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Olympic flame is lit at birthplace of ancient games

<p>The flame for the 2024 Paris Olympics was lit on Tuesday at the site of the ancient games in Ancient Olympia, southern Greece. </p> <p>Despite the gloomy weather which prevented the traditional lighting<span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">- which involves an ancient Greek priestess using the sun to ignite the torch after offering a prayer to Apollo, the ancient Greek sun god - actress Mary Mina, used a back up flame to kickstart the epic torch relay. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Normally, the </span>group of priestesses would use a parabolic mirror to light the torch using the sun's rays, but because of the cloudy skies, they had to use a back up flame that was kept in a copy of an ancient Greek pot and lit on the same spot during their final rehearsals on Monday. </p> <p>International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said the flame lighting combined "a pilgrimage to our past in ancient Olympia, and an act of faith in our future."</p> <p>A relay of torchbearers will carry the flame along a 5,000-kilometre route through Greece, including several islands, until the handover to Paris Games organisers in Athens on April 26.</p> <p>"In these difficult times ... with wars and conflicts on the rise, people are fed up with all the hate, the aggression and negative news," Bach said. </p> <p>"We are longing for something which brings us together; something that is unifying; something that gives us hope."</p> <p>Thousands of spectators from all over the world packed Olympia for the event, amid the ruins of temples and sports grounds where the ancient games were held from 776 BC - 393 AD.</p> <p>The first torchbearer was Greek rower Stefanos Douskos, who was a gold medalist in 2021, followed by Laure Manaudou, a French swimmer who won three medals at Athens in 2004. </p> <p>Manaudou then handed it over to a Greek senior European Union official, Margaritis Schinas. </p> <p>From Greece, the Olympic flame will travel from Athens' port of Piraeus on the Belem, a French three-masted sailing ship built in 1896 - the year that the first modern games began in Athens. </p> <p>On May 8, it's due in the southern French port of Marseille, a city founded by Greek colonists around 2600 years ago. </p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p> <p> </p>

International Travel

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Game of Thrones star’s unbearable loss

<p>In a deeply sorrowful announcement, former <em>Game of Thrones</em> star and 2018 World’s Strongest Man Hafthor Bjornsson and his fitness model wife, Kelsey Henson, have shared the devastating news of the stillbirth of their daughter.</p> <p>The couple, who joyfully revealed their pregnancy just three weeks prior, now find themselves grappling with the profound grief of losing their precious child.</p> <p>It was on October 19 that Hafthor and Kelsey happily disclosed the news of their second pregnancy, sharing their anticipation of welcoming their baby daughter in March 2024. However, a mere three weeks later, the couple heartbreakingly revealed on their Instagram pages the tragic news of the stillbirth of their daughter, Grace Morgan Hafthorsdottir, born at 21 1/2 weeks gestation on November 8.</p> <p>In their shared statement, the couple expressed their overwhelming pain and grief, emphasising the beauty of their daughter and the love that will endure despite the profound loss.</p> <p>"After a noticeable decrease in movement we found out her heart had stopped beating," the post read. "Words cannot describe our pain of this loss or our happiness at being able to spend time with our daughter. She is absolutely beautiful, with blonde lashes and brows and a little smile for mom and dad. The love we feel for her is overwhelming.</p> <p>"The grief we feel will be with us forever but so will the love. All of our hopes and dreams for her have been taken away from us but I know I will be with her again. Her spirit lives on through us and her siblings. We ask that you respect our privacy at this time as we grieve this unbearable loss. Thank you all for any kind words and support."</p> <p>Messages of condolences and support poured in from friends and well-wishers, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and seven-time Mr Olympia Phil Heath, reflecting the broader community's empathy for Hafthor and Kelsey during this trying time.</p> <p>"My heart is with both of you," wrote Schwarzenegger. "Please let me know if you need anything and know that you’re in my thoughts."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CzdubyuKjQt/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CzdubyuKjQt/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Kelsey Henson (@kelc33)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The heartbreaking news follows the couple's candid revelation about their struggles to expand their family. Hafthor, known for his impressive feats in powerlifting and his portrayal of The Mountain in <em>Game of Thrones</em>, and Kelsey faced challenges in conceiving their three-year-old son, Stormur. After a failed IVF attempt and two years of trying, they successfully conceived their son naturally. The journey repeated as they tried for a second child, this time resorting to IVF, which proved successful.</p> <p>In a YouTube video, the couple shared their fertility struggles, aiming to shed light on the difficulties many couples face when trying to start a family. Despite the hurdles, they expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share their journey, fostering understanding and empathy for others experiencing similar challenges.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Autistic boy wins national golf title after only THREE games

<p>In a heartwarming tale that's sure to make your day, a spirited 12-year-old schoolboy from a charming rural town nestled in the Bay of Plenty has ignited pure joy in New Zealand's golfing community – in a story that will warm your heart and put a smile on your face.</p> <p>Meet Bayleigh Teepa-Tarau, the newest sensation in the world of golf, hailing from the picturesque township of Tāneatua, a place so small it doesn't even have its own golf course. But that didn't deter this young prodigy as he set out to conquer the national Zespri AIMS Games held in the vibrant city of Tauranga.</p> <p>The Zespri AIMS Games is one of Australasia’s largest junior sporting events, held annually in Tauranga Moana. Celebrating diversity, the Games provides an opportunity for adolescents from all demographics and education contexts to compete in sporting competitions, to meet others from outside their normal peer group, and to learn and build on their social interaction skills. The Zespri AIMS Games is highly regarded by national education and sporting organisations and is considered a leader in its area.</p> <p>Now, here's the twist that's sure to make you leap with excitement: Bayleigh had played a grand total of just <em>three rounds of golf</em> in his entire life before this tournament! It's almost like a golfing fairytale in the making. Armed with borrowed clubs, a pair of basketball boots and a big beaming smile, our tee-master extraordinaire embarked on his golfing journey, leaving everyone in awe.</p> <p>You might wonder how a newcomer to the game fares in such a prestigious competition. Well, let us tell you, Bayleigh was given a scoring handicap to reflect his beginner status. And did he rise to the occasion! With booming drives and precision iron shots, he amassed a staggering 87 Stableford points over his three nine-hole rounds. A true underdog story.</p> <p>But Bayleigh's triumph doesn't stop there. Alongside his schoolmates Pedro Robinson and Lincoln Reritito, he clinched the team title, earning well-deserved glory for Tāneatua School. They faced off against students from schools all over New Zealand and came out on top.</p> <p>When asked about his love for golf, Bayleigh's face lit up with joy as he exclaimed, "The thing I love about golf is hitting my driver. I dreamed about coming here and finishing in first place. And I had a lot of fun." </p> <p>Thanks to the incredible support system behind this young golfing sensation, Bayleigh's journey to the top wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of his family, including his dad Hemi Tarau and Pare Teepa, his grandfather, and nan. Their pride in Bayleigh's accomplishments is immeasurable.</p> <p>What's even more inspiring is that Bayleigh has autism, and his journey has been one of transformation. From spending most of his time in class under his desk, not speaking, to becoming a golfing superstar, it's a testament to his determination and the incredible power of sports to boost confidence and bring joy.</p> <p>And here's another heartwarming twist – Bayleigh's path to golf was paved by his school's teacher-aide, Whetu Wiremu. He noticed Bayleigh's fascination with swinging a stick and decided to introduce him to golf. Wiremu's dedication and passion for the game not only changed Bayleigh's life but also the lives of other young students from Tāneatua School.</p> <p>For Wiremu, it's not just about golf but also about instilling life skills and values. He believes that golf, with its unique blend of competition and camaraderie, can offer these kids opportunities beyond their community, transcending boundaries and challenges.</p> <p>As for Bayleigh's future, he's setting his sights on competing in the Special Olympics. With a heart full of determination and a community that believes in him, there's no telling what incredible heights he'll reach. To that end, a <a href="https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/backing-bayleigh" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Give A Little</a> fundraising account has been established to help support this inspiring youngster and help him on his way. </p> <p>In the end, Bayleigh's story reminds us all that joy, determination and unwavering support can overcome any obstacle. It's a testament to the power of dreams, the magic of sports, and the beauty of small communities coming together to celebrate their rising stars.</p> <p><em>Images: </em><em>Jamie Troughton / Dscribe Media</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Game of Thrones actor passes away at just 39

<p>In a heartbreaking turn of events, Darren Kent, the actor known for his role in Game of Thrones, has passed away following a valiant struggle against osteoporosis, arthritis and an exceptionally rare skin disorder.</p> <p>News of his departure was confirmed by his talent agency, Carey Dodd Associates, through a statement shared on Facebook page this Tuesday.</p> <p>"It is with deep sadness we have to tell you that our dear friend and client Darren Kent passed away peacefully on Friday, his parents and best friend by his side. Our thoughts and love are with his family in this difficult time."</p> <p>They continued: "Darren was not only a talented actor, director and writer, he was truly one of the kindest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.</p> <p>"It has been a privilege and pleasure to have been a part of his journey. RIP my friend."</p> <p>Darren Kent's on-screen legacy is highlighted by his memorable portrayal as a goatherder in a pivotal 2014 episode of <em>Game of Thrones</em>. His artistic journey began a decade earlier with his first screen credit in the original series <em>Shameless</em>, setting the stage for his ventures into film.</p> <p>Notable among his filmography are roles in the 2008 horror film <em>Mirrors</em>, starring Kiefer Sutherland, as well as 2012's <em>Snow White and the Huntsman</em>. Television audiences were also treated to his talent, as he graced the screens of shows like <em>Community</em> and the BBC's <em>EastEnders</em>.</p> <p>He stole the show with his recent portrayal as the 'Yes' Corpse <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">in 2023's</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> </span><em style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Dungeons &amp; Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, </em><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">one of his final performances. A glance at his IMDb page hints at a future that he won't be able to witness, listing six upcoming titles, comprising short films and the feature titled </span><em style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">What I Know</em><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">.</span></p> <p><em>Images: Facebook / Instagram</em></p>

News

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More than a game: Crosswords and puzzles may reduce dementia risk

<p>Playing games, doing crosswords, writing letters or learning something new are all associated with reduced dementia risk in older adults, according to a large, long-term study.</p> <p>A team of Melbourne and US-based researchers study tracked 10,318 older Australians over a period of ten years (2010 to 2020), collecting detailed information on the types of leisure activities they engaged in, along with regular health checks and cognitive assessments.</p> <p>The study is <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2807256" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published</a> in <em>JAMA Network Open.</em></p> <p>Paper co-author Dr Joanne Ryan from Monash University says “the findings show that engaging in mentally stimulating activities can help preserve cognitive function and may help delay the onset of dementia.”</p> <p>“We know the importance of physical activity. We need to think about helping to keep our mind stimulated as well.”</p> <p><iframe title="Why do Women Live Longer than Men? And What About Gender Diverse People?" src="https://omny.fm/shows/huh-science-explained/why-do-women-live-longer-than-men-and-what-about-g/embed?in_playlist=podcast&amp;style=Cover" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> <p>Adult literacy activities such as writing, using a computer or taking education classes were associated with an 11% lower risk of dementia, the study found. </p> <p>Active mental health activities such as playing games or doing puzzles were associated with a 9% lower risk.</p> <p>Creative activities like craft or woodwork and passive mental activities (reading books, watching television or listening to the radio) also reduced risks but to a lesser extent.</p> <p>Meanwhile, social activities were not associated with dementia risk. Ryan says this was a “little bit unexpected”. But she says it’s possible one of the reasons is those who volunteered to participate in the study were broadly already socially engaged. </p> <p>The median age of those participating in the study was 73.8 years. Around 2% of the cohort participating in the study developed dementia, Ryan says. </p> <p>Dementia risk varies depending on age and health status of individuals, she says.</p> <p>For instance, “we know that the risk of dementia actually increases exponentially as you get then over 80 years and over 90 years,” she says.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p> <div id="contributors"> <p><em><a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/body-and-mind/more-than-a-game-crosswords-and-puzzles-may-reduce-dementia-risk/">This article</a> was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/contributor/petra-stock">Petra Stock</a>. </em></p> </div>

Mind

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‘Existential questions’: is this the beginning of the end of the Commonwealth Games?

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hunter-fujak-290599">Hunter Fujak</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/damien-whitburn-1455572">Damien Whitburn</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a></em></p> <p>Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Tuesday that the Victorian government has withdrawn from its commitment to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, citing an anticipated cost blowout from an original estimate of A$2.6 billion to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/18/australia-commonwealth-games-2026-victoria-cancels-event-after-funding-shortfall">over $6-$7 billion</a>.</p> <p>Commonwealth Games Australia chief executive Craig Phillips described the decision as “beyond disappointing”. Phillips questions the government’s figures, <a href="https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/2023/07/18/commonwealth-games-federation/">saying that the</a> cost of running the Gold Coast event in 2018 was $1.2 billion and the 2022 Birmingham Games was $1.8 billion.</p> <p>The government said existing funding set aside for the games will remain invested in regional projects intended to create an event “legacy”.</p> <p>Aside from the viability of the 2026 event, Victoria pulling out of hosting the event raises the broader question of whether the Commonwealth Games will survive.</p> <h2>How has this happened?</h2> <p>Victoria secured the Commonwealth Games in April 2022 with a unique multi-region model that sought to bring the event to regional Victoria.</p> <p>Despite the obvious risks and costs associated with decentralising a major event away from pre-existing infrastructure in Melbourne, Andrews <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/victoria-confirms-bid-for-2026-commonwealth-games-20220216-p59wvp.html">noted</a> at bid submission that "Victoria is Australia’s sporting state, and, if awarded the 2026 Commonwealth Games would demonstrate to the world a new way to deliver the competition."</p> <p>Andrews made clear the decision to withdraw was entirely financial, stating that the new estimated cost of potentially over $7 billion “does not represent value for money”.</p> <p>When pressed at his media conference to provide accountability as to how his government’s costing could have been so grossly inaccurate, Andrews said that certain event costs were unforeseeable.</p> <p>"What could not be reasonably foreseen, and was not foreseen, was the costs incurred in terms of services, security, transport […] there were estimates that were made and those estimates are clearly well and truly under the actual cost."</p> <p>The Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia dispute these costs estimates. They <a href="https://www.commonwealthsport.com/news/3594069/response-to-victoria-government-2026-commonwealth-game-host-withdrawal">signalled</a> the blame for any cost overruns lies with the Victorian government.</p> <p>"The numbers quoted to us today of $6 billion are 50% more than those advised to the Organising Committee board at its meeting in June."</p> <p>:Since awarding Victoria the Games, the Government has made decisions to include more sports and an additional regional hub, and changed plans for venues, all of which have added considerable expense, often against the advice of the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bit of a long one this morning.</p> <p>You might have heard the news this morning that Victoria will no longer be hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games.</p> <p>And I wanted to tell you about the decision.</p> <p>— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielAndrewsMP/status/1681087774110384128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <h2>The implications</h2> <p>The decision to withdraw from hosting the event will still incur costs. This includes pre-existing costs related to staffing contracts, renting premises and marketing, as well as to-be-determined contractual break costs as negotiated with the Commonwealth Games Federation.</p> <p>The financial costs of the withdrawal, however, may pale against the longer-term reputational damage done to Victoria and perhaps Australia more broadly.</p> <p>This decision may also damage Andrews’ reputation. In proposing an untested regional games delivery model, it was incumbent on the government to adopt a particularly rigorous process to ensure the the event’s viability, which does not appear to have been done.</p> <h2>Is Victoria still Australia’s ‘sporting capital’?</h2> <p>Victoria has long proclaimed itself Australia’s (and even the world’s) <a href="https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/INFORMIT.143058285756777">sporting capital</a>. The state has developed an unparalleled portfolio of major sport events since the 1980s, and become a global exemplar in executing major events in the process.</p> <p>But withdrawing from the 2026 Commonwealth Games arguably represents Australia’s most prominent sporting failure of the past half-century, and is a significant reputational blow to Victoria’s sporting pre-eminence.</p> <p>What’s more, in an <a href="https://inqld.com.au/news/2023/07/12/take-that-melbourne-brisbane-now-rated-as-australias-sports-capital/">annual global ranking of sport cities</a> published last month, before the Commonwealth Games decision, Brisbane (15th) leapfrogged Melbourne (23rd) and Sydney (44th) to become Australia’s top ranked.</p> <p>Brisbane’s success isn’t only attributable to its impending hosting of the 2032 Olympics. Its ranking also recognises that the FIFA Women’s World Cup is being played predominantly in the north-east Australian states due to <a href="https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/sport/soccer/not-a-realistic-option-why-the-matildas-aren-t-playing-at-the-mcg-20230717-p5doxk.html">stadium challenges</a> associated with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/dec/03/melbourne-falls-short-in-womens-world-cup-venue-allocation">AFL-orientated</a> Victoria.</p> <p>Meanwhile, South Australia’s recent sporting successes include the hosting of <a href="https://www.afl.com.au/news/906620/afl-to-gather-round-again-in-sa-for-next-three-years">AFL Gather Round</a>, LIV Golf and recent procurement of the <a href="https://supernetball.com.au/news/location-2024-ssn-grand-final-revealed#:%7E:text=Adelaide%20will%20host%20the%202024,at%20the%20Adelaide%20Entertainment%20Centre.">2024 Super Netball</a> final from Victoria.</p> <p>Victoria’s grip on the “sports capital” title is increasingly tenuous.</p> <h2>The end of the Commonwealth Games?</h2> <p>Perhaps the most critical question is the viability not only of the 2026 Games, but also the broader Commonwealth Games movement.</p> <p>Victoria’s withdrawal continues a trend of recent instability. In 2017, the South African city of <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-games-commonwealth-durban-idUSKBN16K1UN">Durban</a> was stripped of 2022 hosting rights for a failure to meet key obligations around governance, venues and funding.</p> <p>However, whereas the Commonwealth Games Federation had just under 2,000 days to secure a replacement host for 2022, Victoria’s withdrawal has occurred only 973 days prior to the start of the event.</p> <p>The movement’s broader existence is perilous given there’s a shrinking pool of host cities. Victoria was the <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/sport/melbourne-set-to-step-into-breach-as-2026-commonwealth-games-host-city-20220118-p59p6r.html">only formal applicant</a> for the 2026 edition.</p> <p>This is a challenge faced by large sporting events more broadly, with potential applicants <a href="https://www.routledge.com/Sport-Management-in-Australia-Organisation-Development-and-Global-Perspectives/Karg-Shilbury-Phillips-Rowe-Fujak/p/book/9781032330242?_ga=1233395845.1684800000">increasingly wary</a> of the significant costs.</p> <p>Even the summer and winter Olympic Games have increasingly struggled to attract applicants. This resulted in the <a href="https://olympics.com/ioc/2024-2028-host-city-election">unprecedented</a> move to simultaneously award the 2024 and 2028 summer games to Paris and Los Angeles in 2017 – normally the summer games are awarded to one city at a time.</p> <p>With seemingly little global appetite to host the event, and broader cultural discussions in Australia and abroad surrounding the role of the monarchy, existential questions surround the Commonwealth Games movement.<!-- 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;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/209961/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><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hunter-fujak-290599">Hunter Fujak</a>, Lecturer in Sport Management, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/damien-whitburn-1455572">Damien Whitburn</a>, Lecturer, Sport Management, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>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/existential-questions-is-this-the-beginning-of-the-end-of-the-commonwealth-games-209961">original article</a>.</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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“Game-changer”: Michael J Fox shares huge medical news

<p dir="ltr">Michael J Fox has shared news of a medical breakthrough into Parkinson’s disease.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 61-year-old – who was diagnosed with the disease in 1991 – was thrilled to share the news, despite suffering a “terrible year”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Fox told <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2023/04/12/michael-j-fox-parkinsons-biomarker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Stat News</em></a> that he had broken multiple bones after a fall, including some in his hand and face, but has said that in some ways he is “feeling better”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite his own personal battle, the <em>Back to the Future</em> star was overjoyed to share the breakthrough in Parkinson’s research.</p> <p dir="ltr">The study – funded by Fox’s charity organisation that aims to find a cure for Parkinson’s – found that a key Parkinson's pathology can now be identified by examining spinal fluid from living patients, allowing earlier intervention.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s all changed. It can be known and treated early on. It’s huge,” he said</p> <p dir="ltr">“This is the thing. This is the big reward. This is the big trophy.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The findings, published in <em>The Lancet Neurology</em>, are the result of a 1,123-person study that Fox’s foundation has put hundreds of millions of dollars into since it began in 2010.</p> <p dir="ltr">An editorial in the medical journal has also called this research “a game-changer in Parkinson’s disease diagnostics, research, and treatment trials”.</p> <p dir="ltr">In late 2022 the actor opened up about his struggle with Parkinson’s in his emotional acceptance speech for the <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/michael-j-fox-reveals-more-details-about-his-struggle-with-parkinson-s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jean Hershel Humanitarian Award</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the speech he said that the hardest part “was grappling with the certainty of the diagnosis and the uncertainty of the situation,” but has since felt relieved after an “outpouring of support” from the public and his peers.</p> <p><em>Image: Frazer Harrison for Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

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The truth about video games in aged care homes

<p>Video games sound like a great way to bring senior community homes together, but are they really?</p> <p>A recent study decided to test this theory, based on past studies that have found positive effects as a result of introducing video games into senior homes.</p> <p>Dr. Kathrin Gerling led the project with Dr Regan Mandryk and Dr Conor Linehan. The study implemented a weekly gaming session in two care facilities over a three-month period of time.</p> <p>The games introduced included motion-based games like those of Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360.</p> <p>According to Dr. Gerling, "We were interested in the potential of games to engage older adults in long-term care in group activities. We looked at how people approached video games, to see if they stuck with it and found it enjoyable, and also to find out if this stimulated group activities and resulted in friendships.”</p> <p>The senior users caught on quickly, as Gerling expanded: “Players at the senior residence quickly understood how the games worked and it became an actual group activity. People formed relationships, took more ownership and adapted games to fit in with how they wanted to play.”</p> <p>Still, the experiment brought forth the reality of difficulties the games presented: “We found it more difficult to bring people together at the care home, mostly because of different age-related impairments. In some cases, players needed a lot of support from staff, and depended on them being able to attend gaming sessions."</p> <p>Gerling proposed that while the games benefited some seniors, others may have found more negative results: "You always have a split of people who like playing video games and those who don't, no matter what age. But older people learning to play new games in public may feel particularly uncomfortable if they are experiencing vulnerability over their age-related changes and impairments. Some older adults require extensive support, both to gain access to gaming sessions and throughout play.”</p> <p>Gerling outlined the necessary means for all community members to receive benefit from playing video games: "We need to make sure that video games created for older adults in long-term care are adaptive – there's a fine line between challenging people and giving them something meaningful to accomplish, as opposed to doing harm. To be successful games need to engage players of all abilities and be tailored towards specific groups. It's really important to be mindful of the context in which games will be played and be understanding of the individual abilities of the player. This is particularly important when evaluating the value of games for improving the quality of life, and when creating games with a purpose beyond entertainment, such as therapy and rehabilitation."</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="../health/wellbeing/2015/08/start-exercising-when-youre-older/">Start exercising at any age</a></em></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="../health/wellbeing/2015/07/dementia-phone-screening/">Would you consider being screened for dementia over the phone?</a></em></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="../health/wellbeing/2015/07/top-health-worries-of-60-year-olds/">Top 10 health worries when you’re 60-plus (and how to beat them)</a></em></span></strong></p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p>

Mind

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Fun camping activities for the whole family

<p>Dust off the tent and grab the sleeping bags because it is well and truly camping season! A traditional summer pursuit for many families, camping is not only great fun for all ages but a wonderful family bonding times. If you’re camping with the extended family this season, here are some activities that will engage even the most disinterested kid. Get ready for some wholesome fun that does not involve technology!</p> <p><strong>Scavenger hunt</strong></p> <p>Make it a competition so everyone, even the adults, get involved and active! As you will likely be around nature, create a nature-themed hunt. It can be as simple as collecting items like leaves of certain colours, different shaped rocks, snail shells or even spotting different types of bugs and animals. In this case, get everyone to take a photo of the item. Make sure you warn kids of things to avoid like certain poisonous or prickly plants that might be around.</p> <p><strong>Obstacle course</strong></p> <p>Create the ultimate outdoor obstacle course to challenge the whole family. It can be as easy or hard as you want so set it to accommodate all ages and activity levels in the family. Obstacles like crawling under picnic tables, skipping stones, long jumps on a beach, hanging off a branch are all options. Use what is at your campsite and race each other with the ‘losers’ having to cook dinner or collect firewood.</p> <p><strong>Nature watching</strong></p> <p>Since the whole family will be in the thick of the bush, take the time to get to know nature better! Most national parks and campsites will have brochures of types of animals and birds in the area or grab a guidebook and go bird and animal watching. Or learn about the different types of flora in the area. Just be sure to respect nature and not damage anything.</p> <p><strong>Learn new skills</strong></p> <p>A camping trip is a great time to teach the kids how to read maps and compasses (or brush up if you are rusty). Reading a map and compass is quickly becoming a lost skill but one which is still important. Make it a bit more fun by going orienteering. Create an easy compass course and see how well the family follows directions.</p> <p><strong>Cook up a treat</strong></p> <p>If you are lucky enough to have a big campfire blazing away at night don’t waste the opportunity and cook up some camp favourites. The classic damper is a great option, otherwise toasting marshmallows while sharing stories is the perfect way to unwind at night. Or you can create s’mores, an American favourite of marshmallows and chocolate sandwiched between crackers.</p> <p><strong>Ghost stories</strong></p> <p>Even the most disinterested grandkids will be engrossed with a night time session of ghost stories around the campfire. Engulfed in the blackness of night with not much signs of civility, the scare factor is heightened. If nobody can think of any good ones (we recommend you have some prepared to scare everyone!) or the grandkids are too young, play the game where everyone contributes a sentence which slowly builds an often outrageous and hilarious tale.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p>

Travel Tips

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Gaming 'loot boxes' linked to problem gambling

<p dir="ltr">Gamers who purchase 'loot boxes' - digital treasure chests filled with random items that you buy in games using real-world currency - are more likely to have a problem with gambling, according to new research.</p> <p dir="ltr">A study published in <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/16066359.2022.2141717" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Addiction Research &amp; Theory</a></em> has found that 57 percent of adults surveyed who had bought loot boxes had gambled in the same year, compared to 37 percent of a control group who hadn't bought the virtual items.</p> <p dir="ltr">While previous studies have found a link between loot box purchasing, gambling and problem gambling, this study explored whether this link was due to psychological risk factors for gambling, such as childhood neglect, emotional distress, and the tendency to act rashly when upset.</p> <p dir="ltr">After analysing the purchase history and questionnaires of 1,189 Canadian university students, along with 499 adults recruited from the community, they found that a similar proportion of the students and adults had bought loot boxes, with an average spend between $90.63 and $240.94 respectively.</p> <p dir="ltr">Among the students, 28 percent of loot box-purchasers also gambled, in comparison to 19 percent of those who hadn't bought any loot boxes.</p> <p dir="ltr">Students who reported buying more loot boxes and other 'riskier' habits were also more likely to have a gambling habit.</p> <p dir="ltr">While this wasn't seen in the adult group, the authors argue this may be due to the small sample size.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Findings indicate that loot box purchasing represents an important marker of risk for gambling and problem gambling among people who play video games," Sophie Coelho, a PhD student at Toronto’s York University, said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The persistent associations we observed between loot box purchasing and gambling may provide preliminary support for the role of loot boxes as a 'gateway' to gambling and eventually problem gambling.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Loot boxes may prime people to gamble and increase susceptibility to problem gambling."</p> <p dir="ltr">As for the role of gambling risk factors, the authors found that adverse childhood experiences, like abuse and neglect, were "most consistently associated with an increased likelihood of past-year gambling and greater problem gambling".</p> <p dir="ltr">They concluded that those with troubled upbringings have a "heightened vulnerability" to develop a gambling problem.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This may be compounded by engaging with gambling-like features embedded in video games, such as loot boxes," they added.</p> <p dir="ltr">Loot boxes, also called loot or prize crates, have become the subject of controversy recently, with concerns that their use of random chance to give players randomised weapons, armour, and items they can use to customise their character could be a form of gambling.</p> <p dir="ltr">In some games, loot boxes became a way to “pay to win”, with items that can affect gameplay and offer a competitive advantage, driving players to pay for more loot boxes to get items that allow them to compete with other players.</p> <p dir="ltr">Some countries have begun to introduce laws to regulate loot boxes, with Belgium and the Netherlands banning loot boxes altogether.</p> <p dir="ltr">In Australia, a law to restrict the use of loot boxes in games aimed at children has been proposed which could see games with loot boxes given a rating of R18+ or RC (“Refused Classification”, so they can't be sold in Australia) and carry warning labels.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-41c670f4-7fff-2eee-57fa-2721a448cf6e"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Sameboat, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)</em></p>

Money & Banking

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High score: Video game play linked to better cognitive performance

<p>Children playing video games for more than three hours a day score better on cognitive performance compared to non-gamers.</p> <p>A study involving more than 1,800 children aged nine and ten by researchers at the University of Vermont in the United States, is believed to be the largest investigation looking at the association between <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/people/good-games/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">video games</a>, cognition and brain function. </p> <p>The researchers found children who played more than 21 hours of video games per week recorded better scores for <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/can-games-tell-if-you-are-impulsive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">response inhibition</a> and working memory than those who never played. The article is <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2797596?utm_source=For_The_Media&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=ftm_links&amp;utm_term=102422" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published</a> in JAMA Network Open.</p> <p>Lead author Dr Bader Chaarani told Cosmos, “it makes sense that if you consider the brain is like a muscle, the more you train it, the better it performs.” </p> <p>Impulse control is considered important as it is linked to substance use in adolescence, while working memory is connected to IQ and language processing, Chaarani says.</p> <p>In the study, the children performed two tasks inside an MRI scanner. The first was a ‘stop signal task’ measuring impulse control. The task required children to press a button when arrows pointed left or right, but not press anything when the arrows point up. The second, a working memory task showed children pictures of faces and tested their recall.</p> <p>Children were also tested outside the scanner using oral and verbal tasks.</p> <p>In contrast to the findings of other research, the study did not find any significant difference between gamers and non-gamers in terms of mental health or behaviour. </p> <div class="newsletter-box"> <div id="wpcf7-f6-p220302-o1" class="wpcf7" dir="ltr" lang="en-US" role="form"> </div> </div> <p>Chaarani says, “many parents today are concerned about the effects of video games on their children’s health and development, and as these games continue to proliferate among young people, it is crucial that we better understand both the positive and negative impact that such games may have.”</p> <p>In Australia, 78% of children and teenagers play video games, averaging 106 minutes per day, according to <a href="https://igea.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/DA22-Report-FINAL-19-10-21.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research commissioned</a> by the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association.</p> <p>In the University of Vermont study, non-video gamers (who spent zero hours a week playing games) and gamers (who played more than 21 hours a week) were recruited from a mix of 21 public, private and charter schools across the United States.</p> <p>The two groups did not differ in terms of characteristics such as age, BMI or IQ. However, the gamers group had a higher share of boys, and lower parental income on average.</p> <p>The research forms part of the <a href="https://abcdstudy.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study</a>, the largest long-term study of brain development and child health in the United States. This allows children to be tracked over time into early adulthood to see if changes in video gaming behaviour are linked to changes in cognitive skills, brain activity, behaviour, and mental health.</p> <p>While the results showed an association between playing video games and higher cognitive performance, the paper notes it does not evidence for causality. This will be the focus of further research, given the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study follows children every two years.</p> <p>Chaarani says they also plan to look at the effect of video game genre in future work. The current study did not differentiate by the type of video games children played, whether puzzle games, action adventure, sports, simulation or shooters; or single versus multi-player games. </p> <p>“There are some smaller studies reporting that different types of games may engage different areas in the brain, different functions of the brain… but because of the sample size we cannot trust them enough,” he says.</p> <p>“For the nine and ten years old, we’ve been looking at surveys done internationally. So, these kids tend to play more fast-paced games like action, adventure and shooters that give you immediate reward rather than slow paced games.”</p> <p><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=220302&amp;title=High+score%3A+Video+game+play+linked+to+better+cognitive+performance" width="1" height="1" /></p> <div id="contributors"> <p><em><a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/high-score-video-game-play-linked-to-better-cognitive-performance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This article</a> was originally published on Cosmos Magazine and was written by Petra Stock.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p> </div>

Technology

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Brain cells in a dish learnt to play Pong

<p dir="ltr">In a feat that reads like the plot of a science fiction movie, scientists have been able to get a collection of brain cells living in a dish to play a video game.</p> <p dir="ltr">The team were able to prove that their collection of 800,000 neurons, which they call DishBrain, could perform goal-directed tasks, including playing the popular tennis-like game Pong.</p> <p dir="ltr">To create DishBrain, they took brain cells from mouse embryos, along with some human brain cells created from stem cells, and grew them on top of microelectrode arrays.</p> <p dir="ltr">These arrays are capable of both reading the signals these cells produce and stimulating the cells - allowing them to play a cheeky game of Pong.</p> <p dir="ltr">Electrodes on the left and right of the array told the cells which side the ball was on, while the frequency of signals told them how far the ball was from the paddle.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The beautiful and pioneering aspect of this work rests on equipping the neurons with sensations — the feedback — and crucially the ability to act on their world,” says co-author Professor Karl Friston, a theoretical neuroscientist at UCL, London.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Remarkably, the cultures learned how to make their world more predictable by acting upon it. This is remarkable because you cannot teach this kind of self-organisation; simply because — unlike a pet — these mini brains have no sense of reward and punishment."</p> <p dir="ltr">Having published their findings in the journal <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2022.09.001" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Neuron</a></em>, they now plan to find out what happens when they give DishBrain medicines and alcohol.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We’re trying to create a dose response curve with ethanol – basically get them ‘drunk’ and see if they play the game more poorly, just as when people drink,” lead author Dr Brett Kagan, the Chief Scientific Officer of the biotech start-up Cortical Labs, says.</p> <p dir="ltr">Because DishBrain was built using basic structures, rather than being modelled on AI, it can be used to understand how our brains function.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In the past, models of the brain have been developed according to how computer scientists think the brain might work,” Kagan explains. </p> <p dir="ltr">“That is usually based on our current understanding of information technology, such as silicon computing.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-8d90678c-7fff-f57f-0817-60d1c6980ffc"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“But in truth we don’t really understand how the brain works.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/dishbrain-gif1.gif" alt="" width="1326" height="946" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>DishBrain viewed under a microscope, where fluorescent markers show different kinds of cells. Where multiple markers appear, the colours merge and look yellow or pink. Image: Cortical Labs</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Dr Adeel Razi, the Director of Monash University’s Computational &amp; Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, says this experiment could open the door for more discoveries.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This new capacity to teach cell cultures to perform a task in which they exhibit sentience – by controlling the paddle to return the ball via sensing – opens up new discovery possibilities which will have far-reaching consequences for technology, health, and society,” he says.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We know our brains have the evolutionary advantage of being tuned over hundreds of millions of years for survival. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Now, it seems we have in our grasp where we can harness this incredibly powerful and cheap biological intelligence.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The creation of DishBrain also creates the possibility for an alternative to animal testing for scientists investigating how new drugs work and gain insights into how conditions such as epilepsy and dementia affect our brains.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This is brand new, virgin territory. And we want more people to come on board and collaborate with this, to use the system that we’ve built to further explore this new area of science,” Dr Hon Weng Chong, Chief Executive Officer of Cortical Labs, says.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-7ca96709-7fff-9046-4ac1-c1ed62769dbc"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“As one of our collaborators said, it's not every day that you wake up and you can create a new field of science.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Cortical Labs / Flickr</em></p>

Mind

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"Probably the most gutting way to finish a game”

<p dir="ltr">Just a few seconds of gameplay have put the Bledisloe Cup out of reach of the Wallabies yet again after losing to the All Blacks by just two points following a controversial call from the referee.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Australian team had recovered from an 18-point deficit to lead 37-34 with just a minute left on the clock.</p> <p dir="ltr">When they were awarded a penalty just five metres from the goal line, the Wallabies chose Bernard Foley to take the kick, with referee Mathieu Raynal warning him not to use delaying tactics.</p> <p dir="ltr">As the clock ticked down on the final 60 seconds of the match, Raynal penalised Foley for time wasting, giving the All Blacks a free kick.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I say to your player, I say switch on the time and you play immediately and he wait, he wait, he wait, so that’s a scrum for the All Blacks,” Raynal told stand-in captain Nic White.</p> <p dir="ltr">Raynal’s call drew criticism from the commentators, with Stan Sport commentator Tim Horan describing the call as “ridiculous”.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I thought it was a disgraceful decision from the referee," Horan told Nine.</p> <p dir="ltr">"There's 90 seconds left in the game and he cracked under pressure, in one of the biggest games here in Australia.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It's a disgraceful decision and World Rugby need to look at it.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The big referees make decisions at that late part of the game and are calm about it.</p> <p dir="ltr">The All Blacks then used the penalty to their advantage, with fullback Jordie Barrett scoring and securing victory for the Kiwis.</p> <p dir="ltr">With a final score of 39-37, the All Blacks have continued the winning streak they’ve held since 2003.</p> <p dir="ltr">The loss devastated the Aussies, as fullback Andrew Kellaway described it as a “hard one to swallow” and captain James Slipper added that they “just fell short”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Absolutely gutted,” Slipper said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I actually don’t know what to say but we really wanted to put in a performance tonight and we just fell short there.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That is probably the most gutting way to finish a game in my opinion.”</p> <p dir="ltr"> Wallabies coach Dave Rennie also shared his players’ disappointment.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I'm gutted for our men because I reckon we deserved better," he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It was a hell of a game of footy.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-663bfb33-7fff-dc52-da37-b0ea8cd63add"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The Bledisloe Cup will see the Wallabies jet off to Auckland for their next match against the All Blacks to face them once again on Saturday, September 24.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

News

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Game of Thrones: King Charles III’s choice of royal residences

<p dir="ltr">After King Charles III was sworn in as England’s next monarch, he isn’t just assuming his late mother’s royal duties, but also ownership of her residences.</p> <p dir="ltr">Charles has a choice of five palaces when it comes to his official home, though he doesn’t necessarily have to select just one.</p> <p dir="ltr">If he follows in his mother’s footsteps, he could choose to travel between several locations for official duties and downtime.</p> <p dir="ltr">"He is going to have to weigh up the cost against the importance of keeping these palaces and castles and residences truly royal by using them," a source told The Times.</p> <p dir="ltr">With choices spanning London to Berkshire, here’s a whirlwind tour of the residences King Charles III can choose from.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Buckingham Palace, London</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Having been the official London residence for monarchs for 185 years, when Queen Victoria first took up residence there in 1837, Buckingham Palace has a lengthy history.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/buckingham-palace1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr">The 775-room building is now used as the administrative headquarters, or royal office, of the monarch thanks to its 92 offices, 188 staff bedrooms, and 52 royal and guest bedrooms.</p> <p dir="ltr">But, if Charles does want to move in, current renovations to the palace mean he’ll have to wait. The changes are estimated to cost over $700 million, with an expected completion date in 2027.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Clarence House, London</strong></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-2d39489f-7fff-5e30-274a-64c59b13a02d"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Located beside St James’ Palace, Clarence House has been a royal residence for slightly longer than Buckingham Palace, having been built in 1827 for Prince William Henry, Duke of Clarence.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/clarence-house.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr">King Charles and Camilla, now the Queen Consort, have called Clarence House home since 2003.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Sandringham House, Norfolk</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The 20,000-acre Norfolk property is known as the royal’s country house and has been passed down through the royal family for centuries.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-4bb18b46-7fff-90ad-bae9-edbe888bb618"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">With its sprawling acreage, more than 200 people make their living from the estate, including gamekeepers, gardeners, farmers and workers at Sandringham’s sawmill.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/sandringham-house.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr">Sandringham House has also gone down in history as the location of Queen Elizabeth II’s first televised Christmas message.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Highgrove House, Gloucestershire</strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-5f131cc5-7fff-199d-a2a2-8d500d15656c"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">King Charles has used Highgrove House as his private residence since the 1980s - over 180 years after it was built.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/highgrove-house.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr">Before Charles lived there, the Georgian home belonged to Maurice Macmillan, the son of former British PM Maurice Macmillan.</p> <p dir="ltr">Nowadays, Highgrove House sees around 40,000 visitors walk through the estate’s expansive gardens each year.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Windsor Castle, Berkshire</strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-8caa6e34-7fff-332d-a7be-5ff6431b396c"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">With more than 1000 rooms and over 300 fireplaces, Windsor Castle has been in the royal family for 900 years.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/windsor-castle.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr">But it isn’t the only building located on the property, with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s residence, Frogmore Cottage.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-4717eb95-7fff-b26c-bd92-01a19636cb35"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty Images</em></p>

Real Estate

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Why 15 minutes of meditation a day is the game changer in the world of antiaging

<p><span lang="EN-GB">Our mind is our most precious asset and one we use every single day. Yet many of us don’t take the time to nourish it properly so it can perform at its very best now and well into the future.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">We all lead busy lives. Constant demands pulling our attention in so many different ways at once. As women we tend to spend a lot of time taking care of those around us and put our own self-care on the back burner.  This can leave us feeling burnt out, stressed and looking older than we should.</span></p> <p><a name="_Hlk109827543"></a><span lang="EN-GB">When practiced correctly, meditation has </span><a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/meditation"><span lang="EN-GB">well-documented</span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> benefits including boosting your immune system, improving your sleep and reducing your stress levels.  These </span><span lang="EN-GB">all work together to slow down the ageing process, making meditation a game changer when it comes to anti-ageing.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">If your day is already full, it can feel too hard to add something else into an already busy day.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">But before you put it in the too-hard basket, you need to ask yourself,</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">-       </span><span lang="EN-GB">How much time did you spend stressing about a project before you actually got it done?</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">-       </span><span lang="EN-GB">How long did you lie in bed worrying about tomorrow?</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">-       </span><span lang="EN-GB">How much time did you waste mindless scrolling through social media?</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">With as little as 15 minutes a day, meditation can help you to reduce your stress, to stop overthinking and to feel mentally strong enough to take on whatever challenges the day may bring.</span></p> <ol start="1" type="1"> <li><strong><span lang="EN-GB">Stop overthinking and focus on the present.</span></strong><span lang="EN-GB"><strong> </strong>We waste too much time and energy thinking about things we can’t control. Meditation teaches us to be present in the moment, acknowledging those wayward thoughts but not letting them take over. So instead of worrying about the past or overthinking the future, you’ll be able to focus on the task at hand.</span></li> <li><strong><span lang="EN-GB">Reduce the stress and take a breath.</span></strong><span lang="EN-GB"> Stressful situations can lead to your emotions being all over the place. When you learn to focus your thoughts during meditation, you also learn how to control your emotional response and reduce your stress levels. This increased sense of control can help you make better choices and create a more positive mindset.</span></li> <li><span lang="EN-GB"><strong>Build a stronger brain.</strong> </span><span lang="EN-GB">More is being understood about the complex connection between psychological and physical health. When we take steps to improve the state of our mind using meditation, it also creates </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9232427/#CR2">physical changes in our brain</a></span><span lang="EN-GB">. MRIs have shown that regular meditation can increase the thickness of your prefrontal cortex; the area responsible for higher brain functions such as awareness and concentration. It also suggests that meditation can help slow down age-related thinning of that area, keeping your brain functioning at a higher level for longer.</span></li> <li><strong><span lang="EN-GB">Save your skin.</span></strong><span lang="EN-GB"> When you reduce your stress levels using meditation, your body reduces the amount of cortisol, aka the stress hormone into your body. Cortisol is responsible for premature ageing signs including deeper wrinkles caused by weaker collagen, and increased skin inflammation and conditions such as psoriasis. So reducing the amount of cortisol in your system will help to slow down and even reverse some of these ageing responses.</span></li> </ol> <p><span lang="EN-GB">Meditation can be the ultimate game changing approach to anti-ageing. Because feeling strong, vibrant and passionate about your life is just as important as for how you look. If you’ve thought that looking after yourself wasn't a priority or that you didn’t have time, meditation can help to change your perspective so you can embrace making healthy choices and change your habits.</span></p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-GB">Lyndal Linkin, author of “To Age or Not to Age”, is a 56-year-old anti-aging expert who’s spent her lifetime learning about anti-aging solutions. A successful entrepreneur, corporate leader and mother, she uses her years of research and personal experience to explain the most effective methods so you can look and feel younger. Find out more at </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.lyndallinkin.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.lyndallinkin.com.au</a></span><span lang="EN-GB"> or Instagram: @lyndallinkin</span></strong></p> <p><em><span lang="EN-GB">Image: Getty Images</span></em></p>

Mind

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Princess Charlotte’s show-stopping faces

<p dir="ltr">Princess Charlotte stole the show at the Commonwealth Games with her adorable animated facial expressions.</p> <p dir="ltr">The seven-year-old attended the games with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to watch the swimming at Sandwell Aquatics Centre in Birmingham on Tuesday. </p> <p dir="ltr">During the races, the Duchess was explaining things about the race, while Prince William watched on. </p> <p dir="ltr">As England’s Luke Turley prepared for the 1500m freestyle the Princess and her parents watched on in glee.</p> <p dir="ltr">Turley smashed a gruelling 30 lengths of the pool in 15:35.65 which qualified him for the final on Wednesday.</p> <p dir="ltr">Princess Charlotte smiled when the race came to the end before rolling her eyes about something her dad said. </p> <p dir="ltr">Several images captured the Princess’ cute facial expressions as she watched the races.</p> <p dir="ltr">Check them out below. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Horror crash sees cyclist launch into crowd

<p>The opening session of the track cycling event at the Commonwealth Games has been cancelled after a horrific crash left several athletes and spectators injured. </p> <p>A cyclist and his bike were catapulted over the barrier and into the crowd in an incident that brought down several riders in a sickening scene during the men’s 15km scratch race qualifying at the Lee Valley Velodrome.</p> <p>Medical staff rushed to the area where they were seen tending to British cyclist Matt Walls for more than 40 minutes before he was taken to hospital. </p> <p>England’s Commonwealth Games team then provided a positive update on Matt's condition later in the day. </p> <p>“Matt is alert and talking (as he has been throughout) and is being given medical attention in hospital,” the team statement read.</p> <p>The 24-year-old was trying to avoid riders who had fallen in a crash lower down the banking but as he rode up, he clipped another wheel and went over the top into the crowd.</p> <p>Witnesses said that, because of the gradient of the banking, spectators in the front row had been unsighted for the crash. </p> <p>One man received treatment for cuts to his arm while a young girl also received medical attention.</p> <p>Isle of Man rider Matt Bostock was also taken away from the scene on a stretcher. </p> <p>A Birmingham 2022 spokesperson said three riders and two spectators were treated by the on-site medical team. </p> <p>All three riders were taken to hospital, while the spectators were tended to at the scene. </p> <p>The session was abandoned moments later with one more event still scheduled. </p> <p>England’s Commonwealth Games Team released a preliminary statement sending its best wishes to all those involved.</p> <p>“Following a crash in the cycling men’s scratch race, Matt Walls has been taken to hospital for precautionary checks,” the statement read.</p> <p>“We send our best wishes to the riders and spectators involved in the incident, and will provide a further update when we can.”</p> <p>England’s racing team also tweeted, “Thoughts are with all the riders involved in the crash in the velodrome.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

News

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Game, set and match! Ash Barty ties the knot

<p dir="ltr">Ash Barty has tied the knot with her long term fiancé Garry Kissick in a beautiful intimate ceremony in Queensland.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 26-year-old announced the heartwarming news by sharing a beautiful image of her and Kissick with a simple caption “Husband &amp; Wife”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The adorable couple, who have been together for seven years, announced their engagement in November 2021. </p> <p dir="ltr">At the time of their <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/ash-barty-reveals-why-she-kept-her-engagement-a-secret" target="_blank" rel="noopener">engagement</a>, Barty confessed that she was debating on whether or not she should share the news. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Garry and I have been together for a long time now and I had designed the ring with him,” she previously said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are obviously excited now for the next chapter. We were at home on the couch with the puppies. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgodNphhRB6/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgodNphhRB6/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Ash Barty (@ashbarty)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“It was very much just us. It was perfect for us. Everyone has their unique way of doing it.”</p> <p dir="ltr">She also said the <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/ash-barty-talks-wedding-plans-for-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wedding will be small</a> and intimate with close family and friends. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It will be very low-key, very small, pretty chill, for Garry and I, just the people we love the most, people who have been impactful and important in our lives. </p> <p dir="ltr">“My nieces and nephews will be front and centre, I wouldn’t live it down if they weren’t, they will be dress shopping before I will be.’’</p> <p dir="ltr">Their wedding comes just a few short months after Barty shocked the tennis world by <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/ash-barty-announces-retirement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announcing her retirement</a>. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I will be retiring from tennis. It’s the first time I’ve actually said that out loud and it’s hard to say,” she said in an Instagram video.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But I’m so happy and I’m so ready and I just know at the moment in my heart for me as a person, this is right.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m so grateful to everything that tennis has given me. It’s given me all of my dreams, plus more.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But I know that the time is right now for me to step away and chase other dreams. And put the racquets down.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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Prince Charles, Duran Duran and a giant bull: All the highlights of the Comm Games Opening Ceremony

<p>The 2022 Commonwealth Games are officially underway, after the impressive opening ceremony kicked off on Thursday evening. </p> <p>The extravagant ceremony captivated the attention of local and international fans, with TV viewers around the word tuning in to the Birmingham event. </p> <p>Prince Charles arrived at the Alexander Stadium in style, driving the same Aston Martin the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge famously left Buckingham Palace in on their wedding day.</p> <p>The Prince of Wales drove his luxury, vintage car out onto the arena before a display where several motor vehicles combined to form a perfect Union Jack on the arena surface.</p> <p>The ceremony celebrated aspects of the rich history and culture of Birmingham, with a 10 metre tall mechanical "Raging Bull" being waltzed into the stadium. </p> <p>The Bull Ring is a major shopping district in the city, which also features a sculpture of a bull, while the mascot for these Commonwealth Games is Perry the Bull.</p> <p>Female chain makers dragged the bull into the stadium, representing the chains used during the slave trade. </p> <p>The bull then broke free of those chains — symbolising the abolition of the slave trade and the 1910 wage strike that paved the way for women to break free from poverty.</p> <p>Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai addressed the audience early in the ceremony, sharing a heartfelt message about how Birmingham became her home and welcomed her family.</p> <p>Musical act Duran Duran, who began their career in Birmingham, closed the ceremony as they belted out fan favourite tracks such as <em>Save A Prayer</em>, <em>Planet Earth</em> and <em>Ordinary World</em>.</p> <p>The Commonwealth Games will run until August 8th, with 72 countries competing in 19 sports over the 11-day event. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

International Travel

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Why Netflix and TikTok are turning to gaming to secure their future

<p>The <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/29/netflix-and-rivals-enter-pivotal-second-act-of-streaming-wars-saga.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">streaming wars</a> are heating up. In March, Disney delayed the release date of <a href="https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/obi-wan-kenobi-release-date-fridays-1235219887/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Obi-Wan Kenobi</a> to May 27 to coincide with the launch of Netflix’s <a href="https://top10.netflix.com/tv" target="_blank" rel="noopener">top show</a>, Stranger Things. This on the back of Google’s announcement YouTube Shorts had <a href="https://mashable.com/article/youtube-shorts-1-5-billion-monthly-users" target="_blank" rel="noopener">matched TikTok’s 1.5 billion subscribers</a> in the short-form video market.</p> <p>Facing increased competition, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2022/apr/20/netflix-shares-fall-losing-subscribers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">falling subscriber numbers</a> and loss of content, Netflix and TikTok are having to diversify. And for this they’re turning to games. With more than three billion players worldwide, and an estimated market share of US$200 billion, the gaming industry is both <a href="https://newzoo.com/insights/articles/games-market-revenues-will-pass-200-billion-for-the-first-time-in-2022-as-the-u-s-overtakes-china#:%7E:text=Yearly%20mobile%20game%20revenues%20will,driven%20growth%20of%20prior%20years." target="_blank" rel="noopener">popular and lucrative</a>.</p> <p>Netflix <a href="https://about.netflix.com/en/news/let-the-games-begin-a-new-way-to-experience-entertainment-on-mobile" target="_blank" rel="noopener">introduced</a> mobile gaming last year for all its subscribers. This included two notable Stranger Things tie-ins. Meanwhile, TikTok has offered games to select users since 2019 and seems very likely to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/exclusive-tiktok-plans-big-push-into-gaming-conducting-tests-vietnam-sources-2022-05-19/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">expand these offerings</a>.</p> <h2>Retaining existing subscribers</h2> <p>Both Netflix and TikTok have transformed the entertainment business.</p> <p>They appear <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/joc/jqac020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">diametrically opposed on the surface</a>. The former gets revenue from subscriptions, and spends millions of dollars on licensing or creating content. The latter makes money by linking viewers to advertisers, with the help of streaming “influencers” who have mastered the art of short-form video.</p> <p>However, the two platforms share some key characteristics. They both:</p> <ol> <li>deliver video content via the internet</li> <li>aim to constantly grow their user base</li> <li>benefit from unique and original content</li> <li>collect user data and use it to improve their services, and</li> <li>face considerable and rising competition from other companies and entertainment media.</li> </ol> <p>Many well-loved films and television series are <a href="https://www.digitaltrends.com/movies/best-movies-leaving-netflix/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">departing Netflix</a> for competitor platforms. At the same time, TikTok is also losing short-form video influencers to other <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/tiktok-creators-youtube-shorts-amid-insane-subscriber-growth-1235002615/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">platforms</a>. Both platforms are seeking new strategies for subscriber retention, growth, and original content.</p> <p>This is where gaming comes in. According to one consumer insights report, 79% of the world’s online population <a href="https://newzoo.com/insights/trend-reports/how-consumers-are-engaging-with-games-in-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">engages with games</a> in some form. And millennials rate gaming as either the most popular, or second-most popular entertainment activity – behind watching other people play games on video platforms.</p> <h2>Why is gaming an attractive space?</h2> <p>Games typically afford longer engagement periods than series or movies. This is due to the psychological <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01731" target="_blank" rel="noopener">principles of motivation</a> that underpin most gameplay.</p> <p>People invested in games will often seek out additional narrative (or “lore”) in the form of shows and movies. Alternatively, audiences invested in shows may also look to video games to provide alternative narratives and opportunities for world-building. So shows lead customers to games, and games keep them engaged between season releases.</p> <p>This technique of telling a story across multiple platforms and formats is known as “<a href="https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780191800986.001.0001/acref-9780191800986-e-3472" target="_blank" rel="noopener">transmedia storytelling</a>” and has been used with <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/joeescobedo/2017/07/01/meet-the-man-behind-hollywood-and-fortune-500-firms-transmedia-success/?sh=3766654233da" target="_blank" rel="noopener">great success</a> by broadcast, social media and gaming companies. This is what platforms are banking on to keep audiences locked into their entertainment ecosystems.</p> <p>Content creation has <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2021/11/18/four-reasons-why-the-creator-economy-is-booming/?sh=7534840b53de" target="_blank" rel="noopener">boomed since the pandemic</a>, and younger audiences are spending more time than ever watching user-generated content online. They have been particularly tuned into games such as <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1782210/Crab_Game/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Crab Game</a> (a fan-made version of the popular Netflix show Squid Game) – which also has <a href="https://sullygnome.com/game/Crab_Game" target="_blank" rel="noopener">millions of view hours</a> on the streaming service Twitch.</p> <p>The rise of Minecraft as a popular <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattgardner1/2022/04/07/game-modding-offers-huge-financial-opportunities-for-studios-in-2022/?sh=1f40a3cb590d" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“modding” game</a> (in which players can collectively transform the game space through their own modifications) has also helped video streaming and subscription services. Minecraft-related videos have been streamed more than <a href="https://www.youtube.com/trends/articles/minecraft-trillion/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one trillion times on YouTube</a>.</p> <p>Transmedia success provides additional avenues for companies looking to leverage their licensed or original copyrighted content.</p> <h2>Intellectual property and data analytics</h2> <p>We know games promote attention, motivation, emotion and socialising among players.</p> <p>Companies such as the game-hosting platform Steam have demonstrated <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/oldnews/2488" target="_blank" rel="noopener">user data can influence</a> the creation of new content by game developers. In fact, this is a market advantage that Netflix and TikTok have over rivals.</p> <p>For example, one could easily imagine that a character who is popular in a game, as revealed through gaming data, would also be more likely to feature in an upcoming show based on that game.</p> <h2>Netflix and TikTok can lose big</h2> <p>When we speak of the streaming wars and greater competition, it’s not a level playing field. There are crucial differences between Netflix and TikTok, and other players such as Disney+, Amazon Prime, Apple TV and YouTube.</p> <p>Netflix is in the streaming business, and TikTok in the video-hosting industry. On the other hand, based on revenue Disney is in the theme park and toy business, Amazon the online sales industry, Apple the computing and phone industry, and Google in the search and advertising industry.</p> <p>For these companies, streaming and video hosting is a small side business that provides useful data to feed a greater machine. So in the “streaming wars” they don’t have as much to lose, as they can run these side businesses at a loss.</p> <p>Netflix and TikTok aren’t so lucky. By turning to games, they’re grabbing onto a lifeline they really need.</p> <p><em><strong>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/levelling-up-why-netflix-and-tiktok-are-turning-to-gaming-to-secure-their-future-183990" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</strong></em></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

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