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AI to Z: all the terms you need to know to keep up in the AI hype age

<p>Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming ever more prevalent in our lives. It’s no longer confined to certain industries or research institutions; AI is now for everyone.</p> <p>It’s hard to dodge the deluge of AI content being produced, and harder yet to make sense of the many terms being thrown around. But we can’t have conversations about AI without understanding the concepts behind it.</p> <p>We’ve compiled a glossary of terms we think everyone should know, if they want to keep up.</p> <h2>Algorithm</h2> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-an-algorithm-how-computers-know-what-to-do-with-data-146665">An algorithm</a> is a set of instructions given to a computer to solve a problem or to perform calculations that transform data into useful information. </p> <h2>Alignment problem</h2> <p>The alignment problem refers to the discrepancy between our intended objectives for an AI system and the output it produces. A misaligned system can be advanced in performance, yet behave in a way that’s against human values. We saw an example of this <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/jan/12/google-racism-ban-gorilla-black-people">in 2015</a> when an image-recognition algorithm used by Google Photos was found auto-tagging pictures of black people as “gorillas”. </p> <h2>Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)</h2> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/not-everything-we-call-ai-is-actually-artificial-intelligence-heres-what-you-need-to-know-196732">Artificial general intelligence</a> refers to a hypothetical point in the future where AI is expected to match (or surpass) the cognitive capabilities of humans. Most AI experts agree this will happen, but disagree on specific details such as when it will happen, and whether or not it will result in AI systems that are fully autonomous.</p> <h2>Artificial Neural Network (ANN)</h2> <p>Artificial neural networks are computer algorithms used within a branch of AI called <a href="https://aws.amazon.com/what-is/deep-learning/">deep learning</a>. They’re made up of layers of interconnected nodes in a way that mimics the <a href="https://www.ibm.com/topics/neural-networks">neural circuitry</a> of the human brain. </p> <h2>Big data</h2> <p>Big data refers to datasets that are much more massive and complex than traditional data. These datasets, which greatly exceed the storage capacity of household computers, have helped current AI models perform with high levels of accuracy.</p> <p>Big data can be characterised by four Vs: “volume” refers to the overall amount of data, “velocity” refers to how quickly the data grow, “veracity” refers to how complex the data are, and “variety” refers to the different formats the data come in.</p> <h2>Chinese Room</h2> <p>The <a href="https://ethics.org.au/thought-experiment-chinese-room-argument/">Chinese Room</a> thought experiment was first proposed by American philosopher John Searle in 1980. It argues a computer program, no matter how seemingly intelligent in its design, will never be conscious and will remain unable to truly understand its behaviour as a human does. </p> <p>This concept often comes up in conversations about AI tools such as ChatGPT, which seem to exhibit the traits of a self-aware entity – but are actually just presenting outputs based on predictions made by the underlying model.</p> <h2>Deep learning</h2> <p>Deep learning is a category within the machine-learning branch of AI. Deep-learning systems use advanced neural networks and can process large amounts of complex data to achieve higher accuracy.</p> <p>These systems perform well on relatively complex tasks and can even exhibit human-like intelligent behaviour.</p> <h2>Diffusion model</h2> <p>A diffusion model is an AI model that learns by adding random “noise” to a set of training data before removing it, and then assessing the differences. The objective is to learn about the underlying patterns or relationships in data that are not immediately obvious. </p> <p>These models are designed to self-correct as they encounter new data and are therefore particularly useful in situations where there is uncertainty, or if the problem is very complex.</p> <h2>Explainable AI</h2> <p>Explainable AI is an emerging, interdisciplinary field concerned with creating methods that will <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-explainable-artificial-intelligence-can-help-humans-innovate-151737">increase</a> users’ trust in the processes of AI systems. </p> <p>Due to the inherent complexity of certain AI models, their internal workings are often opaque, and we can’t say with certainty why they produce the outputs they do. Explainable AI aims to make these “black box” systems more transparent.</p> <h2>Generative AI</h2> <p>These are AI systems that generate new content – including text, image, audio and video content – in response to prompts. Popular examples include ChatGPT, DALL-E 2 and Midjourney. </p> <h2>Labelling</h2> <p>Data labelling is the process through which data points are categorised to help an AI model make sense of the data. This involves identifying data structures (such as image, text, audio or video) and adding labels (such as tags and classes) to the data.</p> <p>Humans do the labelling before machine learning begins. The labelled data are split into distinct datasets for training, validation and testing.</p> <p>The training set is fed to the system for learning. The validation set is used to verify whether the model is performing as expected and when parameter tuning and training can stop. The testing set is used to evaluate the finished model’s performance. </p> <h2>Large Language Model (LLM)</h2> <p>Large language models (LLM) are trained on massive quantities of unlabelled text. They analyse data, learn the patterns between words and can produce human-like responses. Some examples of AI systems that use large language models are OpenAI’s GPT series and Google’s BERT and LaMDA series.</p> <h2>Machine learning</h2> <p>Machine learning is a branch of AI that involves training AI systems to be able to analyse data, learn patterns and make predictions without specific human instruction.</p> <h2>Natural language processing (NLP)</h2> <p>While large language models are a specific type of AI model used for language-related tasks, natural language processing is the broader AI field that focuses on machines’ ability to learn, understand and produce human language.</p> <h2>Parameters</h2> <p>Parameters are the settings used to tune machine-learning models. You can think of them as the programmed weights and biases a model uses when making a prediction or performing a task.</p> <p>Since parameters determine how the model will process and analyse data, they also determine how it will perform. An example of a parameter is the number of neurons in a given layer of the neural network. Increasing the number of neurons will allow the neural network to tackle more complex tasks – but the trade-off will be higher computation time and costs. </p> <h2>Responsible AI</h2> <p>The responsible AI movement advocates for developing and deploying AI systems in a human-centred way.</p> <p>One aspect of this is to embed AI systems with rules that will have them adhere to ethical principles. This would (ideally) prevent them from producing outputs that are biased, discriminatory or could otherwise lead to harmful outcomes. </p> <h2>Sentiment analysis</h2> <p>Sentiment analysis is a technique in natural language processing used to identify and interpret the <a href="https://aws.amazon.com/what-is/sentiment-analysis/">emotions behind a text</a>. It captures implicit information such as, for example, the author’s tone and the extent of positive or negative expression.</p> <h2>Supervised learning</h2> <p>Supervised learning is a machine-learning approach in which labelled data are used to train an algorithm to make predictions. The algorithm learns to match the labelled input data to the correct output. After learning from a large number of examples, it can continue to make predictions when presented with new data.</p> <h2>Training data</h2> <p>Training data are the (usually labelled) data used to teach AI systems how to make predictions. The accuracy and representativeness of training data have a major impact on a model’s effectiveness.</p> <h2>Transformer</h2> <p>A transformer is a type of deep-learning model used primarily in natural language processing tasks.</p> <p>The transformer is designed to process sequential data, such as natural language text, and figure out how the different parts relate to one another. This can be compared to how a person reading a sentence pays attention to the order of the words to understand the meaning of the sentence as a whole. </p> <p>One example is the generative pre-trained transformer (GPT), which the ChatGPT chatbot runs on. The GPT model uses a transformer to learn from a large corpus of unlabelled text. </p> <h2>Turing Test</h2> <p>The Turing test is a machine intelligence concept first introduced by computer scientist Alan Turing in 1950.</p> <p>It’s framed as a way to determine whether a computer can exhibit human intelligence. In the test, computer and human outputs are compared by a human evaluator. If the outputs are deemed indistinguishable, the computer has passed the test.</p> <p>Google’s <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/06/17/google-ai-lamda-turing-test/">LaMDA</a> and OpenAI’s <a href="https://mpost.io/chatgpt-passes-the-turing-test/">ChatGPT</a> have been reported to have passed the Turing test – although <a href="https://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/the-trouble-with-the-turing-test">critics say</a> the results reveal the limitations of using the test to compare computer and human intelligence.</p> <h2>Unsupervised learning</h2> <p>Unsupervised learning is a machine-learning approach in which algorithms are trained on unlabelled data. Without human intervention, the system explores patterns in the data, with the goal of discovering unidentified patterns that could be used for further analysis.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/ai-to-z-all-the-terms-you-need-to-know-to-keep-up-in-the-ai-hype-age-203917" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>

Technology

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Fabulous at 40, fit at 50 and sexy at 60 – age does not define your health

<p>It’s quite natural to feel a twinge of jealously when you see celebrities like Cher and Jennifer Lopez looking gorgeous and glamourous at red carpet events.</p> <p>After all, Cher is 76 and J-Lo 53 – how do they look so good when many of us at the same age are either struggling with the horrors of menopause or ailments we put down to our increasing age?</p> <p>The secret is it’s much more than the way they look. It’s their confidence, vibrance and calm sense of knowing about good health that gives them that extra glow.</p> <p>And the great news is you can do the same – you can absolutely be healthy at any age – and, like Cher and J-Lo, enjoy the glow and confidence which comes with it.</p> <p>Accepting sore joints, an aching back, fatigue and extra kilos as inevitable in your forties, fifties and sixties is the first mistake.</p> <p>Some ailments are common but they’re not normal. We place limitations on ourselves because of our age – which, after all, is just a number - missing a lot of opportunities in life.</p> <p>Sure, there are plenty of physical changes that start to develop in those middle years but they can be minimised with extra diligence.</p> <p>I’m proud to say that I haven’t gained any weight since I first began working in the health and fitness industry 30 years ago.</p> <p>I don’t spend countless hours in the gym, or starve and deprive myself. But I do make sure I exercise, do strength conditioning and have a healthy diet.</p> <p>Should you walk an average of 8000 steps a day? Yes, at any age. Should you do strength training three times a week? Yes, for bone density and muscle tissue – and it can be as simple as doing a body weight workout at home, going to the gym or playing a game of tennis. The trick to exercise is being consistent – you’re not training for a marathon, just keeping your body healthy!</p> <p>You also need to be diligent about including a good source of protein with every meal, more in fact than what you ate when you were younger. Protein helps repair cells in our body which in turn facilitates muscle repair and improves our skin. (That helps give you that enviable celebrity glow!)</p> <p>I’m not saying these years aren’t without challenges such as arthritis, menopause, high cholesterol, and blood pressure that often start to emerge in the 40s and continue through the ensuing decades.</p> <p>But the answer is to not blame age for everything. Maybe you’re drinking too much alcohol, not being as active as you should be and choosing to let your diet slide. You need to be honest with yourself.</p> <p>Take some of that hard earned wisdom that we love about getting older and use it maintain your best, vibrant self. You can do it!</p> <p><em>This article was written by Donna Aston. Donna is one of Australia’s top nutritionists. She developed the popular AstonRX Metabolic Fat Loss Program, Gut Rehab Program and Quick Start Program. Find out more at AstonRX.com.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

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"Your weight doesn't define you": Rebel Wilson shares body positivity message

<p>Rebel Wilson has shared a candid post on Instagram about gaining weight while on holiday.</p> <p>The Aussie actress, who is currently on a trip with her girlfriend Ramona Agruma, said she has “lost all self-control” but it “doesn’t help to be hard on yourself”.</p> <p>Wilson, 42, and Agruma have both been sharing snaps from their luxury resort in Cappadocia, Turkey. She posted an uplifting message about balancing a healthy lifestyle, along with a swimsuit picture beside a swimming pool at a resort.</p> <p>“I just noticed I put on three kilos on my holiday I’m at an amazing all-inclusive resort… I’ve lost all self-control,” she said.</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/Cfg1vyAL7yR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cfg1vyAL7yR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Rebel Wilson (@rebelwilson)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>She explained the feeling of guilt she has experienced after a big meal but shared her learnings that it “doesn’t help to be hard on yourself”.</p> <p>She continued: “But if you’re like me just know YOU are more than just your weight, your weight doesn’t define you, just try your best to be healthy and don’t be so hard on yourself.</p> <p>Meanwhile, others shared their similar stories to Wilson’s including one who said, “I needed this, thank you so much, you look stunning”.</p> <p>Wilson first shared her commitment to a ‘Year of Health’ publicly in 2020, going on to lose 30kg over 12 months. After reaching her goal weight of 74kg in 2020, Wilson kept up her approach and said she’s never felt better.</p> <p>The actress later revealed that it was a trip to the doctor that “really inspired me to get healthier.” Wilson went on to share she would “love to have a family”, and alluded to the possibility of becoming a mother.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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3 quotes that defined the first Democratic debate of 2020

<p><strong>Dennis Jett, Pennsylvania State University</strong></p> <p><em>“I was part of that deal to get the nuclear agreement with Iran, bringing together the rest of the world, including some of the folks who aren’t friendly to us. And it was working.” - Joe Biden</em></p> <p>The Iran nuclear deal took two years to negotiate and <a href="https://apps.washingtonpost.com/g/documents/world/full-text-of-the-iran-nuclear-deal/1651/">runs to over 20,000 words</a>.</p> <p>Joe Biden no doubt had a part in selling the agreement, as it was one of the <a href="https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/issues/foreign-policy/iran-deal">Obama administration’s top foreign policy</a> objectives. The agreement placed strict and verifiable limits on Iran’s nuclear program and even Trump, during his first year in office, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/08/trump-to-announce-he-will-withdraw-us-from-iran-nuclear-deal.html">certified Iran was complying</a> before he came up with <a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/key-moments-in-the-unraveling-of-the-iran-nuclear-deal">additional demands</a>. He then <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/08/world/middleeast/trump-iran-nuclear-deal.html">withdrew from the deal</a>.</p> <p>That move convinced American allies that U.S. leadership had <a href="https://www.the-american-interest.com/2018/06/05/the-trump-effect-in-europe/">become as erratic as it was unreliable</a>. It also removed the incentive for Iran to limit its ability to develop nuclear weapons and relied on sanctions to force Iran to capitulate.</p> <p>Since the U.S. withdrew, Iran has responded by continuing to develop its nuclear capability, making the time it would need to construct a bomb increasingly shorter. The recent killing <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/01/08/soleimani-killing-assassination-legitimate-act-war-terror/2831498001/">of senior Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani</a> by U.S. drone strike will only encourage Iran to reconsider the steps it must take to defend itself. That <a href="https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/israel-heading-towards-preventive-war-against-iran-98987">may prompt Israel</a> to again contemplate a preemptive strike.</p> <p>In his speech on Jan. 8, Trump explained his rationale for killing Soleimani – a speech that included <a href="https://www.factcheck.org/2020/01/factchecking-trumps-iran-address/">several dubious claims</a>. I predict that his effort to force Iran to its knees will have no more success than his attempt to negotiate with North Korea to get them to give up their weapons.</p> <p>If Trump then resorts to military action against Iran, he will likely find it impossible to convince anyone that his justification for acting is either credible or legitimate.</p> <p>And if Biden – or any of the others on the stage tonight – become president a year from now, putting the deal back together again will be difficult if not impossible.</p> <p><strong>Amy K. Dacey, American University</strong></p> <p><em>“We should stop asking our military to solve problems that cannot be solved militarily.” - Elizabeth Warren</em></p> <p>The final debate before the Iowa caucus is a challenging one for candidates. The strategic question at hand is: Do they fight with other primary candidates – or deescalate the differences that exist between them, even if small?</p> <p>While the first six debates focused on domestic policy, <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/iran-news-rouhani-says-us-caused-plane-strike-today-over-donald-trump-killing-qassem-soleimani-2020-01-14/">the recent conflict between the U.S. and Iran</a> was at the forefront of voters’ and candidates’ minds on Jan. 15.</p> <p>This debate shined a light on the candidates’ foreign policy experience, in contrast with the policies of the sitting president. Most recently, Biden has been seen by Democratic primary voters as <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/14/democrats-trust-biden-sanders-on-foreign-policy-amid-iran-tensions.html">the candidate most trustworthy on foreign policy</a>.</p> <p>President Donald Trump’s administration has <a href="https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/2019-12-03/trump-didnt-shrink-us-military-commitments-abroad-he-expanded-them">expanded U.S. military commitments abroad</a>. Even after declaring <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-president-trump-cabinet-meeting-15/">“I got elected on bringing our soldiers back home,”</a> <a href="https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/2019-12-03/trump-didnt-shrink-us-military-commitments-abroad-he-expanded-them">Trump has kept 174,000</a> active military deployed overseas.</p> <p>The focus on foreign policy in the early minutes of the debate opened a door for candidates to remind voters that their positions reinforce the Obama administration’s commitment to only send troops into harm’s way when it was necessary and with <a href="https://time.com/4622417/president-obama-armed-forces-speech-transcript/">a strategy and defined goals</a>, while at the same time openly questioning the military decisions of the Trump administration, especially in recent days.</p> <p>Warren’s comments sent a clear message that diplomacy and other means, such as international alliances and negotiation, are to be considered.</p> <p><strong>Pearl K. Dowe, Oxford College, Emory University</strong></p> <p><em>“We are not going to have a shortage of MBAs, we are going to have a shortage of plumbers.” - Amy Klobuchar</em></p> <p>During the debate, moderators raised the question about Pete Buttigieg’s opposition to free public college access for the wealthiest 20% in the country.</p> <p>Klobuchar attempted to pivot the conversation to the economic value of education, saying that there should be an emphasis on filling blue collar jobs that are currently vacant.</p> <p>This statement echoes a question in today’s society about the value of higher education and who should be able to access it. This <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/16/opinion/college-useful-cost-jobs.html">public debate</a> has resulted from rising tuition costs, increased student loan debt and stagnation of wages.</p> <p><a href="https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2018/data-on-display/education-pays.htm">Bureau of Labor Statistics data</a> confirms that, in every state, those with college degrees earn more than those without degrees. College graduates average a weekly income of US$1,173, compared to $712 for those with only a high school diploma. A high school diploma no longer offers a career path that can lead to a middle-class life.</p> <p>Key members of the Democratic voting block – <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/blog/social-mobility-memos/2017/12/04/black-women-are-earning-more-college-degrees-but-that-alone-wont-close-race-gaps/">women and people of color</a> – face significant barriers to closing the income and wealth gap with white men.</p> <p>In my view as <a href="https://app.oxford.emory.edu/WebApps/Directory/index.cfm/view/9635">someone who studies African American political behavior</a>, Klobuchar was correct that the conversation about jobs should be broader. But careers with limited mobility and low wages do not offer an effective avenue to economic prosperity. Her comments did not fully acknowledge why people are willing to go into debt in order to receive education beyond high school.</p> <p>African Americans often view education not only as an avenue to a career that allows for the potential of upward mobility, but also to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/07/30/stop-blaming-black-parents-for-underachieving-kids/">a greater sense of freedom for oneself and one’s family</a>. Klobuchar’s comment dismisses this long history of deep commitment to earning a freer life.</p> <p><em>Written by Dennis Jett, Amy Dacey and Pearl Dowe. Republished with permission of The Conversation. </em></p>

Retirement Life

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1970s: songs that defined a decade

<p>It was the decade that brought us lava lamps, Farrah Fawcett’s enviable hair and <em>Saturday Night Fever</em>. The ‘70s also brought us some incredible tunes, thanks to ABBA, David Bowie, Queen and more. In this article we take a look at the songs that defined a decade.</p> <p><strong>“Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac</strong></p> <p>Released in 1976, “Go Your Own Way” was written by Lindsey Buckingham about his failing relationship with Stevie Nicks. It has since become an anthem of independence and self-confidence.</p> <p><strong>“Imagine” by John Lennon</strong></p> <p>The best-selling single of his solo career, John Lennon’s 1971 song “Imagine” speaks to his anti-war beliefs, imagining a world free from the barriers of religion, nationality and class.</p> <p><strong>“Stayin’ Alive” by The Bee Gees</strong></p> <p>It’s hard to think about the ‘70s without thinking of The Bee Gees. The quintessential disco track, “Stayin’ Alive” was one of the band’s biggest hits off the back of the 1977 film <em>Saturday Night Fever</em>.</p> <p><strong>“You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon</strong></p> <p>One of the most talked-about songs of all time, Carly Simon’s Grammy Hall of Fame-winning 1972 “You’re So Vain” was reportedly a profile of three self-absorbed ex-lovers, one of them Warren Beatty.</p> <p><strong>“Superstition” by Stevie Wonder</strong></p> <p>He originally wrote it for Jeff Beck, but in the end Wonder himself took “Superstition” and made it a funk classic in 1972. Who could forget that incredible bassline?</p> <p><strong>“Tiny Dancer” by Elton John</strong></p> <p>This beautiful 1971 song written by Bernie Taupin is one of Elton John’s most beloved hits. It never reached higher than 13th on the charts at the time but has since become one of his most popular songs.</p> <p><strong>“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen</strong></p> <p>Released in 1975, this epic song with the music video to match is one of the highest-selling songs of all time. Campy and outrageous on a grand scale, this song is an icon of the 1970s music scene.</p> <p><strong>“Dancing Queen” by ABBA</strong></p> <p>Surprisingly the only ABBA song that made it to number 1 in the US, “Dancing Queen” is widely regarded as one of the best pop songs of all time. Catchy and well-written, we can see why.</p> <p><strong>“Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin</strong></p> <p>It’s been the subject of <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/led-zeppelin-heading-to-court-over-stairway-to-heaven-20160412" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">recent controversy</span></strong></a>, but “Stairway to Heaven”, released in 1971, is one of the 1970s’ most recognisable hits, thanks to some stunning guitar work from Jimmy Page.</p> <p><strong>“Heroes” by David Bowie</strong></p> <p>Though he sadly passed away not long ago, David Bowie has left us an incredible catalogue of hits. “Heroes” is by far one of his most popular, due to its celebration of the uniqueness and spirit inside us all.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/entertainment/music/2016/04/the-surprising-real-names-of-singers/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The surprising real names of famous singers</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/entertainment/music/2016/03/rare-photos-of-famous-musicians-by-michael-putland/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em>Never-before-seen photos of famous musicians</em></strong></span></a></p> <p><a href="/entertainment/music/2016/03/rock-and-roll-hits-banned-from-being-played/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">6 rock ‘n’ roll hits banned from being played</span></em></strong></a></p>

Music

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Songs that have defined the ages

<p>From Jailhouse Rock to Bohemian Rhapsody, here we’ve put together a list of chart-topping songs that have defined music over the years.</p> <p><strong>1. Vaughn Monroe – “let it snow” (1946)</strong></p> <p>This song was written in Hollywood, California during a heat wave and was intended to evoke feelings of a cooler temperature. It became a popular hit, reaching number one on the Billboard music chart.</p> <p><strong>2. Elvis Presley - “Jailhouse Rock” (1957)</strong></p> <p>The king of rock had a raw voice, a cheeky charm, and dance moves that made you blush. “Jailhouse Rock” marked the beginnings of his rise to the throne.</p> <p><strong>3. The Beatles - “I Want to Hold Your Hand” (1963)</strong></p> <p>Their first U.S. number one, this record turned Beatlemania into a multi-national frenzy. John Lennon and Paul McCartney co-wrote the song, and collaborated on the vocals to produce a sound that defined the 60s.</p> <p><strong>4. Queen - “Bohemian Rhapsody” (1975)</strong></p> <p>This track scored Queen their first American top ten and nine weeks atop the British charts. It’s rock, it’s opera, it’s brilliant and always will be.</p> <p><strong>5. Michael Jackson -“Beat It” (1982)</strong></p> <p>Michael Jackson was the first black artist to get regular airplay on MTV, and this song’s choreography-filled video was one of the most played. “Beat It” danced its way to the top of music charts worldwide and collected two Grammys.</p> <p><strong>6. Whitney Houston - “I Will Always Love You” (1992)</strong></p> <p>This song was written, composed, and originally recorded by American country singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. Houston recorded a cover version of the song for The Bodyguard. Her single spent 14 weeks at number one on the Billboard hot 100 charts. It has since become one of the best-selling single of all time.</p> <p><strong>6. Santana - “Maria Maria” (2000)</strong></p> <p>This song reached number one on the Billboard hot 100 on April 8, 2000, and stayed there for ten weeks.</p> <p><strong>7. Adele - “Rolling in the Deep” (2011)</strong></p> <p>This song has sold over 7.6 million copies in the US, making it the highest-selling digital song by a female artist. The song reached number one in 11 countries.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/entertainment/music/2015/12/baby-names-inspired-by-musicians/">Baby names inspired by music icons</a></strong></em></span><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/entertainment/music/2015/12/best-keith-richards-quotes/">Keith Richards’ best rock ’n’ roll quotes</a></strong></em></span><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/entertainment/music/2015/12/best-frank-sinatra-songs/">The best Frank Sinatra songs of all time</a></strong></em></span></p>

Music

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The most popular perfumes that defined a decade

<p>Coco Chanel once said “A woman who doesn’t wear perfume has no future”.</p> <p>This may have been a dramatic overstatement, but it worked. Chanel No. 5 is one of the most popular fragrances of all time with a bottle being sold every 30 seconds.</p> <p>Iconic fragrances are akin to clothing pieces in their persuasive role in colouring fashion traditions. As visually iconic as Marilyn Monroe’s white, blow up dress was in 1955, those close to her knew her well by her signature Chanel No 5 scent.</p> <p>The historic magazine pages are filled with fragrances that once upon a time gifted the experience of a new sensation and set the world alight. As Christian Dior says “What I remember the most about the women who were part of my childhood was their perfume – perfume lasts much more than the moment.”</p> <p>Here are eight of the world’s most classic and recognisable scents that captured and defined a decade.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/11/80s-and-90s-beauty-products/">Cult beauty products from the 80s and 90s</a></strong></span></em></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/01/how-to-stop-lipstick-bleeding/"><strong>How to stop lipstick bleeding</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/01/favourite-looks-from-advance-style-blog/"><strong>The best looks from the Advance Style blog</strong></a></em></span></p> <p> </p>

Beauty & Style

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People aged 0 to 100 define what is love

<p>What is love? It’s a simple enough question – after all, it’s what the majority of people want in life. But defining love is much harder than it seems.</p> <p>SoulPancake asked this big question to people aged 0 to 100 (Well, they couldn’t find anyone who was technically 100 so they made do with a 105 year old!). There were nervous titters at first, but soon the young and old began defining what love truly means to them – and the answers were beautiful.</p> <p>As one 51-year-old man explains, “Everything else becomes nothing. All that matters is that the whole two hearts expand through that infinity.”</p> <p>Or this 14-year-olds response: "It's complicated. Love is a complicated thing."</p> <p>And this 80-year-old man lovely definition: "I'm married 55 years. Our job in life, the two of us, is to look after each other and see to it that we're our best selves, so to speak."</p> <p>Watch all the answers in the video above.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/relationships/2015/12/word-that-makes-or-breaks-relationships/"><strong>The word that makes or breaks relationships</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/relationships/2015/12/what-to-expect-on-your-first-date/"><strong>What to expect on your first date</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/relationships/2015/12/how-to-better-communicate-with-your-partner/"><strong>5 surprising ways to better communicate with your partner</strong></a></em></span></p> <p> </p>

Relationships