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Bold idea sees hotel offer thousands in cash back if it rains

<p>In a move that's making waves in the travel industry, a posh hotel in the heart of Singapore has rolled out a revolutionary offer: rain insurance. Yes, you heard it right – rain insurance!</p> <p>InterContinental Singapore, a sanctuary for jet-setters seeking respite from both the humidity and the occasional tropical deluge, has unleashed a game-changer for travellers. Dubbed the "Rain Resist Bliss Package", this offer promises to keep your spirits high even when the rain gods decide to throw a dampener on your plans.</p> <p>Picture this: you've booked your suite at this 5-star haven, eagerly anticipating your Singapore escapade. But lo and behold, the forecast takes a turn for the soggy, threatening to rain on your parade – quite literally. Fear not, dear traveller, for with the Rain Resist Bliss Package, you can breathe easy knowing that if your plans get drenched, your wallet won't.</p> <p>Now, you might be wondering, how does this rain insurance work? Well, it's as simple as Singapore Sling on a sunny day. If the heavens decide to open up and rain on your parade for a cumulative 120 minutes within any four-hour block of daylight hours (that's 8am to 7pm for those not on island time), you're entitled to a refund equivalent to your single-night room rate. The package is available exclusively for suite room bookings starting from $SGD850 per night – so that’s around $965 rain-soaked dollars back in your pocket, no questions asked. No need to jump through hoops or perform a rain dance – just sit back, relax, and let the rain do its thing.</p> <p>And fret not about having to keep an eye on the sky – the clever folks at InterContinental Singapore have got you covered. They're tapping into the data from the National Environmental Agency Weather Station to automatically trigger those rain refunds. It's like having your own personal meteorologist ensuring that your plans stay as dry as your martini.</p> <p>But hey, if the rain does decide to crash your party, fear not! The hotel has an array of dining options to keep your tastebuds entertained while you wait for the clouds to part. And let's not forget, Singapore isn't just about sunshine and rainbows – there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you occupied, from feasting at Lau Pa Sat for an authentic hawker experience to retail therapy at Takashimaya.</p> <p>And here's a silver lining to those rain clouds: fewer tourists! That's right, while others might be scrambling for cover, you could be enjoying shorter lines, less crowded attractions, and even snagging better deals on accommodations. Plus, let's not overlook the fact that the rain brings a welcome respite from the tropical heat, making outdoor adventures all the more enjoyable once the showers subside.</p> <p>So, pack your umbrella and leave your worries behind. With InterContinental Singapore's Rain Resist Bliss Package, you can embrace the unpredictable and turn even the rainiest of days into a memorable adventure. After all, as they say, when life gives you lemons, make Singapore Slings and dance in the rain!</p> <p><em>Images: InterContinental Singapore / Getty Images</em></p>

International Travel

12 super simple ways to save some cash

<p>Saving money is a lot easier said than done. Whether you’ve got a holiday you’re thinking about taking, or you just want to make day to day life a little less stressful, there is a range of strategies you can employ to put a couple of dimes together. Here are 12 tips to cut costs:</p> <p>1. Don't buy luxury, sometimes the budget brands are just as good and save you heaps.</p> <p>2. Read the junk mail and compare offers because you can get a better deal where you didn't think you could.</p> <p>3. Cut unnecessary expenses and reduce, if possible, the necessary expenses as well.</p> <p>4. Buy used goods, it's cheaper and you can haggle.</p> <p>5. See if you can switch power companies. I'm aware of several people who are saving $250 a year.</p> <p>6. Borrow books and movies from the library or movie store - it's free or low cost compared to buying new and it's fast.</p> <p>7. Barter with family and friends, it's free and everyone wins.</p> <p>8. Take advantage of specials, sales and deals including buying in bulk, it can save you more than you realise.</p> <p>9. Walk, bike or car pool or use other public transport, it's good for the environment and saves you money.</p> <p>10. Shop around for the best deal, it might be better elsewhere.</p> <p>11. Follow insurance company advice: Don't smoke, do have alarms and do get multi policies - it protects you and saves cash.</p> <p>12. Have a savings account with all the savings from this and don't touch it, you will be amazed at what you have saved in a short time.</p> <p><em>Written by John Murphy. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></strong></a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

Money & Banking

Big Bang Theory star reveals two major family announcements

<p>Johnny Galecki has dropped two huge announcements in his latest interview - he secretly married partner Morgan Galecki and they have welcomed their first child together.</p> <p>The <em>Big Bang Theory </em>star, 48, confirmed the news to <em>Architectural Digest</em>, as he was giving them a tour of his gothic-style Tennessee mansion. </p> <p>According to the publication, Morgan was pregnant at the time of the photoshoot, despite her bump not being quite obvious in photos. </p> <p>The pair welcomed their daughter, Oona Evelena, shortly after. Oona is the pair's first child together, but the actor also shares son Orbison, four, with his ex Alaina Meyer.</p> <p>It remains unclear how long the pair have been dating, but he reportedly split from ex Meyer in November 2020.</p> <p>The actor shared a few photos from the shoot on Instagram, and said he would treasure the piece on their family home. </p> <p>"We will place it in our family time capsule and cherish it for many, many years," he wrote in the caption. </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/C3D4tgXPt35/?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/C3D4tgXPt35/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Johnny Galecki (@sanctionedjohnnygalecki)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Galecki also opened up on why he decided to move to Tennessee after living in Los Angeles for 30 years. </p> <p>"I never felt like much of an Angeleno," he told <em>Architectural Digest</em>. </p> <p>"And I did try. I say that with sadness, not with snobbery. Thirty years is just a very long time to live in a city that you're not all that comfortable in."</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

"Beautiful soul": Johnny Ruffo passes away at 35

<p>Beloved Australian actor and singer Johnny Ruffo, known for his role on <em>Home and Away</em> and as a finalist on <em>The X Factor Australia</em>, passed away on Friday at the age of 35 after a courageous and lengthy battle with brain cancer.</p> <p>The sad news was confirmed through a heartfelt statement shared on Ruffo's Instagram page, leaving fans, friends, and fellow celebrities mourning the loss of a talented and resilient soul.</p> <p>Ruffo's journey with brain cancer began in 2017, a battle that he faced with determination, strength, and a remarkable sense of humour. Described as a talented and sometimes "cheeky" man, Ruffo's positive spirit shone through even in the face of adversity. The statement on his Instagram page conveyed the heavy hearts of his loved ones, emphasising his strong will and the incredible support he received from his partner Tahnee, family, nurses, and doctors:</p> <p><em>"It is with a heavy heart that today we had to farewell our beloved Johnny.</em></p> <p><em>Surrounded by his partner Tahnee and family, Johnny went peacefully with the support of some incredible Nurses & Doctors.</em></p> <p><em>He was a very talented, charming and sometimes cheeky boy. Johnny was very determined and had a strong will. He battled all the way to the end and fought as hard as he could. Such a beautiful soul with so much more to give.</em></p> <p><em>We all love you Johnny and will remember you for all the joy you brought to our lives.</em></p> <p><em>Rest easy ❤️"</em></p> <p>Tributes immediately poured in from the Australian entertainment industry, with stars like Dannii Minogue, Casey Donovan, and Guy Sebastian expressing their sorrow and remembering Ruffo's infectious personality. Fellow <em>Home and Away</em> co-star Penny McNamee recalled the joy Ruffo brought to the set, emphasising the warmth and humour he shared with those around him.</p> <p>Ruffo's impact extended beyond the screen, as evidenced by the outpouring of grief from friends in the industry. Mel B, who was a judge on <em>The X Factor Australia</em> when Ruffo competed in 2011, expressed her heartfelt condolences, while Georgie Parker, another<em> Home and Away</em> co-star, described Ruffo as "truly one in a million" and lamented the cruelty of his untimely departure.</p> <p>In November 2020, Ruffo bravely shared with his fans that his cancer had returned, initiating another challenging chapter in his life. Despite the uphill battle, he remained open about his experiences, releasing a book titled <em>No Finish Line</em> last year. The book documented his journey from the moment he learned about the 7-centimeter tumour in his brain, known as a stage three oligodendroglioma, to completing it while undergoing chemotherapy.</p> <p>Throughout his fight, Ruffo maintained a strong presence on social media, updating his followers on his progress and sharing moments of vulnerability and strength. Tahnee played a crucial role in his journey, providing unwavering support and being a pillar of strength during the challenging times. The couple's love story, which began at a dance studio in 2015, became an inspiring tale of resilience and commitment.</p> <p>In his final Instagram post on August 7, Ruffo's girlfriend shared a poignant video montage, illustrating his six-year battle with cancer. The clip showcased Ruffo's hospital visits, chemotherapy sessions, and moments of joy, highlighting the indomitable spirit that defined his character. Ruffo's infectious smiles and thumbs-ups for the camera served as a testament to his positive outlook, even in the face of adversity.</p> <p>As the entertainment industry and fans mourn the loss of Johnny Ruffo, his legacy remains embedded in the memories of those who were touched by his talent, charm and unwavering spirit. His courage in the face of a relentless illness serves as an inspiration, and his impact on the Australian entertainment scene will be remembered for years to come.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

5 super simple ways to save cash for retirement

<p>During the lead-in to retirement, money management becomes more important than ever. And while we often get lost pondering over in the major financial decisions, getting the minor financial decisions right can be just as important.</p> <p>We’re going to run through five simple ways any soon-to-be-retiree can save cash for their golden years. Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference. </p> <p><strong>1. Set targets</strong></p> <p>Saving can be difficult if you don’t know where the goalposts are placed. But how much do you really need to retire? As <a href="http://119.9.30.84/blog/are-you-retirement-ready" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Equip notes</span></strong></a>, “According to ASFA (the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia), a couple needs approximately $640,000 in retirement savings for a comfortable lifestyle. For a single person that number is $545,000.”</p> <p>Setting minor saving targets, even if it’s just a little bit of money here and there every week, can get the ball rolling and start putting yourself in a position to prop up your nest egg.</p> <p><strong>2. Shop smarter</strong></p> <p>While you don’t want to be living like a miser, smarter shopping choices can add up. Keeping your ear to the ground for discounts, taking advantage of specials and avoiding any discretionary purchases will help keep you in the black.</p> <p><strong>3. Clear any outstanding debt</strong></p> <p>Debt can be an inconvenient drain on your income in the lead-in to retirement. If you’re set to take the plunge and find yourself in a mire of debt, it’s important to take necessary steps as soon as possible, which might mean finding a financial planner. </p> <p><a href="http://119.9.30.84/blog/are-you-retirement-ready" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Equip says</span></strong></a>, “Having outstanding debts as you approach retirement isn’t necessarily a problem, but it does require some planning. For example - do you use your super to pay off your mortgage? There’s no simple answer, but speaking to a financial planner can help you understand your options and what they mean in the long term.”</p> <p><strong>4. Change spending habits</strong></p> <p>Ultimately, if you’re looking to save some extra cash for retirement you’re going to have to change your spending habits. Little things like drinking coffee at home, or staying in for lunch and dinner can make a big difference in the long run.</p> <p><strong>5. Explore your options</strong></p> <p>Taking the measures listed above is a good start, but you’re only scratching the surface of what you can do to prop up your retirement income. <a href="https://www.equipsuper.com.au/financial-planning/meet-our-financial-planners" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Qualified financial planners</span></strong></a> can give you advice and guidance on little things you can do in your day to day life that will ensure you’re in a better position when you’ve reached retirement. </p> <p>What measures do you take to save cash?</p> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.equipsuper.com.au/" target="_blank">Equip</a></strong></span> manages $7 billion of investments for members working across a wide range of Australian industry sectors. This <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.equipsuper.com.au/" target="_blank">superannuation fund</a></strong></span> has been providing strong investment performance and has been a reliable provider of retirement benefits for over 80 years.</em></p> <p><em>This article is for general information only. You should seek formal financial advice on your specific circumstances.</em></p>

Money & Banking

Ways you’re wasting money without knowing it

<p><strong>Airline fees</strong></p> <p>You’re paying extra for almost everything when you fly these days, from your bags to your seat. So be sure to compare not only the prices of flights but what they’re charging in extra fees. You may also want to weigh your bag before you go to avoid any additional charges.</p> <p><strong>Bank fees</strong></p> <p>Not keeping enough money in your bank account could cost you some serious cash. How much? ATM and other maintenance fees can also add up to $1,000 over ten years. To avoid them, look for banks with free ATMs that don’t charge monthly maintenance fees.</p> <p><strong>Buying things new</strong></p> <p>Sure, a shiny new car is tempting. But as soon as you drive it off the lot, the car loses 11 percent of its value. A better option? Opt for a reliable used car and a short-term loan you can pay off quickly. The same goes for electronics and other items.</p> <p><strong>Convenience foods</strong></p> <p>Pre-cut fruit and vegetables can save time, but they can also dent your wallet. Instead, buy food as close to its natural form as possible, and divide it up into portion sizes yourself.</p> <p>The same concept applies for all those fancy lattes. Even if you buy just three $5 drinks each week, that’s $780 per year. Over a decade, it’s $7,800.</p> <p><strong>Credit card interest</strong></p> <p>It’s not uncommon to be charged 20 percent annually, although some people face even steeper rates. If you carry $25,000 in debt, paying 20 percent on it will cost you a whopping $5,000 annually – just in interest. To avoid paying extra money for old debts, try the snowball method. Pay off the card with the lowest balance first, then move on to the next one.</p> <p><strong>Dry cleaning</strong></p> <p>A typical trip to the cleaners for your pants and shirts can cost you more than $10. With a weekly visit, that could add up to more than $500 per year. To save that money, clean your shirts in the delicate cycle in your washer or hand wash them.</p> <p><strong>Eating out</strong></p> <p>Going out to dinner with the family can be a nice treat, but doing it regularly really adds up. Instead of buying your lunch every day, save money by packing it. And before you go out, look for specials like coupons or happy hours or get entrees instead of full meals.</p> <p><strong>Extended warranties </strong></p> <p>Getting an extended warranty on that refrigerator or car you bought sounds like a good idea. But most extended warranties aren’t worth the money. Why? The fine print may not include likely problems, or you may be buying duplicate coverage. A better plan? Open a savings account and sock away money for any repairs that might come up.</p> <p><strong>Impulse buys</strong></p> <p>Spur-of-the-moment buys can cost you more in the long term, because you may not really need them, or you haven’t shopped around for better deals. Really want something? Take a 24-hour breather and see if you still do.</p> <p><strong>Name brands</strong></p> <p>Brand names can be tempting when it comes to consumer products like cereals and soaps. But the generic versions work just as well. And when it comes to medications, generic versions can cost between 30 and 80 percent less than brand-name drugs. Ask your doctor to specify on the prescription that generic medications should be substituted for name brands.</p> <p><strong>Phantom electricity</strong></p> <p>Everyone wants to make sure their electronic devices are charged. But keeping your laptop and phone plugged in once they’re at full power is costing you – especially with high energy prices. To save money, make sure to power down your devices when you’re not using them and use a power strip to easily turn off several electronics at once.</p> <p><strong>Procrastinating</strong></p> <p>You might think it’s a good idea to wait for last-minute deals, but procrastinating can cost you in the long run. Plane tickets and hotel rooms can get more expensive the closer to the date. And procrastinating on saving money will mean less down the road.</p> <p><strong>Speeding</strong></p> <p>Rushing to get somewhere may be tempting, but it can also add up. On the highway, speeding can decrease your fuel mileage by up to 30 percent. That’s not counting what it will cost you if you get stopped for your leadfoot or hit another vehicle. So slow down and save.</p> <p><strong>Subscription boxes</strong></p> <p>The average subscription box costs between $10 and $40 per month, which means you could be spending well over $100 a year – on just one service. Think about whether you’re really using (and enjoying) the majority of the items in the box on a regular basis. If not, it might be time to cancel your subscription.</p> <p><strong>Unused memberships</strong></p> <p>You signed up for that gym membership with the best of intentions, but if you’re part of the 67 percent of people with a membership who never set foot in the gym, you could be wasting more than $700 a year. And if you’re a member of one of the fancier gyms, you’re wasting even more.</p> <p><strong>Tax deductions you're missing </strong></p> <p>Earned income tax credits were designed to help keep money in people’s pockets. But 20 percent of people who qualify for the deductions don’t take advantage of them. To make sure you get the deductions you’re entitled to, use an online tax program or hire a professional.</p> <p><strong>Wasted food</strong></p> <p>A trip to the grocery store may cost you money in more ways than one. Because of lack of planning, impulse buying, and cooking too much food, an average of one in five bags of groceries goes to waste. To save, make a plan before you go shopping, don’t go to the store hungry, and eat/freeze your leftovers.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/money/ways-youre-wasting-money-without-knowing-it?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Money & Banking

Chokepoint Capitalism: why we’ll all lose unless we stop Amazon, Spotify and other platforms squeezing cash from creators

<p>In 2020, the independent authors and small publishers whose audiobooks reach their readers via Audible’s <a href="https://www.acx.com/">ACX platform</a> smelled a rat.</p> <p>Audiobooks were booming, but sales of their own books – produced at great expense and well-reviewed – were plummeting.</p> <p>Some of their royalty statements reported <em>negative</em> sales, as readers returned more books than they bought. This was hard to make sense of, because Audible only reported net sales, refusing to reveal the sales and refunds that made them up.</p> <p>Perth-based writer <a href="https://www.susanmaywriter.net/single-post/audiblegate-the-incredible-story-of-missing-sales">Susan May</a> wondered whether those returns might be the reason for her dwindling net sales. She pressed Audible to tell her how many of her sales were being negated by returns, but the company stonewalled.</p> <p>Then, in October 2020, a glitch caused three weeks of returns data to be reported in a single day, and authors discovered that hundreds (and even thousands) of their sales had been wiped out by returns.</p> <p>Suddenly, the scam came into focus: the Amazon-owned Audible had been offering an extraordinarily generous returns policy, encouraging subscribers to return books they’d had on their devices for months, even if they had listened to them the whole way through, even if they had loved them – no questions asked.</p> <p>Encouraged by the policy, some subscribers had been treating the service like a library – returning books for fresh credits they could swap for new ones. Few would have realised that Audible clawed back the royalties from the book’s authors every time a book was returned.</p> <p><strong>Good for Amazon, bad for authors</strong></p> <p>It was good for Amazon – it helped Audible gain and hold onto subscribers – but bad for the authors and the performers who created the audiobooks, who barely got paid.</p> <p>Understanding Amazon’s motivation helps us understand a phenomenon we call <a href="https://scribepublications.com.au/books-authors/books/chokepoint-capitalism-9781761380075">chokepoint capitalism</a>, a modern plague on creative industries and many other industries too.</p> <p>Orthodox economics tells us not to worry about corporations dominating markets because that will attract competitors, who will put things back in balance.</p> <p>But many of today’s big corporations and billionaire investors have perfected ways to make those supposedly-temporary advantages permanent.</p> <p>Warren Buffett salivates over businesses with “<a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/warren-buffett-moat-etf-simple-explanation-for-how-he-invests-and-its-easy-to-replicate-2017-10-1005613232">wide, sustainable moats</a>”. Peter Thiel scoffs that “<a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/peter-thiel-competition-is-for-losers-1410535536">competition is for losers</a>”. Business schools teach students ways to lock in customers and suppliers and eliminate competition, so they can shake down the people who make what they supply and buy what they sell.</p> <p><strong>Locking in customers and creators</strong></p> <p>Amazon is the poster child for chokepoint capitalism. It boasts of its “<a href="https://feedvisor.com/resources/amazon-trends/amazon-flywheel-explained/">flywheel</a>” – a self-described “<a href="https://fourweekmba.com/amazon-flywheel/">virtuous cycle</a>” where its lower cost leads to lower prices and a better customer experience, which leads to more traffic, which leads to more sellers, and a better selection – which further propels the flywheel.</p> <hr /> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/494907/original/file-20221111-21-lnbmh1.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/494907/original/file-20221111-21-lnbmh1.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/494907/original/file-20221111-21-lnbmh1.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=379&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/494907/original/file-20221111-21-lnbmh1.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=379&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/494907/original/file-20221111-21-lnbmh1.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=379&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/494907/original/file-20221111-21-lnbmh1.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=477&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/494907/original/file-20221111-21-lnbmh1.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=477&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/494907/original/file-20221111-21-lnbmh1.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=477&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <hr /> <p>But the way the cycle works isn’t virtuous – it’s vicious and anti-competitive.</p> <p>Amazon openly admits to doing everything it can to lock in its customers. That’s why Audible encourages book returns: its generous offer only applies to ongoing subscribers. Audible wants the money from monthly subscribers and wants the fact that they are subscribed to prevent them from shopping elsewhere.</p> <p>Paying the people who actually made the product it sells a fair share of earnings isn’t Amazon’s priority. Because Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ famous maxim is “<a href="https://www.marketplacepulse.com/articles/the-cost-of-your-margin-is-my-opportunity">your margin is my opportunity</a>”, the executive who figured out how to make authors foot the bill for retaining subscribers probably got a bonus.</p> <p>Another way Audible locks customers in is by ensuring the books it sells are protected by <a href="https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/digital-rights-management-drm">digital rights management</a> (DRM) which means they are encrypted, and can only be read by software with the decryption key.</p> <p>Amazon claims DRM stops listeners from stealing from creators by pirating their books. But tools to strip away those locks are freely available online, and it’s easy for readers who can’t or won’t pay for books to find illegal versions.</p> <p>While DRM doesn’t prevent infringement, it <em>does</em> prevent competition.</p> <p>Startups that want to challenge Audible’s dominance – including those that would pay fairly – have to persuade potential customers to give up their Audible titles or to inconveniently maintain separate libraries.</p> <p>In this way, laws that were intended to protect against infringement of copyright have become tools to protect against infringement of corporate dominance.</p> <p>Once customers are locked in, suppliers (authors and publishers) are locked in too. It’s incredibly difficult to reach audiobook buyers unless you’re on Audible. When the suppliers are locked in, they can be shaken down for an ever-greater share of what the buyers hand over.</p> <hr /> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/494908/original/file-20221111-16-pua9cp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/494908/original/file-20221111-16-pua9cp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/494908/original/file-20221111-16-pua9cp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=377&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/494908/original/file-20221111-16-pua9cp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=377&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/494908/original/file-20221111-16-pua9cp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=377&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/494908/original/file-20221111-16-pua9cp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=474&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/494908/original/file-20221111-16-pua9cp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=474&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/494908/original/file-20221111-16-pua9cp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=474&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <hr /> <p><strong>How a few big buyers can control whole markets</strong></p> <p>The problem isn’t with middlemen as such: book shops, record labels, book and music publishers, agents and myriad others provide valuable services that help keep creative wheels turning.</p> <p>The problem arises when these middlemen grow powerful enough to bend markets into hourglass shapes, with audiences at one end, masses of creators at the other, and themselves operating as a chokepoint in the middle.</p> <p>Since everyone has to go through them, they’re able to control the terms on which creative goods and services are exchanged - and extract more than their fair share of value.</p> <p>The corporations who create these chokepoints are trying to “monopsonise” their markets. “Monopsony” isn’t a pretty word, but it’s one we are going to have to get familiar with to understand why so many of us are feeling squeezed.</p> <p><a href="https://www.wallstreetmojo.com/monopoly">Monopoly</a> (or near-monopoly) is where there is only one big seller, leaving buyers with few other places to turn. <a href="https://www.wallstreetmojo.com/monopsony/">Monopsony</a> is where there is only one big buyer, leaving sellers with few other places to turn.</p> <p>In our book, we quote William Deresiewicz, a former professor of English at Yale University, who points out in his book <a href="https://www.chicagoreview.org/william-deresiewicz-the-death-of-the-artist/">The Death of the Artist</a> that “if you can only sell your product to a single entity, it’s not your customer; it’s your boss”.</p> <p>Increasingly, it is how the creative industries are structured. There’s Audible for audiobooks, Amazon for physical and digital versions, YouTube for video, Google and Facebook for online news advertising, the <a href="https://www.liveabout.com/big-three-record-labels-2460743">Big Three record labels</a> (who own the big three music publishers) for recorded music, <a href="https://pluralistic.net/2022/09/12/streaming-doesnt-pay/">Spotify</a> for streaming, Live Nation for live music and ticketing – and that’s just the start.</p> <p>But as corporate concentration increases across the board, monopsony is becoming a problem for the rest of us. For a glimpse into what happens to labour markets when buyers become too powerful, just think about how monopsonistic supermarkets bully food manufacturers and farmers.</p> <figure class="align-right "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/494912/original/file-20221112-11-u879gw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/494912/original/file-20221112-11-u879gw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=966&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/494912/original/file-20221112-11-u879gw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=966&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/494912/original/file-20221112-11-u879gw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=966&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/494912/original/file-20221112-11-u879gw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1214&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/494912/original/file-20221112-11-u879gw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1214&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/494912/original/file-20221112-11-u879gw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1214&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /><figcaption><span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://scribepublications.com.au/books-authors/books/chokepoint-capitalism-9781761380075">Scribe Publications</a></span></figcaption></figure> <p><strong>A fairer deal for consumers and creators</strong></p> <p>The good news is that we don’t have to put up with it.</p> <p><a href="https://scribepublications.com.au/books-authors/books/chokepoint-capitalism-9781761380075">Chokepoint Capitalism</a> isn’t one of those “Chapter 11 books” – ten chapters about how terrible everything is, plus a conclusion with some vague suggestions about what can be done.</p> <p>The whole second half is devoted to detailed proposals for widening these chokepoints out – such as transparency rights, among others.</p> <p>Audible’s sly trick only finally came to light because of the glitch that let authors see the scope of returns.</p> <p>That glitch enabled writers, led by Susan May, to organise a campaign that eventually forced Audible to reform some of its more egregious practices. But we need more light in dark corners.</p> <p>And we need reforms to contract law to level the playing field in negotiations, interoperability rights to prevent lock-in to platforms, copyrights being better secured to creators rather than publishers, and minimum wages for creative work.</p> <p>These and the other things we suggest would do much to empower artists and get them paid. And they would provide inspiration for the increasing rest of us who are supplying our goods or our labour to increasingly powerful corporations that can’t seem to keep their hands out of our pockets.</p> <hr /> <p><em>Chokepoint Capitalism: how big tech and big content captured creative labour markets, and how we’ll win them back is published on <a href="https://scribepublications.com.au/books-authors/books/chokepoint-capitalism-9781761380075">Tuesday November 15</a> by Scribe.</em><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/194069/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em>Writen by Rebecca Giblin and Cory Doctorow. Republished with permission from <a href="https://theconversation.com/chokepoint-capitalism-why-well-all-lose-unless-we-stop-amazon-spotify-and-other-platforms-squeezing-cash-from-creators-194069" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Money & Banking

Johnny Ruffo shares health update

<p dir="ltr">Johnny Ruffo has shared an update on his cancer battle, prompting a flood of support from his nearest and dearest.</p> <p dir="ltr">The former <em>Home & Away</em> star took to Instagram with the update, sharing a photo of himself sitting in a hospital chair.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-04f7fae2-7fff-cd11-60f4-ae980c4a6d1b"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“Powering through another round of chemo 💪🏽💜 #f**kcancer,” he wrote.</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/Cku1zoRrs74/?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/Cku1zoRrs74/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Johnny Ruffo (@johnny_ruffo)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">His girlfriend Tahnee Sims was among the first to praise the actor and singer, commenting with a series of muscled arm emojis.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Sending you lots of love @johnny_ruffo ❤️❤️❤️❤️,” <em>Home and Away</em> alum Sarah Roberts shared.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You’re a legend buddy ♥️👍,” singer and<em> X Factor</em> runner-up Jason Owen commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You are incredible darling @johnnyruffo! Love you 💕💕💕🙏,” actress Rhonda Burchmore said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Hello darling. See you guys very soon. 🤞🏼🥰😘😍🙌🏽🙏🏼💙💕,” wrote fellow <em>Home and Away</em> star Lynne McGregor, who is also one of Ruffo’s closest friends.</p> <p dir="ltr">McGregor, who plays Roberts on the soap, has been one of Ruffo’s supporters since they worked on the show together.</p> <p dir="ltr">In an interview with <em>TV Week</em> last month, Ruffo described his former co-star as “amazing”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She constantly checks in and asks how I’m doing. She always wants to go out for dinner,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I can't stress enough how people like her help get through tough times. She's just a wonderful person. Having people like that to say 'Oh, how are you feeling this week?' and little sweet things like that make all the difference. It's a great support network."</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-cf9b5c87-7fff-10da-8860-00e6979766b8"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @johnny_ruffo (Instagram)</em></p>

Caring

Johnny Ruffo opens up about biggest fear

<p dir="ltr">Aussie star Johnny Ruffo has shared an update on his battle with terminal brain cancer and opened up about the one thing that scares him above all else.</p> <p dir="ltr">The former <em>Home and Away</em> star told <em><a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/johnny-ruffo-shares-biggest-fear-amid-brain-cancer-battle/news-story/f1adaa768aa06f838dfe1ac9af0e4d94" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Telegraph</a></em> that he hasn’t given up the fight against his brain tumour, which first appeared in 2017, but that he is also thinking about the possibility of death.</p> <p dir="ltr">Speaking about his biggest fear, the 34-year-old revealed that he was scared that his immediate family, including his partner Tahnee Sims, wouldn’t be around him when he dies.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m scared for my brother, my mum, Dad and Tahnee that they won’t be here with me [when I die],” he told the outlet.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There is no way my family will all be here. The likelihood of that is [slim]. It would be ideal if everyone was there – not for my sake, but theirs.”</p> <p dir="ltr">During the interview, Ruffo became emotional while speaking about Tahnee, who he described as his “guardian angel”.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-432febfd-7fff-bfae-646b-8459b50d138a"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“She is living with it as much as I am. She is here with me every step of the way. I’m so very grateful to have her by my side, I don’t know what I would do without her,” he 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/CjUyMHXOvxt/?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/CjUyMHXOvxt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tahnee Sims (@tahneesims)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Ruffo, who shot to fame as a finalist on the 2011 season of <em>X Factor</em>, has been candid about his battle with cancer, giving fans the devastating update that <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/johnny-ruffo-s-devastating-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener">it was terminal</a> in an interview with <em>The Project</em> co-host Carrie Bickmore in August.</p> <p dir="ltr">“At some point it will get me, but I’m still fighting, still kicking on,” he said at the time.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Looking up my diagnosis and my tumour, the average life expectancy was three years. And for me it’s now been five years. I’m already winning. My goal now is to try and help as many people as I can and also live a happy life.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In the weeks before he broke the news, the West Australian <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/johnny-ruffo-marks-five-years-since-cancer-diagnosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">marked five years since he was diagnosed</a> and released his first book, a memoir titled <em>No Finish Line</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-4c6edb5d-7fff-ea69-9a86-04f2ca1adc91"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @johnny_ruffo (Instagram)</em></p>

Caring

Seven simple ways to save money now!

<p>Could you do with a few extra dollars in your pocket each week? These handy hints make it all too easy.</p> <p>A few extra dollars in the kitty each week would be handy for any of us. It’s possible! It’s just a matter of finding ways to trim the fat on your expenses and stretch your dollar further. We’ve compiled some simple tricks to start today to get money in your pocket fast. They’re achievable for everyone!</p> <p><strong>Grow your own food</strong><br />Save at the supermarket by growing your own fruit and vegies. If you have a bit of extra space out in the backyard, why not utilise it with an apple tree, a few vegies and if you have the room, why not some chickens? For beginners, mint, silverbeet, leafy greens, zucchini and cherry tomatoes are great because they don’t need too much love and attention to grow.</p> <p>If you’d like to start out small, a lovely planter box against the kitchen windowsill to grow herbs could be a good starting point. Basil, oregano and parsley are all simple to start with and can all be grown indoors during winter. By growing your own food you’ll save on your weekly grocery bill and be engaging your mind and moving the body. <a href="http://littleveggiepatchco.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Little Veggie Patch Co</a> is a Melbourne-based business dedicated to helping people grow food. Their website offers some great videos on useful tips and tricks to help you grow a vegie patch in no time.</p> <p><strong>Shop online</strong><br />Not only could you bag yourself some great bargains that you might not be able to find in a store, you can also cut out impulse buying. This can save you a lot at the supermarket if you’re a shopper who loves to buy what’s on special. While you may think you’re saving money by doing this, you’re actually just buying items you may not have necessarily bought if you were buying your groceries online.</p> <p>Before buying any item online, whether it’s a new bed for your pet pooch or your grocery essentials for the week, make sure you understand the company’s shipping costs and policies. Many places offer free delivery or shipping when you buy their items but it’s best to check first.</p> <p><strong>Know your concessions</strong><br />If you’re on the pension, you could save on utility bills, travel expenses and many other every day costs. Many companies offer discounts for Aussies on the pension, which could put a few extra dollars in your pocket each week. However, you have to tell them. They won’t apply the discounts automatically. You could save money on books, magazines and travel.</p> <p>For those over 60, you can apply for a seniors’ card in your state or territory. This nifty little card offers a range of discounts, such as cruises or travel insurance, magazine subscriptions, cinema and event tickets, plus a lot more. The eligibility requirements and discounts differ between states, so it’s best to contact your local social services department to find out more.</p> <p><strong>Sign up for customer reward programs</strong><br />If you’re buying products from a particular store, you should be rewarded right? You can be, but you’ll need to sign up to a store’s loyalty or rewards program. Generally, these work by rewarding you with points each time you shop in a particular store, and then once you reach a certain amount, you get a reward. It could be a voucher, a special deal or a product.</p> <p><strong>Keep a money diary or download a budget app</strong><br />It’s hard to save without knowing where your money is going. Nip this in the bud by keeping a record of where your money goes in one week. Be disciplined and write down every expense. If you have a smartphone, iPhone, tablet or iPad, why not download a budget app? There are plenty out there in either the Apple Store or Google Play for those wanting to take control of their savings and take note of their spending habits.</p> <p><strong>Make your own gifts</strong><br />Do you spend a lot of money buying gifts for your kids and grandchildren? What about friends and colleagues? Birthdays, anniversaries, school achievements and other events you may buy gifts for can quickly add up to be a huge expense. To save money, why not put your skills to the test and make your own gifts?</p> <p>With so many material things in the world, being given a gift personally made by you could be a much nicer way of showing your affection for someone. Whether you’re great at painting or drawing, cross-stitching, making candles or baking, put your skills to the test by creating a gift that has more heart than anything you could possibly buy in a store.</p> <p><strong>Cut back for one month</strong><br />Why not try one month without something you regularly buy but don’t need. It could be a morning coffee or tea, a magazine you buy every fortnight or your weekly indulgence of potato crisps on a Saturday night. Whatever it is, try to give it up for one month.</p> <p>Put aside the money you would normally use to buy this item, and deposit it into a money box at home. While this isn’t going to buy you a round-the-world airplane ticket after one month, if you do this a few times a year, you’ll soon see results.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Money & Banking

“Goodbye Little Darlin’”: Johnny Cash fan snaps up singer’s former home

<p dir="ltr">After just two months on the market, the sprawling ranch Johnny Cash built in the hills of California has been snagged by a generous local fan.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/property/real-estate/walk-the-rooms-inside-the-house-that-johnny-cash-built" target="_blank" rel="noopener">With an asking price of $US 1.795 million</a> ($NZ 3.16 million), the home’s new owner paid an extra $55,000 ($NZ 96,000) for the keys to the six-acre ranch.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Ring of Fire singer reportedly built the ‘60s style compound in Ventura, California, in 1961 as an escape from Los Angeles and a place where he and his wife, Vivian, could raise their two daughters.</p> <p dir="ltr">Unlike other celebrity neighbours, it seems that Cash was on friendly terms with the locals, with residents from the nearby village of Casitas Springs recalling Cash setting up speakers on the hillside outside his home and playing concerts for the people living below, per <em><a href="https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/johnny-cash-fan-buys-the-singers-former-ranch-in-ventura/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">realtor.com</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">In 1966, the couple divorced, with Cash marrying June Carter two years later and relocating to Nashville.</p> <p dir="ltr">Vivian later offloaded the five-bedroom home in the 1970s.</p> <p dir="ltr">Even after all these years, the property still features details from when Cash called it home, including a wall-mounted timetable and painted ceilings “imbued with glitter”, according to <a href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/8736-Nye-Rd_Ventura_CA_93001_M13740-10847" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the listing</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">His wood-panelled studio has also been preserved. Built with high windows, the studio was designed so the six-foot singer could look out without others being able to see in.</p> <p dir="ltr">The panelled walls, wagon wheel chandeliers and curved brick fireplace in the living room also add to the rustic feel of the home’s interior.</p> <p dir="ltr">Outside, you’ll find cypresses and oak trees, a large pool and spa, and a hillside barbecue area where Cash taught his daughters to shoot - with spent shells still being found there sometimes.</p> <p dir="ltr">With the property being zoned for livestock and plenty of fields ready for planting, it’ll be up to the new owner to decide on the fate of the iconic home.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-8af7ee9c-7fff-2727-11fc-3aff09f13210"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Realtor.com / Getty Images</em></p>

Real Estate

Stranded opera singer busks to earn cash after cancelled flights

<p dir="ltr">After her flight home was cancelled, one Jestar passenger said she was forced to busk for money until she could get home.</p> <p dir="ltr">Edit Pali had travelled to a remote resort in Phuket with her husband Tibor to celebrate her 50th birthday when a cancelled flight saw their stay extend for another five days.</p> <p dir="ltr">Having spent a large portion of their savings on their trip, the couple were faced with the problem of paying for their additional days in the resort.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Pali told <em><a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/stranded-aussie-jetstar-passengers-speak-out/04c064ba-f60c-43dd-8ba8-640595f8ddc9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Current Affair</a></em> that the airline had offered them $30 for meals and $150 for accommodation each day in compensation - but the money failed to arrive.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m a tough chook but I cried, I really cried,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Taking advantage of her skills as an opera singer, Ms Pali decided to sing for her supper at breakfast, lunch and dinner while they waited for the funds to come through.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We're just average people, we don't make a lot of money, so for us to go away to Thailand for a week to a luxury resort, that was a big enough chunk into our savings,” she added.</p> <p dir="ltr">A Jetstar spokesperson said they were aware of Ms Pali’s situation and were doing “everything we can”.</p> <p dir="ltr">But Ms Pali isn’t the only person affected by a cancelled flight, as six out of 11 of Jetstar’s 787 planes were grounded earlier this month.</p> <p dir="ltr">At least 4,000 passengers travelling on popular winter routes, including to Bali, Thailand, and Japan, have been affected by delays and cancellations, with the airline blaming lightning, bird strikes and parts shortages.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Our teams work around the clock to get passengers on their way as soon as possible and we provide a range of support, including help to cover accommodation and meals costs as well as other reasonable expenses," the airline said.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a statement, Jetstar said Ms Pali and her husband were due to have their expense claim paid by September 27.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-7af19fb0-7fff-5101-99ed-b86b59c0167c"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: A Current Affair</em></p>

Travel Trouble

"Absolute legend": Johnny Ruffo’s latest health update from hospital

<p dir="ltr">Johnny Ruffo has given another update into his health as he continues to undergo chemotherapy.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 34-year-old was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 after struggling with multiple headaches.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ruffo then announced in 2019 that he was in remission, but by November 2020 the cancer had returned, before confirming in 2022 that his illness is terminal.</p> <p dir="ltr">A new photo of the former <em>Home and Away</em> actor has emerged, showing Ruffo in hospital asleep on the bed following a round of chemo to treat his cancer.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Catching up on some zzz’s whilst getting my chemo today,” the image was captioned.</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/CiwxyA6Lv0p/?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/CiwxyA6Lv0p/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Johnny Ruffo (@johnny_ruffo)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The post was quickly flooded with well-wishes from family and friends, with his girlfriend Tahnee Sims posting three angel emojis beneath the post.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You are stronger than any of us can ever imagine,” someone else wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Ur an absolute legend,” another commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Stay strong Johnny!” another read.</p> <p dir="ltr">Johnny has recently released a memoir called No Finish Line, dedicated to his girlfriend, in which he details his experiences recording music, acting, his family and loved ones.</p> <p dir="ltr">The title, he explains, is that “it wasn’t the end”.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

The 30 seconds that changed Johnny Ruffo’s life forever

<p dir="ltr">Johnny Ruffo made the (literal) last-minute decision to apply to the <em>X-Factor</em> auditions – a move which he now credits for his life changing irrevocably.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 34-year-old was still tossing up between whether or not he should apply for the singing show in 2009, and when he did he only had 30 seconds to do so before the cut-off kicked in and he would miss his chance forever.</p> <p dir="ltr">Of course, he went on to wow the judges and made it to the top three – which eventually saw him rise to fame and head off on tour tour with <em>One Direction</em> and <em>The Backstreet Boys</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was fairly happy with the path that I made for myself,” Ruffo says.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I had concerts, I was doing performances and shows, and I was really quite happy with how everything was going.”</p> <p dir="ltr">It was a few years later, in 2017, when Ruffo was <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/johnny-ruffo-s-devastating-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener">first diagnosed with brain cancer</a> as he struggled with multiple headaches.</p> <p dir="ltr">His girlfriend Tahnee Sims pushed him to go to hospital where he was told that if he hadn’t come in then he wouldn’t have woken up the next day.</p> <p dir="ltr">But the <em>Home and Away</em> actor has now revealed that his cancer is back and it is terminal.</p> <p dir="ltr">As he struggled through the headaches, Ruffo was forced to wait four months before seeing a specialist.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The anxiety levels go up through the roof and you’re just waiting and waiting,” he told <a href="https://7news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/the-30-seconds-that-changed-johnny-ruffos-destiny-star-opens-up-on-life-after-terminal-diagnosis-c-8067616" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7 Entertainment</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And it’s like it feels like six months, but it’s only a week. And that’s just honestly... a day feels like a month.”</p> <p dir="ltr">It was only when he suffered 11 seizures in four days that Ruffo was rushed to hospital where he underwent an MRI scan.</p> <p dir="ltr">There they found multiple tumours and determined that he would have to start treatment immediately.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It felt like another kick in the teeth... yeah, dammit,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">The terminal diagnosis gave Ruffo a new “goal” in which he is <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/he-is-everything-to-me-why-johnny-ruffo-is-hanging-on-for-christmas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">waiting for Christmas</a> where he will reunite with his brother and “best friend”, who has been away in Ireland for the past three years.</p> <p dir="ltr">He has also released a book, <em>No Finish Line</em>, dedicated to his girlfriend, in which he details his experiences recording music, acting, his girlfriend, family and partying.</p> <p dir="ltr">The title, he explains, is that “it wasn’t the end”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ruffo is currently receiving chemotherapy injections every three weeks which he says are making him feel like “s***”.</p> <p dir="ltr">I’m always fatigued, just walking up a set of stairs,” he says.</p> <p dir="ltr">“By the time I get to the top I just want to have a sleep.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

"He is everything to me": Why Johnny Ruffo is hanging on for Christmas

<p>Beloved former<em> Home and Away</em> star Johnny Ruffo has opened up amid his<a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/johnny-ruffo-s-devastating-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> terminal cancer diagnosis</a> sharing the emotional reason he is holding out for Christmas.</p> <p>After spending years in the public eye, Ruffo is telling his tragic yet heartwarming story in a memoir.</p> <p>The 34-year-old told 7entertainment in an exclusive interview that his terminal diagnosis has given him a new goal, that being, looking forward to Christmas time. Johnny will reunite with his brother and “best friend”, who has been away in Ireland for the past three years.</p> <p>The siblings share a two-year age gap and fondly says they are “thick as thieves”.</p> <p>Ruffo has also admitted that his greatest hopes in life have changed. “Just time now, I suppose," he said. "More time with loved ones."</p> <p>“My brother lives in Ireland now so I haven’t seen him for three years and he’s coming home for Christmas and I honestly can’t wait to see him.”</p> <p>The singer speaks highly of his brother, stating he is his “closest” confidante, other than girlfriend Tahnee Sims.</p> <p>“We’re thick as thieves. Honestly, he is my hero, he is everything to me. And I cannot wait to see him,” he said.</p> <p>“I don’t know how I’m going to react, I cannot wait, he’s everything.”</p> <p>Ruffo touched on the brothers’ long-distance relationship throughout COVID and his second battle with cancer, calling Michael’s physical absence “the most glaring impact” of it all.</p> <p>Ruffo called his last family Christmas “very quiet and low-key”.</p> <p>"Sadly, the most contact I could have with my brother in Ireland was via WhatsApp. All jokes aside, I miss him a lot because out of all the men in my life, my brother is the one who sees me even better than I can see myself.”</p> <p>Talking about what he plans to do with his remaining time, Ruffo said he “still has so many things that I want to achieve and that I want to do in life”.</p> <p>He revealed that naming the book <em>No Finish Line</em> meant it “wasn’t the end”.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Savings accounts or term deposits: where should you put your cash?

<p>Whether you’re saving money for the short or the long term, choosing between a <a href="http://mozo.com.au/savings-accounts-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">savings account</a> or a <a href="http://mozo.com.au/term-deposits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">term deposit</a> should be a considered decision.</p> <p>The key differences between the two need to be balanced against your financial goals to help you decide which way to go.</p> <p><strong>Access to your money</strong> –Term deposits lock your money away for a period of time starting at a minimum of one month and up to as long as several years. So make sure you won’t need to get your hands on your cash for a while.</p> <p>Savings accounts give you more direct access to your money but generally offer a lower interest rate than their term deposit counterparts. They let you take your money out when you need or want it.</p> <p><strong>Interest rates</strong> –Savings accounts have variable interest rates, so they can change. Some rates are introductory so they’re only held for a certain amount of time, then they drop to a lower variable rate. Read the fine print to see if and when the rate changes, and to what amount. Some savings accounts give you bonus interest if you don’t make a withdrawal or you make a minimum monthly deposit. Be aware too that some accounts might reduce your interest if you withdraw too much or too often.</p> <p>Term deposits offer fixed interest for the length of your term. So once you’ve opened a term deposit, if rates go down, your money isn’t affected because the rates are locked in. Usually the longer the term you choose, the higher the interest rate on offer (although it’s not always the case). It’s worth keeping an eye out for special interest rate offers, too.</p> <p><strong>Starting amounts</strong> –Term deposits generally have a minimum amount that you need to start with – often it’s at least $1,000. You can start a savings account from zero.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p> <p><strong>Flexibility</strong> –Savings accounts let you add more money whenever you like. Term deposits generally don’t.</p> <p><strong>Which suits</strong> –You need to ask yourself what your savings objectives are. Accessible cash for immediate requirements through a savings account is attractive but for longer-term objectives such as that trip or new car you’ve been eyeing off, the term deposit attracting higher interest and forcing you to refrain from dipping into your account will have you winning in the long run.</p> <p>If you open a term deposit, it’s good to maintain a savings account as well. That way you can keep adding to your savings and when you reach a certain amount, you’ve got the option of possibly starting another term deposit.</p> <p>If you’ve got enough for a term deposit now, shop around for the best deal. There are savings account and term deposit comparison websites which can help make this easier, but it’s also worth checking out different banks and other providers too.</p>

Money & Banking

Johnny Ruffo's devastating news

<p>Johnny Ruffo, former Home and Away superstar, has given a heartbreaking update on his cancer battle, confirming that his illness is terminal.</p> <p>Shooting quickly to fame on The X Factor in 2011, before landing a role on Home and Away, Johnny Ruffo has been an Aussie icon for quite some time now. The news of his brain cancer diagnosis in 2017 was devastating.</p> <p>In 2019, Johnny revealed he was all-clear of the disease but sadly in November the following year, he shared the development that his cancer had returned. Since then, he’s kept his loyal following updated on every step of the journey.</p> <p>“At some point it will get me, but I’m still fighting, still kicking on,” Johnny has said in the past.<br />“Looking up my diagnosis and my tumour, the average life expectancy was three years. And for me now it’s been five. I’m already winning. My goal now is to try and help as many as I can and also live a happy life.”</p> <p>Ruffo, whose new memoir, No Finish Line has just been released, shared that he is worried about how long-term girlfriend Tahnee Simms will cope without him.</p> <p>“You can only imagine how difficult it's been for her. What plays in my head a lot is, I hate to say this, how hard it may be for her if something does happen to me," the actor said.</p> <p>"So, it's something that I don't want to think about. It just gets me a little bit emotional about it because I know at some point something will happen, whether it's, you know, a month from now or 10 years from now or 20 years.”</p> <p>Earlier this year, Johnny praised Tahnee for sticking by his side during the toughest years of his life.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Surprising differences in how we use credit cards and cash

<p>With more credit cards used by Kiwis than ever is definitely seems as though New Zealanders are addicted to the convenience of not having to pay with cash. But what is the impact of this on New Zealand consumer behaviour?</p> <p>Since the late 1990’s researchers have been interested in understanding the psychology behind credit card use, not least because of the proliferation of debt in the consumer market and the concern of the ease with which to gains these cards (and debt) preys on vulnerable consumers.</p> <p>A 1998 study conducted by George Lowenstein and his colleagues that was published in 2001 made the finding that payments with cash elicited quite a different emotional response to payments made with credit cards or any other payment methods where the actual payment is to a certain extent “delayed”. The suggestion is paying by traditional methods with cash requires a physical transaction that can be more painful than paying for something with credit, where you see a figure on the receipt but you’re not actually handing over a physical amount of money in real life.</p> <p>In another experiment as part of the project, Mr Lowenstein observed that people were willing to pay much more for a particular event with credit cards than with cash, with the premium ranging anywhere between 60 and 113 per cent more, which represents quite a significant difference. </p> <p>Similar research has also found people are more likely to spend money when given $50 in cash rather than $50 in a gift voucher, they were more likely to spend a higher proportion of that in the latter rather than the former, which is again probably because of the lack of physical exchange.</p> <p>So what does this mean for you? Well, if you’re looking to tighten your purse strings around the house, opting to make more purchases with cash might just be the best way to do it. By making your purchase with cash you’re statistically likely to be less likely to overspend and more mindful of the items you are actually buying, which could lead to significant savings down the track. Willpower can be hard, especially when shopping, but this is an easier way to make willpower happen.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Money & Banking

Johnny Ruffo marks five years since cancer diagnosis

<p>Johnny Ruffo has thanked his fans for sticking by him in an emotional Instagram post, as he marks five years since his life-changing cancer diagnosis. </p> <p>The former <em>Home and Away</em> actor took to Instagram to share a series of photos from his years-long health battle, with some featuring his girlfriend Tahnee Sims.</p> <p>After first being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017, Ruffo underwent his first surgery. </p> <p>Ruffo announced in 2019 that he was in remission, but by November 2020 the cancer had returned.</p> <p>“Still fighting this son of a b****,” Ruffo’s most recent post was captioned, with the blunt hashtag, “F*** cancer.”</p> <p>“Thanks for all the support,” he added.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg89A0rL-mm/?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/Cg89A0rL-mm/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Johnny Ruffo (@johnny_ruffo)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Johnny received a flood of support in the comments, with Larry Emdur writing, "Luv ya, mate. Punch on and smash this!"</p> <p><em>Home and Away's</em> Emily Symons posted, “Sending so much love to you Johnny,” while his girlfriend simply said, "Superstar".</p> <p>Cameron Daddo called Ruffo a “brave and inspiring brother ... silky dancer too!,” referring to his recent appearance on <em>Dancing With The Stars</em>.</p> <p>“Your smile inspires the world, legend,” comedian Dave Hughes wrote, while entertainer Rhonda Burchmore said she was “sending big love.”</p> <p>On her own Instagram page, Tahnee Sims paid tribute to her boyfriend’s tenacity.</p> <p>“Five years on, in awe of you every single day,” she wrote.</p> <p>“Still a huge battle ahead but a major milestone reached that was at times uncertain."</p> <p>“Grateful for you always.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Johnny Depp makes over $5 million in art sales

<p dir="ltr">Johnny Depp has made over $5 million in just a few hours through the sale of his debut art collection.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Hollywood actor sold 780 prints through Castle Fine Art's 37 galleries within hours of announcing the sale on Instagram.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <em>Friends And Heroes</em> collection depicts famous people who have inspired him, including Rolling Stone Keith Richards and Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I've always used art to express my feelings," the 59-year-old said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"My paintings surround my life, but I kept them to myself and limited myself. No one should ever limit themselves."</p> <p dir="ltr">Depp said he used his art, which also depicted actor Al Pacino and folk legend Bob Dylan, to "reflect on those who matter most to me, like my family, friends and people I admire".</p> <p dir="ltr">All 780 artwords sold within hours after the sale was announced, with individual images going for almost $7,000, and the complete portfolio of four images selling for just over $26,000.</p> <p dir="ltr">Depp's post on Instagram, captioned only "NOW AT #CASTLEFINEART", prompted a rush of traffic to the gallery's website causing it to crash within minutes.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a press release, the gallery described the actor's work as existing "at the intersection of pop art and street art" and as "pop art with feeling".</p> <p dir="ltr">The gallery had long been in talks with Mr Depp about staging an exhibition and sale of his work, and expects to host more of it in the future.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

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Information

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Bold idea sees hotel offer thousands in cash back if it rains

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Big Bang Theory star reveals two major family announcements

"Beautiful soul": Johnny Ruffo passes away at 35

5 super simple ways to save cash for retirement

Ways you’re wasting money without knowing it

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Johnny Ruffo shares health update

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“Goodbye Little Darlin’”: Johnny Cash fan snaps up singer’s former home

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Johnny Ruffo marks five years since cancer diagnosis

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