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Women’s police stations in Australia: would they work for ‘all’ women?

<p>Proposals to expand <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07uv0o32_Kw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">police powers</a>, to <a href="https://www.lawyersweekly.com.au/politics/31799-coercive-control-to-be-criminalised-in-nsw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">criminalise coercive control</a> and to establish specialist women’s police stations have all occupied a prominent place in Australia’s recent debate about responses to violence against women.</p> <p>The proposal to establish women’s police stations has received a strong platform in mainstream media and academic journals. It has also featured in debates on policy development, such as in the <a href="https://www.womenstaskforce.qld.gov.au/submissions/discussion-paper-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce</a> currently underway in Queensland.</p> <p>In the local and global movement for Black and Indigenous lives where associated campaigns are asking the public to scrutinise police powers and to discuss defunding police, many Australian feminists have been advocating for punitive solutions to domestic violence.</p> <p>But there is currently no credible evidence to support the implementation of women’s police stations, and the research underpinning the proposal in Australia is problematic in several ways.</p> <p><strong>What are women’s police stations?</strong></p> <p>Specialist women’s police stations are designed to respond specifically to violence against women. They have been a feature of policing in Argentina, Brazil and other Latin American countries since the late 1980s, as well as parts of Africa and Asia.</p> <figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/419488/original/file-20210906-17-aqtla2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/419488/original/file-20210906-17-aqtla2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=758&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/419488/original/file-20210906-17-aqtla2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=758&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/419488/original/file-20210906-17-aqtla2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=758&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/419488/original/file-20210906-17-aqtla2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=952&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/419488/original/file-20210906-17-aqtla2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=952&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/419488/original/file-20210906-17-aqtla2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=952&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="All Women Police Station Tiruvannamalai, India." /><figcaption><em>All Women Police Station Tiruvannamalai, India. <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:AllWomenPoliceStation_Tiruvannamalai1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wikimedia</a></em></figcaption></figure> <p>Some women’s police stations adopt a “multidisciplinary” approach to policing domestic violence. They are staffed with teams of police who work alongside social workers, psychologists and lawyers. However, women’s police stations are still police stations.</p> <p>They vary in appearance, with some colourfully designed with play rooms for children and welcome rooms that are decorated with <a href="https://www.crimejusticejournal.com/article/view/1494/872" target="_blank" rel="noopener">flowers and murals</a>.</p> <p>Their mandate is to provide services for women. It’s unclear whether the stations provide support for people who identify as women outside of the cis-gender binary.</p> <p>What does the research say?</p> <p>To date, Australian news reporting on women’s police stations has relied almost exclusively on research led by Australian criminologist Kerry Carrington.</p> <p>Journalists and commentators have frequently used this research to report on and advocate for the establishment of women’s police stations in Australia. Investigative journalist Jess Hill <a href="https://meanjin.com.au/essays/a-thin-blue-line/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">states</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p>We don’t get cops to fight fires or drive ambulances, because that’s considered specialist work. So why don’t we just take the police who love responding to family violence […] and create a parallel force? […] It’s a proven model that’s existed across Latin America (and various other countries) for 35 years.</p> </blockquote> <p>The evidence presented in favour of women’s police stations is largely drawn from two original studies. Both studies were led by Professor Carrington at the Queensland University of Technology.</p> <p>The first was a study undertaken <a href="https://www.crimejusticejournal.com/article/view/1494" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in Argentina</a> over a three-month period.</p> <p>This research included interviews with 100 employees from ten women’s police stations in the Buenos Aires province of Argentina. The research participants represented were selected by the province’s <a href="http://www.policia.mseg.gba.gov.ar/superintendencia_poldegenero/listadoscomisarias.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ministry of Security</a> - who the police station reports to.</p> <p>The second study drew on the findings of 2 surveys conducted <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10439463.2021.1956925?src=" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in Australia</a> on attitudes towards the proposal of women’s police stations.</p> <p>These two surveys were: one “workforce” survey, which was distributed to Australian police officers, non-governmental organisations and case workers; the second “community” survey, with recruitment of Australian adults via Facebook advertising.</p> <p>The second <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10439463.2021.1956925?src=%20page%202" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study found</a> people thought women’s police stations could improve the policing of gender violence in Indigenous communities in Australia if staffed by appropriately trained teams working from both gender and culturally sensitive perspectives.</p> <p>The authors of the study concluded:</p> <blockquote> <p>adapted to an Australian context where Indigenous women are many times more likely to experience domestic family violence, these specialist police stations will need to be appropriately staffed by Indigenous and non-Indigenous officers trained to work from both gender and culturally sensitive perspectives.</p> </blockquote> <p><strong>Issues with the studies</strong></p> <p>There are several concerns with both studies.</p> <p>In relation to the study in Argentina - all 100 of the participants were paid employees of the two police stations being researched. Police officers made up 79%, and 21% were <a href="https://www.crimejusticejournal.com/article/view/1494" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lawyers, social workers or psychologists</a> employed by or otherwise engaged with the two police stations selected for the study.</p> <p>The study doesn’t consider how the research participants’ statuses as employees of the police stations may have influenced their views.</p> <p>A second concern is the study didn’t include interviews with survivors or their families or support networks. It also didn’t include interviews with the communities where the stations were located.</p> <p>A third limitation (which the authors <a href="https://www.crimejusticejournal.com/article/view/1494" target="_blank" rel="noopener">acknowledge</a>), is the study does not examine whether these police stations reduced crime rates, statistics of domestic violence or apprehended violence orders.</p> <p>In addition, no data is supplied about important factors to assess the claims of the benefit of women’s police stations in other matters related to domestic violence. Such as whether women’s police stations increase access to legal supports or whether they improve a person’s ability to report violence.</p> <p>Finally, neither study examines whether there was a reduction in crime rates or statistics of domestic violence, femicide or apprehended violence orders.</p> <p>It is difficult to assess the effectiveness of women’s police stations without this data.</p> <p><strong>Evidence to suggest women’s police stations don’t work</strong></p> <p>Evaluations of women’s police stations have had mixed results. For example, <a href="https://politicalsciencenow.com/do-all-women-police-stations-help-address-violence-against-women/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one recent evidence summary in India</a> found “all-women police stations did not improve services for gender violence victims”. <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/american-political-science-review/article/gender-law-enforcement-and-access-to-justice-evidence-from-allwomen-police-stations-in-india/A93960403DE5B1AF497740888BE2B1B2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">It found</a> no improvement in reporting or accountability with respect to women’s police stations in India.</p> <p>And there is evidence to suggest women’s police stations are not free from discrimination and violence, such as <a href="https://bibliotecavirtual.unl.edu.ar/publicaciones/index.php/DelitoYSociedad/article/download/9330/12657/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reports of transphobia</a>.</p> <p>This paper from Spanish-language journal Delito y Sociedad in 2020, reported female officers associated with La Plata women’s police station apprehended and publicly searched ten transgender women. The women said they were threatened with being shot if they moved). They stated four of them were detained for no reason other than their visibility as trans women.</p> <p>The event <a href="https://www.facebook.com/otransarg/photos/a.506820586011953/1582263801800954/?type=3&amp;theater" target="_blank" rel="noopener">led to</a> widespread condemnation of the La Plata women’s police station by transgender advocacy groups, particularly as station staff at that time included a trans woman.</p> <p>There is also the death of <a href="https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/video/rojas-buenos-aires-argentina-feminicidioursula-bahillo-milagros-almiron-denuncia-comisaria-mujer-cnn-primera/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Úrsula Bahillo</a> that indicates these police stations aren’t always effective with protecting people who experience domestic violence.</p> <p>Bahillo reported violence from her policeman boyfriend to a woman’s police station on at least <a href="https://elpais.com/sociedad/2021-02-11/el-feminicidio-de-ursula-bahillo-pone-en-la-mira-a-la-policia-argentina.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">18 separate occasions</a>. She died three days after reporting her case to a women’s police station in Buenos Aires province in February this year.</p> <p>La Capital <a href="https://www.lacapital.com.ar/policiales/femicidio-rojas-la-madre-ursula-dijo-que-la-policia-no-actuo-el-pedido-auxilio-su-hija-n2640782.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> Bahillo’s family stated the women’s police station “did nothing.”</p> <p><a href="https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-56093328" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC Mundo</a> notes that:</p> <blockquote> <p>Úrsula Bahillo’s case became notorious for the repeated times she asked for help, denounced her aggressor [to police] and was not listened to.</p> </blockquote> <p>Policing studies conducted in <a href="http://services.cambridge.org/us/academic/subjects/sociology/criminology/changing-police-culture-policing-multicultural-society?format=PB&amp;isbn=9780521564557" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australia</a> and <a href="https://oxford.universitypressscholarship.com/view/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199560905.001.0001/acprof-9780199560905" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the UK</a> suggest simply increasing the number of female police officers will never be enough to improve discriminatory policing.</p> <p>Despite female leadership in policing in Queensland, there have still been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/jul/13/queensland-police-investigated-after-sexist-racist-and-homophobic-facebook-posts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reports</a> of sexism and racism among police, including police posting on social media that women lie about domestic violence.</p> <p><strong>What about Black and Indigenous women?</strong></p> <p>We found very little research on the experiences of Black and Indigenous women with women’s police stations, besides one <a href="https://www.endvawnow.org/uploads/browser/files/security_wps_case_study.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2010 report</a>, looking at Latin America, which observed:</p> <blockquote> <p>Indigenous and Afro-descendent women have limited access [to women’s police stations] because few operators come from or understand those cultures and few speak their languages.</p> </blockquote> <p>Indigenous advocates have repeatedly drawn attention to the police failure to protect <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-10-06/jody-gore-release-domestic-violence-indigenous-aboriginal-women/11570042" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indigenous women and families</a>.</p> <p>An example of this involves the case of Tiffany Paterson, an Aboriginal woman from the Northern Territory who was violently assaulted after the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lawreport/ciivil-actions-against-police-by-crime-victims/5325170" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Northern Territory Police</a> failed to protect her. Tiffany, who survived the attack, later sued the Northern Territory Police on the grounds of negligence and settled on confidential terms.</p> <p>It is broadly understood in Indigenous communities that police stations are not safe places for Indigenous people. They are also not safe for Indigenous people to <a href="https://theconversation.com/carceral-feminism-and-coercive-control-when-indigenous-women-arent-seen-as-ideal-victims-witnesses-or-women-161091" target="_blank" rel="noopener">call upon</a> for assistance, with domestic or <a href="https://www.sistersinside.com.au/the-state-as-abuser-coercive-control-in-the-colony/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">state-sanctioned violence</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.lowitja.org.au/content/Document/PDF/First%20_Response_FINAL_WEB.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">We know</a> Indigenous families and communities are often frontline responders to domestic violence. Indigenous women are more likely to report violence or seek support from staff within Indigenous organisations, not police nor non-Indigenous services.</p> <p>We <a href="https://www.familyisculture.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/726329/Family-Is-Culture-Review-Report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">know</a> policing of domestic violence plays a significant role in the removal of Indigenous children from their families. The deep mistrust of police within Indigenous communities is acknowledged by <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15614263.2020.1759058" target="_blank" rel="noopener">police themselves</a>.</p> <p><strong>Why women’s police stations are not the answer</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.anrows.org.au/project/improving-family-violence-legal-and-support-services-for-indigenous-women/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Literature</a> produced with Indigenous communities by Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars in Australia points to <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1524838020985571" target="_blank" rel="noopener">concrete alternatives</a> for Indigenous women and families experiencing violence.</p> <p>This includes <a href="https://20ian81kynqg38bl3l3eh8bf-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Blagg-RR-LawCulture.1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">community-based services</a> and <a href="https://www.anrows.org.au/project/improving-family-violence-legal-and-support-services-for-indigenous-women/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">culturally safe</a> legal support services.</p> <p>White feminists must listen to Indigenous peoples and organisations who are at the frontline delivering evidence-based <a href="https://djirra.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/VicHealth_Evaluation-of-Young-Luv-Program-PVAW_26.06.2017.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">early intervention</a> and <a href="https://www.tangfamilyviolenceprevention.com.au/uploads/pdfs/Matrix_TWFSG-Evaluation-Final.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">prevention services</a>, as well as Indigenous researchers with lived experience.</p> <p>All those who have previously supported women’s police stations should read this important work and reconsider their position. Now is a crucial time for these discussions, on the 30 year anniversary of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, and with Indigenous incarceration rates increasing and the preparation of a new ten year National Plan to address violence against women and children.</p> <hr /> <p><em>Correction: this piece originally stated the Delito y Sociedad journal is Spanish, rather than Spanish language, and listed the incorrect publication year. Also, one study was referred to twice as separate studies, this has been corrected.</em><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/165873/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/amanda-porter-151286" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amanda Porter</a>, Senior Fellow (Indigenous Programs), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The University of Melbourne</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ann-louise-deslandes-139599" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ann Louise Deslandes</a>, Independent journalist, writer and researcher, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Sydney</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/crystal-mckinnon-1173904" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Crystal McKinnon</a>, Indigenous Research Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RMIT University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/marlene-longbottom-1258846" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marlene Longbottom</a>, Aboriginal Postdoctoral Research Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Wollongong</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/womens-police-stations-in-australia-would-they-work-for-all-women-165873" target="_blank" rel="noopener">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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The International Space Station to crash to Earth in 2030

<p dir="ltr">The International Space Station is expected to stay in operation until the end of 2030, after which time it will be crashed into a remote part of the Pacific Ocean, <a href="https://7news.com.au/technology/space/nasa-to-retire-the-international-space-station-by-2031-by-crashing-it-into-the-pacific-ocean-c-5549714" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according</a> to newly published plans from NASA.</p><p dir="ltr">Since its launch in 2000, the ISS has orbited 227 nautical miles (420.4 kilometres) above Earth, during which time more than 200 astronauts from 19 countries enjoyed stints aboard.</p><p dir="ltr">After 2030, NASA said the ISS would be replaced by commercially operated space platforms as a venue for collaboration and scientific research.</p><p dir="ltr">“The private sector is technically and financially capable of developing and operating commercial low-Earth orbit destinations, with NASA’s assistance,” Phil McAlister, director of commercial space at NASA, said in a <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-provides-updated-international-space-station-transition-plan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a>.</p><p dir="ltr">“We look forward to sharing our lessons learned and operations experience with the private sector to help them develop safe, reliable, and cost-effective destinations in space.</p><p dir="ltr">“The report we have delivered to Congress describes, in detail, our comprehensive plan for ensuring a smooth transition to commercial destinations after retirement of the International Space Station in 2030.”</p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-ddb56a6d-7fff-9f23-f423-5f64adf3a599"></span></p><p dir="ltr">In the International Space Station Transition Report produced by NASA, the organisation said the plan was for the ISS to fall to Earth and land in an area called the South Pacific Ocean Uninhabited Area - also known as Point Nemo.</p><p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/space-iss1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p><p dir="ltr"><em>The International Space Station has been the source of many scientific innovations and firsts, including the first chilli peppers to be grown in space (Pictured). Image: NASA</em></p><p dir="ltr">Named after the submarine operator in Jules Verne’s novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, Point Nemo is an area in the ocean that is the farthest from land.</p><p dir="ltr">The area is approximately 4800 kilometres from the eastern coast of New Zealand and 3200 kilometres north of Antarctica.</p><p dir="ltr">The ISS won’t be the first to make Point Nemo its final resting place, with estimates that more than 263 pieces of space debris have been sunk there by the US, Russia, Japan, and European countries since 1971.</p><p dir="ltr">According to the report, the ISS is expected to deorbit in January 2031 and perform thrusting manoeuvres to ensure a “safe atmospheric entry”.</p><p dir="ltr">Though an end date has been set, work will continue on the ISS until the very end, with NASA saying goals for the space lab include using it as an “analog for a Mars transit mission”.</p><p dir="ltr">“The International Space Station is entering its third and most productive decade as a groundbreaking scientific platform in microgravity,” Robyn Gatens, the director of the ISS at NASA Headquarters, said in a statement.</p><p dir="ltr">“This third decade is one of results, building on our successful global partnership to verify exploration and human research technologies to support deep space exploration, continue to return medical and environmental benefits to humanity, and lay the groundwork for a commercial future in low-Earth orbit.</p><p dir="ltr">“We look forward to maximising these returns from the space station through 2030 while planning for transition to commercial space destinations that will follow.”</p><p dir="ltr">During its time in orbit, the ISS has been home to many scientific firsts in space, including the first items to be 3D-printed, the first sequencing of DNA, and growing of lettuces, radishes and chillies.</p><p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-1cd41515-7fff-ce61-9732-a28d780a7c98"></span></p><p dir="ltr"><em>Image: NASA</em></p>

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Private space stations are coming. Will they be better than their predecessors?

<p>A new era of space stations is about to kick off. NASA has announced <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2021/12/02/nasa-awards-blue-origin-nanoracks-northrop-grumman-over-400m-in-contracts-to-avoid-space-station-gap/">three commercial space station proposals</a> for development, joining an earlier proposal by Axiom Space.</p> <p>These proposals are the first attempts to create places for humans to live and work in space outside the framework of government space agencies. They’re part of what has been called “<a href="https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Ministerial_Council_2016/What_is_space_4.0">Space 4.0</a>”, where space technology is driven by commercial opportunities. Many believe this is what it will take to get humans to Mars and beyond.</p> <p>There are currently two occupied space stations in low Earth orbit (less than 2,000km above Earth’s surface), both belonging to space agencies. The <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-live-in-space-what-weve-learned-from-20-years-of-the-international-space-station-144851">International Space Station</a> (ISS) has been occupied since November 2000 with a typical population of seven crew members. The first module of the <a href="https://theconversation.com/chinas-tiangong-space-station-what-it-is-what-its-for-and-how-to-see-it-160456">Chinese station Tiangong</a> was launched in April 2021, and is intermittently occupied by three crew.</p> <p>The ISS, however, is slated to retire at the end of the decade, after nearly 30 years in orbit. It has been an important symbol of international cooperation following the “space race” rivalry of the Cold War, and the first truly long-term space habitat.</p> <p>Plans for multiple private space stations represent a major shift in how space will be used. But will these stations change the way people live in space, or replicate the traditions of earlier space habitats?</p> <p><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429467/original/file-20211031-37244-mfcrm6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="A photo of the International Space Station in orbit over the Earth." /> <span class="caption">The International Space Station, humanity’s most intensively inhabited site in space.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">NASA</span></span></p> <h2>Commercialising life in space</h2> <p>The change is driven by NASA’s support for commercialising space. This emphasis really started about a decade ago with the development of private cargo services to supply the ISS, like SpaceX’s Cargo Dragon, and private vehicles to deliver astronauts to orbit and the Moon, such as SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, Boeing’s Starliner, and Lockheed Martin’s Orion capsules.</p> <p>Start-up Axiom Space <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-selects-first-commercial-destination-module-for-international-space-station">was awarded a $140 million contract by NASA in February 2020</a> for a private module to be attached to the ISS. Axiom announced <a href="https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3074926/inside-nasas-new-space-home-why-philippe-starck">Philippe Starck</a> will design a luxurious interior.</p> <p>Starck compares it to “a nest, a comfortable and friendly egg”. There’s also a huge viewing area with two-metre-high windows for tourists to look out at Earth and space.</p> <p>The first module is due to be delivered to the ISS in 2024 or 2025, with others following each year. By the time the ISS is decommissioned around 2030, Axiom’s modules will become a free-flying station.</p> <p>Axiom has signed <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2021/07/15/thales-alenia-space-to-develop-pressurized-modules-for-axioms-private-space-station/">a contract with French-Italian contractor Thales Alenia Space</a>, which built close to 50% of the ISS’s habitable volume for NASA and the European Space Agency, to produce its habitat.</p> <p><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429468/original/file-20211031-21-n12kst.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="Several modules, including a large viewing module, all labeled with the corporate logo of Axiom Space are added to the front of the International Space Station in this concept image" /> <span class="caption">An artist’s rendering of the new modules Axiom Space plans to add to the International Space Station in coming years.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Axiom Space</span></span></p> <p>But there’s more. <a href="https://www.universetoday.com/153491/nasa-plans-to-retire-the-space-station-in-2030-and-replace-it-with-commercially-owned-destinations-in-low-earth-orbit/">Three other groups have just been selected</a> for the first phase of NASA’s Commercial LEO Destinations competition to build free-flying space stations to replace ISS.</p> <p>First, a group composed of Nanoracks, Voyager Space, and Lockheed Martin proposed <a href="https://nanoracks.com/starlab/">a station called Starlab</a> to provide research, manufacturing, and tourism opportunities. This was almost immediately followed by <a href="https://www.orbitalreef.com/">a competing project called Orbital Reef</a>, by Blue Origin, Sierra Space, and Boeing. <a href="http://spaceref.com/commercial-space/northrop-grumman-signs-agreement-with-nasa-to-design-space-station-for-low-earth-orbit.html">A third project, by Northrop Grumman</a>, will be made of modules based on its existing Cygnus cargo vehicle.</p> <p><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429465/original/file-20211031-15-1dnr791.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="A corporate convention display booth with a giant photograph of a space station." /> <span class="caption">The Lockheed Martin display at the 2021 International Astronautical Congress, with a billboard advertising the Starlab space station.</span></p> <h2>But how are space stations actually used?</h2> <p>Less clear is whether the private space stations will be more liveable than earlier generations of space stations, like Salyut, Mir, and ISS.</p> <p>Typically, older space stations were designed to meet engineering constraints rather than starting with crew comfort. What lessons have been learned to make life better in space?</p> <p>Until recently, there was little research that focused on the lived experience of astronauts on space stations. That’s where social science approaches, such as the ones we are using in <a href="https://issarchaeology.org/">the International Space Station Archaeological Project</a>, come in.</p> <p>Since 2015, we have developed new, data-driven understandings of how ISS crew adapt to life in a context of confinement, isolation, and microgravity. We observe and measure their interactions with built spaces and the objects surrounding them. What are the patterns of usage of different spaces and items?</p> <p>Asking these kinds of questions reveals information never considered in habitat design before. It turns out the crew don’t necessarily use the spaces inside the ISS the way they were designed - for example, they personalise different areas with visual displays of items that reflect their beliefs, interests, and identity.</p> <p><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/435479/original/file-20211203-15-96svlw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="" /> <span class="caption">In this image from March 2009, two astronauts and a space tourist are seen in the Russian ISS module Zvezda. Behind them are a variety of different items placed by the crew over time.</span></p> <p>The crew also doesn’t use all spaces inside ISS equally. People from different genders, nationalities, and space agencies appear in some modules more than others among the 16 that make up the station. These patterns are related to the way work is divided up between crews and agencies, as well as the layout of the modules themselves.</p> <p>One big challenge of life in orbit is the lack of gravity. Objects like handrails, Velcro, bungee cords, and resealable plastic bags act as “gravity surrogates” by fixing objects in place while everything else floats around. Our research is mapping how crew adapt these gravity surrogates to make their activities more efficient, and how the placement of the surrogates changes the way different spaces are used.</p> <h2>Society and culture in space</h2> <p>Even with added luxury features like large windows, designers and engineers have a long way to go to make space stations efficient, comfortable, and welcoming, especially for the predicted space tourism market.</p> <p>The plans for privately-owned and -operated space stations are undeniably ambitious and could transform how humans live in this environment. But it’s likely that the companies working on them don’t yet know what they don’t know about how people actually use space habitats.</p> <p>Only by turning towards new kinds of questions and research from a social and cultural perspective will they be able to make real changes that can improve mission success and crew well-being.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/170871/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><span><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/justin-st-p-walsh-1154589">Justin St. P. Walsh</a>, Associate professor of art history and archaeology, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/chapman-university-1804">Chapman University</a></em> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alice-gorman-4234">Alice Gorman</a>, Associate Professor in Archaeology and Space Studies, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/flinders-university-972">Flinders University</a></em></span></p> <p>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/private-space-stations-are-coming-will-they-be-better-than-their-predecessors-170871">original article</a>.</p> <p><em>Image: <span class="attribution"><a href="https://www.starck.com/axiom-space-station-s-habitation-module-axiom-space-p3405" class="source">Philippe Starck / Axiom Space</a></span> </em></p>

International Travel

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Radio station apologises for mistakenly declaring death of Queen Elizabeth

<p>A French radio station has deeply apologised for posting an obituary stating that Queen Elizabeth II had died.</p> <p>RFI stressed out royal fans with the news, stating that she had passed away at 94.</p> <p>The obituary had been prepared in draft form so it's ready in the event of the Queen's death, which is a common practice in the media.</p> <p>Other stars who had passed away included Clint Eastwood, 90, Sophia Loren, 86 and Brigitte Bardot, 86.</p> <p>The obituaries were quickly pulled down.</p> <p>It read: "A technical problem has resulted in the publication of numerous obituaries on our French site.</p> <p>"We are working to rectify this serious bug, and we apologise to all concerned as well as those who follow us and put their trust in us."</p> <p>Jessica Phelan, a journalist for Italian news site <em>The Local Italy</em> took a screenshot of the fake obituaries before they were taken down.</p> <p>She shared a photo of the obituaries on Twitter along with the caption: "Solidarity with former colleagues @RFI, which just accidentally published stacks of draft obits for people who are very much not dead—inc Queen Elizabeth, Raul Castro, Brigitte Bardot &amp; more—complete with dates they were last updated &amp; alternative leads if they die of Covid-19."</p> <p>Luckily for royal fans, the Queen is alive and well whilst navigating the coronavirus pandemic.</p> <p>She's currently in lockdown with Prince Philip at Windsor Castle with essential staff after the UK goes into lockdown for a second time.</p>

Retirement Life

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How the world has turned against Michael Jackson after Leaving Neverland documentary

<p>As the controversial new documentary <em>Leaving Neverland</em> hit Australian televisions late last week, the documentary has already had a ripple effect all around the globe.</p> <p>The film documents the experiences of two men who claim that they were sexually abused by Jackson when they were young.</p> <p>The documentary is four hours in total and goes into explicit detail about the Neverland Ranch, as well as the experiences of the two men and what treatment Jackson inflicted upon them.</p> <p>The reactions around the world have divided people into two camps. One camp is saying that they can no longer support Jackson and are questioning why this was allowed to go on for so long. Others have said that since Jackson is unable to defend himself due to his death, this is unfair and tarnishes the star’s name.</p> <p>No matter what you believe, many celebrities around the world, as well as prolific TV shows and radio stations, are removing Michael Jackson from their brand, lineup and playlists.</p> <p><strong><em>The Simpsons</em><span> </span>have cut an iconic episode that used Jackson’s voice</strong></p> <p>The producers of<span> </span><em>The Simpsons</em><span> </span>have felt that they have no other choice after the airing of the documentary.</p> <p>The episode “Stark Raving Dad” was aired in 1991 and featured a mental patient that was voiced by Jackson who meets Homer Simpson in a mental institution. The episode will be removed from streaming services and from future DVD sets.</p> <p>The executive producer of the show, James L. Brooks, stands by his choice.</p> <p>“It feels like the only choice to make” Brooks told <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/simpsons-episode-featuring-michael-jacksons-voice-to-be-pulled-11552007802">The Wall Street Journal</a>.</p> <p><strong>Radio stations pull Michael Jackson songs</strong></p> <p>Radio stations across the world have responded to the documentary. In Australia, Smooth and Nova have decided not to play any Jackson songs.</p> <p>Nova Entertainment group program director Paul Jackson explained to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/aussie-radio-station-pulls-michael-jackson-songs-due-to-leaving-neverland-20190307-p512d6.html" target="_blank">News Corp their decision</a>:</p> <p>“The decisions we make about the music we play on any of our stations are dependent on the relevance to the audience and the current context,” he said in a statement.</p> <p>“In light of what is happening at the moment, smoothfm is not currently playing any Michael Jackson songs.”</p> <p><strong>Oprah believes Jackson accusers</strong></p> <p>Celebrity talk show host Oprah Winfrey hosted an hour-long interview with the men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who say that Jackson abused them as minors.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BueBlRQgiZA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BueBlRQgiZA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">@Oprah reveals the reason she wanted to film #AfterNeverland. Tune in to the two-part @HBO doc #LeavingNeverland on HBO March 3 &amp; 4th - then watch #AfterNeverland, a one-hour special Monday at 10 pm.</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/owntv/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Oprah Winfrey Network</a> (@owntv) on Mar 1, 2019 at 6:37am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Winfrey calls sexual abuse “a scourge on humanity” and has said that “this moment transcends Michael Jackson. It’s much bigger than any one person”.</p> <p>Robson, now 36, explains his side:</p> <p>“He told me it was love,</p> <p>“He told me that he loved me and that God brought us together. Michael was God to me.”</p> <p>Safechuck, 41, also had the same kind of experience.</p> <p>“[Jackson] would cry for you, or he would cry because he’s so lonely. You want to be there for him.”</p> <p><strong>Jackson’s walk of fame star under strict watch</strong></p> <p>Police are monitoring Jackson’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles amid fears it could be vandalised.</p> <p>Police in LA <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tmz.com/2019/03/05/michael-jackson-hollywood-walk-of-fame-star-leaving-neverland/" target="_blank">told TMZ</a> they are doing extra patrols of the area after the airing of the documentary.</p> <p><strong>Cory Feldman can’t back Jackson anymore   </strong></p> <p>In an interview <a rel="noopener" href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/03/05/entertainment/corey-feldman-michael-jackson/index.html" target="_blank">with CNN</a>, Feldman said he can no longer defend Jackson from sex abuse allegations.</p> <p>“I don’t want to be perceived as I’m here to defend Michael because I can no longer do that.</p> <p>“I cannot in good consciousness defend anyone who’s being accused of such horrendous crimes, but at the same time, I’m also not here to judge him because he did not do those things to me and that was not my experience.”</p> <p>Feldman also explained that his experience with Jackson didn’t match up with the documentary.</p> <p>“As I’m watching it, I’m going, 'This doesn’t make sense to me, this isn’t the guy that I knew,'” Feldman said.</p> <p>“But look, I’m a guy that at 14 years old was molested, did have a paedophile completely lie to me about who he was.</p> <p>“I trusted him. I believed in him as a friend, and I thought he was a good person and then he molested me. It all proves that I’m not the best judge and that’s why I shouldn’t be the judge in this situation.”</p>

Music

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Should this classic Christmas song be banned? Radio stations pull the plug on yuletide tune

<p>It’s one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time, but<span> </span><em>Baby, It’s Cold Outside</em><span> </span>has come under fire as feminists are demanding for the song to be banned from radio stations claiming the lyrics promote date rape.</p> <p>Stations in the US and UK have already begun taking it off air as campaigners have slammed the song as inappropriate, and now radio channels around the world are being pressured into following the same path.</p> <p>But despite the outrage, many feminists have rejected to take part in the protest as they say those disagreeing with the song need to lighten up.</p> <p>Originally written in 1944, the Academy Award-winning song has been reproduced by singers such as Michael Bublé and Dean Martin.</p> <p>The song tells the story of a man who is attempting to get a woman to stay with him and was first featured in the 1949 film<span> </span><em>Neptune’s Daughter</em>starring Esther Williams and Ricardo Montalban.</p> <p>A line that is causing offence is: “Say what’s in this drink? No cabs to be had out there,” with those who disagree with the song's message claiming the line implies drink spiking.</p> <p>Another line that has caused a stir is: “I ought to say no, no, no – Mind if I move in closer?”, which has come under fire for promoting non-consensual sex.</p> <p>Appearing on UK breakfast show<span> </span><em>Good Morning Britain</em>, feminist Daisy Buchanan raised the issue by saying: “This is a song about trying to get away from a man and being assaulted. She’s trying to say no.”</p> <p>But host Piers Morgan wasn’t having any of it, as he refuted the claim by saying: “Radical feminists like you want to suck the joy out of everything and make this look like sexual assault. She gave consent, she stayed. Do you not read the lyrics? She’s flirting with him.”</p> <p>Speaking to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/has-the-pc-brigade-gone-too-far/news-story/b020b05ebe476425ea10464d4cc666b9" target="_blank"><em>The Daily Telegraph</em></a>, Anna Kerr, from Sydney’s Feminist Legal Clinic, says the lyrics of the acclaimed song are “definitely creepy".</p> <p>“There is even a line that seems to subtly reference the female being drugged by the male,” she said. “Songs that normalise and even celebrate predatory sexual behaviour by men are never OK.”</p> <p>Agreeing with those sentiments is Jazzlyn Breen, from the University of Sydney Women’s Collective.</p> <p>“In this day and age, especially in the light of #MeToo movement, I find it really unnerving that people would enjoy listening to content which insinuates the use of date rape drugs,” she told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/has-the-pc-brigade-gone-too-far/news-story/b020b05ebe476425ea10464d4cc666b9" target="_blank"><em>The Daily Telegraph</em></a>.</p> <p>But controversial author and sex therapist Bettina Arndt considers the entire controversy to be ridiculous.</p> <p>“This … ludicrous campaign against a funny, traditional Christmas song is the reason people are turning off feminism,” she said.</p> <p>“It’s a sweet, light hearted portrayal of a man trying to seduce a woman – nothing more. Why are we taking any notice of this tiny group of narrow-minded, man-hating nut cases who see this as date rape? Ordinary people still enjoy this type of light hearted banter and flirtation and need to stand up against the puritanical feminists.”</p> <p>People took to Twitter to share their own opinions of the song, with one user saying: “The song Baby It’s Cold Outside is about rape … I’m disturbed.”</p> <p>But another disagreed, saying: “Christmas songs being offensive and banning them, is bloody ridiculous.”</p> <p>Do you think<span> </span><em>Baby It’s Cold Outside</em><span> </span>insinuates date rape? Decide for yourself below:</p> <p><strong><em>Baby, It’s Cold Outside</em><span> </span>song lyrics</strong></p> <p>I really can’t stay (Baby it’s cold outside)</p> <p>I gotta go away (Baby it’s cold outside)</p> <p>This evening has been (Been hoping that you’d dropped in)</p> <p>So very nice (I’ll hold your hands they’re just like ice)</p> <p>My mother will start to worry (Beautiful what’s your hurry?)</p> <p>My father will be pacing the floor (Listen to the fireplace roar)</p> <p>So really I’d better scurry (Beautiful please don’t hurry)</p> <p>Well maybe just a half a drink more (I’ll put some records on while I pour)</p> <p>The neighbours might think (Baby it’s bad out there)</p> <p>Say what’s in this drink? (No cabs to be had out there)</p> <p>I wish I knew how (Your eyes are like starlight now)</p> <p>To break this spell (I’ll take your hat, your hair looks swell) (Why thank you)</p> <p>I ought to say no, no, no sir (Mind if move in closer?)</p> <p>At least I’m gonna say that I tried (What’s the sense of hurtin’ my pride?)</p> <p>I really can’t stay (Baby don’t hold out)</p> <p>Baby it’s cold outside</p> <p>Ah, you’re very pushy you know?</p> <p>I like to think of it as opportunistic</p> <p>I simply must go (Baby it’s cold outside)</p> <p>The answer is no (But baby it’s cold outside)</p> <p>The welcome has been (How lucky that you dropped in)</p> <p>So nice and warm (Look out the window at that storm)</p> <p>My sister will be suspicious (Gosh your lips look delicious!)</p> <p>My brother will be there at the door (Waves upon a tropical shore)</p> <p>My maiden aunt’s mind is vicious (Gosh your lips are delicious!)</p> <p>Well maybe just a cigarette more (Never such a blizzard before) (And I don’t even smoke)</p> <p>I’ve got to get home (Baby you’ll freeze out there)</p> <p>Say lend me a coat? (It’s up to your knees out there!)</p> <p>You’ve really been grand (I feel when I touch your hand)</p> <p>But don’t you see? (How can you do this thing to me?)</p> <p>There’s bound to be talk tomorrow (Think of my life long sorrow!)</p> <p>At least there will be plenty implied (If you caught pneumonia and died!)</p> <p>I really can’t stay (Get over that old out)</p> <p>Baby it’s cold</p> <p>Baby it’s cold outside</p> <p>Okay fine, just another drink then</p> <p>That took a lot of convincing!</p>

Music

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7 more songs you won’t believe were banned by radio stations

<p>There’s so much to be angry about in the world every day. War, slavery, inequality, famine, corrupt governments. But screw all that, because sometimes musicians go way too far and dare to release a song that offends the sensibilities of a few. These classic songs and artists were removed from airwaves for various reasons (<a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/2016/03/rock-and-roll-hits-banned-from-being-played/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">we’ve taken a look at a few before</span></strong></a>), but a spoiler alert – most of them have to do with sex.</p> <p><strong>1. “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” – Jimmy Boyd, 1952</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e7t8YTbQSQc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p>This oft-forgotten Christmas carol was attacked by the Roman Catholic Church shortly after it reached the number one spot on America’s Billboard chart. The Boston-based church didn’t like that the song, sung by a 13-year-old, mingled Christmas and kissing.</p> <p><strong>2. “Wake Up Little Susie” – The Everly Brothers</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LojqhHnmyvc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p>Imagine the horror or being a teenager out on a date, and accidentally falling asleep and missing your curfew. Despite the Everly Brothers’ wholesome image, the Roman Catholic Church of Boston once again took issue with the song’s sex-adjacent content.</p> <p><strong>3. “God Only Knows­” – The Beach Boys</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AOMyS78o5YI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p>Truly one of the sweetest songs about love for another person, this hit was banned by some radio stations in America for the crime of blasphemy, with some taking issue with the casual use of “God”.</p> <p><strong>4. “Travelin’ Soldier” – The Dixie Chicks</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AbfgxznPmZM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p>In 2003, The Dixie Chicks had the number one album and single on the US Country Charts, but everything changed overnight, when lead singer Natalie Maines criticised then-President George W. Bush’s invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq. Country music fans supposedly called to demand that radio stations stop playing the group’s music. Maines received multiple death threats, but the band continued with their stadium tour across the country. The song “Not Ready to Make Nice” was written about the experience, and the song and their next album netted the Dixie Chicks five Grammy awards.</p> <p><strong>5 “Brown Eyed Girl” – Van Morrison</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UfmkgQRmmeE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p>Perish the thought that radio stations allow any kind of reference to human sexuality. This massive hit was banned by some radio stations for the line, “Making love in the green grass.”</p> <p><strong>6. “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” – The Shirelles</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cnPlJxet_ac" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p>Making history as the first number one hit by a black female group, this pining classic was removed from airwaves by many stations because it was about a woman reflecting on her recent one-night stand.</p> <p><strong>7. “Ding-Dong! The Witch is Dead” – from The Wizard of Oz</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PHQLQ1Rc_Js" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p>In 2013, when former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher died, citizens who had opposed and fought against her political career began an organised effort to see this ditty atop the BBC Radio One charts. The song reached number two, but BBC refused to air the song, stating that it was “clearly a celebration of death”.</p>

Music

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London on high alert as tube station is evacuated

<p>One of the busiest stations on the London tube has been evacuated, as counter terrorism experts performed a controlled explosion of a ‘suspicious’ item.</p> <p>The item in question was discovered at North Greenwich station at 11am local time on Thursday, on a train travelling eastbound on the Jubilee line.</p> <p>Five hours after the item was found the station remained close.</p> <p>In a statement, Scotland Yard said, “Shortly after 11.00 on Thursday, 20 October, the British Transport Police was called to North Greenwich underground station after train staff reported finding a suspicious item on a train travelling eastbound on the Jubilee line.</p> <p>“Specialist officers from the Met and BTP are in attendance and a controlled detonation has since taken place to ensure the item is safe.</p> <p> “While we are keeping an open mind, the Met’s counter-terrorism command is leading the investigation because it has the expertise to deal with incidents of this kind. British Transport Police is supporting them in their investigation.”</p> <p>Services have remained interrupted.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock / mkos83 </em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/10/why-i-will-never-use-a-money-belt-again/"><em><strong>Why I will never use a money belt again</strong></em></a></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/09/10-items-people-should-pack/"><em><strong>10 items people don’t pack but should</strong></em></a></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/08/8-common-mistakes-when-packing-checked-in-luggage/"><em><strong>8 common mistakes when packing checked-in luggage</strong></em></a></span></p>

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Men’s bathrooms to be fitted with baby changing stations

<p>A new law in the US has moved parents closer to equality when it comes to the restroom, with President Obama passing the Bathrooms Accessible in Every Situation Act (also known as the BABIES Act).</p> <p>The bill was introduced in April in the hope of making public federal buildings more reflective of modern parental roles and improving accessibility for dads looking after their babies. “Government needs to do more to ensure that public buildings are family-friendly,” Congressman David Cicilline said. “No mum or dad should ever have to worry about finding a safe, sanitary place to change their baby ― least of all in a federal building that’s paid for by taxpayers.</p> <p>“The BABIES Act is a common-sense proposal that makes government buildings more welcoming for families and helps promote good public health.”</p> <p>Not only has the act received backing from politicians, but celebrities and bloggers have also voiced their support. Actor Ashton Kutcher helped get the bill off the ground, launching an online petition after <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/ashton-kutcher-diaper-changing-tables_n_6838778" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">noting</span></strong></a> how few public men’s bathrooms had changing stations.</p> <p>Tell us in the comments below, do you think New Zealand should introduce a similar act?</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/10/never-throw-clothes-in-the-rubbish/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Scary reason we should never throw old clothes in the rubbish</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/10/the-basic-spelling-test-everyone-is-failing/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The basic spelling test everyone is failing</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/10/maximum-human-lifespan-has-been-revealed/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Maximum human lifespan has been revealed</strong></em></span></a></p>

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Naked man shocks commuters at train station

<p>Commuters at a busy train station in Tokyo, Japan have been greeted with a brazen display of unexplained nudity.</p> <p>The bizarre incident occurred at Akihabara Station on Sunday, according to images shared on social media.</p> <p>They show a man wearing nothing but a backpack casually attempting to buy his train tickets.</p> <p><img width="498" height="275" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/26204/train-image-in-text_498x275.jpg" alt="Train Image In Text" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>In one photo, the naked man can be seen crouching down and rummaging through his backpack, much to the bewilderment of one passenger near him.</p> <p>However, within minutes the man was surrounded by station officials, who worked quickly to protect his modesty, shielding him from view with a sheet.</p> <p>It is not yet known why the man was walking around naked, but the Akihabara district is famous for catering to various fetishes, with its plethora of maid cafes and adult stores.</p> <p>Have you ever encountered anything like this on a commute?</p> <p>Let us know in the comments.</p> <p><em>First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></strong></a>.</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/07/the-real-reason-your-luggage-is-lost-in-transit/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>The real reason your luggage is lost in transit</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/07/tips-for-handling-airports-with-mobility-issues/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Tips for handling airports with mobility issues</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/07/10-items-you-need-in-your-holiday-backpack/"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>10 items you need in your holiday backpack</em></span></strong></a></p>

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Earth’s horizon from the International Space Station

<p>The world is certainly a beautiful space, and in this video from the International Space Station we see our planet like we’ve never seen it before.</p> <p>Filmed from the International Space Station, this time-lapse video released by NASA gives us a rare opportunity to view our planet from a unique perspective.</p> <p>It’s amazing to see the activity on the planet’s surface below and it certainly makes you feel very small in the grander scheme of things.</p> <p><em>Video credit: YouTube / David Peterson</em></p> <p><strong><em>Have you arranged your travel insurance yet? Tailor your cover to your needs and save money by not paying for things you don’t need. <a href="https://elevate.agatravelinsurance.com.au/oversixty?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=content&amp;utm_content=link1&amp;utm_campaign=travel-insurance" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here to read more about Over60 Travel Insurance</span></a>.</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>For more information about Over60 Travel Insurance, call 1800 622 966.</em></strong></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/03/aircraft-flies-new-york-to-london-in-11-minutes/"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Aircraft flies New York to London in 11 minutes</strong></span></em></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/01/5-planets-to-align-in-rare-celestial-display/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>5 planets set to align in rare celestial display</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/01/aussie-geologists-discover-meteorite/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Aussie geologists win a race against time to recover rare 4-billion-year-old meteorite</strong></em></span></a></p>

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Cat promoted to senior pest controller at train station

<p>Years of hard work has paid off for this kitty - she's just been promoted by her employer.</p> <p>Felix has been patrolling a train station in the UK for five years and in recognition of her service she had been promoted by management to Senior Pest Controller of Huddersfield Station.</p> <p>The black and white moggy joined staff at the station in West Yorkshire when she was nine weeks old, the Independent reported. She roams the platform day and night, keeping the area free of mice.</p> <p>A highly valued member of staff, Felix even has her own cat flap built into one of the barriers, allowing her cross to and from the platform freely.</p> <p>Along with her promotion, Felix has received a new high-visibility vest and name badge by the First Transpennine Express rail network.</p> <p>A rail network spokesman told the BBC they haven't kept a mice tally, but she had "caught three recently" and was a "natural" at chasing away pigeons.</p> <p><strong><em>Scroll through the gallery above to see Felix in action. </em></strong></p> <p><em>First appeared on <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz.</a></span></em></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/photos-of-animals-hitchhiking/">Hilarious photos of animals hitchhiking</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/animals-who-love-warm/">In pictures: 12 animals who love warmth more than anything</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/10/why-dogs-so-happy-to-see-you/">The science behind dogs being so happy to see you</a></em></strong></span></p>

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Man accidentally leaves wife at service station, drives 100km before realising

<p>A tourist in Brazil is in hot water after accidentally leaving his wife at a service station.</p> <p>The couple had been holidaying with their teenage son in Brazil and were on a road trip back to Argentina when the mistake reportedly occurred.</p> <p>The man, identified as Walter, had pulled into a service station. His wife, Claudia, had been asleep in the back of the car but popped out to the shop to get a snack.</p> <p>Walter, assuming she was still asleep, drove off without checking and it wasn’t until he had driven 100km that he realised his mistake. His son was reportedly absorbed in video games on his phone.</p> <p>Bad mobile phone reception meant Claudia couldn’t get through to her family so staff at the petrol station called the police, who took her to the local station to wait for Walter.</p> <p>Two hours later Walter arrived and Claudia was, understandably, not that impressed, kicking the car several times.</p> <p>“She was very angry. She was moaning at him for taking so long to realise,” a  local traffic officer told the UK’s Telegraph. “There was no physical assault, but she was more upset when she saw the husband.”</p> <p>We hope you got her some roses Walter! Gee whiz! </p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/01/the-panda-hidden-in-this-picture/"><strong>Can you find the panda hidden in this picture?</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/01/mummified-baby-orangutan-on-road-to-recovery/"><strong>“Mummified" abandoned baby orangutan rescued and on the road to recovery</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2016/01/5-planets-to-align-in-rare-celestial-display/">5 planets set to align in rare celestial display</a></strong></em></span></p>

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Relaxation station: Why everyone should be meditating

<p>While many people are sceptical of the effectiveness of meditation, there are a growing number of people who swear that the time for quiet reflection has improved their health – both body and mind. Those who meditate tend to be more relaxed because they take the time to focus their mind on a regular basis, which has a quieting effect. There are many benefits to being a more relaxed person, so let’s look at a few now.</p> <p><strong>Immunity boost</strong></p> <p>A study at the Ohio State University found that practicing muscular relaxation daily reduced the risk of breast cancer recurrence in recovering patients. A separate study at the same university showed that a month of relaxation exercises boosted the natural killer cells in older people, which gave them a greater resistance to viruses and tumours.</p> <p><strong>Lowers blood pressure</strong></p> <p>By making the body less responsive to stress hormones, meditation was able to lower blood pressure, a study at Harvard Medical School. The meditation actually had a similar effect to blood pressure-lowering medication. A similar result was found by a British Medical Journal report on patients who were trained how to relax.</p> <p><strong>Anti-inflammation</strong></p> <p>Stress can lead to inflammation, which is a state linked to heart disease, asthma, arthritis, and some skin conditions. By switching off the stress response, relaxation can help prevent and treat this.</p> <p> </p>

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