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Little House on the Prairie star passes away

<p>Hersha Parady, renowned for her role in <em>Little House on the Prairie</em>, has passed away at the age of 78.</p> <p>According to a statement provided to <em>The Hollywood Reporter </em>by her son, Jonathan Peverall, Parady passed away at her residence in Norfolk, Virginia on Wednesday August 23. Her son had been actively seeking financial assistance before her demise, as Parady had been diagnosed with meningioma, a prevalent type of brain tumour.</p> <p>Peverall initiated a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/helping-hersha" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe campaign</a> with the intention of aiding his mother's escalating medical expenses. In a heartfelt plea on the fundraising page, he recounted how the illness had depleted her vitality, memory and vibrant demeanour, rendering her predominantly bedridden and struggling with day-to-day tasks.</p> <p>Relocating his mother to his own home, Peverall worked diligently to ensure she received the necessary medical attention. He emphasised that the associated costs extended beyond medical procedures, encompassing aspects such as moving expenditures, at-home nursing care and medical equipment.</p> <p>"While we contemplate a surgery to potentially ameliorate her condition, the path to recovery is an arduous one," he stated, acknowledging the substantial financial burden posed by these circumstances. Balancing a full-time job and caring for his three children added to the challenge, yet he reassured that they were providing the best care they could, regardless of external contributions.</p> <p>"Rest assured, we are taking care of her to the best of our ability, and we will continue to do so, regardless of any contributions made here," Peverall wrote. "This GoFundMe is about improving my Mom’s quality of life and giving her the support she needs during this difficult time. It's also about showing her that she is not alone in her fight.</p> <p>"Her family and friends have been here supporting her through everything, but there is only so much help she is willing to accept from the people she loves. My Mom has always been a fiercely independent woman, and asking for help isn't in her nature. That's why I'm stepping in to do it on her behalf."</p> <p>Peverall expressed his gratitude and urged supporters to rally around Parady, demonstrating that her on-screen "Little House" family was united in this battle, just as she had been a presence in their lives through the show.</p> <p>In an update dated August 1, Peverall shared that his mother had undergone a "successful" surgery. However, complications arose as Parady developed pneumonia during her recovery, leading to her admission to the intensive care unit. Unfortunately, her condition deteriorated to a point where she couldn't regain full consciousness. The medical team at the hospital launched an investigation into her condition.</p> <p>Peverall maintained ongoing communication with the medical professionals, seeking insights to guide the best decisions for her care. Despite the trying circumstances, he expressed hope and called upon others to remain optimistic.</p> <p>Parady embarked on her career in theater after graduating from Berea High School in 1963. Her journey took her to Los Angeles, where she secured a role opposite Jon Voight in a production of <em>A Streetcar Named Desire</em>. Subsequently, she transitioned to the silver screen, featuring in an episode of <em>Bearcats!</em>.</p> <p>However, it was in 1977 that Parady achieved widespread recognition for her portrayal of school teacher Alice Garvey in the fourth season of <em>Little House on the Prairie</em>. Appearing in 35 more episodes, her character, Alice, met a tragic end in season six, perishing in a fire. The actress also appeared in other shows including <em>Kenan & Kel</em>, <em>The Phoenix</em>, and <em>The Quest</em>, and movies like <em>The Break</em> and <em>The Babysitter's Seduction</em>.</p> <p>Parady is survived by her son Jonathan Peverall and her three grandchildren.</p> <p><em>Images: GoFundMe / Instagram</em></p>

News

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Why you should visit the Alice Springs Beanie Festival

<p>Welcome to the quirkiest festival in the outback.</p> <p><strong>What is it?</strong></p> <p>Beanie enthusiasts from around the world head to Alice Springs each year for a weekend of markets, music, dancing and food, all in celebration of the humble woolly hat. The festival began in 1997 when a group of friends began to teach local indigenous women how to knit beanies, which they could then sell and put the money back into the community. From these humble beginnings, more than 6,000 beanies are now sold at the festival each year with all profits going back to the indigenous artists and remote communities.</p> <p><strong>Why beanies?</strong></p> <p>Most people imagine that central Australia is always hot. In reality, winter nights in the desert can get incredibly cold and everyone needs to wear a beanie outside. Handmade beanies have become a form of regional art, given unique characteristics with different textures, colours, shapes and styles. They have also become popular on the tourist market and are a good way for local people to earn money.</p> <p><strong>What events are there?</strong></p> <p>The festival will run from June 23-26, 2017, with a packed program of events. It kicks off with a Gala Opening Night. The winners of the hotly contested beanie competition will be announced, with different categories for designs that incorporate native plants, birds, indigenous art and traditional stories. The night features lots of live entertainment, food and plenty of beanies for sale. Over the following days, Beanie Central is the festival’s hub with workshops and demonstrations from indigenous crafters as well as activities for kids and damper cooked over an open fire. There are also gallery exhibitions, fashion parades and dinners held around town.</p> <p><strong>How can I go?</strong></p> <p>Entry to Beanie Central is by a gold coin donation and entry to the National Beanie Exhibition is $15. Many of the activities and workshops are free, though some have a small participation fee or you will need to pay for materials. The festival is run almost entirely by volunteers, so if you want to lend a hand you can register from June 21-23 in Alice Springs. There are lots of different positions, from setting up to taking tickets, serving food, helping out and galleries and working in the children’s corner. It’s a unique opportunity to get involved with a grass roots community event – and have a great time!</p> <p>Have you ever been to the beanie festival?</p>

International Travel

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5 more things to do in the Red Centre

<p>There’s a lot more to Australia's famous Outback than Uluru. Explore a little further and be rewarded with these incredible experiences.</p> <p><strong>1. Discover an ancient meteorite</strong></p> <p>4,700 years ago a huge meteorite plummet through the atmosphere at more than 40,000 kilometres an hour and smashed into the earth 150 kilometres southwest of Alice Springs. The meteorite disintegrated before impact and formed 12 craters that are now known as the Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve. A self-guided walking track takes you around the craters, the largest of which is 180 metres wide and 15 metres deep.</p> <p><strong>2. Track the world’s oldest river</strong></p> <p>The Finke River is Australia’s ancient artery and has been flowing through the West MacDonnell Ranges for more than 300 million years. This could also make it the oldest river following its original course, though there’s no definitive proof. Four-wheel drive trails and campsites can be found along the river as well as a number of hiking trails that will take you to secluded waterholes or to the top of mountains that existed before the dinosaurs.</p> <p><strong>3. Have a real off-road adventure</strong></p> <p>The Mereenie Loop Road is not one for the inexperienced. It’s an alternative route from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon and Uluru via the Western MacDonnell Ranges. It’s an opportunity to discover true rugged outback landscapes that range from mountains to red sand hills and desert plains. The road is unsealed and can be prone to flash flooding, and you’ll need a permit to drive it, but it’s worth the effort.</p> <p><strong>4. Study the stars</strong></p> <p>Some of the best sightseeing in central Australia is up above you. Low humidity and the absence of artificial light make for incredibly clear skies so you’ll be able to see stars and planets more clearly than you ever have before. Take an organised tour and you’ll have the chance to look through a high-powered telescope, bringing you even closer to the heavens.</p> <p><strong>5. Visit the Garden of Eden</strong></p> <p>At the base of Kings Canyon, at the base of soaring 100 metre cliffs, lies the Garden of Eden, a permanent waterhole surrounded by lush plant life. The canyon itself is just as spectacular with a six-kilometre walk around the rim that’s best done at sunrise or sunset. You can take a guided walk with an Aboriginal elder to learn about the area’s significance to the traditional owners or see the canyon from above with a private helicopter flight.</p> <p>What’s your favourite thing to do in the Outback? Do you have any holiday plans on the cards? Let us know in the comments.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/08/breathtaking-images-of-flock-of-budgies/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Breathtaking images of flock of budgies</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/07/crossing-the-spectacular-simpson-desert/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Crossing the spectacular Simpson Desert</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/international/2016/07/6-best-animal-experiences-you-can-have-in-australia/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">6 best animal experiences you can have in Australia</span></em></strong></a></p>

International Travel

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Eagle tries to snatch boy during Alice Springs nature show

<p>It’s one thing you certainly don’t expect to happen when seeing a nature show, but one young boy was almost carried away by an eagle at the Alice Springs Desert Park last week.</p> <p>The unnamed boy, thought to be around six to eight years old, was reportedly playing with the zipper on his hoodie when suddenly the wedge-tailed eagle, Australia’s largest bird of prey, flew at him and tried to carry him off “like a small animal,” according to the <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-36771205" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">BBC</span></strong></a>.</p> <p>A crowd of onlookers watched helplessly as the eagle sunk its talons onto the boy’s head in an attempt to fly away with him. Miraculously, he escaped with only a “superficial” cut to his face, though he was bleeding and visibly upset by the ordeal.</p> <p>Victorian woman Christine O’Connell managed to capture the attack on camera, explained that the boy “kept running his zipper up and down,” which distracted the bird and led to the attack.</p> <p>“He screamed, the mother was distraught and the presenters wrapped up the show very quickly,” another witness told the <a href="http://www.ntnews.com.au/news/centralian-advocate/boy-injured-by-wedgetailed-eagle-during-alice-springs-desert-park-show/news-story/946269f4615a101bfb7402669056c16f" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>NT News</strong></em></span></a>.</p> <p>The Alice Springs Desert Park released a statement after details of the incident leaked to the media. “A thorough investigation regarding the circumstances behind this incident is under way and the eagle will be removed from the show while this investigation is ongoing.”</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/07/dr-chris-brown-important-health-alert-for-pets/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Dr Chris Brown’s important health alert for pets</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/06/expert-tips-for-connecting-with-your-grandchildren/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>5 expert tips for connecting with your grandchildren</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/06/motherly-love-helps-childrens-brains-grow-bigger/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Motherly love helps children's brains grow bigger</span></em></strong></a></p>

Family & Pets

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5 amazing attractions to experience in Alice Springs

<p>When Australia’s most famous site is your next door neighbour, it’s easy to be overlooked. But Alice Springs is a worthy destination in its own right. Here are the top things to do.</p> <p><strong>1. Breakfast at Olive Pink Botanic Garden</strong></p> <p>On the edge of the Todd River, legendary anthropologist and Aboriginal rights campaigner Olive Pink worked for more than 20 years to establish the 40-acre botanic garden that bears her name. It’s home to more than 600 native species of plants, hundreds of birds, butterflies and the occasional kangaroo. It’s also the prettiest spot in town for breakfast at the Bean Tree Café.</p> <p><strong>2. See local art at a gallery</strong></p> <p>It’s easy to paint all indigenous art with the same brush (so to speak), but a visit to any of the galleries around Alice is a lesson in the diversity of work produced in the region. Leaping Lizards Gallery is small but easily one of the best, displaying works from Tennant Creek artist Dion Beasley, famous for his Cheeky Dog series, clever line drawings that capture the spirit of the ubiquitous camp dogs living in every remote community in the state. Or try Muk Muk Fine Art and Papunya Tule Artists.</p> <p><strong>3. Meet wallabies at Heavitree Gap</strong></p> <p>Every night at dusk, a colony of black-footed rock wallabies makes their way down to Heavitree Gap on the edge of Alice Springs. At less than half a metre tall, they are one of the smallest wallaby species and are exceedingly cute as they hop carefully down the rocky slope. There’s no charge to view them though the adjacent resort sells special food that the animals eagerly accept.</p> <p><strong>4. Take a morning tour of Alice Springs Desert Park</strong></p> <p>The Alice Springs Desert Park is a 10-minute drive from town at the base of the MacDonnell Ranges and has three recreated desert environments to walk through. The park dispels the myth that the desert is empty with over 400 plant species and 200 animal species native to Central Australia. You could easily spend the whole day here, visiting bilbies in the Nocturnal House, being swooped by wedge tailed eagles and learning indigenous traditions of desert survival. Get an early start in summer to avoid the searing heat of the day when temperatures regularly climb to over 40 degrees.</p> <p><strong>5. Check out the RFDS museum</strong></p> <p>The Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) has been operating out of Alice Springs since 1939 and the base still serves around 1.25 million square kilometres across the territory and surrounding states. It also does the best coffee in town. The RFDS Café is in the original heritage building and you can eat on the shady verandah or grab a seat in the garden. The on-site museum is worth a look to learn about the history of the RFDS in the region and there’s also a small shop and gallery attached. All profits from the tours and café go back into the RFDS for medical supplies and aircraft.</p> <p>Have you tried any of these amazing activities in Alice Springs, and if so how did you find the experience?</p> <p>Please let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/05/where-are-the-worlds-busiest-airports/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Where are the world's busiest airports?</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/05/10-things-to-do-on-bruny-island/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">10 things to do on Bruny Island</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/05/10-reasons-to-drop-everything-and-travel/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em>10 reasons to drop everything and travel</em></strong></span></a></p>

International Travel

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Meet the oldest Peace Corps volunteer

<p>87-year-old Alice Carter has broken the record for the US’ oldest Peace Corps volunteer. She was first inspired to join back in 1960 after then-President John F. Kennedy called for more young Americans to get involved.</p> <p>Since last year, Carter has been stationed in Rabat, Morocco. Prior to joining, she told <a href="http://www.npr.org/2016/02/13/466592640/peace-corps-volunteer-values-staying-active-in-old-age" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">NPR</span></strong></a> she was always interested in civil rights and the world in general. Carter was a staunch opponent of the Vietnam War and spent her time before the Peace Corps tutoring disadvantaged children and organising church dinners.</p> <p>Carter says her age is no barrier to staying both mentally and physically active. “You can't quit. I've been told that it's hard to make friends as you get older. I have not found that to be true,” she said.</p> <p>“I'm not here to be a world-beater or accomplish impossible tasks. I just want [people] to know that you can have a really good time in the Peace Corps when you're old,” she added.</p> <p>We think she has the right attitude! <a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2015/12/reasons-to-volunteer-in-retirement/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span></strong></a> to read our article on why you should consider using your free time to volunteer.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/05/105-year-old-volunteer-teacher/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">105-year-old proves volunteering has no age limit</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/05/76-year-old-volunteer-shares-wisdom-with-schoolkids/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">76-year-old volunteer shares wisdom with schoolkids</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/04/i-found-retirement-overrated/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Retirement is overrated. Here’s what I did instead.</span></em></strong></a></p>

Retirement Life

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6 surprising facts about Alice in Wonderland

<p>To celebrate its 150th birthday Lewis Carroll’s self-published 1865 manuscript, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, we have found six surprising facts about the beloved children's classic. </p> <p>1. Alice was a real girl</p> <p>The main character was based on the daughter of Carroll's boss, Henry Liddell – the dean of Christ Church College at Oxford, where Carroll taught mathematics. </p> <p>2. It was almost called "Alice in Elf Land"</p> <p>When Carroll gave a handwritten copy to Alice Liddell, it was originally titled Alice's Adventures Under Ground. However, by the time it was published, it was changed to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Before coming to this decision, Carroll went through other titles, including Alice's Hour in Elf Land, Alice Among the Fairies, and Alice Among the Goblins.</p> <p>3. The Dodo bird is based on Carroll</p> <p>At least according to reports! In the book, Carroll alludes to the pivotal boat trip by putting the participants into the story as birds. He was the Dodo, named after his real last name, Dodgson. The author had a documented tendency to stammer, and the story is that he would introduce himself as "Do-do-dogson."</p> <p>4. The Cheshire Cat climbed a real tree</p> <p>In the garden behind the Liddell home at Christ Church College, Oxford, stands a tree that is said to have inspired the famous cat's perch. </p> <p>5. His real name is not Lewis Carroll</p> <p>Charles Lutwidge Dodgson started using the pen name in 1856 when he published a romantic poem. It was a play on a Latin translation of his real first and middle names.</p> <p>6. Queen Victoria was a fan</p> <p>After reading Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Queen Victoria suggested that Carroll dedicate his next work to her. She probably should have been more specific: Carroll was a mathematician, so his next work was An Elementary Treatise on Determinants, With Their Application to Simultaneous Linear Equations and Algebraic Equations. He presented it to the Queen. </p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/family/2015/08/vintage-lego-ads/">7 vintage Lego ads that will take you back to your childhood</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/family/2015/10/real-life-winnie-the-pooh-and-christopher-robin/">Meet the real-life Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/family/2015/09/disney-princesses-as-seniors/">Disney princesses reimagined as senior women</a></strong></em></span></p>

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