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These 11 simple everyday things could be ruining your hearing

Protect your ears You know a leaf blower can do a number on your hearing or a loud rock concert can make your ears ring for days. But there are all sorts of surprising everyday items that can have an impact on your hearing, and you don’t want to wait until you’re collecting Social Security to take action – Millennials are losing their hearing, too. From your kitchen to your yard, your medicines to your health conditions, here are things that affect your ears. Take a listen. Blood-related conditions Types 1 and 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol affect almost every cell in the body – including the ears. Vibrations from tiny hair cells in your ears send your brain messages about what you’re hearing, but those cells need proper blood flow. “All those hair cells are fed nutrients by tiny little capillaries,” says audiologist Craig A. Kasper. “If there’s any problem with blood flow, you’re not going to get those hair cells to grow.” People who have diabetes, for instance, are twice as likely to experience hearing loss than the rest of the population, he says. Blow-dryers A hairdryer near your head could be putting out 85 or more decibels of noise. Long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dB is when people are at risk of hearing loss, says the US National Institutes of Health. You’d probably have to dry your hair for eight hours straight before it did any damage, but that loud part of your beauty regime could add up over time, says clinical audiologist Kit Frank. “The more you use [blow-dryers] and the longer you use them, the more likely you are to have damage,” she says. “It might not do immediate damage, but over time it will.” Loud music You know what it was like when you came home after a loud concert: The ringing in your ears was a sure sign the music was too loud. But even the tunes coming through your headphones could damage your ears. Earbuds are typically more damaging than over-the-ear headphones because they rest deeper in your ear canal, says Frank. And if you crank up the volume to drown out the noise around you, things get even riskier, says Kasper. “You typically have to compete with the environmental noise to hear the music,” he says. “That’s when it becomes dangerous.” Sticking with volume at or below 60 per cent will keep the sound at a safe level, he says. If you can’t hear at that volume, buy sound-blocking headphones to cut out the outside noise. Skipping your annual check-up Most hearing loss comes from gradual damage to your inner ear, but blockages are totally treatable. During your annual visit to your GP, your doctor should check the inside of your ears for wax build-up. Skip that check-up and you might end up with clogged earwax muffling your hearing, says Frank. But you might also get stuffed-up ears after a specific event, says Kasper. “It could be someone has a history of sinus infections or allergies, or just took multiple plane rides and their ears are clogged,” he says. “It makes us feel like we’re underwater." Prescriptions Hearing loss could be a side effect of your medication. Some diuretics for heart disease, chemotherapy and antibiotics (especially gentamicin, neomycin, and others in the -mycin family) could damage your ears. Getting better is your first priority, but it’s worth talking to your doctor about whether the dose is high enough to do damage. “High doses of any antibiotic can be dangerous,” says Frank. “Usually myacins are used in high doses.” Over-the-counter pain relievers Even pain relievers you get over the counter, like aspirin and ibuprofen, could do damage in high amounts. Any hearing loss or tinnitus from them is usually temporary, but the side effects are sometimes permanent. As long as you stick with baby aspirin or regular doses of a pain medication, though, you won’t risk ruining your hearing, says Kasper. High fever As if a high fever weren’t bad enough, that elevated temperature could also damage the nerves in your inner ear, either because of inflammation or lack of oxygen. “If you don’t get that oxygen to the nerves, they break down and they don’t work like they should,” says Frank. Exercise classes Exercise classes are often very loud. The music blasting at your group workout might power you through your sweat session, but it might be working your ears in a bad way. “If you walk out of spin classes and your ears are buzzing, that’s an indication that you may have done damage to your ears,” says Kasper. Download an app to your smartphone to measure the sound level around you throughout your day, he recommends. Consider using hearing protection if your fitness centre is particularly noisy. Kitchen appliances Noisy appliances like blenders and coffee grinders could do damage to your ears over time. The more often you get those noisy blades going, the more trauma your ears go through. Hard-core chefs should consider ear protection, though the occasional smoothie isn’t anything to worry about. “If you’re in the kitchen and cooking and using a blender all day, that’s a problem,” says Frank. “If you use it for ten seconds once a week, it probably won’t be a problem for you.” Power tools The racket from lawnmowers, jackhammers, leaf blowers, drills and other power tools isn’t just a headache, it also risks hearing damage. You’ll need to protect your ears, but earplugs might not be the best choice. Putting fingers grimy from the tools so close to your ear canal could put you at risk for infection, says Kasper. Instead, pick up a pair of earmuffs from the hardware store. “They go right over the ear, and they’re easy to take on and off,” Kasper says. Your commute Public transport can be noisy, and sitting on a train or bus for half an hour to and from work could add up over time and hurt your ears, says Frank. Plus, the siren of an emergency vehicle passing you on the street could be loud enough to do some damage. “Covering your ears is a good thing – it’s not silly,” says Frank. Image credits: Shutterstock This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/healthsmart/conditions/hearing/listen-up-11-surprising-things-that-could-ruin-your-hearing?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Body

“People don’t understand boundaries”: Woman ruins couple’s romantic proposal

A young couple has been left devastated and mortified after their marriage proposal was crashed by an inconsiderate “Karen” on the beach. Zenicca Llanza, a 24-year-old from the Philippines, shared a video of her boyfriend getting down on one knee at the beach and asking her to marry him. Her partner had arranged a romantic set up on the beach, complete with a tent, picnic table, proposal sign, a cake and rose petals. However, when the time came for him to pop the question, a beach goer began to interfere and rearrange the set up, interrupting the romantic moment. In the video posted to TikTok, Zenicca’s partner got down on one knee and began to recite a speech, as the unnamed woman walked into shot. <div><iframe title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7269928964536192298&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40warngwarng%2Fvideo%2F7269928964536192298&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign.tiktokcdn-us.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-useast5-p-0068-tx%2F80e87476646048bca323b002688ff427_1692662253%3Fx-expires%3D1692910800%26x-signature%3D2CX7o9uY0RsEB7creGyXnWP8mas%253D&key=5b465a7e134d4f09b4e6901220de11f0&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> She then moves the proposal sign before walking over to the couple to get a look at the ring, before Zenicca even got a chance to wear it. “How to quickly ruin a proposal,” Zenicca wrote on TikTok. “Please be mindful of other people's once in a lifetime event! You never know you're already ruining it,” she wrote. The video has racked up tens of thousands of views, with many people being outraged on Zenicca’s behalf. “You could excuse the first few seconds w good intentions but the rest I feel like we’re just really bad manners and not having any self awareness,” commented one person. “This made me physically ill. I'm so sorry omg,” added another. “Aw I could tell she had good intentions but was ignorant in the moment that she was slightly ruining something y’all would cherish forever,” commented a third. “Just tell her it’s a personal moment. Sometimes people don’t understand boundaries.” Image credits: TikTok

Relationships

How $10,000 lottery win ruined a wedding

A bridesmaid who won $10,000 AUD from a scratchie that was gifted to her by the bride and groom, has been embroiled in a furious debate after refusing to share her winnings with the newlyweds. A tight-knit group of 10 friends - all couples - travelled to Cyprus together for their friend's destination wedding. As part of the wedding favours, the newlyweds gifted everyone a scratchie. All of them were in high spirits when the win was announced, until another bridesmaid asked lotto winners Sarah* and her groomsman boyfriend Paul* if they would share their winnings. “We all sat down to eat and while we were waiting, Sarah started jumping up and down shouting she had won $A10,000 on the scratch card,” the bridesmaid wrote on a Reddit thread. “The whole room erupted in applause, and the bride and groom ran over to congratulate them. It was already a very happy occasion but this just made it even better.” The bridesmaid asked the uncomfortable question over breakfast the next day. “They were saying what they planned to do with the winnings and everyone was asking questions and I casually asked how much of it they were going to give to the bride and groom,” she said. “There was no agenda behind my question — I didn’t ask because I was trying to hint that they should do this, it just never occurred to me as a possibility that they wouldn’t give at least a small amount as a belated wedding gift to the couple, given they wouldn’t have had the ticket without them," she added. Much to her surprise Paul and Sarah went quiet until Paul replied that they weren't going to give the newlyweds anything. “We sat in awkward silence for a bit, and Sarah got up and walked out.” The bridesmaid later found out that Sarah had been crying over the question, and the couple have since cut their ties with her. “Paul said I was the a****** for making them feel awkward and implying they were cheap. I apologise and said that’s not what I meant. “I just said it because that’s what I would do in their situation, but it is their money and their decision so they should do what they want with the money. “Paul’s walked off and neither of them spoke to me for the rest of the holiday or since.” She later asked the rest of the group what they would've done with the winnings, and while some agreed that Sarah and Paul should give something to the bride and groom as a thank you, they also acknowledged that the question made the situation "awkward." “So am I the a****** for making my friend feel awkward for not sharing her lottery winnings?” she concluded in the thread. Shockingly, a majority of people criticised the bridesmaid's question and defended Sarah and Paul's decision to keep the winnings to themselves. “You have no idea what Paul and Sarah might need that money for," one wrote. "The lotto ticket was a gift, so they have no obligation to share the winnings with anyone. But you just had to put them on the spot and implicitly pressure them to do what you think you would have done with the money if you had won instead." “That remark was in bad taste, and totally put them in an uncomfortable position," another commented. "You asked them as if giving the bride and groom some of the money was a no brainer, but it’s not. if they keep it all for themselves, it’s their right and no one ought to judge them. The fact is that you totally put your foot in your mouth." A third explained: “$A10,000 is a great win but it’s not so much they can share it without making their windfall pretty meaningless to them in the end and because of the way you phrased the question you stopped them from making a kind gesture themselves. “You turned it into an obligation where the amount they decided to share would then be an issue for people to question if it was ‘enough’ or not. It’s such a shame you turned something nice for them into something that made them sad." *Names have been changed. Image: Getty

Money & Banking

Destructive dog ruins owner’s cherished Monstera

All pet owners know their furry friends can get up to mischief, and there’s nothing quite like coming home to discover half your lounge has been eaten and that book you love so much has been torn to shreds. One dog owner fell victim to her dog's destruction and headed to Reddit to share the story. "My dog ripped basically all the leaves off my husband's monstera and he's devastated," she wrote. "He's been growing this thing for years." The woman called for gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike to find out whether the plant would survive such a devastating blow. "The base and roots are still intact," she wrote. "Will new stems/leaves grow from the base? Is there any hope of salvaging it?” Some saw the funny side of her most, making jokes the dog must have been jealous of the attention the plant was getting. "This is some plant gore right here," one person teased in response. Aside from making light of her post, one plant fiend was able to tell her that her husband’s beloved monstera is in no danger. "You're in luck – monstera deliciosa is an incredibly hardy plant," the person advised. "It'll likely regrow multiple leaves from the broken stem! I would cut off the broken leaves personally, as they're probably not much use. "Water a little less than usual as it doesn't need as much water without all the leaves." Image credit: Reddit

Family & Pets

7 nighttime habits that ruin your hair

Bad hair habits Keeping your hair healthy goes beyond shampoo and conditioner. Celebrity stylists explain why and how you should kick these bad evening hair habits. You sleep with wet hair Hair is weakest when it’s wet, which is why sleeping with wet hair right after you shower could cause damage and split ends, says celebrity hairstylist Ted Gibson. “Rubbing on the sheets at night if hair is wet can make the cuticle ends rough up, which makes hair frizzy and dry,” he says. If you shower at night, make sure your hair is dry, or you braid it before going to sleep, he says. You leave your hair up On some occasions, a topknot can preserve your style from the day before, says Gibson, but tying your hair in a tight bun or ponytail can damage your strands. “If you wear your hair up in the same place all day or every night while sleeping, that hair tie will stay in the same place and cause breakage,” says celebrity hairstylist Kylee Heath. If you can’t stand to leave your hair down, try sleeping in braids, which are easier on the hair and will create pretty waves, she says. You use a hair tie If you do decide to keep your hair up, don’t use a tight elastic. “Elastic, especially if the hair is wet, will make a crease, and within that crease can damage the whole area,” says Gibson. He recommends a hairpin, while Heath says a scrunchie is a good alternative because the fabric surrounding it is softer on the hair. You skip brushing Turns out your mother was right: brushing your hair before bed can promote a healthier mane. Your scalp produces natural oils, and brushing dry hair distributes them through your strands. “Running that natural oil through your hair before bed helps stimulate the scalp and hair follicle to promote hair growth,” says Gibson. As a bonus, brushing is relaxing, so it could help you drift off to sleep (and more sleep means healthier hair), he says. You have cotton sheets Silk is gentler than cotton, meaning it won’t be as rough on your hair when you lay your head on your pillowcase. “There’s no friction when it’s rubbing against the hair,” says Heath. “It helps with frizz and getting your hair stuck as your hair rubs back and forth.” Treat yourself to a silk pillowcase for a luxurious slumber and great hair. You ignore a chance for extra moisture If you shampoo in the morning, nighttime is your opportunity to condition your hair with products you’ll wash out when you wake up. Heath likes to run a deep conditioner through her ends, while Gibson recommends using coconut oil. “It helps to fill in the cuticle and helps moisturise for those eight hours while you’re sleeping,” he says. In the morning, wash out the conditioner or oil for super silky strands. You sleep with hairspray “If you have a lot of hairspray in your hair, it can be really drying,” says Heath. She doesn’t recommend showering before bed to wash it out, because wet hair is damaging too. Instead, take out any bobby pins holding up your style, then break the hairspray down with a bit of leave-in conditioner, and brush it out. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/healthsmart/beauty/hair-and-nails/7-nighttime-habits-that-ruin-your-hair" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Beauty & Style

Don’t let financial shame be your ruin: open conversations can help ease the burden of personal deb

Nearly <a href="https://www.ipsos.com/en-nz/19th-ipsos-new-zealand-issues-monitor">two-thirds of New Zealanders</a> are worried about the cost of living, and a quarter are worried about <a href="https://www.canstar.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Consumer-Pulse-Report-NZ-2023-Final-4.pdf">putting food on the table</a>. But the <a href="https://visionwest.org.nz/food-hardship-part-one/">shame</a> that can come with financial stress is preventing some people from seeking help. According to a recent survey, a third of New Zealanders were not completely truthful with their family or partners about the state of their finances, and 12% <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/129477493/financial-infidelity-research-finds-kiwis-hiding-debts-from-their-partners">actively hid their debt</a>. This shame and worry about money can spill over into <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/concerns-buy-now-pay-later-schemes-could-fuel-addiction-as-kiwis-spend-17b-last-year/VOV3VIDIG2MZBGJEGPMLGWDMJI/">addiction</a>, <a href="https://www.newsroom.co.nz/i-had-serious-concussion-bad-credit-and-15000-debt-abuse-survivor">violence</a> and <a href="https://corporate.dukehealth.org/news/financial-strains-significantly-raise-risk-suicide-attempts">suicide</a>. Considering the effect of financial stress on our wellbeing, it is clear we need to overcome the financial stigma that prevents us from getting help. We also <a href="https://www.apa.org/topics/money/family-financial-strain">owe it to our kids</a> to break the taboo around money by communicating our worries and educating them on how to manage finances better. <h2>The burden of growing debt</h2> <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/300817697/mortgage-pain-homeowners-facing-repayment-hikes-of-up-to-900-a-fortnight">Ballooning mortgage repayments</a> are compounding the financial distress of many New Zealanders. At the beginning of 2023, an estimated 11.9% of home owners were behind on loan payments, with more than <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/485045/data-shows-430-000-new-zealanders-behind-in-credit-repayments-in-january">18,400 mortgagees in arrears</a>. <div data-id="17"> </div> Given the <a href="https://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/an/an-21-01-html">majority of household wealth</a> in New Zealand is in property, our financial vulnerability is closely linked to the ebbs and flows of the <a href="https://content.knightfrank.com/research/84/documents/en/global-house-price-index-q2-2021-8422.pdf">second most overinflated property market</a> in the world. There are also cultural reasons for growing financial distress. Many households have taken on significant debt to “<a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/7616361/Keeping-up-with-the-Joneses">keep up with the Joneses</a>” and to pursue the quintessential <a href="https://www.interest.co.nz/property/99890/westpac-commissioned-survey-suggests-many-new-zealanders-still-pine-quarter-acre">quarter-acre dream</a>. Social comparison and peer pressure act as powerful levers contributing to problem debt and over-indebtedness. The average household debt in New Zealand is more than <a href="https://tradingeconomics.com/new-zealand/households-debt-to-income">170% of gross household income</a>. That is higher than the United Kingdom (133%), Australia (113%) or Ireland (96%). <h2>The rise of problem debt</h2> And we are digging a deeper hole. Over the past year, <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/485045/data-shows-430-000-new-zealanders-behind-in-credit-repayments-in-january">demand for credit cards increased by 21.7%</a>. The use of personal debt such as personal loans and deferred payment schemes <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/demand-for-personal-credit-rises-arrears-also-up-as-cost-of-living-bites/YCEM74CII5FQBPJXO3UOG4Y3GY/">is also climbing</a>. There is a real risk this debt could become problem debt. Problem debt can have severe and wide-reaching consequences, including <a href="https://theconversation.com/over-300-000-new-zealanders-owe-more-than-they-own-is-this-a-problem-173497">housing insecurity</a>, <a href="http://www.socialinclusion.ie/publications/documents/2011_03_07_FinancialExclusionPublication.pdf">financial exclusion</a> (the inability to access debt at affordable interest rates), <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07409710.2012.652016?journalCode=gfof20">poor food choices</a> and a plethora of <a href="https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2458-14-489">health problems</a>. Yet, the hidden <a href="https://spssi.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/sipr.12074">psychological</a> and <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11205-008-9286-8">social cost of financial distress</a>remains often unspoken, overlooked and underestimated. Even before the pandemic, <a href="https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1909/S00616/research-shows-financial-stress-impacts-mental-wellbeing.htm">69% of New Zealanders were worried</a>about money. The share of people worrying about their financial situation was higher for women (74%), and particularly women aged 18-34 (82%). It is no coincidence that the latter are particularly at risk of problem debt through so-called <a href="https://acfr.aut.ac.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/691577/Gilbert-and-Scott-Study-2-Draft-v10Sept2022.pdf">“buy now, pay later” schemes</a>. The stigma of financial distress extends beyond the vulnerable and the marginalised in our society. A growing number of <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/467417/middle-income-families-hoping-for-help-in-budget-as-rising-costs-sting">middle-class New Zealanders </a> are quietly suffering financial distress, isolated by financial stigma and the taboos around discussing money. When pressed, one in two New Zealanders would rather <a href="https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU2203/S00384/research-shows-wed-rather-talk-about-politics-than-our-finances.htm">talk politics over money</a>. <h2>Time to talk about money</h2> Navigating financial distress and <a href="https://digitalcommons.law.seattleu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2526&context=sulr">stigma</a> can feel overwhelming. Where money is a taboo subject, it may feel safer to withdraw, maintain false appearances, be secretive or shun social support. This tendency to avoid open discussions and suffer in silence can lead to <a href="https://loneliness.org.nz/lonely/at-home/financially-struggling/">feelings of isolation</a> and contribute to <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-financial-stress-can-affect-your-mental-health-and-5-things-that-can-help-201557">poor mental health</a>, such as depression, anxiety and emotional distress. Sadly, the trauma of living in financial distress can also <a href="http://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/39442/1/1307565_Wakefield.pdf">break up families</a>. Losing the symbols of hard-gained success and facing the prospect of a reduced lifestyle can be tough. It often triggers feelings of personal failure and self doubt that deter us from taking proactive steps to talk openly and seek help. But what can families do to alleviate some of this distress? <h2>Seek help</h2> First, understand that <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/86767aac-98e0-4dae-8c5a-d3301b030703">you are not alone</a>. Over 300,000 New Zealanders <a href="https://theconversation.com/over-300-000-new-zealanders-owe-more-than-they-own-is-this-a-problem-173497">owe more than they earn</a>. Second, seek help. There are many services that help people work through their financial situation and formulate a plan. In the case of excessive debts, debt consolidation or <a href="https://goodshepherd.org.nz/debtsolve/">debt solution loans</a> may help reduce the overall burden and simplify your financial situation. For those struggling with increasing interest on their mortgages, reaching out to your bank early is critical. During the 2008 recession, banks in New Zealand <a href="https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/banks-exchange-letters-crown-support-distressed-mortgage-borrowers">worked with customers</a> to avoid defaulting on mortgages, including reducing servicing costs, capitalising interest and moving households to interest-only loans. It is essential to understand that the <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/real-estate/130677426/are-we-on-the-brink-of-a-wave-of-mortgagee-sales">banks do not want mortgagees to fail</a>, and that options exist. To help future generations avoid debt traps, we need open communication about money – also known as “<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10834-020-09736-2">financial socialisation</a>”. This includes developing values, sharing knowledge and promoting behaviours that help build <a href="https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1241099.pdf">financial viability and contribute to financial wellbeing</a>. The lessons about handling money from family and friends are crucial for <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02162/full">improving our children’s financial capability</a>, helping them be <a href="https://www.fsc.org.nz/it-starts-with-action-theme/growing-financially-resilient-kids">more financially resilient</a> and better able to survive the stresses we are experiencing now – and those <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/300836616/heres-how-much-household-costs-are-expected-to-increase">yet to come</a>. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/dont-let-financial-shame-be-your-ruin-open-conversations-can-help-ease-the-burden-of-personal-debt-202496" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Retirement Income

Renovating your home could ruin your relationship… but it doesn’t have to

Many <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/covid-home-renovations-1.5856136">Canadians have turned to home renovations</a> to find space — both literally and metaphorically — after a year of working, learning, exercising and doing just about everything else from home. As we head into spring and summer, the most popular seasons for home improvement, it’s important for couples to set ground rules before breaking ground. While more living space, a dedicated home office or upgraded kitchen might ease the strain the pandemic has put on homes and families, the renovation process, which <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/life-after-50/201811/renovation-and-couples-conflict">tests relationships at the best of times</a>, could put more stress on partnerships already cracking under the weight of the past year. Contractors and architects say the recent surge in renovation work has them fielding up to five times as many calls per day than they were pre-pandemic. And according to a recent <a href="https://abacusdata.ca/home-renovations-covid-19/">Abacus Data survey</a>, 44 per cent of Canadian households have done or are planning to do renovations this year. Most say they are doing the work so they can feel more relaxed in their homes. At the same time, <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/couples-counselling-covid19-1.5557110">phones are also ringing at couples counselling and family law offices</a> as more seek professional help to either preserve or dissolve their relationships. “Couples are experiencing a whole variety of stresses — childcare, household management, personal challenges, strains in the relationship — and the temperature has gone up during the pandemic,” says <a href="https://tribecatherapy.com/">New York City therapist Matt Lundquist</a>. He believes that while the stresses of the pandemic may not be the cause of marriage problems, they are revealing cracks that were already there. <h2>Relationship cracks on full display</h2> Renovations can widen relationship cracks as couples find themselves navigating financial stresses, extended disruptions and making thousands of decisions — from how much they can afford to spend to lower a basement to selecting drawer pulls for new kitchen cabinets. The process can amplify conflicting approaches to <a href="https://doi.org/10.9790/1684-1305064448">decision-making, unhealthy communication habits and latent tensions in relationships</a>. These strains are on display on <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/relationship_advice/">Reddit’s r/relationship_advice</a>where desperate users seek advice for resolving renovation conflicts with their partners. From “I’m an <a href="https://www.16personalities.com/intp-personality">INTP</a>, he’s an <a href="https://www.16personalities.com/entj-personality">ENTJ</a>, we’re renovating and fighting so badly I fear our relationship will never recover” to “renovation taking way longer than expected, BF taking it personally when I try to speed the process along. We’re at a breaking point” and “renovation frustration with me (29f) and him (31m) — is this understandable or abuse?” Gloria Apostolu, principal architect at <a href="https://www.postarchitecture.com/">Post Architecture</a> in Toronto, pauses for a moment when asked how couples handle the demands of making so many decisions during a renovation. “Every client has their Achilles heel,” she says. “And it’s never where or what I expected.” <h2>Different breaking points</h2> Some of Apostolu’s clients can’t make sense of tiles. Others balk at the price of a front door or are overwhelmed by having to settle on a faucet type for the main-floor powder room all before the contractor even arrives to tear the place apart. Making high-stakes decisions as a couple, Lundquist explains, requires advanced skills, such as weighing pros and cons, gauging the level of acceptable risk and being decisive under pressure, or “pulling the trigger” in contractor parlance. It also requires what he calls relationality — listening and curiosity, taking turns, empathy and working to understand your partner’s point of view, even if you don’t see its logic or agree with it. “It tremendously taxes our skills not to react when our partner says something we disagree with, or isn’t what we expected,” says Lundquist. What really feeds a relationship, he adds, is trying to be curious about where your partner is coming from and resisting the temptation to shut them down or make a counter-argument before fully understanding their point of view. On the other hand, he often encounters partners who, in trying to keep the peace, are <a href="https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/mental-health/let-go-resentment">not assertive enough about what they want, which can lead to lingering dissatisfaction and resentment</a>. The last thing a relationship needs, Lundquist jokes, is a big, expensive, fixed piece of resentment that a couple is forced to stare at as they sit next to each other on the couch every evening. <h2>Honesty and a smooth renovation</h2> Apostolou echoes the need for openness as a foundation for a smooth renovation. She suggests devising a system at the start for resolving the inevitable conflicts that will arise. This could mean taking turns, or giving veto rights to the person who is most dedicated to that part of the home. For example, the person who does most of the cooking gets the final say on kitchen details. She advises it is most important to work it all out in drawings before you get started. “Don’t rush the design process. You don’t want to be making decisions that are more costly than they would have been if they were planned out in advance.” Apostolu’s no-surprises approach has garnered <a href="https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/post-architecture-inc-pfvwus-pf%7E847407266">effusive five-star reviews</a> from clients on home design and improvement website Houzz. One is from Stephanie Nickson, a financial services consultant, and her partner David Raniga, who now runs his massage therapy practice in the light-filled basement of their recently renovated home in Toronto’s Wychwood neighbourhood. Raniga jokes that the hardest part of the process was dealing with his wife’s inability to make decisions. But because they remained open to each other’s needs throughout the process and stuck with the vision and budget they set at the beginning, they say they actually miss the process now that it is over. And they are almost giddy with the result. “I literally say I love this house every day. We were so lucky,” Nickson says. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/renovating-your-home-could-ruin-your-relationship-but-it-doesnt-have-to-157942" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Home Hints & Tips

Fat Bear Winner: ‘747’ lays b-ruin to rivals despite fishy voting

After eating lots of tasty fish in preparation for the northern hemisphere’s winter, Brown bear 747 has been crowned the winner of the annual Fat Bear Week. The initiative, run by the US National Parks Service and multimedia organisation explore, gives the public a chance to vote for the biggest brown bear in Alaska’s Katmai National Park. Over one week, people cast their votes for eight nominated bears that have been gorging on river salmon in the lead up to their hibernation. After a summer of catching and eating fish – usually salmon – in the Brooks River, the bears reach peak size in early to mid-October. Shortly, they’ll go into a five-to-eight-month slumber, emerging after the coldest part of the Alaskan winter. The initiative shines a light on the behaviours and survival methods of the species which resides across northern hemisphere continents towards the Arctic Circle. Although brown bears are now extinct in much of central and southern Europe, some still persist in Romania and the Balkan states, and they remain across Russia, Alaska, Canada, the Himalayas and Tibetan plateau. It is also an important indicator species for other wildlife due to their wide habitat range, and play important ecological roles as seed dispersers, and lower-level species managers through predation. Get stuffed! Cheating claims in lead up to Fat Bear final Prior to the grand final between 747 and brown bear 901, a shocking case of voting fraud left organisers decidedly grizzly. A spam attack of votes during the semi-finals threatened to derail 747’s quest for a second Fat Bear crown. Fortunately, organisers were hot onto the bogus bruin ballots. <div class="newsletter-box"> <div id="wpcf7-f6-p218507-o1" class="wpcf7" dir="ltr" lang="en-US" role="form"> </div> </div> “Like bears stuff their face with fish, your ballot box, too, has been stuffed,” Katmai organisers said on Monday. “It appears someone has decided to spam the Fat Bear Week poll, but fortunately it is easy for us to tell which votes are fraudulent. We have discarded the fake votes.” Publicly voted animal awareness competitions are notoriously prone to phony voting. The Guardian Australia Bird of the Year competition infamously saw a case of dodgy democracy in 2019 when a case of automated voting was detected by the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2019/nov/11/voter-detected-in-guardians-australian-bird-of-the-year-poll" target="_blank" rel="noopener">avian electoral commission.</a> Cosmos’ own Australian Mammal of the Year competition <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/nature/amoty/too-much-love-for-the-mammals/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">was this year hit</a> by a bout of egregious electioneering when hundreds of spam votes were cast for some animals vying for the crown. Fortunately, as with Fat Bear Week, spotting and omitting a bad ballot is a straightforward task of, usually, spotting unusual voting patterns. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/fat-bear-2022-1.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="675" /> 2022 Fat Bear Week winner ‘747’ hunts for a tasty fish. Image: Courtesy L. Law via Katmai National Park. 747 does it again Brown bear 747 – aptly named after a jumbo jet – claimed victory with 68,105 votes to rival 901’s 56,875. It was 747’s second premiership, having previously claimed the title in 2020. ‘480 Otis’ holds the record of four titles – exactly half the number of Fat Bear Weeks held. “Though he may be blissfully unaware of his two titles, the gains are real,” say the Fat Bear Week organisers. “In the bear world, fat is fit and these chunky contenders have been working tirelessly to pack on the pounds necessary for survival.” A record 1.027 million votes were cast in the 2022 edition of the event. <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=218507&title=Fat+Bear+Winner%3A+%26%238216%3B747%26%238217%3B+lays+b-ruin+to+rivals+despite+fishy+voting" width="1" height="1" /> <div id="contributors"> <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/nature/fat-bear-voting-winner/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This article</a> was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by Cosmos. Image: Courtesy L. Law via Katmai National Park. </div>

Family & Pets

Bride calls out mother for ruining dress reveal

A furious bride has called out her mother for ruining her wedding dress reveal. Taking to TikTok, Phae shared a video of herself about to exit the room and reveal her wedding dress to her bridesmaids when her mum stepped in front of her. “Still not over this,” she captioned the video. “When you have been waiting six months to do a wedding dress reveal and your mother ruins it.” The video has been viewed more than 20 million times with many sharing their own stories of when their mum or mother-in-law ruined something. “My mother-in-law was late to our wedding which we didn't realize until the bridesmaids started walking down the aisle and they had to back out,” someone shared. “She couldn’t wait?” someone asked. “Exclude all mothers and mother-in-laws from any behind the scenes moments. They ruin it more than the kids do. And they're adults,” another said. Others however defended the mother saying she was probably trying to enjoy the moment with the bridesmaids. “She wanted to be in the room helping you but she also wanted the reveal experience with everyone else. Mum was trying her best,” someone pointed out. “Aww she looks like she was rushing to remove herself from your spot. Unfortunately it’s one of those ‘good intentions don’t count’ moments,” another wrote. “I think she wanted to be part of their moment too - trying to hurry out of your way to witness it,” someone else commented. Watch the video <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@phaedrap/video/7148745449883585798?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&item_id=7148745449883585798" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Images: TikTok

Relationships

12 suitcase packing mistakes that could ruin your holiday

There is a lot to consider when packing for the perfect holiday such as the weather and daily activities, but even more so now with the added burden of covid. Knowing that, it’s important to reach out to places at your destination for any coronavirus-related information. We spoke to travel experts who offered some tips on eliminating common mistakes when travelling, even in a post-pandemic world. Mistake: when you have a "when in doubt" mindset “We don’t need to take our entire wardrobe with us nor do we need to take our entire shoe collection,” says Suzanne of Philatravelgirlcom. “The key is to pack around a colour scheme and pack layers for day and night. As hard as it is, three pair of shoes is generally good – everyday, sandals, and dress shoes.” It’s also likely you will be able to wear your bottoms more than once, so pack more tops that you can match with the same pair of jeans. Mistake: you wait until the last minute “Then you’re stressed and can’t think clearly, so you end up packing too many options and don’t have what you need,” says personal stylist, Dacy Gillespie. Start packing a few days in advance. Make a list of the activities on your itinerary to determine what you need: comfy shoes vs sandals, dressy clothes vs casual, etc. Mistake: you forget to check your destination's weather Put your weather app to good use. “This way you won’t be stuck with all pants if it’s hot or no jacket if it’s cool,” explains digital marketing executive, Yasir Shamim. Mistake: you fold instead of roll “The biggest suitcase mistake I was guilty of before my husband finally (lovingly) harassed me out of it was folding instead of rolling,” says Jennifer Walden, director of operations at WikiLawn. “Folding just made more sense to me, and I assumed it wouldn’t make that big of a difference. But I actually had more problems with wrinkles when folding, and certainly less space overall. ” Tightly rolling your clothes will actually allow you to fit a lot more in your suitcase than if you were to fold. Mistake: you don't make the most of your shoes “I love to stuff small items like jewellery, underwear, or socks in my shoes. This saves a lot of space,” says Gillespie. Slip each pair in a Ziploc or plastic grocery bag to avoid spreading dirt. Mistake: you don't factor in souvenirs Overdo it on shopping and your suitcase might not zip up on your way home, possibly adding an extra bag on the way home. “If people tend to buy many souvenirs, the best practice is to carry a separate bag,” claims marketing expert, Jeremy Owens. “However, you need to make sure that you can handle your possessions after buying the souvenirs. Before going on the trip, fill the souvenir bag with mock items, and carry it with other belongings. You need to let go of some items if the total weight is more than you can handle.” Mistake: you buy a whole new wardrobe specifically for your trip “Don’t try a new look on vacation!” says Gillespie. New clothes you’re not used to wearing may not fit as well or look as good as they did in the dressing room when you bought them. Instead, “stick with trusted outfits you know you look good in,” she says. Pay attention to fabrics – knits and denim travel well; silk and linen wrinkle easily. Mistake: you want one whole suitcase all to yourself If you’re travelling with a partner, it seems logical to each pack your own suitcase. But if a piece of luggage gets lost, one of you is left with nothing. “If you are travelling with your partner, it would be best to put half of your things in their suitcase and vice versa,” explains Jeremy Harrison, founder of Hustle Life. “In case you lose your luggage, you still have half of your stuff to use!” Mistake: you don't keep your toiletries well contained If it is capable of leaking, assume it will. Place all non-solids like hair gel, shampoo, or mouthwash in a zip-top bag to keep your stuff safe from any potential spillage. “Don’t just put your shampoo into your suitcase and expect things to turn out fine,” explains Walden. “Even if you’ve never opened it. Put toiletries in a zip-top bag! If you don’t want certain products mixing, use several different bags. Press the air out of them before sealing. Sometimes I’ll even put them inside a plastic grocery bag, too, just to be extra safe.” Mistake: you throw our your packing list A packing list can help make sure you don’t forget anything important, but don’t chuck it in the bin when you’re finished. “Make a list a week in advance,” says etiquette expert, April Masini. “Go over it several times throughout the week. Put your packable items out the night before. Go through them the next day. And then, when you’re sure you have everything you need, pack your suitcase.” Mistake: you don't bring enough masks Even if masks aren’t required in your hometown, they may be required elsewhere, especially if you are travelling by plane or taking public transportation. “Even if you’re using cloth masks, you should pack several,” explains Walden. “You can’t rely on being able to wash them where you’re staying, and no one really wants to do laundry on a vacation anyway.” Mistake: you don't bring your own cleaning products You may not want to rely on others to keep spaces clean for you so it’s best to pack extra hand sanitiser and disinfecting wipes to ensure clean surfaces, especially in a hotel room. “Post-coronavirus I am including a pillowcase as well as a fabric sanitiser for bedding,” says lifestyle influencer, Amra Beganovich. “Even though many places have imposed a stricter cleaning regiment during the pandemic, taking additional safety measures can help you feel at ease.” Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/travel/12-suitcase-packing-mistakes-that-could-ruin-your-holiday" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Travel Tips

12 suitcase packing mistakes that could ruin your holiday

<h3>Eliminating mistakes</h3> There is a lot to consider when packing for the perfect holiday such as the weather and daily activities, but even more so now with the added burden of covid. Knowing that, it’s important to reach out to places at your destination for any coronavirus-related information. We spoke to travel experts who offered some tips on eliminating common mistakes when travelling, even in a post-pandemic world. <div class="slide-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #444444;"> </div> <h3>Mistake: you have a ‘when in doubt’ mindset</h3> “We don’t need to take our entire wardrobe with us nor do we need to take our entire shoe collection,” says Suzanne of Philatravelgirlcom. “The key is to pack around a colour scheme and pack layers for day and night. As hard as it is, three pair of shoes is generally good – everyday, sandals, and dress shoes.” It’s also likely you will be able to wear your bottoms more than once, so pack more tops that you can match with the same pair of jeans. <h3>Mistake: You wait until the last minute</h3> “Then you’re stressed and can’t think clearly, so you end up packing too many options and don’t have what you need,” says personal stylist, Dacy Gillespie. Start packing a few days in advance. Make a list of the activities on your itinerary to determine what you need: comfy shoes vs sandals, dressy clothes vs casual, etc. <h3>Mistake: You forget to check your destinations weather</h3> Put your weather app to good use. “This way you won’t be stuck with all pants if it’s hot or no jacket if it’s cool,” explains digital marketing executive, Yasir Shamim. <h3>Mistake: You fold instead of roll</h3> “The biggest suitcase mistake I was guilty of before my husband finally (lovingly) harassed me out of it was folding instead of rolling,” says Jennifer Walden, director of operations at WikiLawn. “Folding just made more sense to me, and I assumed it wouldn’t make that big of a difference. But I actually had more problems with wrinkles when folding, and certainly less space overall. ” Tightly rolling your clothes will actually allow you to fit a lot more in your suitcase than if you were to fold. <h3>Mistake: You don't make the most of your shoes</h3> “I love to stuff small items like jewellery, underwear, or socks in my shoes. This saves a lot of space,” says Gillespie. Slip each pair in a Ziploc or plastic grocery bag to avoid spreading dirt. <h3>Mistake: You don't factor in souvenirs </h3> Overdo it on shopping and your suitcase might not zip up on your way home, possibly adding an extra bag on the way home. “If people tend to buy many souvenirs, the best practice is to carry a separate bag,” claims marketing expert, Jeremy Owens. “However, you need to make sure that you can handle your possessions after buying the souvenirs. Before going on the trip, fill the souvenir bag with mock items, and carry it with other belongings. You need to let go of some items if the total weight is more than you can handle.” <h3>Mistake: You buy a whole new wardrobe specifically for your trip</h3> Don’t try a new look on vacation!” says Gillespie. New clothes you’re not used to wearing may not fit as well or look as good as they did in the dressing room when you bought them. Instead, “stick with trusted outfits you know you look good in,” she says. Pay attention to fabrics – knits and denim travel well; silk and linen wrinkle easily. <h3>Mistake: You want one whole suitcase to yourself</h3> If you’re travelling with a partner, it seems logical to each pack your own suitcase. But if a piece of luggage gets lost, one of you is left with nothing. “If you are travelling with your partner, it would be best to put half of your things in their suitcase and vice versa,” explains Jeremy Harrison, founder of Hustle Life. “In case you lose your luggage, you still have half of your stuff to use!” <h3>Mistake: You don't keep your toiletries well contained</h3> If it is capable of leaking, assume it will. Place all non-solids like hair gel, shampoo, or mouthwash in a zip-top bag to keep your stuff safe from any potential spillage. “Don’t just put your shampoo into your suitcase and expect things to turn out fine,” explains Walden. “Even if you’ve never opened it. Put toiletries in a zip-top bag! If you don’t want certain products mixing, use several different bags. Press the air out of them before sealing. Sometimes I’ll even put them inside a plastic grocery bag, too, just to be extra safe.” <h3>Mistake: You throw out your packing list</h3> A packing list can help make sure you don’t forget anything important, but don’t chuck it in the bin when you’re finished. “Make a list a week in advance,” says etiquette expert, April Masini. “Go over it several times throughout the week. Put your packable items out the night before. Go through them the next day. And then, when you’re sure you have everything you need, pack your suitcase.” <h3>Mistake: Not bringing enough masks</h3> Even if masks aren’t required in your hometown, they may be required elsewhere, especially if you are travelling by plane or taking public transportation. “Even if you’re using cloth masks, you should pack several,” explains Walden. “You can’t rely on being able to wash them where you’re staying, and no one really wants to do laundry on a vacation anyway.” <h3>Mistake: You don't bring your own cleaning products</h3> You may not want to rely on others to keep spaces clean for you so it’s best to pack extra hand sanitiser and disinfecting wipes to ensure clean surfaces, especially in a hotel room. “Post-coronavirus I am including a pillowcase as well as a fabric sanitiser for bedding,” says lifestyle influencer, Amra Beganovich. “Even though many places have imposed a stricter cleaning regiment during the pandemic, taking additional safety measures can help you feel at ease.” This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/12-suitcase-packing-mistakes-that-could-ruin-your-holiday" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Domestic Travel

5 ways you didn’t know you are ruining your sheets

We spend a lot of our time laying on sheets – approximately a third of our lives – so it makes sense that you would want to make them last as long as possible. Here are the five most common mistakes that could be ruining your sheets. 1. You put too many sets of sheets into the washer or dryer Large items like sheets should always be loosely placed into the washer/dryer so it can tumble freely, which means better cleaning and less tangling. If you’re finding you are jamming sheets in, wash one set at a time instead. 2. You wash sheets on the heavy-duty cycle A normal cycle is sufficient to clean sheets. Heavy-duty cycles can cause tangling and winkling. 3. You dry them for too long If you use a dryer for your sheets, be cautious of over-drying your sheets, which can cause them to wear and tear more easily. 4. You don’t change them often enough Sheets that have been used too long might not be stretched out and unable to recover their shape in the washer and dryer. It’s best to change sheets weekly or fortnightly. 5. You don’t fold your fitted sheets Don’t just ball your sheets up and throw it in the closet as it can stress and stretch fabric, not to mention cause all those creases. Image: Getty

Home Hints & Tips

Pompeii’s ancient ruins guarded by a robot “dog”

The Archaeological Park of Pompeii has found a unique way to patrol the historical archaeological areas and structures of Pompeii in Italy. Created by Boston Dynamics, a robot “dog” named Spot is being used to identify structural and safety issues at Pompeii: the ancient Roman city that was encased in volcanic ash following the 79 C.E. eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The robot is the latest addition to a broader initiative to transform Pompeii into a “Smart Archaeological Park” with “intelligent, sustainable and inclusive management.” The movement for this “integrated technological solution” began in 2013, when UNESCO threatened to remove the site from the World Heritage List unless drastic measures were taken to improve its preservation, after structural deficiencies started to emerge. The goal, as noted in the release, is to “improve both the quality of monitoring of the existing areas, and to further our knowledge of the state of progress of the works in areas undergoing recovery or restoration, and thereby to manage the safety of the site, as well as that of workers.” “We wish to test the use of these robots in the underground tunnels that were made by illegal excavators and which we are uncovering in the area around Pompeii, as part of a memorandum of understanding with the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Torre Annunziata,” said Pompeii’s director general Gabriel Zuchtriegel in a statement. In addition to having Spot the “dog” patrol the area, a laser scanner will also fly over the 163-acre site and record data, which will be used to study and plan further interventions to preserve the ancient ruins of Pompeii. Image credits: Getty Images

Art

Lismore flood victims dump ruined belongings outside PM’s house

Lismore residents have taken their flood-affected belongings to Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s Sydney residence, calling on him to act on climate change. Nine residents of the area, which has been devastated by recent flooding, brought a truck to Kirribilli House and dumped a number of items, including flood-ruined carpet, toys and furniture, outside the front gate earlier this week. Kate Stroud, who lost her home in the floods, said the group felt compelled to demonstrate after Mr Morrison visited the town earlier in the month but failed to speak to some residents. Ms Stroud lost her home in the floods, having been rescued by another resident on a jet ski after sheltering on her roof for six hours, and has said she wasn’t the only one looking to speak to the PM. “Everybody that I know has lost their homes, they’ve lost their businesses. We have basically lost our entire town,” she said on Monday morning. “We tried to have this conversation with him face to face in Lismore, but he slipped through the back door of our council chambers. If our leaders can’t come at least sit at a table with us and chat to us at times of devastation, what are they doing?” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> At the Prime Minister’s residence, Kirribilli House, standing in solidarity with Lismore flood survivors. Calling on <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottyFromMktg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScottyFromMktg</a> to stop funding the climate crisis. <a href="https://t.co/lHYSwZLZ7i">pic.twitter.com/lHYSwZLZ7i</a> — Naomi Hodgson (@CrystalNomes) <a href="https://twitter.com/CrystalNomes/status/1505653019718737921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2022</a></blockquote> Several residents held a ruined, mud-covered door with a message spray-painted on it in red. “Morrison, your climate megaflood destroyed our homes,” it read. Other signs read, ‘Lismore now, where next?’ and ‘Your climate inaction killed my neighbour’. Ms Stroud said residents were calling on the government to take action against climate change. “We are so sick of the bottomless promises when there is a bigger picture to look at,” she said. “We need to fund the climate crisis [response], this is climate change and this will happen to somebody you love, someone you know, or it could happen to you personally.” Although 9News reported that his car was seen leaving shortly before protestors arrived, Mr Morrison was in Queensland during Monday’s protest, according to <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/flood-hit-lismore-residents-dump-debris-outside-kirribilli-house-20220321-p5a6dy.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sydney Morning Herald</a>. He responded to questions about the demonstration by referring to the $1.7 billion already committed to flood response and recovery, and that the bulk of the funds were already “out the door supporting people”. “These floods [across NSW and south-east Queensland] are the worst we’ve ever seen,” Mr Morrison said. “I can understand the frustration. But what I can assure you is the commitments [we’ve made] .. means we’ll be there with them to build back. “I think the politicisation of natural disasters is very unfortunate. Everyone’s just doing the best they can.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Lismore residents protest at Kirribilli House <a href="https://t.co/d5ciaZPaBd">pic.twitter.com/d5ciaZPaBd</a> — Carol Connolly (@carolcarcos) <a href="https://twitter.com/carolcarcos/status/1505682999505219586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2022</a></blockquote> Despite his absence, Lismore resident Kudra Ricketts told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/lismore-flood-survivors-dump-debris-outside-pms-house/58b54741-e566-4bec-a667-7433b0753c18" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9News</a> she hoped the message she and the other demonstrators were sending would still reach Mr Morrison. “I hope that he’s able to listen to the media,” she said. “He’s done the same thing as he did when he was in Lismore. He didn’t want to talk to us. He doesn’t want to speak to us again. I can see that. It’s time he starts to listen to us. “I don’t want this to happen to anyone else. It’s been so traumatic for me and everyone that I love. Climate change is here now.” Image: Twitter

Domestic Travel

14 laundry myths that are ruining your clothes

Doing laundry is always a learning experience. Should you wash your clothes in warm water? Do all-purpose cleaners work for all stains? Read on to hear from laundry experts on what you should (and shouldn’t) be doing to your clothes. More detergent means cleaner clothes One popular myth you’ve probably heard is that using more detergent means cleaner clothes. However, the truth may be a bit different. “Using more detergent doesn’t make it work extra hard. Instead, it can leave residue on your clothes,” Brian Sansoni, from the American Cleaning Institute, tells Reader’s Digest. “You’ll probably just need to wash them again and over time these extra washings can make them wear out faster. Check the detergent label for how much detergent to use for your size load and washing machine, especially since many detergents these days are concentrated.” The hotter the water, the better the cleaning power Surely, the temperature of the water would have a profound effect. However, hot water may not have as much of an impact as you might think. “Hot water won’t necessarily get clothes cleaner. In fact, it can damage some fabrics or cause some stains to become permanent instead of being removed,” Sansoni says. “This is the case of a myth that may have been true in the past but detergents these days have been designed to work just as well, if not better, in cold water. Always follow the fabric care label.” The more dryer sheets, the better Too much of a good thing can actually, well, sometimes be a bad thing. “There is such thing as too many dryer sheets,” Laura Johnson, Research and Development at LG Electronics, tells Reader’s Digest. “Overuse of dryer sheets can reduce the efficiency of your machine by leaving behind a sweet-smelling residue and congesting your lint screen.” Wash clothes after every wear Sometimes, you may not need to wash your clothes every single time you wear them. “If you throw clothes in the washing basket to be washed after every wear, you may be over-washing some items and causing them to wear out prematurely,” Sansoni says. Unless it’s underwear or there’s a stain, it may not need to be washed. Overloading your washer with too many bulky items can damage your machine “Any larger items must be placed in the washer in a balanced manner to prevent laundry casualties,” explains Johnson. You can ignore the fabric care label As with everything, always read the instructions – and that includes the fabric care label. “There are times when it’s tempting to throw all the clothes in the washer and be done with it,” Sansoni says. “However, every piece of commercial clothing has a tag with care instructions from the manufacturer designed to keep the item looking its best. Learn what the symbols mean and follow those instructions to extend the life of your favourite clothes.” All stains are created equal If you think you can use the same laundry detergent for blood stains as grease, you might need to rethink that plan. The stain’s type actually determines how you can remove it. According to household cleaning expert Shannon Lush, blood stains should be removed with cold water and common bathroom soap, while to get rid of grease stains, simple squeeze a few drops of dishwashing liquid on your fingertips without water and rub the spot until it has changed to a jelly texture, then rinse with cold water. You can use body wash to thoroughly wash clothes It’s happened to the best of us. You put in a load of laundry and then realise that you’re out of laundry detergent. As a last resort, would body wash do the job? While hand/body wash will clean your clothes, it will not do as an effective job as a laundry detergent, since body wash has more gentle chemicals. “It is best to use items that have the right amount of stronger chemicals to provide a deep clean,” Leanne Stapf, of The Cleaning Authority, tells Reader’s Digest. You can only hand wash your bras Who here has hand washed their bras and then found out there’s an easier way to wash them? “There is a myth that you can only hand wash your bras which is not true,” Jené Luciani Sena, intimate apparel and lifestyle influencer, tells Reader’s Digest. “You can put them in a mesh garment bag zip it up, and put on a cool water gentle cycle with a gentle detergent in the washing machine.” Using hairspray to remove cloth stains This is untrue of course as hairspray makes stains worse, especially ink as it will spread it more. Instead, “blot some water on the stain and to make it more effective, use a versatile stain remover powder,” Robert Johnson, founder of Sawinery, tells Reader’s Digest. Filling the machine conserves water and energy What is a full machine, anyway? “Your definition of a full machine may be different from the manufacturer’s definition,” Melanie Musson, an insurance expert tells Reader’s Digest. “Washing machines are designed to work optimally with a two-thirds full maximum. If you pack the machine to the top, the detergent won’t be able to spread around and clean all the clothes and you’ll have to wash them again, saving neither water nor energy.” Visible stains are the only types of dirt you need to worry about on clothes You might think that a shirt is dirty when you see a stain, but there’s a lot more than meets the eye. “Your clothes might be dirtier than you think. In fact, only 30 per cent of the soils in your laundry are visible – things like food, dirt and grass stains,” Jennifer Ahoni, Tide Senior Scientist, tells Reader’s Digest. “The other 70 per cent include invisible soils made up of body soils like sweat and body oils, which if not removed by a deep cleaning laundry detergent will build up over time and cause odours, dinginess and dullness. Deep clean removes both visible and invisible dirt.” You only need to sort laundry by colours This might be good news for people who may not have time to sort through their clothes by colour. “While sorting by colours is always a good idea, you also need to consider sorting by fabric type,” says Ahoni. “Heavier fabrics such as denim can damage finer and more delicate fabrics. Make sure to always check the care label for the best guidance on washing and recommendations on other fabrics to wash with.” You should fasten buttons before washing How many times have you buttoned up your shirt before placing it in the washer? In fact, you may not need to do this at all. “Fastening buttons before washing can lead to the buttons falling off due to the stress the washing machine puts on the clothes,” Musson says. “It can also lead to the article of clothing getting stretched because of the uneven pressure the place of the button puts on the clothes when compared to a seam.” Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/14-laundry-myths-that-are-ruining-your-clothes?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home Hints & Tips

15 places that have been ruined by tourism

Tourism is both a blessing and a curse. While a healthy amount can boost the economy, too much of it can be harmful to the environment and uproot local populations. Before you book your next trip, consider how your wanderlust is affecting some of the most beautiful places in the world. Caño Cristales, Colombia With “the river of five colours,” also known as “the melted rainbow,” waters that are a hallucinogenic concoction of pink, red, green, and blue colours (a result of the unique micro-organisms living in it) and its jaw-dropping waterfalls, Caño Cristales is now overwhelmingly popular. And, it’s only become more so after a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/30/world/americas/colombia-farc-accord-juan-manuel-santos.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2016 peace agreement</a> was signed between the government of Colombia and the country’s largest rebel group. The uptick in foot traffic is cause for concern, as it could jeopardise the area’s extremely fragile ecosystem. In 2017, access was restricted to give the river a break. “We decided to implement the restriction because human presence can harm the plants’ reproduction processes,” Faber Ramos, coordinator of the ecotourism program, told the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-43700833" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC</a>. Maya Beach, Thailand The cult classic Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach turned this remote beach in Thailand into a major tourist trap. It’s not hard to see why! The secluded cove features glittering, translucent water, white sands, and limestone cliffs. Then as more and more tourists flocked to the sandy shores, Maya Beach became impossible to enjoy; visitors could hardly walk, never mind lie down. Thailand was forced to close the beach for months in 2018. Though the closure was only supposed to be temporary, it’s now <a href="https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/maya-bay-closure-thailand/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">shut down indefinitely</a>. Boracay, Philipines The beautiful island of Boracay once was revered for its exclusivity but in recent years mass-market tourism and lack of infrastructure have led to a major downfall. The island underwent a six-month closure to visitors in 2018 to allow authorities to restore it, reports the <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/10/26/cesspool-philippine-holiday-island-boracay-reopens-strict-new/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Telegraph</a>. It reopened in October with strict new rules: masseuses, vendors, bonfires, watersports (save for swimming) and the builders of Boracay’s infamous sandcastles are now banned. Also under the new rules, a maximum of 19,200 tourists are allowed on the island at any one time. Many hotels and restaurants have been shut down for not meeting standards, and a mere 160 tourism-related businesses have <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/10/26/cesspool-philippine-holiday-island-boracay-reopens-strict-new/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">been approved to re-open</a>. Machu Picchu, Peru “Machu Picchu is a great attraction, but we are worried about its sustainability,” Sandra Doig, incoming tourism deputy director of PROMPERU, the Commission for the Promotion of Exports and Tourism of Peru told the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/peru-devises-new-rules-to-tackle-the-mounting-crowds-on-machu-picchu/2018/02/02/7ac380d6-061b-11e8-8777-2a059f168dd2_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.becca6347a26" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Washington Post</a>. “It is being affected by too many people at the citadel at the same time.” One of the new Seven Wonders of the World, the Incan citadel is set high in the Andes Mountains in Peru. Getting there is quite a feat, and yet record numbers of visitors flood the region annually (610,000 from January to July 2018). To combat the masses damaging the site, tourism authorities are attempting to impose strict time slots, advance ticket purchase, and visitor limits. Venice, Italy Built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea, the main allure of Venice is its famed canals, while the abundance of delicious food and wine, the culture, and the ornate architecture add to its allure. But over-tourism has chipped away at the city’s vitality. Cruise ships and group bus tours have made infamous sights like St. Marks Square a blur of people and the streets are lined with litter; between the hoards of humans and the rising sea levels, Venice is sinking rapidly and the stonework and carvings on its historic buildings are crumbling. Venetians are finally fighting back, however: Beginning summer of 2019, short stay tourists will be charged <a href="https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/venice-tourist-tax-day-trippers/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">up to €10 </a>(about $11.50) to enter the city. Nothing’s worse than that sinking feeling you get when you head off on your adventure and remember you left something important at home. Cozumel, Mexico The azure waters of Cozumel, an island situated off the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico, has become a popular tourist spot especially for Americans and Canadians looking to relax in the sun. Many visitors arrive via cruise ship, which has harmed one of the idyllic island’s most prized possessions: coral reef. It’s no secret coral is delicate. Global climate change and ocean acidification have proven this and now the boat traffic, which has damaged the reef further out, is adding to the damage. To combat the issue, marine biologist German Mendez has started an organisation called the “<a href="https://america.cgtn.com/2018/01/08/coral-reef-restoration-becomes-crucial-in-cozumel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program</a>,” to protect the reef. Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia This Indonesian archipelago near the island of New Guinea is made up of four big islands, one medium-sized one, and thousands of tiny islands all of which forms part of Coral Triangle, where some of the richest marine biodiversity resides. The breathtaking beauty of this spot, also referred to as “the Four Kings,” has brought a mass of tourists via cruise ships. In March of 2017, a 295-foot cruise ship called the Caledonian Sky only worsened the concern of over-tourism, as it got caught in low tide and ran aground in the reef, resulting in $18.6 million worth of damage and an estimated decades-long recovery time for the reef, according to a <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2017/03/15/asia/raja-ampat-ship-coral-reef/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">team of environmentalists and academics</a>. Antarctica The entire continent of Antarctica is in trouble, between global climate change and the mass infiltration of tourists via cruise ships. The boat traffic, from Chile and Argentina down to the Antarctic Peninsula, has greatly increased water pollution, threatening the lives of unique species. <a href="https://www.ats.aq/e/ats.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Antarctic Treaty</a> has sought to stop such environmental devastation, limiting the number of people allowed on shore to 100 at a time, while ships carrying more than 500 passengers are not allowed at any of the landing sites. Bhutan The land-locked country of Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge, is a favourite among tourists for its monasteries, fortresses, and dramatic landscapes. Visitors were not allowed in Bhutan until the 1970s, which has only added to its popularity. Unfortunately, pollution has wreaked havoc on the natural beauty of Bhutan, causing the government to implement tourism restrictions. Visitors must go through an official tour guide and pay around £200 per day (about $228). “Last year the industrial town of Pasakha in the south found itself in the unenviable position of being in the top ten of the world’s most polluted cities.” Jet Cost told <a href="https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wildlife/countryside/g22127274/holiday-destinations-ruined-by-tourism/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Country Living.</a> “There are growing concerns about the impact that tourism is having on the nation and its contribution to pollution, which may lead to a more severe policy than already exists.” Pig Beach, The Bahamas The only inhabitants of Big Major Cay are wild pigs, known most famously for swimming in the sea, a phenomenon that draws tourists to the island off Exuma for an encounter and photo opp. In 2017, a wave of pig deaths struck Pig Beach. While a combination of factors likely lead to their death, reports <a href="https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/03/swimming-pigs-bahamas-death/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Geographic</a>, the government banned visitors from feeding the creatures. Cinque Terra, Italy When the sun hits the bright houses on the cliff side of the Italian Riviera, tourists whip their cameras out for the perfect shot of architectural and natural beauty. Cinque Terre’s idealistic setting has increased the numbers of visitors to the area in recent years. The rise of tourism in the area has “taken a toll on the infrastructure of the towns and visitors have been injured in landslides on separate occasions,” Jet Cost told <a href="https://www.harpersbazaar.com.sg/life/travel/9-holiday-destinations-at-risk-of-being-ruined-by-tourism/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Harper’s Bazaar</a>. While there are currently no restrictions set in place, authorities have discussed putting a cap on tourists allowed in the five villages per year, <a href="https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/cinque-terre-tourist-overflow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">possibly 1.5 million;</a> the area currently sees about 2.4 million tourists per year. The Isle of Skye, Scotland One of the most picturesque places in the United Kingdom, The Isle of Skye is known for its rugged landscapes, quaint fishing villages, and medieval castles. Crossing the Skye Bridge to the island from Scotland’s northwest coast is a test of patience these days, with hoards of people packed in caravans, motorhomes, and cars, often in stand-still traffic. Visitors without prior booking accommodations have found themselves in a pickle. <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-40874488" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">According to authorities</a>, tourists often arrive at the police station with nowhere to stay asking for advice. Many end up staying the night in their car. Local authorities have taken note, advising visitors to use “common sense” before travelling to the island for an overnight stay. Mallorca, Spain In 2017, a reported ten million travellers visited Mallorca, up from just six million in 2010, according to the <a href="https://www.interregeurope.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/tx_tevprojects/library/file_1508251726.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">European Union Regional Development Fund</a>. With stunning beach resorts, sheltered coves, limestone mountains, Roman and Moorish ruins and top-notch nightlife, it’s no surprise this island in the Mediterranean is such a draw. However, the increase in tourism has resulted in an “extreme environmental crisis” and the “commercialisation of the landscape, environment, and heritage,” as <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/story/mallorca-protests-the-spanish-island-telling-tourists-to-stay-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">noted by local group Ciutat</a>. As a result, officials double the tourism tax to €4 per person per day, which is added to hotel stays. <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/spain/articles/mallorca-set-to-double-tourist-tax/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">According to Pilar Carbonell</a>, the Balearic’s director of tourism, the funds “support a sustainable model so that tourism to the islands benefits local communities.” Santorini, Greece One of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, Santorini is outfitted with whitewashed, cubiform houses tucked into cliffs overlooking the sea. The fascination of this Grecian delight is not lost on visitors. One of its many splendors is that the whole complex of Santorini islands is still an active volcano, thought to be the only one in the world whose crater is in the sea. At just 29 square miles, Santorini has become one of the country’s most popular destinations, so much so that the island has suffered from rising water and energy consumption. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jun/03/greece-tourism-at-record-high-amid-alarm-over-environmental-cost?CMP=aff_1432&awc=5795_1539275679_f4d0c99d9dbd1404bf7946ad842a917b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to Mayor Nikos Zorzos</a>, “It’s a radical rise and we are forever playing catch-up. We have built numerous desalination plants and are in the process of erecting the biggest one in Greece, but in five years’ time I worry even that won’t be enough.” In order to cut down the number of visitors, Santorini restricted the amount of <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2016-03-09/santorini-to-limit-number-of-cruise-ship-visitors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cruise ship visitor numbers</a> to 8,000 per day in 2017. Mount Everest Despite the 2015 Nepal earthquake that closed Mount Everest to the thrill seekers looking to climb the mountain’s treacherous slopes, Mount Everest saw 36,694 visitors passing through the Everest region in 2016. The Sherpa guides have suffered the consequences, however, as they are the ones tasked with collecting the gross amounts of waste left behind by tourists. They even threatened to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/mount-everest-is-so-crowded-this-year-there-are-traffic-jams/2017/05/03/7b4f4fe6-2f3c-11e7-a335-fa0ae1940305_story.html?utm_term=.bbc59305849d" target="_blank" rel="noopener">go on strike</a> in an effort to receive higher wages for their dangerous job. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/travel/15-places-have-been-ruined-tourism?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

International Travel

QEII's Platinum Jubilee memorabilia ruined by major typo

More than 10,000 items of royal memorabilia have been printed with a small, but very costly mistake. The cups, mugs and plates were commissioned by a British company to commemorate the Queen's upcoming Platinum Jubilee, but were printed with a glaring typo. Below a picture of Her Majesty, the words “To commemorate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II”, were meant to be printed.But instead, it read, “To commemorate the Platinum Jubbly of Queen Elizabeth II.”The typo is believed to be a result fo a translation error at a Chinese factory where the memorabilia was being manufactured. Due to the error, the items commemorating the Queen's 70 year reign were unable to be used for official use, and were bought by a wholesale company in the UK and listed for sale. “The manufacturers produced some wonderful souvenir items in an attempt to muscle in on the Queen’s upcoming Platinum Jubilee but were left high and dry when their fulfilment Partner in the UK decided they would not take the souvenir stock due to a translation error,” <a href="https://www.wholesaleclearance.co.uk/queens-platinum-jubliee-jubbly-souvenir-stock-with-slight-typo-mistake.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">Wholesale Clearance UK</a> said.The typo made the hosts of Sunrise laugh at the error on Thursday morning. “Love that” Natalie Barr said with a laugh.“Does jubbly mean the same in the UK as sort of the slang here in Australia?” Kochie asked, to which Natalie replied she’d never heard of the term.Kochie then quickly shut down questioning, denying he knew the definition of the word.The UK is set to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June.Image credits: Wholesale Clearance UK

Money & Banking

Has Novak's deportation ruined Australia's global reputation?

The world has turned its attention to the Australian government's handling of Novak Djokovic and his refusal to get vaccinated, in order to compete in the Australian Open. As the tennis champion was <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/djokovic-escorted-out-of-australia">deported from Melbourne</a> on Monday morning, many spectators of the saga have drawn attention to the Morrison Government's strict border policies. Greg Barns from the Australian Lawyers Alliance said it was “dangerous” and “Orwellian” and “deeply troubling in a society supposedly committed to freedom of speech and freedom of thought”. However, despite the <a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/serbia-s-reaction-to-djokovic-deportation" target="_blank">growing outrage</a> in Novak's native Serbia, the notion that the tennis player's deportation has harmed Australia's international reputation is a lie Aussie's should not have to face. Readers of international publications such as the New York Times, the BBC and NBC News have all celebrated the decision made by Immigration Minister Alex Hawke to cancel Novak's visa and uphold the strong Australian borders. The Immigration Minister's decision to cancel the visa was supported by the Federal Court of Australia, preventing the tennis champion from competing in the Australian Open. “I am so glad this happened! Australia has worked very hard to keep its citizens safe! Kudos to them,” one commenter wrote on a Times story. “Australia has every single right to enforce their rules and laws, even on celebrities. Get vaccinated,” another wrote. When the BBC shared the news of his deportation on Facebook, the majority of the comments were in support of the government's decision. “Glad they stood their ground, in the end of the day Novak is just another human who should obey the rules,” one person wrote. <div id="ad-block-4x4-1" class="w_unruly ad-block ad-custom unruly_insert_native_ad_here" data-type="unruly" data-ad-size="4x4" data-device-type="web" data-ad-tar="pos=1" data-ad-pos="1" data-google-query-id="CMaTzZ31t_UCFflCnQkdIy4Mow"> <div id="ad-block-2x2-1" data-google-query-id="CLnHxqT1t_UCFZCNjwodfvoFlg"> <div id="" class="story-content tg-tlc-storybody"> Others agreed, writing, “Well done Australia for doing the right thing. You proved once again that you don’t pander to those who try to cheat and lie. “They’ve done the right thing by their citizens, who have had to live under restrictions (like many of us) for some time now. So someone blatantly lying to avoid the rules isn’t OK. He should’ve done the decent things and gone home days ago.” Australian journalist Quentin Dempster wrote that the Morrison Government had no choice to deport Novak, given Australia's rising case numbers and hospitalisations. “This is a public health crisis,” he wrote on Twitter. “In a democracy free speech also comes with an ethical responsibility not to mislead or incite mass harm. Anti-vaxxers are doing just that. ICUs are clogged, people are dying.” Djokovic left Australia on a flight to Dubai on Sunday night after the full bench of the Federal Court of Australia ruled unanimously to kick him out of the country. Due to the visa restrictions, the world number one champion is banned from entering Australia for three years. Prime Minister Scott Morrison told Ben Fordham on 2GB on Monday that Novak "didn't have" a valid exemption to enter Australia unvaccinated. “He was wrong,’’ Mr Morrison said. “As simple as that. “He didn’t have one and that is the bottom line to that. “But the idea that someone could come and not follow those rules was just not on.” Image credits: Getty Images </div> </div> </div>

News

Man’s skin ruined after tanning injection disaster

Before a much anticipated holiday to Spain, 28-year-old Dylan Wright wanted to boost his golden tan. To get the glow he was searching for, he purchased $18 tanning injections, and administered two of them before leaving for the airport. However, at the end of his six-day trip, his complexion was a lot darker than he expected. Dylan says that looking back, he probably should’ve used only one syringe, but didn’t want to run the risk of bringing the injections through airport security. “I bought them before to make the most of the sun. I went on the sunbeds a bit before the holiday but didn’t take the injections until just before I left,” he told <a href="https://swns.com/">SWNS</a>. Sharing his story to TikTok, Dylan said he has been left with permanent physical reminders of the injections, and even experienced a cancer scare as a result. “The doctors called me an idiot and told me it’s a side effect from the drug, but now I’m stuck with [freckles],” he said. “I’ve got freckles like I’m in my 50s or 60s. It feels like my skin’s aged.” The injections contain a lab-made hormone called melanotan II to increase melanin production, but at the cost of lasting skin damage. Now that Dylan’s excessive tan has faded, he is trying to spread awareness of the dangers of tanning injections, and urging people to do their own research. “It’s really not worth it. There’s safer ways to tan, like fake tanning,” he said. “It gave me a wake-up call … It’s a classic case of being 20 and thinking you’re invincible.” Image credits: TikTok

Beauty & Style

Couple claim Gordon Ramsay ruined their wedding

A UK couple has claimed Gordon Ramsay turned their dream beach wedding into “a complete kitchen nightmare”. The celebrity chef took over a private resort to film his TV show, a decision that Charlie Willis, 35, and his then-bride Laura, 29 were left deeply horrified over. The couple told The Sun that they expected a luxurious private ceremony and gourmet meal that put them $2390 out of pocket at the exclusive Lusty Glaze Beach venue in Cornwall back in June. However, what was meant to be a day filled with love and joy, was anything but with the pair saying Ramsay and his crew who filmed his new TV show, Future Food Stars, “gatecrashed” their special day. Despite the cost of $90-a-head for their guests, Charlie and Laura said their wedding party had a “cheap and nasty” meal. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842255/gordon-ramsay-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/4f85fe6d90b84ee1816e6ca13c8c5c1d" /> “The whole thing was a complete kitchen nightmare,” the groom told the UK paper. “We had both worked so hard to save for that day and we felt like extras on a game show,” Willis said. Ramsay’s executive producer, Sharon Powers, apologised to the newlyweds and paid for their ruined wedding. “I am mortified that we affected your special day and I can assure you that it was never our intention to upset you or your guests,” Powers’ letter said, according to The Sun. “As you are aware, we have now paid for your wedding in full, which I hope goes some way towards making amends and acknowledging how sorry I am that your special day was affected, albeit unintentionally, by us.” A spokesman for the Lusty Glaze private beach acknowledged the “very unusual” circumstances but told The Sun that the wedding party had not secured exclusive use of the beach. Ramsay’s spokesperson insisted to the Daily Mail that “there was no gate crashing”. “Studio Ramsay [was] booked to film on the beach the same day as various weddings and events were taking place,” the spokesperson said. “It’s a real shame this couple are still complaining. Their bill was generously covered, they happily chatted with Gordon on the day, they didn’t have exclusive use of the beach and all the other beachgoers had a really great time joining in on & off camera.”

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These 11 simple everyday things could be ruining your hearing

“People don’t understand boundaries”: Woman ruins couple’s romantic proposal

How $10,000 lottery win ruined a wedding

Destructive dog ruins owner’s cherished Monstera

7 nighttime habits that ruin your hair

Don’t let financial shame be your ruin: open conversations can help ease the burden of personal deb

Renovating your home could ruin your relationship… but it doesn’t have to

Fat Bear Winner: ‘747’ lays b-ruin to rivals despite fishy voting

Bride calls out mother for ruining dress reveal

12 suitcase packing mistakes that could ruin your holiday

12 suitcase packing mistakes that could ruin your holiday

5 ways you didn’t know you are ruining your sheets

Pompeii’s ancient ruins guarded by a robot “dog”

Lismore flood victims dump ruined belongings outside PM’s house

14 laundry myths that are ruining your clothes

15 places that have been ruined by tourism

QEII's Platinum Jubilee memorabilia ruined by major typo

Has Novak's deportation ruined Australia's global reputation?

Man’s skin ruined after tanning injection disaster

Couple claim Gordon Ramsay ruined their wedding

News

Shop

Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Property

Information

Keep up to date

Search

These 11 simple everyday things could be ruining your hearing

“People don’t understand boundaries”: Woman ruins couple’s romantic proposal

How $10,000 lottery win ruined a wedding

Destructive dog ruins owner’s cherished Monstera

7 nighttime habits that ruin your hair

Don’t let financial shame be your ruin: open conversations can help ease the burden of personal deb

Renovating your home could ruin your relationship… but it doesn’t have to

Fat Bear Winner: ‘747’ lays b-ruin to rivals despite fishy voting

Bride calls out mother for ruining dress reveal

12 suitcase packing mistakes that could ruin your holiday

12 suitcase packing mistakes that could ruin your holiday

5 ways you didn’t know you are ruining your sheets

Pompeii’s ancient ruins guarded by a robot “dog”

Lismore flood victims dump ruined belongings outside PM’s house

14 laundry myths that are ruining your clothes

15 places that have been ruined by tourism

QEII's Platinum Jubilee memorabilia ruined by major typo

Has Novak's deportation ruined Australia's global reputation?

Man’s skin ruined after tanning injection disaster

Couple claim Gordon Ramsay ruined their wedding

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