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Why it’s so difficult to figure out what to do with your life – and three steps to take

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/marina-milosheva-1337343">Marina Milosheva</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edinburgh-napier-university-696">Edinburgh Napier University</a> What do you want to be when you grow up? Practically from the moment you start talking, you’re asked this question. As a child, you’re encouraged to make decisions about school subjects, activities and higher education, all in pursuit of a future career. These decisions, which have major repercussions for how the rest of your life will unfold, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/careers/young-people-take-career-decisions-too-early">are often hastily made</a>. Careers advice can be challenging to navigate and tends to focus on <a href="https://www.bi.team/blogs/moments-of-choice-how-young-people-make-career-decisions/">“moments of choice”</a>: those crucial transition points at which you need to make career decisions, such as when leaving secondary school. However, <a href="https://www.careersandenterprise.co.uk/media/m31lm1qo/moments_of_choice_report.pdf">“moments of inspiration”</a> are equally important. These are the times in which you are free to reflect on what you would really like to do, free of pressure or external influence. Many young professionals in their 20s and 30s find themselves trapped in the wrong job. Some feel unfulfilled, while others feel that they are overeducated and that <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/millions-stuck-in-the-wrong-job-study-finds-10968708">their talents are underutilised</a>. According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, one in three graduates are <a href="https://www.ons.gov.uk/news/news/oneinthreegraduatesovereducatedfortheircurrentrole">overeducated for their current role</a>. By 2030, things are expected to tip in the other direction: the rapidly changing work landscape might cause millions of UK workers to become <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/the-future-of-work-rethinking-skills-to-tackle-the-uks-looming-talent-shortage">underskilled</a> in digital, decision-making, communication and leadership skills. <h2>Why is it so hard to figure out what to do with your life?</h2> Career decisions are a balancing act. You have to align your interests and aptitudes with the current demands of the labour market, neither of which are static entities. Your skills and interests (<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/9781118970843.ch53">and to some extent, even your personality</a>) change over time, and the labour market is in a constant state of flux. The pandemic-related increases in vacancies in <a href="https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/how-has-the-pandemic-affected-industries-and-labour-in-the-uk/">certain sectors</a> and the potential effect of automation on the <a href="https://www.pwc.co.uk/economic-services/assets/international-impact-of-automation-feb-2018.pdf">displacement of jobs in others</a> are just two examples of labour market trends that you may need to consider. Here are three ways to figure out what you want to do with your life. <h2>1. Set a career goal</h2> While many people conflate the terms <a href="https://napier-repository.worktribe.com/output/2747064/new-information-literacy-horizons-making-the-case-for-career-information-literacy">“work” and “career”</a>, I take care in my research to distinguish between them. While work refers to employment, career is something different. It is a continuing personal development project. It begins not on the first day of a new job, but by setting career goals. These goals depend on your strengths and interests and, above all, on your values. There are many ways to approach the task of goal-setting, either on your own or with the help of others. As a starting point, you could complete a career quiz (such as this fun one called <a href="https://animalme.myworldofwork.co.uk/">Animal Me</a>) or reflect on where you see yourself in five or ten years. Consider what you most enjoy doing and what you excel at. What tasks and experiences do you find most fulfilling and rewarding? If you don’t know your strengths or what you might enjoy doing, talk to others who know you well. Family members, friends and coworkers may be able to help you see yourself and what you bring to the table through their eyes. <h2>2. Make a plan</h2> The next step is to gather information on how you can achieve your vision, and set milestones along the way. If you’re looking to change career direction, you would first need to find out if you need training, work experience or further education. You would then need to identify specific companies or institutions in your area that match the criteria you have set out in your plan. If you’re after a more minor career adjustment, you might have fewer steps to go through. You could consider different roles that you are already qualified to do, or look through the job openings at your current company. If you feel stuck, you can get in touch with your local career service for free and impartial career information, advice and guidance. In the UK, these are the <a href="https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/">National Careers Service</a> (England), <a href="https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/what-we-do/scotlands-careers-services/our-centres/">Skills Development Scotland</a> and <a href="https://careerswales.gov.wales/">Careers Wales</a>. And if you’re feeling bold, you could also contact people who are in your dream job and ask them how they got there. <h2>3. Find decent and meaningful work</h2> Until you figure out that dream role, you should try to look for what careers scholars such as <a href="https://careerguidancesocialjustice.wordpress.com/2021/08/24/everyone-has-a-right-to-a-decent-and-dignified-life-that-includes-a-meaningful-career-an-interview-with-david-blustein/">David Blustein</a> and <a href="https://iep.utm.edu/sen-cap/">Amartya Sen</a> have described as decent and meaningful work. <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00407/full">Decent work</a> upholds the basic principles of social justice and human rights. You will know that you are in a decent job when you are fairly compensated, your role is not precarious, and work does not make you chronically stressed or ill. Meaningful work is aligned with your values and lets you achieve the kind of life that you value. Any work can be meaningful work, as long as it is compatible with what you consider to be important. A meaningful job can be one that allows you to have a good work-life balance, or one that comes with high pay. It could be a job that helps others, or one that lets you express yourself creatively. It could also be a job that facilitates your personal growth or a job that contributes to the greater good. Career planning takes time, but so does being stuck in the wrong job. British people spend an average of <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/british-people-work-days-lifetime-overtime-quit-job-survey-study-a8556146.html">3,507 days at work</a> over their lives. Why not spend that time doing something you love?<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/209266/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/marina-milosheva-1337343">Marina Milosheva</a>, PhD Candidate, Social Informatics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edinburgh-napier-university-696">Edinburgh Napier University</a> Image credits: Getty Images 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/why-its-so-difficult-to-figure-out-what-to-do-with-your-life-and-three-steps-to-take-209266">original article</a>.

Caring

Astonishing new wax figure of Queen Camilla Consort unveiled

A new tribute to King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla has been unveiled in London ahead of the highly-anticipated coronation. As the Queen Consort prepares for a crowning of her own, Madame Tussauds London has created a wax figure of the 75-year-old wearing a tiara, gown and sash. The statue was first shown on April 27, ahead of being displayed beside one of King Charles’ waxworks. Queen Camilla’s wax figure shows her in a midnight blue dress, made by one of her favourite designers, Anna Valentine, and decked with a royal blue sash and star of the Order of the Garter. The royal is also seen in a replica of the late Queen’s Belgian sapphire tiara and matching George VI sapphire necklace. The necklace was a wedding gift from her father, King George VI when she married Prince Philip in 1947. The Queen Consort was seen in the Belgian tiara at the first state banquet of King Charles’ reign, where they hosted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at Buckingham Palace in November 2022. Both the royal’s Art Deco engagement ring and Welsh gold wedding band are seen on the figure. "Whilst for many people this will be their first experience of a coronation, the Coronation of King Charles III will be the eighth that Madame Tussauds London has celebrated," General Manager Tim Waters said. "We're incredibly proud of our centuries long link with The Palace and what better way to mark the official start of this new chapter in the history of the British Monarchy than with the creation of our brand new soon-to-be Queen Camilla to stand alongside her husband, The King." Image credit: Getty

Art

“Once-in-a-lifetime find”: Man discovers gold nugget worth six figures

A man from Victoria has struck gold armed with his budget metal detector. The man, who wishes to not be named, discovered a 4.6kg rock in Victoria’s “Golden Triangle” which stretches between Ballarat, Bendigo and up to St Arnaud. Unsure of whether it was worth anything, he brought the rock to Lucky Strike Gold in Geelong for evaluation where Gold trader Darren Kamp discovered it contained a staggering 2.6kg of gold worth $240k. “He said, ‘Oh, do you think there’s $10,000 worth in it?’, and as soon as it hit my hand I looked at him and said: ‘Try a $100,000’,” Kamp told 9News. "And he said, 'Oh wow, the wife's going to be happy with that," said Kamp. Funnily enough, the man had only brought in half of the rock and left the other half “at home”. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime find,” said Kamp. Small nuggets of gold are worth up to $1000, but the value of gold has soared due to inflation. “You’ll hear the term, ‘if it’s got your name on it, you’ll find it’,” Kamp said. “You just need some luck and persistence. It’s like a Tattslotto ticket, you’re never going to win it unless you’ve got a ticket,” he added. The gold nuggets from this region were famous for their quantity, size and purity, and were mostly found in streams or river beds. Image: Nine News

Money & Banking

Streaming service giant pays woman 5 figures to watch content

If you think you spend too much time on Amazon Prime, think again as one lucky lady has snatched up her “dream” job with the streaming service. The woman, Alex Bain, 36, has been dubbed Prime Video’s “Buff”, and her job entails reviewing content for Amazon Prime, which came after the platform searched nationwide to fill the role of watching new content. Here’s the real kicker, the 36-year-old will be paid $40,000 for three months of viewing new content and sharing her opinions. She is not new to the scene of content review as she frequently posts to her Instagram, TikTok and Youtube reviewing various TV shows and movies. Upon seeing the advertisement from Amazon Prime, one of Bain’s friends encouraged her to apply. “Everything on it, it was like seeing a list of what would be my ideal job,” Ms Bain told NCA NewsWire. “I’m 36, so I want to do something I’m passionate about, so I decided to just go for it. “I got a phone call from Amazon saying I’d been short-listed, and I was like, ‘Oh my God!’” She said the time between applying for the role and being told she was successful went “so quickly”. Not long after, she received the news she was the lucky one chosen to fill the role. Image credit: Instagram

Painting by four-legged Van Gogh sells for five figures

A very good boy named Van Gogh has raised a hefty sum of money for a good cause. The one-eared four-legged artist has used his extraordinary talents to create his own rendition of his namesake’s masterpiece Starry Night. At an online benefit auction for the <a href="https://www.happilyfureverafter.org/">Happily Furever After Rescue</a> in Connecticut, USA, pet food company Pedigree paid $10,000 for the artwork. The rescue home was the one that found Van Gogh his new forever home, after sharing his artistic talents online. All the proceeds of Van Gogh the dog’s auction will benefit the rescue efforts of Happily Furever After, which specialises in rehoming dogs like pit bulls, who can sometimes have a hard time finding homes. The paintings in the current auction, titled “Van Gogh Reimagined,” are all based on compositions by the original Van Gogh. However, unlike a painting by the Dutch master, the dog’s art starts the bidding at just $25 a piece. “Having Van Gogh create some of history’s most famous paintings felt like big shoes to fill,” founder Jaclyn Gartner told <a href="https://news.artnet.com/market/van-gogh-rescue-dog-charity-auction-2264707">Artnet News</a>. “There was a lot more attention to detail this time around to make sure to incorporate all the colours and try to recreate the pieces as closely as possible.” Since finding his new home, Van Gogh has created more than 150 new works of art. To make each masterpiece, a person applies blobs of colours of paint to a canvas placed inside a plastic bag. The talented dog then completes the artwork by licking off a coating of peanut butter or other dog-friendly treats from the outside of the bag, making the artwork inside. “The most exciting part about Van Gogh painting is never really knowing what it’s going to come out to look like as it depends on how his tongue slides across the peanut butter coated bag,” Gartner said. “Since we did the art gallery in October, Van Gogh has explored more tasty toppings,” she added. “We have begun incorporating other things like ground up liverwurst, pumpkin puree, and goat whip. Painting has become an even more delicious hobby for Van Gogh!“ Image credits: Happily Furever After Rescue

Art

Eco-activist attacks on museum artwork ask us to figure out what we value

In the last few weeks <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/23/arts/claude-monet-mashed-potatoes-climate-activists.html">climate change activists have perpetrated various acts</a> of reversible vandalism <a href="https://twitter.com/artnews/status/1585745905512169473">against famous works of art in public galleries</a>. In the latest incident on Oct. 27, two men entered <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/oct/27/girl-with-a-pearl-earring-vermeer-just-stop-oil-protest-mauritshuis-the-hague">the Mauritshuis gallery in the Hague</a>. After taking off their jackets to reveal t-shirts printed with anti-oil slogans, one proceeded to glue his head to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/famed-girl-with-pearl-earring-painting-targeted-by-climate-activists-nos-2022-10-27/">glass overtop</a> <a href="https://www.mauritshuis.nl/en/our-collection/artworks/670-girl-with-a-pearl-earring/">Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring</a>, while the other bathed the head of his partner-in-crime with what appeared to be tinned tomatoes before gluing his own hand to the wall adjacent to the painting. This was just the latest in a series of similar art attacks that have peppered the news. The motivation of the eco-activists involved is to draw attention to the crisis of climate change, the role of big oil in hastening the deterioration of the environment and the necessity to save our planet. By attacking a famous and high-value cultural target like Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring — it <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0335119/">even starred in its own movie</a> — the protesters are asking us to examine our values. <h2>Big oil protests</h2> The first Vermeer painting to come to auction for almost 80 years <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/vermeer-fetches-record-price-1.506190">sold for almost $40 million in 2004</a>. Today a Vermeer (<a href="http://www.essentialvermeer.com/how_many_vermeers.html">there are not that many)</a> could easily be valued at twice that. Whether you like Vermeer or not, the monetary value of the targets under attack enhances the sheer audacity and shock value of the current art attacks. The eco-activists want to appear to desecrate something that people associate with value and with culture. Their point is that if we don’t have a planet, we’ll lose all the things in it that we seem to value more. As activist Phoebe Plummer of Just Stop Oil <a href="https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/just-stop-oil-protestor-van-gogh-sunflowers-why-video-1234643678">told NPR after being involved in the attack on Van Gogh’s Sunflowers at London’s National Gallery</a>: “Since October, we have been engaging in disruptive acts all around London because right now what is missing to make this change is political will. So our action in particular <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/11/01/1133041550/the-activist-who-threw-soup-on-a-van-gogh-explains-why-they-did-it">was a media-grabbing action to get people talking, not just about what we did, but why we did it</a>.” Note, the idea is disruption, not destruction. As acts designed for shock value, the activists did draw immediate public attention. <h2>Attacking art</h2> By staging their attacks in public galleries, where the majority of visitors carry cell phones, activists could be assured film and photos of the incidents would draw immediate attention. By sticking to non-corrosive substances and mitigating damage to the works under attack, they don’t draw the kind of public ire that wilful destruction would evoke. In recent news, attacking art as a form of public protest has largely been limited to public monuments outside the gallery space, like the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/02/us/confederate-monuments-removed-2021-whose-heritage/index.html">destruction and removal of Confederate</a> or colonial statues. But it’s also true that works of museum art have come under attack before. Over the course of its history, <a href="https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2019/02/19/trimmed-splashed-and-slashed-the-anatomy-of-rembrandts-the-night-watch">Rembrandt’s Night Watch in the Rijksmuseum</a> in Amsterdam was stabbed in two separate incidents in 1911 and 1975; in 1990, it was sprayed with acid; but all of those attacks were ascribed to individuals with unclear and less clearly rational motives. I see a few issues at stake with assessing what these recent art attacks could mean. <h2>1. How effective is the messaging?</h2> The activists have been articulate about their objectives, but those objectives haven’t been <a href="https://twitter.com/BrydonRobert/status/1587587106997960705">obvious to everyone who sees</a> via social media, but doesn’t stick around to hear the explanation. When a broad <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/why-are-climate-activists-throwing-food-at-million-dollar-paintings-180981024/">range of media</a> <a href="https://time.com/6224760/climate-activists-throw-food-at-art/">outlets all</a> perceive <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/rebeccahughes/2022/08/05/why-are-climate-activists-gluing-themselves-to-art-in-italy/?sh=1e2e8a6a246a">the need to publish</a> editorials on why eco activists are targeting art, something is getting lost in translation. People see the endangerment of the works of art, but may ascribe that to the activists, not to the planetary erosion wrought by climate change. I don’t think everyone is getting the message. <h2>2. Possible misplaced outrage</h2> The incidents up until now have been pretty effective and harmless acts. But what if something is irreparably damaged? People will be outraged, but they’ll still be outraged about the art, not about the planet. And while there will be a call for stiff prison sentences, precedent suggests that’s an unlikely outcome. A man who damaged a Picasso valued at $26 million USD at the Tate Modern <a href="https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/tate-modern-picasso-damaged-man-sentenced-1234569349">in London in 2020 was sentenced to 18 months in jail</a>. <h2>3. Violation of public trust</h2> The third effect is what I consider a violation of the public trust, and this gives me pause. Works of art, even the most famous ones, lead precarious lives of constant endangerment; war, weather, fire, floods. The protesters are destabilizing the idea that public galleries are “safe” spaces for works of art, held in public trust. As fari nzinga, inaugural curator of academic engagement and special projects at the <a href="https://www.speedmuseum.org/">Speed Art Museum</a> in Louisville, KY, pointed out in a 2016 paper: “The museum doesn’t serve the public trust simply by displaying art for its members, <a href="https://incluseum.com/2016/11/29/public-trust-and-art-museums">it does so by keeping and caring for the art on behalf of a greater community of members and non¬members alike</a>, preserving it for future generations to study and enjoy.” Right now these acts, no matter how well-intentioned, could lead to increased security and more limited access, making galleries prisons for art rather than places for people. At the same time, part of the activsts’ point is that economy that sustains <a href="https://grist.org/climate/can-art-museums-survive-without-oil-money/">big oil is entwined with arts infrastructure</a> and the art market. <h2>The thing that saves us?</h2> The pandemic taught us, I think, that art could be the thing we share that saves us; think of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q734VN0N7hw">people during quarantine in Italy singing opera together from their balconies</a>. Eco-activists engaged in performance protests ask us to question our public institutions and make us accountable for what they, and we, value. Their climate activism is dedicated to our shared fate. If you’re willing to fight for the protection of art, maybe you’re willing to fight to protect the planet. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/eco-activist-attacks-on-museum-artwork-ask-us-to-figure-out-what-we-value-193575" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Art

King Charles’ wax figure vandalised by climate activists

A group of activists have thrown chocolate cake at King Charles III wax figure in London. Just Stop Oil activists shared footage of themselves throwing chocolate cake into the face of King Charles waxwork at Madame Tussauds. Two supporters, Eilidh McFadden, 20, and Tom Johnson 29, were seen stepping closer to the King’s figure before taking off their jumpers to show the “Just Stop Oil” shirts. Eilidh first smashes the cake at King Charles’ figure before Tom does the same thing just after 10.30am (8.30pm AEDT) on Monday. A woman could be heard shouting stop at the pair but they ignored her. “The science is clear. The demand is simple: just stop new oil and gas. It’s a piece of cake,” their tweet reads. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 🎂 BREAKING: JUST STOP OIL CAKES THE KING 🎂 👑 Two supporters of Just Stop Oil have covered a Madame Tussauds waxwork model of King Charles III with chocolate cake, demanding that the Government halts all new oil and gas licences and consents.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeLouis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeLouis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeJosh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeJosh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/A22Network?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#A22Network</a> <a href="https://t.co/p0DJ8v3XVB">pic.twitter.com/p0DJ8v3XVB</a> — Just Stop Oil ⚖️💀🛢 (@JustStop_Oil) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustStop_Oil/status/1584491199771316225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2022</a></blockquote> London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed four people were arrested for criminal damage in relation to the incident. “We responded quickly to an incident at Madame Tussauds after two people threw food at a statue at approximately 10.50am,” they said in a statement. The activists’ actions comes just weeks after two people from the same group <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/art/climate-activists-attack-van-gogh-s-sunflowers-with-soup" target="_blank" rel="noopener">attempted to destroy an iconic Van Gogh artwork</a> in London’s National Gallery in the name of climate activism. They threw cans of tomato soup at Van Gogh’s Sunflowers (1888), the museum confirmed in a statement. Luckily, the painting was saved by the glass covering, with the frame only suffering minor damage. Image: Twitter

Art

Retiree figures out how to win the lotto

A retired couple have beaten possibly all odds when it comes to winning the lottery thanks to “simple math”. Jerry and Marge Selbee from Evart, Michigan, are multimillionaires because of a loophole in the gambling game. After retiring in 2003, Jerry decided to follow the lotto closely and discovered that it's easier than he thought to win, saying, “Anyone could have done it.” The retiree inspected the game called WinFall and found that if no one won the jackpot of US$5 million ($7 million AUD), then the money would go to ticket holders with fewer winning numbers. "I looked at the probabilities of the game and it said that when the WinFall actually occurred and no one won the jackpot, that the prize level would go up by a factor of 10," Jerry said on <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/60-minutes/jerry-and-marge-go-large-lotto-tips-selbee-how-retired-couple-won-39-million/1e5093b5-be35-400f-a142-8ecdf0c289d0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">60 Minutes</a>. "US$50 for a three-number winner and US$1,000 for a four-number winner and the odds were one in, one in 56 and a half for a three-number winner and one in 1032 for a four-number winner." Jerry went on to explain that part of the problem when it comes to playing the lotto is that people think it is structured. "I did not have to be lucky to win. I had to be unlucky to lose." Almost akin to placing a bet on himself, Jerry decided to test his theory and realised that he was right – and quickly came clean to his wife Marge who was all for it. The couple would buy hundreds of thousands of tickets for the WinFall game – but disaster eventually struck when no more tickets were sold in their hometown. Soon the pair had to drive 15 hours to Massachusetts to keep winning a similar style of lottery with the same "loophole" structure, but it was something they were both keen to do. Eventually, they were caught out by investigators but Jerry and Marge were in fact not doing anything illegal. Their story eventually became well known to the point that a film is being made for streaming service Paramount+ and will feature Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston. Despite their lifetime of winnings – in the many tens of millions over the years – Jerry and Marge remain quite humble, spending their money on education for their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Images: Nine

Money & Banking

There’s an easy way to figure out if you’ll have enough money to retire

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia estimates that the lump sum needed for a couple to retire comfortably is $640,000, or $545,000 for a single person - far from the $1 million that’s often cited. If you aren’t sure if you have enough money to retire, there are a couple of online tools that will help you figure it out quick smart. One is <a href="https://www.superguru.com.au/">ASFA’s Super Balance Detective</a>. To use it, you simply enter your year of birth, and the calculator shows you how much super you should have today. Naturally, there are many underlying assumptions behind that number, but it is primarily based on average investment returns and average fees. It’s also based on how much the ASFA Retirement Standard calculates you need to live on after retiring at the age of 67. So how much super should you have by now? If you were born in 1970, you should have about $285,000; for those born in 1965, it’s $360,000; for those born in 1960, it should be around $449,000. Those born in 1955 should have about $535,000 saved up, putting them just $10,000 from retiring comfortably (assuming they’re single). Another handy calculator is the government’s <a href="https://moneysmart.gov.au/how-super-works/superannuation-calculator">moneysmart super calculator</a>. Enter your specific super balance, along with your age and income/super contribution details. The calculator will then give you a forecast balance at the retirement age of your choosing, based on achievable investment assumptions (the default settings are for an investment return of 7.5 per cent annually, but you can adjust this number as you see fit). There are several things you can do to boost your super. Ensuring your fees are low is one way to get the most out of your super fund’s investment performance. The government’s moneysmart calculator uses investment fees of 0.85 per cent and an administration fee of $74; using these as a guide, if you’re paying more than that, make sure your returns are higher to match. Checking in your fund’s performance is also a good idea, and can be done using the ATO’s <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/Calculators-and-tools/YourSuper-comparison-tool/">YourSuper comparison tool</a>. It ranks MySuper products on both fees and returns, and now labels underperforming super funds as such. It will also prompt you to resolve the problem if your super is leaking money because you have multiple accounts and thus, multiple sets of fees. Image: Marko Geber/Getty Images

Retirement Income

"Bringing the heat": Rebel Wilson flaunts slimmed down figure after 30kg weight loss

Rebel Wilson has lost 30kg during her “year of health”. The week, the actress showed off her incredible figure as she spent time with Mrs Canada Globe, Lorelei Higgins. The 40-year-old wore skin-tight leggings with a black blouse, showing off her trim figure. Taking to Instagram to share multiple photos and videos, the two were seen spending time together at Wilson’s LA home. “Mrs Canada and I bringing the heat,” Rebel captioned a photo of the pair hanging near the outdoor fire pit. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CIxCv53L6VA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CIxCv53L6VA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Rebel Wilson (@rebelwilson)</a> </div> </blockquote> “World peace,” she added as a hashtag. The Pitch Perfect star has been on a health journey this year, after setting a goal of reaching 75kg. Last month, she proudly announced that she had smashed that goal, showing the number 74.6 on a scale. “Hit my goal with one month to spare!” she wrote in the caption. “Even though it’s not about a weight number, it’s about being healthy, I needed a tangible measurement to have as a goal and that was 75 kilograms.”

Body

Adele shows off incredible new figure in rare post

Adele has shown her support for Beyoncé’s brand-new experimental album Black is King in her latest Instagram post, however her transformation almost overshadowed the sweet sentiment. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDWzJe8A5Xz/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDWzJe8A5Xz/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Adele (@adele)</a> on Aug 1, 2020 at 11:09am PDT </div> </blockquote> On Friday, Beyoncé’s much-anticipated visual album finally dropped at midnight on Disney+. The 85-minute film which is based on the music of last summer’s The Lion King: The Gift, it is a “a celebratory memoir for the world on the Black experience.” Adele, who is a proud fan of the performer, took to social media to broadcast her excitement. “Thank you Queen for always making us all feel so loved through your art,” she wrote. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_1VGc5AsoZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_1VGc5AsoZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Adele (@adele)</a> on May 5, 2020 at 9:38pm PDT </div> </blockquote> She also wore the same body suit as Beyonce in the album, which showed off her beautiful figure. A beach picture in January surfaced this year, revealing that the artist lost around an estimated 40 kilograms.

Body

Brooke Shields flaunts ageless figure in patriotic bikini

Brooke Shields has still got it at 55, after pictures emerged of her parading around in a bikini. Fans have commended the former model for her “amazing looks”, with many wanting to know just what her “youthful secret” is. The mother of two has been enjoying some downtime in lockdown with her husband Chris Henchy, 56, and their daughters, Rowan, 17, and Grier, 14. She was photographed wearing a patriotic bikini as she treated herself to a dip in her Hampton’s home swimming pool. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCRC6MmnmS0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCRC6MmnmS0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by WCB👩🏼‍💻 (@world_celebs_beauty)</a> on Jul 5, 2020 at 9:00am PDT </div> </blockquote> The model chose a patriotic blue-starred bikini top and red stripy bottoms which showed off her strong body. Shields paired the stylish swimsuit with a simple gold necklace with her hair slicked back as she made her way out of the water. “Still got it,” one fan commented in awe. “Question. Where did you find the fountain of youth?” another fan said. Back in May, Shields told InStyle that she had taken up meditation for the first time while in quarantine. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCUYLxXn0P6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCUYLxXn0P6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by De Rolé - Oficial (@sitederole)</a> on Jul 6, 2020 at 4:04pm PDT </div> </blockquote> “None of the exercising I’ve done in the past has stemmed from me loving it, or from it giving me any peace of mind,” she explained. “When I was younger, it was all ego-based: If you want to be in this campaign, you have to stay fit. If you want to be in this Broadway show, you have to be this fit; you have to dance this much every day.” She admitted however that her approach to other forms of fitness is not quite the same. While also doing at-home weights-based training, Shields said she has signed up for “a live-streaming meditation led by Deepak Chopra on Facebook”. “My family made fun of me, saying, ‘Oh, Mom is going to get all Zen now’.” The star also mentioned she’d had a fitness “breakthrough” in quarantine. “Before that, I’d never focused on the spiritual element of exercise or the idea of honouring your body and soul. Those were just words before; they didn’t feel realistic.” She added that “working out has never been Zen” for her, as “everything was a goal” when it came to her motivation.

Beauty & Style

The riddle that has the internet in a spin – can you figure it out?

“What walks on four legs in the morning, two legs in the afternoon, and three legs at night?” inquired the Sphinx. Oedipus, ever the clever Greek tragic figure, was not easily fooled. “Man,” he replied. Then, the Sphinx died, for some reason. The upcoming riddle’s stakes are a bit lower, that’s for sure, but its answer is similarly difficult to dream up. If Teresa’s daughter is my daughter's mother, what am I to Teresa? For clarity’s sake, the relationships mentioned in the above riddle are by blood, and not by the quick and breezy process of Facebook family requests. Fortunately for the riddle-solver, finding the answer will just provide gratification. The pivot point of the riddle sits on the tongue of question-asker, who happens to be… Teresa’s daughter, <a rel="noopener" href="http://twentytwowords.com/heres-the-answer-to-the-viral-riddle-thats-driving-the-internet-nuts/2/" target="_blank" title="" data-original-title="">as confirmed by this diagram from 22 Words.</a> Now, if you’re still looking for a challenge to keep your brain churning, just try and find the <a rel="noopener" href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/thought-provoking/spot-the-turtle" target="_blank" title="" data-original-title="">turtle in this photo</a>. It has nothing to do with daughters, but apparently, women can solve it faster than men. Written by Sam Benson Smith. This article first appeared in <a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/thought-provoking/riddle-has-internet-spin-can-you-figure-it-out">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRN87V">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Mind

Helen Mirren wows in figure-hugging red gown

Helen Mirren has stepped out in a stunning figure-hugging red gown to promote her new horror movie Winchester. The 72-year-old looked typically glamorous in a floor-sweeping red frock with sequined sleeves that showed off her curves. She finished the look with statement earrings and perfectly coiffed hair. <img width="375" height="563" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2018/02/14/11/492F053500000578-5389865-All_eyes_on_Helen_The_stunning_star_showcased_her_effortless_ele-a-5_1518608470340.jpg" alt="All eyes on Helen: The stunning star showcased her effortless elegance as she arrived in a gothic-inspired bus to the screening" class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="i-45201de0638c3e"/> <img width="368" height="553" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2018/02/14/11/492F074D00000578-5389865-Capping_it_off_Her_look_was_completed_with_red_peep_toe_heels_an-a-7_1518608470398.jpg" alt="Capping it off: Her look was completed with red peep toe heels and a box clutch" class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="i-b9ddd0561ac80760"/> Promoting the thriller in Italy, Mirren, who plays an eccentric heiress haunted by lost souls, got right into character posing for photos holding a dagger. <img width="363" height="546" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2018/02/14/09/492F678D00000578-0-image-a-30_1518598912464.jpg" alt="Menacing: Helen Mirren was pictured playing up to her new menacing role in Winchester on Tuesday, as a party was held to celebrate the film in Rome, Italy " class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="i-92ceb181b261fc94"/> The film Winchester will be out in cinemas next week.

Beauty & Style

Can you spot the real celeb from their wax figure?

Most of us will never get to meet our heroes in real life, so for many, the next best thing is to visit their incredible – albeit a little creepy – wax likenesses. These paraffin figures are so popular, in fact, that Madame Tussauds now has 24 wax museums around the world and hundreds of figures – each costing up to US$300,000 and taking four months to make. But just how good do you think you are at spotting the real from the wax? From Anne Hathaway to Helen Mirren, take the quiz below and test yourself – you might be surprised at the result! <div class="pb_feed" data-shares="false" data-comments="false" data-game-info="false" data-item="cd27a022-4bad-4632-8478-9f34d850ecf9" data-embed-by="d8abea86-ae62-4b8e-8a5d-828badfa1745" data-version="2"></div> Tell us in the comments below, how did you go?

Beauty & Style

10 terrifying wax figures of celebs

Visiting wax figures of famous people has turned into an activity that many enjoy doing all over the world. When a wax figure looks identical to the celebrity, visitors marvel at the handiwork and take photographs to show their friends and family. However, some wax figures attract visitors to take photographs for the opposite reason. Scroll through the gallery above to see some of the most terrifying wax figures of famous people. Which wax figure do you think is the worst? Let us know in the comments below.

Movies

Oprah Winfrey shows off slimmer figure

Oprah Winfrey has never been one to shy away from speaking candidly and honestly about her struggles with her weight, but at a recent event the TV star let the photos do the talking. Posing for photos at the launch of her new book “The Wisdom of Sundays”, the 63-year-old TV host looked noticeably trimmer in a blush pink ensemble with a glittering belt that accentuated her shrinking waist. <img width="463" height="386" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/45013/oprah_463x386.jpg" alt="Oprah" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Oprah at a celebration of her new book. As any Oprah fan knows, the billionaire mogul’s weight has fluctuated throughout the years. She revealed in the 2009 issue of her magazine that she hit her heaviest weight of 108kg in 1992. In 2005, she revealed her slimmer figure of 73kg but by 2009, she had reached 90kg again when dealing with a thyroid problem. Oprah has previously credited Weight Watchers with helping her lose 18kgs. <img width="356" height="427" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/45014/1509322829768_oprahwinfrey1992_356x427.jpg" alt="1509322829768_oprahwinfrey 1992" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Oprah revealed she was her heaviest in 1992, weighing 108kgs. Having always been very open to the public about her weight loss journey, Oprah said that the years of yo-yoing weight has taught her that her real problem isn’t with weight, but with self-care that has manifested itself through her weight. "My goal isn't to be thin. My goal is for my body to be the weight it can hold — to be strong and healthy and fit, to be itself. My goal is to learn to embrace this body and to be grateful every day for what it has given me,” she said. <img width="428" height="544" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/10/16/00/455ED41000000578-0-image-m-3_1508108755907.jpg" alt="Relies on stylist Annabelle Harron: The 63-year-old OWN CEO cinched her shrinking waist with a bedazzled brown belt and also wore a V-neck pink top for her catered party" class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="i-67af8372866a0aaa"/> And it seems in 2017, after years of diets and weight gains and losses, Oprah has finally accepted her body.

Body

What if ordinary women were treated like celebs on the red carpet?

I was watching the film Groundhog Day last weekend and suddenly wondered what the lead actress, Andie McDowell, was up to these days. I searched her name on the internet and clicked on the first news story that featured her name. Aha! A link from the Daily Mail which assured me that McDowell has "a figure that allows her to pass for a woman half her age". May God forgive me, I thought as I continued reading the article. I call it an article but it was really just an overblown picture caption about the star attending the opening of the musical version of Groundhog Day. Some poor human being who had probably once studied journalism had written: "the star looked incredible in the form-flattering number, which fell at a stylish midi-level. Andie's garment boasted a daringly low-cut neckline – teasing at her ample assets while the wrap detailing honed in on her trim waist." This shouldn't have come as a surprise, given it was in the Daily Mail but it still really grinds my gears to see a woman reduced to her age and what she was wearing. Then I wondered what foul descriptions would befall me, should someone ever have the misfortune to spot me out and about. On Monday, Beck Eleven, whooshed from her house to the backyard where her silver yet dusty Nissan Wingroad was awaiting. She appeared to be wearing a hurriedly donned blue dress that may or may not have passed the sniff test. She accessorised with the latest pet carrier cage which was filled with a wailing cat as she headed toward the local veterinarian clinic. About thirty minutes later she emerged and was seen attempting to put her phone in her breast pocket where she discovered that pocket was actually on the inside of the dress. This led to her wearing a look of deep humiliation as she discovered she'd been wearing her stinky overworn blue dress inside out all day. On Tuesday, Beck Eleven, who has the body of a woman twice her age, was spotted with glistening eyes. Her secret? Mistaking a tube of artificial tears that were meant for her cat as balm for her crow's feet. A source reports that Beck Eleven was seen on Wednesday evening wearing her robe at 7pm. The source had dropped off some cheese scones and told us she feared for Beck's sanity as her hair did not look washed and had not been dyed for several months. Beck was sporting a mouse-brown strip along her parting line with grey hairs sprouting through. The robe had possibly been a sparkling white in its day but now gave off a beige hue in the evening light. Thursday afternoon saw Beck Eleven's jaw-dropping curves on display as she tried to squeeze her way into an out-of-season summer dress in a cheeky two fingers up to winter. The stunning neckline was simply created by the top button straining to be done up. Here's a reminder of the time Beck wore a black winter coat that was so covered in cat fur, her friend refused to be seen in public with her until she promised to carry a lint brush around with her at all times. In an exclusive interview, a source informs us Beck is already looking ahead to spring when she will probably need to have a good pluck of errant chin and eyebrow hairs and either lose some of that girth or invest in a whole new wardrobe. We can't wait to see how she fits those ample assets into her clothes otherwise. Make sure you buy next month's issue when we look back with a special sealed section "Six Times Beck Eleven Should Not Have Left the House". Written by Beck Eleven. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>.

Beauty & Style

Photo of ghost-like figure spotted during full moon

Residents from Mexico have sent many into confusion after posting a video of a strange light formation they spotted over the Gulf of California. Yasmin Duarte Valenzuela posted a video and photos of the eerie sight on Facebook and has already amassed over 63,000 views. <div id="fb-root"></div> <div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/100006467960955/posts/2353439044881671/" data-width="500" data-show-text="true"> <blockquote class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"> Alguien me puede decir que es eso?🤔😱♥️ y después se quito 😳 Los barriles bcs. Haydee Duartte Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dulceyasmin.duartevalenzuela">Yasmin Duarte Valenzuela</a> on <a href="https://en-gb.facebook.com/dulceyasmin.duartevalenzuela/posts/2353439044881671">Sunday, 6 August 2017</a></blockquote> </div> Yasmin said the light hovered next to the moon for a while until it went away. What do you think of this video? Do you think it's a ghost? Let us know in the comments below.

News

Tourists ignore warnings at dangerous rock pools

It has become one of southern Sydney's biggest tourist attractions, and yet visitors are being actively encouraged not to visit the Figure Eight Pools, in Australia's Royal National Park. Almost exactly a year after 70 people were injured at the popular spot, the National Parks and Wildlife Service launched a website page this week dedicated to warning people of the dangers of the rock shelf and suggesting alternative locations for visitors. The website's tag line "don't risk it" sends a clear message to stay away and the page features the hashtag "#notfigure8pools." The website also has phrases such as "people often get dragged across the rocks by freak waves" and "instead of breaking a limb at Figure 8, try some other beautiful places to snap a selfie" as well as the warning "you think it can't happen to you?". Because of its remote location the pools are dangerous to access, with a combination of low tide and a small swell required for a safe viewing. An interactive safety checklist titled "Are you still going to go?" at the bottom of the page takes visitors through all the things they will need to do before going including checking the tides and packing a first aid kit. The main image for the website shows huge waves breaking across the rock shelf just north of the pools. Waves are known to crash over the site unexpectedly, even in good conditions. Last year, on January 24, 70 people were injured by a freak wave, with three having to be airlifted to safety due to the severity of their injuries. There were also a number of other accidents at the site during the year, including two men being airlifted to safety in July. The NPWS has been issuing daily alerts this week, saying the pools were too dangerous to access due to high tides and big swell. All park trails were also closed during the week because of a total fire ban. The decision to issue the alerts was made due to "varying weather and dangerous tide conditions" according to a NPWS spokesperson, as extremely high tides and two metre swells hit the coast. The alerts, first issued last Monday, continued to remain in place each day, with the site being described currently as "high risk." Despite the warnings, people were still visiting, with several photos of people in the pool uploaded to Facebook and Instagram over the past few days. One visitor on Thursday reported that there were more than 100 people on the rock platform around lunchtime. An NPWS spokesperson said that while they were unable to stop people from going to the site, they could actively discourage people. "Figure Eight Pool is not on park land but is accessed through national park which is why we have undertaken a number of measures such as warning signs to alert people to the potential dangers of accessing this tidal area." The area is under the control of Crown Lands Last year, local surf club Burning Palms SLSC was reporting average crowds of about 1000 people at the site on weekends. Honorary secretary of the club, Peter Pearce, said there had been fewer incidents at the pool this season. "They've improved the signage and that's been a big help." he said. "It has been a good education campaign." In 2013-14, local lifesavers administered one minor first aid. Last summer, that had risen to 194. Anyone visiting the pools is urged by the NPWS to check tides and swells to make sure they can safely enjoy the pools. "Visitors should use common sense when going near rock shelves and are reminded to heed all alerts and warnings relating to this site." Written by William McInnes. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/01/rouge-wave-at-sydney-figure-eight-pools/">Massive wave highlights just how dangerous Sydney’s Figure Eight Pools can be</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/10/10-best-hidden-swimming-holes-in-australia/">10 best hidden swimming holes in Australia</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/06/the-power-and-beauty-of-crashing-waves-in-australia/">The power and beauty of crashing waves in Australia</a>

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