter. </p> <p dir="ltr">“These funds will make a significant impact in helping keep (Perth Children’s Hospital) world-class for our children and families.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Many fans praised Depp’s acts of kindness, and it turns out that his choice to support the West Australian hospital is particularly special.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-4e18ba45-7fff-2408-772d-b7792f5e3e27"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Part of the money raised through Depp’s NFT community came from the sale of an NFT depicting his painting of late actor Heath Ledger, who grew up in Perth.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CbkRwlgDle1/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CbkRwlgDle1/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Never Fear Truth (@johnnydeppnft)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Carrie Robinson, the CEO of PCHFWA, told <em>The West Australian</em> that Ledger’s family had nominated the hospital as the recipient of the money raised from the painting’s sale.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s great to see the legacy of Heath Ledger continuing to make an impact on the WA community,” Robinson said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Other paintings included in the sale include portraits of Depp, his daughter Lily Rose, his friend and late actor River Phoenix, and Hollywood legends such as Marlon Brando, Al Pacino and Elizabeth Taylor.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve always used art to express my feelings and to reflect on those who matter most to me, like my family, friends and people I admire,” Depp said when he offered his paintings publicly for the first time.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My paintings surround my life, but I kept them to myself and limited myself.</p> <p dir="ltr">“No-one should ever limit themselves.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-7a46deee-7fff-39d9-efa7-f32189b75097"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty Images / Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Little Ash is now ready to inspire the next generation

<p dir="ltr">Ash Barty’s children’s book is all ready for pre-order just three months after announcing her retirement from tennis. </p> <p dir="ltr">The former World No.1 shocked fans across the world when she announced on March 23 that she would be retiring from tennis.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 25-year-old then came out to say that she will be writing a children’s book series called Little Ash, which is now ready for pre-order and set for release in July.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ash teamed up with First Nations creatives Jasmin McGaughey and Jade Goodwin “to bring young readers this fun and exciting new illustrated series about school, sport, friendship and family”.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CeR-8C4BhGa/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CeR-8C4BhGa/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Ash Barty (@ashbarty)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve been working on something special that I’m excited to share with you! Coming in July, Little Ash is a series of books for young readers aged five and up,” she wrote on Instagram. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Reading to my nieces and nephew is something I love to do, and seeing their little faces light up when we read a book they love is magic. </p> <p dir="ltr">“With First Nations writer Jasmin McGaughey and illustrator Jade Goodwin, I’ve created Little Ash to be fun and relatable for all kids.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Supporting kids’ education is something I’m passionate about and if I can help encourage new readers that will make me very happy.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The Little Ash series is now available to pre-order!”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Books

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How Grace Tame inspired Missy Higgins’ new album

<p dir="ltr">When creating a new album, musicians find inspiration in all sorts of places. </p> <p dir="ltr">For Missy Higgins, the inspiration for her mini-album <em>Total Control</em> came from the courageous stories of Grace Tame and Brittany Higgins (no relation!). </p> <p dir="ltr">In an interview with <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/doublej/music-reads/features/missy-higgins-total-control-interview-bluesfest-wildflower/13785762">Double J</a>’s Tim Shiel, the singer-songwriter said she was inspired by the women’s stories of survival, while also drawing inspiration from an ABC drama series. </p> <p dir="ltr">"During the first season [of ABC’s <em>Total Control</em> series], Grace Tame was standing up and telling her story [in real life]," Higgins explains.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Then I was watching Deb Mailman's character on the TV show walking into parliament and standing up in front of all these old white dudes and calling out the oppression of her and her people.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"I just thought 'Wow, there's so many crossovers here'.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The stories of these powerful women helped Missy Higgins to speak her own truth through her music, while also thinking of her daughter. </p> <p dir="ltr">She said, "I'm a mum of a three-year-old girl so it brought up all these feelings of like, 'Wow, women have come a long way and we're actually creating a future that I'm excited for my kid to inherit'.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"This is a world where women are now feeling like they can stand up and tell their truth and people actually will be held accountable. Not as much as in the past do they have to worry about not being believed or losing their job.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"It's people like Grace Tame and Brittany Higgins who've had enough guts to do that. That must have been so hard, it's their bravery that's really carving that path for everyone else."</p> <p dir="ltr">One example of how Missy drew inspiration from the series of the same name as her album comes in <em>Total Control</em>’s closing track <em>I Take It Back</em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">"I wanted to write this song about somebody who's come to a point where they've decided that they're not going to take s*** anymore, basically.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"'Everything that I've given to you, all the energy, all the power that I've given to you, I'm taking that back. I'm reclaiming my story. I'm reclaiming my power.'"</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Music

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Art inspires the magic Rubik's Cube

<p>The joy puzzle lovers derive from solving a good puzzle is matched only by the frustration felt by those of us who are not good solvers. 2015 marked the 40th anniversary of the patenting of perhaps the greatest – and most difficult – puzzle of the 20th century, the Rubik’s Cube.</p> <p>In 1974, Ernő Rubik was living in Budapest and teaching design courses at the Academy of Applied Arts and Crafts. The cube’s beginnings are unclear, but some reports state a project given to his students inspired Rubik’s prototype which was then refined over about six weeks. He created a plastic cube with six different colours, one for each face, with each face divided into a 3×3 grid. The beauty of it was that each face could turn independently thanks to an internal mechanism of 21 parts moving on curved tracks.</p> <p>He had considered the cube to be primarily a work of art, until he scrambled the colours. Realising how difficult it was to restore each face to a single colour, Rubik discovered he’d created a puzzle. It took him more than a month to work out how to solve it. Initially, Rubik wasn’t even sure a solution was possible. Eventually he hit upon the idea all modern solutions are based upon – certain moves exist that will exchange pairs or triplets of edge or corner pieces without disturbing the remainder of the cube. This convinced him to go ahead with his marketing plans. In 1977 production began within Hungary.</p> <p>Puzzle crazes have periodically captivated the world since the early 1800s. The “Chinese Tangram” puzzle was wildly popular from about 1815 until the 1820s, with plastic sets still available. In 1880 the “15 Puzzle” was all the rage in Boston and eventually spread to Europe before fizzling out after about six months. Rubik played with the 15 puzzle as a child and says he was possibly inspired by it. More recently, Sudoku went from an obscure game to a multi-million dollar industry. But none of these puzzles captured the world’s attention like the Rubik’s Cube.</p> <p>Rubik’s original cube is at once elegant and fiendish.</p> <p>Rubik called it the “Magic Cube”. The first run of 5000 sold out in a few months. In 1978 the cube was a hit at the International Congress of Mathematicians and over the next several years won awards at European toy fairs. By 1980, the Ideal Toy company in the US was marketing the puzzle as “Rubik’s Cube”. It sold about 4.5 million by the year’s end. In 1981 numbers were approaching 80 million units worldwide.</p> <p>By the mid-1980s the craze had passed. The cube inspired follow-up puzzles such as the 4×4 “Rubik’s Revenge” and the 5×5 “Professor’s Cube”. These days, models of 6×6, 7×7 and even higher-order cubes can be found in puzzle stores. Computer simulations of cubes up to 100×100 are available online.</p> <p>Rubik’s original cube is at once elegant and fiendish. Puzzle expert Jerry Slocum says rotational cube puzzles are among the most difficult of all manipulative puzzles. On the standard 3×3 cube there are 43,252,003,274,489,856,000 possible arrangements.</p> <p>In 1978, while the cube was still an underground success, physicist Roger Penrose and mathematician John Conway were demonstrating solutions. Conway was said to be able to solve the cube in around four minutes without consulting notes. In 1979 David Singmaster offered a guide to the perplexed with his Notes on the Magic Cube. It led to a popular standardised notation for solving the cube which survives today. Up, Down, Front, Back, Left and Right faces are represented by U, D, F, B, L and R. A sequence to manoeuvre a corner piece into position might be written out as: R U R`. This corresponds to a clockwise twist of the right face, followed by a clockwise twist of the up face, and finally a counter-clockwise twist of the right face. The accent mark denotes a counter-clockwise twist. Although these solutions appear daunting, with a cube and instructions in hand most readers will be able to solve the puzzle in half an hour or so. Practice will soon get your times down to five to 10 minutes.</p> <p>Using such algorithms, competitors have reduced the solution time to under a minute. The world record is 5.55 seconds held by Mats Valk of the Netherlands. There are also blindfold and one-hand categories. Blindfold solving has the competitor examine the cube and memorise the solution before putting on the blindfold. The final time includes the examination period and the hands-on time. If you’re feeling like a challenge, the record is just over 23 seconds.</p> <p>Good luck.</p> <p>This article originally appears in <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/mathematics/art-inspires-the-magic-rubiks-cube/">Cosmos Magazine</a>. </p>

Art

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6 easy and fun adult crafting ideas to get you inspired

<p><strong>1. Canned Vase</strong></p><p>Woven materials, like cane webbing, are neutral in color, giving bold florals the space to shine. Cut a piece to fit around any ol' vase, then stitch a line or cross pattern along the edges in a contrasting color of your choice. Wrap the webbing around the vase and adhere with hot glue.</p><p><strong>2. Dip Dye Candles</strong></p><p>Cast a custom glow with these color-blocked candles. Take plain taper candles and dip them in a mixture of colored crayon shavings and melted candle wax. Use painter's tape for a more even dye job or embrace the unexpected and dip as you please.</p><p><strong>3. Paper flowers</strong></p><p>Make these flowers now, so you can enjoy 'em all season long. To make, fold dyed cupcake liners in half and cut out petal and fringe shapes. Then fold a piece of floral wire in half and twist around the faux flower stamen. Poke the wire through the center of three to four paper liners. Finish it off by wrapping floral tape around the base of the liners and bringing it all the way down the stem.</p><p><strong>4. Hand-Dyed napkins</strong></p><p>Bring color to any table with watercolor napkins. Once you soak napkins in water and wring out the excess, brush fabric paint in small strokes from bottom to top, diluting the paint with water as you work your way up. Hang and let dry completely before adding them to your place settings.</p><p><strong>5. Entryway organiser </strong></p><p>Breathe new life into a dumpster-bound window frame by coating it in a striking pastel hue. Then come up with clever ways to make it functional for your everyday — adding a chalkboard for grocery lists, small hooks to hang keys and more.</p><p><strong>6. Wallpapered Vessels</strong></p><p>Quite literally a trash-to-treasure craft, pretty wallpaper or wrapping paper turns empty cans into statement vessels, which can be used as vases, pencil holders or candle holders. Just be sure to rinse out the cans and file down sharp edges first.</p>

Art

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The Singapore-inspired idea for using super for housing that could cut costs 50%

<p>During the past four decades in which home ownership among Australians aged 25-34 has sunk from around <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-welfare/home-ownership-and-housing-tenure">60% to 45%</a>, home ownership among the same age group in Singapore has climbed from around <a href="https://tablebuilder.singstat.gov.sg/table/TS/M810401">60% to 88%</a>.</p> <p>There’s a good chance that’s because Singapore is doing something right.</p> <p>What Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the <a href="https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/homepage">Housing Development Board</a>, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, provides mortgages, and allows buyers to use their compulsory retirement savings (what Australians call superannuation) for both a deposit and repayments.</p> <p>There’s more to it than that. It limits eligibility by income and age, requires owners to hang on to the property for five years, and limits their resale to only other eligible buyers.</p> <p>Eight in ten of all the dwellings in Singapore today were built over the past half century by the Housing Development Board.</p> <p>In a new paper released this month I suggest an Australian version called <a href="https://osf.io/nxq2u/">HouseMate</a>, that could halve the cost of buying a home.</p> <h2>Introducing HouseMate</h2> <ul> <li> <p>Housemate would build on underutilised crown, council, and federal land, land acquired by compulsory acquisition, or land purchased at market prices, and by tenders from private developers</p> </li> <li> <p>HouseMate would sell the dwellings at a discounted price (A$300,000 on average) to Australian citizens aged over 24 and in a de facto or married relationship and to single citizens aged over 28 and over, where no household member owns property</p> </li> <li> <p>HouseMate would offer loans underwritten by the federal government for up to 95% of the purchase price, charged at one percentage point above the cash rate, which at the moment would be 1.1%</p> </li> <li> <p>HouseMate buyers would be permitted to use their superannuation savings and contributions for both the deposit and ongoing repayments</p> </li> <li> <p>HouseMate buyers would be required to occupy the home, with limits on leasing and resale for seven years. They will own the home freehold, paying council rates, insurances, and having responsibility for maintenance and body corporate representation</p> </li> <li> <p>HouseMate owners could sell after seven years. But if they sell to the private market instead of another eligible HouseMate buyer, that would trigger a waiting period of seven years before the seller became eligible for another HouseMate home, and a fee of 15% of the sale price</p> </li> </ul> <h2>Homes for half price</h2> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/440816/original/file-20220114-25-qr9hwk.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/440816/original/file-20220114-25-qr9hwk.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" alt="" /></a> <span class="caption"></span> <span class="attribution"><a href="https://gameofmates.files.wordpress.com/2022/01/housemate_jan2022_vpublish.pdf" class="source">HouseMate, a proposed national institution to build new homes and sell them cheap to any citizen who does not own a home</a></span></p> <p>My calculations suggest building these homes on land that would cost little (perhaps A$50,000 averaged across all types) would by itself cut the price 20-35%.</p> <p>The lower interest rate, and the use of superannuation savings for both the deposit and repayments would cut the “after super” cost saved by as much again, cutting the “after super” cost savings 50-70%.</p> <p>The use of superannuation savings where available makes sense. Home ownership does more for security in retirement than does super.</p> <p>Because the use of super would be quarantined to new HouseMate homes, it would be unlikely to push up the price of existing homes.</p> <p>No other housing policy change would do anything like as much to make homeownership cheaper, or to free up income for families at the times they need it most.</p> <p>The changes to tax arrangements often talked about, including changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing, might on my estimate at most cut prices by as much as 10% - enough to reverse only <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/news/housing-values-end-year-221-higher-pace-gains-continuing-soften-multi-speed-conditions-emerge">six months</a> of the past year’s price growth.</p> <h2>There would be critics</h2> <p>Because HouseMate would divert first home buyers away from private markets, private sellers would find reasons to argue it would be bad for the people it helps and somehow financially reckless or unsustainable. Banks would argue the same thing.</p> <p>But because the non-land cost of HouseMate dwellings would be mostly covered by the purchase price (and 15% of private resale prices) and the other costs would mostly be covered by the interest margin, the budget cost would be low - on my estimate peaking at A$1.7 billion after seven years and shrinking to $640 million after 20 years.</p> <p>The $1 billion or so per year would provide 30,000 affordable houses per year. Compared to the A$100 billion spent on the COVID JobKeeper scheme, that cost is a rounding error. Australia spends $125 billion per year on healthcare.</p> <p>Each year about <a href="https://www.fresheconomicthinking.com/2016/06/the-great-australian-town-planning-give.html">$11 billion</a> is given to private landowners through rezoning decisions. Taxing those value gains could fund HouseMate ten times over.</p> <h2>We have got the land</h2> <p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/440817/original/file-20220114-27-1sf1klu.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/440817/original/file-20220114-27-1sf1klu.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" alt="" /></a> <span class="caption">The Australian Capital Territory has developed land for decades.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Google Maps</span></span></p> <p>The New South Wales Land and Housing Corporation has four times the net assets of Singapore’s Housing Development Board at <a href="https://www.hdb.gov.sg/-/media/doc/CCG/HDB-Financial-Statements-for-the-year-ended-31st-March-2021.pdf">$54 billion</a>. Queensland’s Housing and Public Works has <a href="https://www.hpw.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/6160/15financialstatements.pdf">$10 billion</a> in land assets. Victoria’s Department of Families, Fairness and Housing has <a href="https://www.dffh.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/202110/DFFH%20annual%20report%202020-21.pdf">$17 billion</a>.</p> <p>We could start by upgrading and selling existing public housing to its tenants under HouseMate rules.</p> <p>The Australian Capital Territory has operated this way for decades, developing low or zero cost rural land for housing and selling the homes at cost, although in recent decades it has acted more like a private developer, maximising revenue at the expense of putting people into homes.</p> <h2>To start with, there would be bottlenecks</h2> <p>HouseMate would be overwhelmed at first. I have suggested lotteries to allocate homes until the system ramps up.</p> <p>Just as Medicare didn’t displace but operated alongside the private health system, HouseMate would operate parallel to the private market, adding to overall supply rather than increasing demand in the private market.</p> <p>I’ll finish with a story. I met a Singaporean resident recently who moved to Australia to study social work. She said they don’t really have homeless people in Singapore because the Housing Development Board provided an option for almost everyone.</p> <p>To find homeless people required moving to Australia. I think we ought to try it. What’s the worst that could happen?<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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/174401/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><span><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cameron-murray-172480">Cameron Murray</a>, Research Fellow - Henry Halloran Trust, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></span></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/the-singapore-inspired-idea-for-using-super-for-housing-that-could-cut-costs-50-174401">original article</a>.</p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Real Estate

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10 awe-inspiring UNESCO world heritage sites everyone needs to visit

<p><strong>Taj Mahal </strong></p> <p>The Taj Mahal is universally recognised as the greatest masterpiece in Indo-Islamic architecture. The white marble mausoleum was commissioned in 1632 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.</p> <p>Spatial grandeur, arches, domes, relief work and precious stone inlay are among its defining characteristics.</p> <p><strong>Angkor Wat</strong></p> <p><span>Exploring the mysteries Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia is an unforgettable bucket list trip. </span></p> <p><span>Part of one of the most significant archaeological sites in Southeast Asia (the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 14th century), this massive temple complex was originally constructed as a Hindu place of worship for the god Vishnu and is the largest religious structure on the planet!</span></p> <p><strong>Great Barrier Reef</strong></p> <p><span>The Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Queensland Australia, is the largest living thing on earth. </span><span>It’s so huge that you can see it from outer space! </span></p> <p><span>Stretching for over 2,300 kilometres, this ecosystem is home to a diversity of marine line, including 400 types of coral, 1500 species of fish, and 4000 varieties of molluscs. </span></p> <p><span>Not surprisingly it’s a magnet for scuba divers.</span></p> <p><strong>Plitvice Lakes National Park</strong></p> <p><span>Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is located halfway between Zagreb and Zadar. </span></p> <p><span>This idyllic oasis is renowned for its 16 crystalline lakes connected by a series of exquisite waterfalls, splendid caves and lush forests. </span></p> <p><span>Each year, more than one million visitors flock to this natural paradise, making it Croatia’s main tourist attraction.</span></p> <p><strong>The Parthenon</strong></p> <p><span>The Acropolis of Athens is an enduring symbol of Classical Greece. </span></p> <p><span>The crown jewel of this hilltop citadel is the Parthenon, a former temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. </span></p> <p><span>Built by Ictinus and Callicrates, beginning in 447 BCE, this Doric icon is regarded as the most important surviving ancient Greek monument.</span></p> <p><strong>Grand Canyon</strong></p> <p><span>Words don’t do even begin to do justice to the glory of the Grand Canyon. </span></p> <p><span>Formed by Colorado River activity over the past six million years, it’s one of the longest and deepest gorges (averaging 1,600m in depth) on earth. I</span><span>ts immense size and layered red rocks make it a must-see-before-you-die attraction. </span></p> <p><span>Want to bring your four-legged friend along? The Grand Canyon is also pet-friendly!</span></p> <p><strong>Los Glaciares National Park</strong></p> <p><span>Located in the southwest of Santa Cruz province of the Argentine part of Patagonia in a remote area known as the Austral Andes, Los Glaciares National Park is a rugged paradise of granite peaks, lakes and numerous glaciers that cover half the 600,000-hectare expanse. </span></p> <p><span>Traversing this spectacular scenery is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.</span></p> <p><strong>Jeronimos Monastery</strong></p> <p><span>Travel to the Belem district at the entrance to the port of Lisbon to find the Jeronimos Monastery, which dates back to the 15th century. </span></p> <p><span>This highly ornate religious building was constructed and donated to the monks of Saint Hieronymus to pray for sailors on their voyages. </span></p> <p><span>Its cloisters, columns, arcades and complex ornamentation are characteristic of Portuguese Gothic style.</span></p> <p><strong>Old Québec</strong></p> <p><span>Founded by the French explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1608, Québec is among the oldest settlements in North America (and one of the most popular travel destinations in Canada). </span></p> <p><span>Centuries-old charm is on full display in its impeccably preserved historic district, a shining example of a fortified colonial city with cobblestone lanes, churches, convents and landmarks like Château Frontenac and Place Royal.</span></p> <p><strong>Iguazu Falls</strong><span></span></p> <p><span>Stretching 2.7 kilometres across Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls is the largest system of waterfalls in the world. </span></p> <p><span>The sheer size, thunderous sound and spectacle of these 275 individual cascades – including the 82-metre-tall Devil’s Throat – is truly jaw-dropping. </span></p> <p><span>The exotic flora and fauna of the surrounding rainforest add to the allure.</span></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/culture/10-awe-inspiring-unesco-world-heritage-sites-everyone-needs-to-visit" target="_blank">Reader's Digest</a>.</em></p>

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King in the making: Child chess prodigy plays his way off the streets

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">11-year-old Tanitoluwa “Tani” Adewumi has big dreams for his chess career, and has already made some big steps towards making them come true.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After he became a national chess master earlier this year - making him the 28th youngest person to claim the title - Tani now hopes to become the youngest ever grandmaster.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’m aggressive, I like to attack,” he </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/sunrise/entertainment/child-prodigy-rescues-his-family-from-a-homeless-shelter-by-playing-chess--c-4151705" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">told</span></a> <em><span style="font-weight: 400;">CNN Sport</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">. “It’s just the way I think in general: I want to checkmate my opponent as fast as I can.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He would have to outperform the current record-holder, 12-year-old Abhimanyu Mishra, but Tani is working hard to get there.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844643/tani1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/cd6c1ac32b764e9c866e3c488bc95cf7" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: GoFundMe</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As well as attending school in New York, Tani practices his chess moves for seven hours a day.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When he isn’t at school, the chess prodigy can put in between eight and 10 hours of practice a day.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though he has collected a suite of trophies, Tani considers one to be particularly special - the 2019 New York State chess championship title - because of the life-changing effect it had on his family.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“That’s the one that really boosted us up to become where we are today, and also me and my chess,” Tani said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nearly two years prior to the win, Tani and his family fled Northern Nigeria amidst fears of attacks by extremist group Boko Haram.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After arriving in the US, the family lived in a homeless shelter, while Tani joined the chess club at his school.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When the news came of his win, his family received a flood of financial support.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“One family, they paid for a year’s rent in Manhattan, one family gave us in 2019 a brand-new Honda, and the Saint Louis Chess Club in Missouri invited the family and the coaches to come and pay a visit,” Tani’s father, Kayode Adewumi, told </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">CNN Sport</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“A lot of people helped us, a lot of people gave us financial [support] and money … they donated money for us to get out from the shelter.”</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844644/tani2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/aa64769f6fbc4575a07179ce9eb793b4" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: GoFundMe</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The family initially started a </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/w9t6p-just-tani" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">GoFundMe</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> page to help them cover housing, legal, and educational costs.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Additional donations are being funnelled towards the Tanitoluwa Adewumi Foundation, which supports underprivileged children.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We need to give back to the needy, because we know what it takes - we’ve tasted everything,” Mr Adewumi said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“When we were in the shelter, some people are still there. We need to help the needy, especially the chess community and the people that need help. That’s why we put the money into the foundation, to help people.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Through the foundation, the family has also contributed money to a chess organisation in Africa with the hopes of encouraging more people to take up the game.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tani’s life has some common traits to that of the protagonist in the Netflix series </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Queen’s Gambit</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Tani said he has watched the series and that he “definitely did” see himself in it.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Chess is everything to me, it’s my life,” he said. “That’s how we came to where we are today.”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: GoFundMe</span></em></p>

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