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

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

International Travel

10 driving tips to stay safe in wet weather

Driving in the rain? Follow these tips for safe driving in wet weather This should go without saying, but reducing your speed – as long as you continue to keep with the flow of traffic, of course – is imperative when driving in the rain. After all, between the downpour and spray from other vehicles, heavy rain reduces visibility in all directions, and you need more time to react. Keep your distance Driving in the rain can be hazardous, and if ever there is an incident that requires you – or the driver in front you – to brake unexpectedly, you’ll want to have ample stopping distance on wet roads. Avoid heavy breaking While driving in the rain, you may find yourself in situations – whether you’re hydroplaning or finding yourself in a skid – that will tempt you to hit the brakes abruptly. Do your best to curb that impulse. Brakes can be affected greatly by water, losing a bit of their power when wet, which can be disastrous in an emergency. Easing off the brakes, slowing down and maintaining control of your vehicle is your best bet. Keep both hands on the wheel Control is of utmost importance when driving in the rain. After all, you need to be in command of your vehicle should an incident occur, and having both hands on the wheel while driving in the rain (no snacking or fiddling with the radio!) will ensure you can get out of a sticky situation quickly and efficiently. Keep windows from fogging up When driving in rain, windows tend to fog up as a result of the difference in temperatures inside and outside the car and can lead to decreased visibility. To stay safe and avoid accidents, simply press your car’s defrost button to clear-up the window. Turn on your A/C or roll down the windows by a couple of centimetres to remove the humidity from the vehicle and lower the temperature inside the car. If the issue persists, you may want to purchase a windshield cleaner and defogger. Beware of hydroplaning Hydroplaning happens when your car travels above the water without touching the ground. Given that a driver is left with little-to-no grip with the road and, thus, less control, this can be a dangerous set of circumstances. If you find yourself in such a situation, stay calm, ease off the brakes and do not turn your steering wheel; let your car slow down and the tires reattach to the road surface. Avoid puddles Windshield wipers should always be in working condition. Be vigilant about replacing them once per year, or whenever they start to leave streaks on the glass. Having wipers blades in tip-top shape ensures the best possible visibility when driving in the rain. Stay home if you can If you have no choice but to head outside during a heavy downpour, be sure to follow these driving tips. However, if you don’t have anywhere pressing to be, consider staying home and waiting it out until the storm subsides. Keep your headlights on With wet weather often comes fog and overall gloominess. With your surroundings slightly darkened, turning on your headlights ensures that you can see the road in front of you, and that other drivers can see you. Ensure windshield wipers are in working order Windshield wipers should always be in working condition. Be vigilant about replacing them once per year, or whenever they start to leave streaks on the glass. Having wipers blades in tip-top shape ensures the best possible visibility when driving in the rain. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/home-tips/10-driving-tips-to-stay-safe-in-wet-weather" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Travel Tips

Garden fixes after heavy rain

Better Homes and Gardens’ resident landscaper, Jason Hodges, shares his advice for tending to the garden after heavy rain. When it comes to the garden and heavy rain, you need to be prepared. Where does water sit? What gets washed away? How are your drains working or failing? All things you can repair and get working for the future success of your garden. The heavy rain has saturated our soil, and strong winds have toppled over trees all week, but long-term, the saturated soil can hurt all plants in the garden. When the soil is water-logged the root system can drown from lack of oxygen. The first thing I would do is rake some mulch away allowing for some evaporation, either with a garden fork or even something like a cricket stump. Make some holes to allow air in and for the water to fill and again evaporate. Snails and slugs are opportunists and thrive and reproduce when times are good – they love the rain and the wet conditions afterwards. To control them I like to use a take-away container with a splash of beer in it. Placed level with the garden bed the snails go in and never leave. If your garden was flooded don’t be too quick to think the water’s gone down and everything’s fine. If they’re in the garden, avoid eating leafy vegetables such as lettuce, kale and spinach. They may have been contaminated by the flood water. Fruit trees such as citrus should be fine within a short period of time. Now that it has stopped raining it’s never too late to clean the gutters. Overflowing gutters can damage gardens and undermine the footings of your house. When you’re up a ladder either doing the gutters or any other job in the garden I recommend you have a second person with you, an extra set of hands to hold the ladder, spot problems and just pass you tools. It makes the process a lot safer and quicker. Look out for mould, moss and mildew that might grow on shady, damp paths over the next few weeks. A blast with a pressure washer will be a quick fix and a lot more enjoyable than slipping A over Z. A weak solution of vinegar and water will kill mould and mildew if you don’t have a pressure washer. Look for branches that may have been damaged but are still hanging in the tree. They will become more obvious as the foliage browns off and dies. Cleaning up the tear and damage will give the tree a better chance of recovery. If you have a watering system, override it and turn it off for a couple of weeks. The last thing the garden needs is a drink. If your pots were full of water remove the saucers and allow them to drain. It’s a hard time to garden after heavy rain, but let’s be thankful for it and hope we can enjoy the long-term benefits of having moisture deep down in our soil. Written by Jason Hodges. First appeared on <a href="http://www.domain.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Domain.com.au.</a> Image: Getty

Home & Garden

Meteors seem to be raining down on New Zealand, but why are some bright green?

<h1 class="legacy">Meteors seem to be raining down on New Zealand, but why are some bright green?</h1> <figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/476788/original/file-20220731-19335-76trxr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=5%2C304%2C3828%2C1851&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" /><figcaption>Greg Price, Author provided</figcaption></figure> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jack-baggaley-1366298">Jack Baggaley</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-canterbury-1004">University of Canterbury</a> New Zealand may seem to be under meteor bombardment at the moment. After a <a href="https://theconversation.com/equivalent-to-1-800-tonnes-of-tnt-what-we-now-know-about-the-meteor-that-lit-up-the-daytime-sky-above-new-zealand-186636">huge meteor exploded</a> above the sea near Wellington on July 7, creating a sonic boom that could be heard across the bottom of the South Island, a smaller fireball was captured two weeks later above Canterbury. <a href="https://fireballs.nz/">Fireballs Aotearoa</a>, a collaboration between astronomers and citizen scientists which aims to recover freshly fallen meteorites, has received a lot of questions about these events. One of the most frequent is about the bright green colour, and whether it is the same green produced by auroras. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/476789/original/file-20220731-20-zrewrz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/476789/original/file-20220731-20-zrewrz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476789/original/file-20220731-20-zrewrz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476789/original/file-20220731-20-zrewrz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476789/original/file-20220731-20-zrewrz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476789/original/file-20220731-20-zrewrz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476789/original/file-20220731-20-zrewrz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="An image of an aurora australis" /><figcaption>An aurora australis observed from the international space station. Wikimedia Commons, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">CC BY-ND</a></figcaption></figure> Green fireballs have been reported and filmed in New Zealand regularly. Bright meteors often signal the arrival of a chunk of asteroid, which can be anywhere between a few centimetres to a metre in diameter when it comes crashing through the atmosphere. Some of these asteroids contain nickel and iron and they hit the atmosphere at speeds of up to 60km per second. This releases an enormous amount of heat very quickly, and the vapourised iron and nickel radiate green light. But is this the same as the bright green of an aurora? For the most recent meteor, the answer is mainly no, but it’s actually not that simple. <h2>The colours of a meteor trail</h2> The green glow of the aurora is caused by oxygen ions in the upper atmosphere, created by collisions between atmospheric oxygen molecules and particles ejected by the sun. These oxygen ions recombine with electrons to produce oxygen atoms, but the electrons can persist in an excited state for several seconds. In an energy transition known as “forbidden” because it does not obey the usual quantum rules, they then radiate the auroral green light at 557nm wavelength. A meteor can also shine by this route, but only if it’s extremely fast. Very fast meteors heat up in the thin atmosphere above 100km where auroras form. If you want to see a green auroral wake from a meteor, watch out for the Perseid meteor shower, which has now started and will peak on August 13 in the southern hemisphere. Also arriving at about 60km per second, the Perseids are extremely fast bits of the <a href="https://www.space.com/33677-comet-swift-tuttle-perseid-meteor-shower-source.html">comet Swift-Tuttle</a>. Some Perseids trail a beautiful, glowing and distinctly green wake behind them, particularly at the start of their path. Once the Canterbury meteor hit on July 22, the capricious winds of the upper atmosphere twisted the gently glowing trail, resulting in a pale yellow glow towards the end (as seen in the GIF below, also recorded by Greg Price for an earlier meteor). This is caused by sodium atoms being continually excited in a catalytic reaction involving ozone. <img src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/static_files/files/2231/The_22_July_meteor_-_persistent_train_-_credit_Greg_Price.gif?1659310010" width="100%" /> <h2>Are we being bombarded by meteors?</h2> Yes and no. The arrival of big, booming green meteors and the dropping of meteorites isn’t rare in New Zealand, but it is rare to recover the rock. Fireballs Aotearoa is working to improve the recovery rate. In an average year, perhaps four meteorites hit New Zealand. We’re encouraging citizen scientists to build their own meteor camera systems so they can catch these events. By comparing the meteor against the starry background and triangulating images caught by multiple cameras, we can pin down the meteor’s position in the atmosphere to within tens of metres. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/476790/original/file-20220731-43929-h2dp31.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/476790/original/file-20220731-43929-h2dp31.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476790/original/file-20220731-43929-h2dp31.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476790/original/file-20220731-43929-h2dp31.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476790/original/file-20220731-43929-h2dp31.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476790/original/file-20220731-43929-h2dp31.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476790/original/file-20220731-43929-h2dp31.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="The July 22 meteor as seen by a specialised meteor camera near Ashburton." /><figcaption>The July 22 meteor as seen by a specialised meteor camera near Ashburton. Campbell Duncan/NASA/CAMS NZ, Author provided</figcaption></figure> Not only does that help us find the rock, but it tells us what the pre-impact orbit of the meteoroid was, which in turn tells us which part of the solar system it came from. This is a rather efficient way of sampling the solar system without ever having to launch a space mission. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/476791/original/file-20220731-31484-7i4x0t.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/476791/original/file-20220731-31484-7i4x0t.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=440&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476791/original/file-20220731-31484-7i4x0t.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=440&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476791/original/file-20220731-31484-7i4x0t.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=440&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476791/original/file-20220731-31484-7i4x0t.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=553&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476791/original/file-20220731-31484-7i4x0t.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=553&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476791/original/file-20220731-31484-7i4x0t.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=553&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Map of witness reports and cameras." /><figcaption>Witness reports and high-resolution meteor cameras help to calculate a meteor’s trajectory. This map shows the approximate trajectory of the July 22 meteor at the top of the red shape in the centre. Fireballs Aotearoa and International Meteor Association, Author provided</figcaption></figure> Fireballs Aotearoa is rapidly populating Otago with meteor cameras and there are half a dozen more in other parts of the South Island. The North Island isn’t well covered yet, and we’re keen for more people (in either island) to build or buy a meteor camera and keep it pointed at the sky. Then next time a bright meteor explodes with a boom above New Zealand, we may be able to pick up the meteorite and do some good science with it. <hr /> Many thanks for the input from Jim Rowe of the UK Fireball Alliance, and Greg Price who photographed the July 22 meteor and the persistent train.<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/187836/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jack-baggaley-1366298">Jack Baggaley</a>, Professor Emeritus Physics and Astronomy, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-canterbury-1004">University of Canterbury</a> 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/meteors-seem-to-be-raining-down-on-new-zealand-but-why-are-some-bright-green-187836">original article</a>.

Domestic Travel

Russell Crowe shows incredible impact of recent rain on his property

Hollywood star Russell Crowe has shown the incredible difference rain has made on his rural NSW property, only a few months after it was destroyed by a bushfire. Located 25km northwest of Coffs Harbour, Crowe resides in Nana Glen which was affected by the recent bushfires in November last year as it destroyed homes and land along the way. The actor owns 400 hectares of land around the area and said at the time that he was “overall very lucky” that his home was saved. At the time, the fire had left his property completely blackened, as everything from the trees to the grass was burnt to crisp. But due to the heavy rain the state has seen in the last few days, his home has gone through an incredible transformation. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> My place 10 weeks ago after the fire had gone through, and this morning after a big weekend of rain. <a href="https://t.co/oOWz0gG5hp">pic.twitter.com/oOWz0gG5hp</a> — Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) <a href="https://twitter.com/russellcrowe/status/1219031928071843840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">19 January 2020</a></blockquote> Taking to Twitter, Crowe posted photos of the before and after. “My place 10 weeks ago after the fire had gone through, and this morning after a big weekend of rain,” he wrote. The first photo which was taken 10 weeks ago shows the entire area completely burnt, a complete juxtaposition to the most recent photo which was snapped this morning where the grass has turned a vibrant green colour. The Hollywood heavyweight wasn’t in Australia at the time of the fire but returned home to inspect the damage and rally a crew for the clean up.

Domestic Travel

Little boy dances for joy at seeing rain for the first time

A little boy who has never seen rain in his life has spent the morning watching on in joy and dancing in mud puddles after a downpour hit his family’s farm in NSW. The 18-month-old’s mum shared a video of him running around their property in Scone, saying “wow!” as he tried to figure out what was going on. “Our boy just couldn’t contain his excitement,” his mother Tiffanie McKenzie wrote on Facebook. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F9NewsSydney%2Fvideos%2F2808990652495370%2F&show_text=0&width=476" width="476" height="476" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> He can be seen dancing around as the mud puddles around his feet. Others from drought affected areas are thrilled about the long-awaited rain. Green Valley Farm in Tingha, NSW, has been drenched as the area has been hit with 75 mls of rain. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstephanie.stewarthickman%2Fposts%2F2634482036630810&width=500" width="500" height="624" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> Mudgee also received a lot of rain and Katoomba near the NSW Blue Mountains has had rain create a mist over the mountain tops. The NSW SES has urged residents in fire-affected areas, according to <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/nsw-rain-little-boy-dances-in-rain-for-the-first-time-scone/75f2492c-d24e-4988-80e6-095fa7fddbb8?ocid=Social-9News" target="_blank">9News</a>, to take care as there is now a risk of flash flooding, falling trees and landslides as wet weather impacts the fire grounds.

Family & Pets

10 rainy day movies that will warm your heart

There can be nothing better than curling up on the couch and becoming immersed in a fantasy world. Here we look at some of the classic movies that will warm your heart on a rainy day. 1. Gone with the Wind Set in the deep south during the American civil war, this 1939 classic is a much-loved favourite. Pop the corn, pull up a comfy chair and prepare to be mesmerised for four hours as Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh) and Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) battle it out in the name of love. 2. On Golden Pond Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn star in this 1981 award-winning drama about two elderly grandparents who unexpectedly have their teenage grandson stay with them for the summer holidays 3. Terms of Endearment When widow Aurora Greenway finds herself alone after her daughter marries and moves interstate, she reluctantly takes up with her new neighbour, a womanising drinker who thinks he's God's gift. 4. The Notebook The story of Allie and Noah is a tale of young love, painful loss, dedication and promises. A modern day classic romance, this is a perfect movie to snuggle-down with on any lazy afternoon. 5. Babe When Farmer Hoggett wins a piglet, Christmas dinner springs to mind. But the relationship between pig and farmer takes a turn that has Mrs Hoggett and and the local community questioning his sanity. A delightful family classic that was filmed in New South Wales. 6. Forrest Gump This film chronicles the life of Forrest Gump, a lovely, slow-witted man who seems to be at the centre of many influential moments in history. His phrase, “life is like a box of chocolates” became a catchphrase in the nineties. 7. When Harry Met Sally When Harry and Sally where at college, they didn’t get along. Then after years of not seeing each other they suddenly meet again and become close friends...and more. An hilarious romantic comedy! 8. As Good As It Gets The lives of a grumpy bachelor; a single-mother and a battered artist mesh to form caring friendships and a reluctant romance. 9. Little Miss Sunshine The Hoover family set off on a road trip so seven-year-old dance queen wannabe, Olivia can compete in a prestigious competition. It's a riotous ride. 10. The Miracle Worker This is the true story of Helen Keller, who becomes blind, deaf and mute after contracting an illness as a toddler. When her parents seek help, teacher Annie Sullivan is brought into their lives. Her patience, love and dedication changes everything. These 10 great movies will have you forgetting about the rain in no time! What's your favourite? Leave a comment below. Written by Jennifer Morris. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/entertainment/10-rainy-day-movies-that-will-warm-your-heart.aspx">Wyza</a>.

Movies

Nightmare as hundreds of spiders “rain” from the sky

Arachnophobes look away, because a video posted to Facebook shows every person’s worst nightmare as Brazil experienced a strange phenomenon of spiders raining from the sky. The footage shows spiders coming down in droves at Espirito Santo do Dourado, with locals describing the event as the sky “raining with spiders”. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fcecilia.fonseca.712%2Fvideos%2F1962652493856369%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="308" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> While the eight-legged insects appear to be falling from above, they are actually moving with the help of a huge web, and according to experts, spiders create canopies during hot and humid climates so they can share one giant web. João Pedro Martinelli Fonseca, who is the man behind the camera, said that he noticed the sensation at his grandparent’s farm and told local newspapers that he was “stunned and scared”. Spiders can reportedly travel hundreds of kilometres using a ballooning method. Ballooning occurs when spiders detect electric fields under natural atmospheric conditions. It is the electric fields that cause the arachnid’s strange behaviour. Spiders are able to become airborne through the technique, as they release fine silk lines that once caught in the breeze, lift the spider up in the air.

Home & Garden

Donald Trump criticised for leaving Melania and son in the rain

<div class="replay"> <div class="reply_body body linkify"> <div class="reply_body"> <div class="body_text "> Never short of controversy, the Trumps are once again in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons after the President was photographed holding an umbrella over himself while wife Melania and son Barron fended for themselves in the rain. <img width="600" height="384" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7267095/5a5e65465b0fd_gettyimages_905327464_5a5e6503552b0.jpg" alt="5a 5e 65465b 0fd _gettyimages _905327464_5a 5e 6503552b0" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Appearing to forget about his family completely (although it <a href="/news/news/2017/10/conspiracy-theorists-claim-melania-trump-is-using-a-body-double/" target="_blank">wouldn’t be the first time</a>), Donald Trump has once again proven that at home, as in the Oval Office, it’s “me first”. As you might expect, the photo has caused quite a stir on social media. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Says a lot about a person. Trump holds an umbrella over himself and not his wife or son. <a href="https://t.co/AMaIsWgvgU">pic.twitter.com/AMaIsWgvgU</a> — Patrick White (@mrreactionary) <a href="https://twitter.com/mrreactionary/status/953228936325967872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Trump?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Trump</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/umbrella?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#umbrella</a> not covering <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Melania?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Melania</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Barron?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Barron</a> - it's the little things that say so much... <a href="https://t.co/dclnDJiW57">https://t.co/dclnDJiW57</a> — Paula Neal Mooney (@PAULANEALMOONEY) <a href="https://twitter.com/PAULANEALMOONEY/status/953263264007323648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> We all know Trump is NOT a gentleman. Of course he used the umbrella for only himself. He can not tolerate having his fake hair messed up. <a href="https://t.co/znscZgbYfy">https://t.co/znscZgbYfy</a> — Waiting for Sanity (@KSibla) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSibla/status/953263367594106880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a></blockquote> What do you think? Are social media users making a mountain out of a molehill? Or does this small act say a lot about the controversial President as a person? </div> </div> </div> </div>

Caring

6 perfect winter reads

Winter is the absolute best season for reading, if you ask us. There’s nothing better than curling up in bed with a great read and hot drink while the wind and rain lash against the windows. Here are 6 of our favourite books to read when the temperatures drop. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson The first instalment of Larsson’s critically-acclaimed, best-selling Millennium trilogy is the perfect book to keep you on the edge of your seat. Set mostly in the stark, freezing city of Stockholm, Sweden, this book might take a bit longer to get into than others, but we can guarantee it’s worth it. The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien Transport yourself to another world, filled with hobbits, dragons, dwarves, elves and countless more. There’s a reason Tolkien’s prequel to The Lord of the Rings is so hugely popular – it’ll make a fan out of even the staunchest fantasy fiction hater. It's also a much easier way to get your fill of Middle Earth than The Lord of the Rings (which will keep you busy for over 1,000 pages). Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak<a href="http://www.booktopia.com.au/doctor-zhivago-boris-pasternak/prod9780099541240.html" target="_blank"></a> Any novel set in Russia is going to evoke wintery feelings, but Doctor Zhivago in particular is a classic. Covering all the years from 1903 to World War II, this epic tale was hugely controversial at the time. Plus, as an added bonus, you can watch the great 1965 film adaptation starring Omar Sharif and Julie Christie afterwards. Room by Emma Donoghue<a href="http://www.booktopia.com.au/room-emma-donoghue/prod9780330519021.html" target="_blank"></a> You’ve probably heard of the film from which this novel is adapted, given that it received an impressive four nominations at this year’s Academy Awards. Set in – you guessed it! – a room, the story was inspired by the Joseph Fritzl case. Sounds grim, but this is a tale of survival and hope, even in the darkest of times. A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin<a href="http://www.booktopia.com.au/a-game-of-thrones-george-r-r-martin/prod9780006479888.html" target="_blank"></a> If you’re a fan of the hit show Game of Thrones, don’t think it’s not worth reading the books they’re based on. The first instalment of his A Song of Ice and Fire series, Martin’s sprawling high-fantasy world will blow you away with its intricate plots and multi-dimensional characters. The Shining by Stephen King<a href="http://www.booktopia.com.au/the-shining-stephen-king/prod9781444720723.html" target="_blank"></a> It’s widely regarded as King’s best novel, and if you haven’t already read The Shining, winter is the perfect time to do so. Set in the isolated and icy Overlook Hotel, this book (which inspired the iconic movie starring Jack Nicholson) will give you goose bumps. What’s your favourite cold weather read? Share it with us in the comments below. Related links: <a href="/entertainment/books/2016/05/top-10-book-series-ever/">Top 10 book series ever</a> <a href="/entertainment/books/2016/05/6-biographies-you-must-read/">6 biographies you must read</a> <a href="/entertainment/books/2016/04/five-books-to-read-before-seeing-film-2016/">Read these five books before you see the film</a>

Books

Sydney man catches fish from balcony

A Sydneysider made the best of a bad situation over the weekend, when he caught a fish from the flood-formed lake swelling around his apartment building. Vincent Cotte property sits on Narrabeen Lake in Sydney's north, and when the deluge brought the water right to his door step, he was able to make a catch of the day from the comfort his balcony. The small fish was spared an unlucky fate, when Vincent threw it straight back into the water. One question remains, do you think you need a fishing license to fish from your balcony? Let us know what you think in the comments below. Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/06/nsw-storm-wipeout-as-coastlines-erode-and-residents-evacuate/">NSW storm wipeout as coastlines erode and residents evacuate</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/06/wild-weather-to-hit-australia-east-coast-this-weekend/">Wild weather to hit Australia’s east coast this weekend</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/05/warm-wet-conditions-forecast-for-winter/">Warm, wet conditions forecast for winter</a> <div class="share-links"> <div class="addthis_native_toolbox" data-url="/news/news/2016/06/in-pictures-australia-wild-weather/" data-title="In pictures Australia wild weather | OverSixty" data-description="Eastern Australia copped a beating on the weekend, thanks to a powerful East Coast low which made landfall on Saturday."> <div id="atstbx2" class="at-share-tbx-element addthis_default_style addthis_20x20_style addthis-smartlayers addthis-animated at4-show"></div> </div> </div>

News

Prince's Purple Rain jacket up for auction

A rare piece of movie memorabilia from Prince's 1984 classic film Purple Rain is hitting the auction block. Prince donned the black and white blazer with leather sleeves while riding a motorcycle with co-star Apollonia Kotero. "It's definitely the most important piece of screen-worn Prince clothing that's ever come up for auction," said Joe Maddalena, president of the Calabasas, California-based auction house, Profiles in History. "This is a signature piece of wardrobe worn from an iconic movie in his most famous role." The coat is a unique find from the typically reclusive artist, who was found dead at his Paisley Park complex just outside of Minneapolis. "Prince memorabilia in general, it just really doesn't exist. It seems like he controlled it all," Maddalena said. "This is the first time ever for something like this, and it might be the only time because the rest of the costumes may be in his (personal) wardrobe." The original seller said her sister, a makeup artist, received the piece from Prince after they worked together on Purple Rain. The June 29 auction will also include costumes from Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Alicia Keys and a Swarovski crystal studded glove from Michael Jackson's 1992 "Dangerous" world tour. Maddalena said he believes the Purple Rain blazer will be the "star of the show" and expects it to sell for much more than the asking price, US$6000 to US$8000. "Hopefully it will reach a price that is equivalent to his stature as a musician," he said. Written by Nicole Evatt, first appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Related links: <a href="/entertainment/movies/2016/05/most-iconic-movie-shots/">10 most iconic movie shots of all time</a> <a href="/entertainment/movies/2016/05/most-expensive-films-ever-made/">The 15 most expensive films ever made</a> <a href="/entertainment/movies/2016/04/10-of-paul-newmans-best-looks/">10 of Paul Newman’s best looks</a>

Beauty & Style

Boredom-busting activities for kids (and adults)

As if it isn't already hard enough to keep the kids entertained, throw some wet weather in the mix and boredom ensues. Here’s a list of activities to keep young ones entertained. Hone your inner Da Vinci Encourage the kids, both the toddlers and the teenagers, to get out the art supplies and start creating - the options are endless with this activity. There are clay sculptures to make and canvasses to paint with fingers, sponges and paint brushes. Recycled items, such as plastic bottles, milk lids and cellophane, never goes amiss - kids are pretty innovative when given some glitter and glue. Masking tape the floor All you need is a roll of tape and a few toy cars to keep the young petrol heads busy for hours. Outline a racetrack throughout the entire house, let the kids decide how many lanes they want and what other household objects can feature in their little city. For those youngsters not so interested in cars, use the masking tape - ensuring it's the kind that comes off easily - to create a makeshift hopscotch game. Hold an indoor scavenger hunt Take a moment to put together a list of clues, giving the first to the children and putting the rest in obscure places around the house - each clue leads the kids onto the next. Eventually, and not before they have worked as a team to brainstorm the answers, they will discover a trove of treasure, whether it be a delicious treat or another fun activity, such as a board game to play or a DVD to watch. Here are three clues to get you started - I have four legs, but I don't have feet and I come in handy when it's time to eat. I rain on you when you need a scrub, I'm very much like my friend the tub. I'm filled with feathers or other soft fluff, to sleep without me can be quite tough. Get busy in the kitchen The wet weather is the perfect time to restock the plastic containers with delectable baked goods. It's also a great way to save some money on the weekly grocery bill and to introduce the children to some basic cooking skills. But when the biscuit containers and cake stands have already been filled and the kids are still wanting to whip something up in the kitchen, why not make some play dough - it's easy and cheaper than the store-bought version. All you need is one cup of plain flour, one cup of water, half a cup of cooking salt, one tablespoon of cooking oil, one tablespoon of cream of tartar and some food colouring. Go outside and get wet Just because it's raining, it doesn't mean you have to be stuck inside all day - go outside and enjoy a bit of liquid sunshine. Don a rain jacket and a pair of gumboots and go and have some fun amongst Mother Nature. There are worms to be found, puddles to stop in, mud to played with and rain to be danced under. Written by Tara Shaskey. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz.</a> Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/04/a-letter-to-by-new-granddaughter/">A letter to my baby granddaughter I’ve yet to meet</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/04/tips-to-avoid-family-dramas/">5 tips to avoid family dramas</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/04/grandparents-share-timeless-love-advice-kids/">Grandparents share timeless love advice with grandkids</a>

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