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Dive below the surface with the Underwater Photographer of the Year awards

There's a world beneath us that we don't know much about, and photographers around the world have all tried to capture its beauty. With over 6,500 photos submitted for this year's Underwater Photographer of the Year contest, one photo captured the panel of judges' heart - Alex Dawson's 'Whale Bones'. The image shows a diver swimming among the enormous skeletons of slaughtered whales off the coast of Greenland. "Whale Bones was photographed in the toughest conditions, as a breath-hold diver descends below the Greenland ice sheet to bear witness to the carcasses," Alex Mustard, Chair of the UPY Jury said. "The masterful composition invites me to consider our impact on the great creatures of this planet," he added. "Since the rise of humans, wild animals have declined by 85%. Today, just 4% of mammals are wildlife, the remaining 96% are humans and our livestock. "Our way needs to change to find a balance with nature." Lisa Stengel from the US won the title of Up & Coming Underwater Photographer of the Year 2024, for her shot titled 'Window of Opportunity'. The photo captured the beauty of nature as a mahi attacks a swarm of fish, an action shot that captured "high speed hunting at the decisive moment." Nuno Sá from Portugal won the award for 'Save Our Seas Foundation' Marine Conservation Photographer of the Year 2024 for his work titled Saving Goliath. The photo showed dozens of sun seekers working together to try and save a stranded sperm whale off the beaches of Costa da Caparica. UK residents Jenny Stock won the title of British Underwater Photographer of the Year for her work 'Star Attraction' and Sandra Stalker won the title of Most Promising British Underwater Photographer 2024 for 'Midnight raver'. Images: UPY

International Travel

The trick to removing a stain from any surface

When it comes to household tasks there’s one in particular that makes everyone shudder. I’m referring, of course, to cleaning. No one likes to clean and no matter how often you clean your home it’s never fun. But that doesn’t mean it has to be difficult. The following guide will teach you the best way to tackle stains on any household surface. Carpet stains While some people may opt to hire a carpet cleaner, there are actually very few carpet stains you can’t clean yourself. Add a splash of vinegar to the stain and dampen a cleaning cloth. Gently pat at the stain and rinse the cloth at regular intervals. Repeat this process until the stain lifts. Then sprinkle bi-carb on the damp area and work it into the carpet a little. Once the bi-carb dries, use a vacuum to clean it up. If you like, sprinkle some lemon juice to freshen things up. If you’ve done everything right you’ll be left with clean, fresh smelling carpets. Tile and hardwood flooring Add vinegar to a bucket of water and use it to mop up as much of the stain as possible. Apply more vinegar directly to the stain. Combine with bi-carb and wait a few minutes for a chemical reaction. You will notice some bubbling and frothing. Gently scrub at any marks with a brush until clean. Finally, use clean water to either wipe or mop the area again to finish things off. Bathroom surfaces Bathrooms are tough to clean but this mixture makes mould and mildew a thing of the past. Combine 1½ cups bi-carb soda, one cup of liquid soap, ½ cup of water and ¼ cup of vinegar together in a bucket. Use this to clean shower screens, remove mildew and scrub tile grout. For maximum effect use a coarse sponge or hard bristled brush. Kitchen benchtops Most modern kitchen benchtops will not stain due to the materials they are made from. However, anyone with a kitchen knows they still require constant cleaning in order to stay hygienic. Use a cleaning cloth and vinegar to keep benchtops sanitised. You can use bi-carb anytime if something more abrasive is needed. This could be useful for things like dried cereal or food stains. If the vinegar smell becomes too much, deodorise with lemon juice. Concrete and garage floors The same ingredients can be used to make a powerful degreaser. This will clean any oil or scuff stains from concrete and other robust surfaces. Simply add one cup of vinegar to a few teaspoons of bi-carb, along with a drop or two of liquid soap. Add this to a spray bottle and fill to the top with warm water. Shake to combine the ingredients. Use the spray bottle to apply the mixture to any stubborn stain you wish to remove. For the best results, apply liberally and wait several minutes before scrubbing with a hard bristled brush. If you have one available you might also wish to use a pressure washer. Written by Michael Brooke. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.domain.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Domain.com.au</a>. Image credits: Getty Images

Home Hints & Tips

How to remove permanent marker from any surface

There’s something heart-stoppingly terrible about seeing a pair of little hands drawing on your walls or floor. It just gets worse when you notice that they’re not using the kid safe textas you gave them – but the permanent marker they found goodness knows where. But never fear, there is a solution to this problem – here are ways to remove permanent marker from just about anything. Not so permanent anymore, is it? Carpet If you have a synthetic carpet, dampen a cloth with a solvent like acetone-free nail polish remover. Lightly dab the stain with this cloth and then leave for about 15 minutes. Then dab the stained area with warm, soapy water and wait for another quarter of an hour. Blot the area dry with a clean cloth or towel, and then blot once more with warm water. Dry again. If there’s still stain remaining, let it dry and repeat the process one more time. If your carpet is made of natural fibres, the process is very similar, but you need to use a consumer-grade dry-cleaning solvent. Make sure you read the instructions carefully before you begin. Walls Use warm, soapy water and your favourite all areas cleaning spray to have an initial pass at the stain. If that method doesn’t work, get out your trusty rubbing alcohol and dab the stain with a cotton ball or paper towel. Use a little water to clean the area once the stain is gone, and then pat dry with paper towel. Ceramic tiles You want to start by wiping the stained area with warm, soapy water and then apply some rubbing alcohol with paper towel or a cotton ball. Wipe the alcohol off with more soapy water, then rinse and dry the tile. If the stain persists, try drawing over it with a whiteboard marker and then rubbing it off. Stainless steel Just like with tiles, you can use a whiteboard marker to draw over the permanent marker before wiping it off with a soft, dry cloth. Failing that, use a little rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or paper towel. Cotton upholstery If marker has stained your cotton upholstery, gently blot the affected area with rubbing alcohol until it has completely come up. Make sure to test the alcohol in an area that can’t be seen in case the colours of the fabric run. Cotton fabric Place the stain face down onto a couple of layered paper towels. Use a small sponge to apply rubbing alcohol to the back of the stain and you should see it leaching out onto the paper towel. Rinse the fabric with cold water when you’re done to make sure the residue from the marker and the alcohol is gone. Do you have a great cleaning tip for removing pesky stains? We’d love to hear about it in the comments. Image: Getty

Home & Garden

Bizarre Bindi Irwin conspiracy theory has surfaced

Rumours are rife that Bindi Irwin and husband Chandler Powell are secretly already parents. Despite the couple having not yet announced any news on the birth of their baby, some are adamant that Bindi has already gone into labour, all because of one particular photograph. The 22-year-old recently shared a "bump update" on her social media, however eagle-eyed fans believe the photo may have been taken a month ago. The photo in question shows Chandler, 24, standing with Bindi, Terri, and Robert Irwin standing together at Australia Zoo in Queensland. The giveaway seems to be that he is wearing the exact same outfit as he was pictured wearing on February 19, down to his socks and wristwatch. This suggests to some that Bindi’s new “update” is just a repost of an older photo, and that she has given birth. While it sounds insane, many fans are sticking with the theory. There are theories that they are enjoying their time with their newborn before making the announcement, or that they could be protecting a magazine or TV deal.

Beauty & Style

Body fat deep below the surface is a toxic risk especially for your heart

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s easy to forget one of the largest health challenges we face remains the global obesity epidemic. <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight">World Health Organisation data</a> shows obesity has nearly tripled in less than 50 years, with about <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight">40% of adults worldwide</a> now overweight or obese. High body fat increases the risk of chronic diseases, including heart problems, diabetes and cancer. However, it’s not simply the total amount of body fat that can increase the risk of disease. The type and location of fat is also important. We’ve known for some time that subcutaneous fat — the fat just below the skin — <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0171933513000459">increases inflammation</a> in the body. But in recent years, researchers have realised an even more serious risk is the unseen deep body fat that accumulates around vital organs. Fat around organs can be ‘toxic’ Fat is not all bad — in fact, some fat does a lot of good. It helps protect vulnerable organs and tissues, and provides a convenient energy supply. If you’re out in the cold, it’s essential fuel for body warming through shivering. But excess fat can increase blood pressure and potentially lead to complications such as heart disease and stroke. Many clinicians use <a href="https://theconversation.com/body-mass-and-evolution-why-the-body-mass-index-is-a-limited-measure-of-public-health-79671">body mass index (BMI)</a> to measure a healthy weight range. It’s calculated as body weight divided by the square of height, and it factors in a healthy amount of fat. But BMI can’t provide information about the shape and size of potentially dangerous internal fat deposits, known as “visceral fat”. Over recent years it’s become apparent visceral fat can lead to disease, and good fat can turn into toxic fat when there is too much. Various organs seem to accumulate visceral fat. This can be a problem because it can create and release damaging molecules and hormones into the blood. These are transported in the bloodstream, potentially causing health complications in distant parts of the body. For example, toxic fat can release proteins that blunt the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Blood glucose levels then rise, potentially <a href="https://www.diabetes.co.uk/body/visceral-fat.html">causing diabetes in the long term</a>. Visceral fat can also stimulate uncontrolled cell growth and replication, <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/obesity/obesity-fact-sheet">potentially triggering some forms of cancer</a>. A fatty liver is associated with metabolic diseases, and excess kidney fat interferes with the body’s fluid balance. The heart is especially vulnerable Visceral fat can also directly affect the organ around which it’s wrapped. Our <a href="https://www.onlinejacc.org/content/76/10/1197?download=true">new research</a>, published in September in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found visceral fat around the heart produces biochemical molecules that can make the heart beat erratically. These molecules potentially cause a serious heart condition called <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/conditions/atrial-fibrillation">atrial fibrillation</a>, by disrupting the heart’s electrical activity. Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common types of heart rhythm disturbance, and <a href="https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/advance-article/doi/10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa612/5899003">one in three people</a> over 55 will develop the condition. It occurs when the regular signal to drive each heartbeat originating in the top portion of the heart, the atria, is disrupted. It can cause an irregular and chaotic heartbeat, disrupting the heart’s coordinated pumping action. This can mean not enough fresh blood is circulated to allow regular daily activity. For some people, living with episodes of atrial fibrillation is a daily challenge – coping with bouts of dizziness, the distressing awareness of a “racing heart”, and chest palpitations. Other people may be unaware they have the condition and the first sign could be tragic, such as a stroke due to a blood clot travelling to the brain. This can lead to <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/conditions/heart-failure">heart failure</a>. An advertisement from the Western Australian health department warning viewers about toxic fat. Only in recent years have researchers discovered the dangers of hidden fat around organs. We worked with clinical cardiologists at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and found fat around the heart secretes molecules which change how nearby cells “talk” to each other, slowing cell-to-cell communication. Because the transfer of electrical signals in the heart muscle are delayed, the heartbeat is potentially destabilised. Although a high BMI increases the risk of atrial fibrillation, it’s the fat burden on the heart, and not BMI itself, that’s most important in electrical and structural disruption. This suggests toxic substances released from the surrounding fat can directly harm the nearby organ, without travelling via the blood. For heart patients, these findings mean the surgical removal of cardiac fat could be an effective treatment to consider. Also, it potentially paves the way for the future development of drugs that can suppress the release of damaging molecules from hidden fat. Nevertheless, these findings underscore the danger of an “obese heart”, particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Research is emerging that obesity is a major risk factor for <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/obesity-and-covid-19.html">serious complications while infected with the virus</a>, and the fat load on the heart may be implicated. Written by <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lea-m-d-delbridge-1155735">Lea M D Delbridge</a>, University of Melbourne and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/james-bell-1156890">James Bell</a>, La Trobe University. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/body-fat-deep-below-the-surface-is-a-toxic-risk-especially-for-your-heart-146307">The Conversation</a>.

Retirement Life

BREAKING: Aussie invents game-changing coronavirus-killing paint

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> An Australian scientist is thrilled with his latest invention, which is a new surface coating that "inactivates" coronavirus on impact. The copper-based substance essentially drains the virus of its power and can be applied on doorknobs, light switches, shopping carts, dining tables and much more. With early indications that the coating has the ability to wipe out the virus on contact for years once applied, Dr William Ducker is now looking for commercial support to take this coating worldwide. “This virus is a major problem and we need to take away its ability to infect a human cell,” Dr Ducker said. “Breathing in the virus is the main thing, but we do need to be scared of touching things. If someone sneezes on a surface and you touch it and then you touch your mouth, in it goes. “I wanted to create a coating that if the virus touches it, it will be inactivated. Working with the University of Hong Kong, we put droplets of the virus on a coated surface, then washed it off and tried to infect monkey cells – but the virus was no longer able to infect the cells after being in contact with the virus.” He said that the tests have been outstanding, with the coating working for long periods and reducing the virus on applied surfaces by 99.9 per cent. The coating itself is made out of cuprous oxide, which is recycled copper pipes and wires. “It’s great, it does that all day,” he said. “The coating will work all day. “We think it could even last for years. Paint it on now, and we expect it will still be working this time next year.” The coating retains its ability to inactivate the virus after multiple rounds of being exposed to COVID-19 and then disinfection or being submerged in water for a week, based on testing. “Everybody is worried about touching objects that may have the coronavirus,” said Dr Ducker, who recalled that his wife questioned whether she should sit on a park bench during the pandemic. “It would help people to relax a little bit.” “People won’t have to worry as much about touching objects,” he said. “It will be both practical and fear-reducing.” Image credit: <a rel="noopener" href="http://wsls.com/" target="_blank" class="c-link">wsls.com</a> </div> </div> </div>

News

Mesmerising video of Liz Taylor applying make-up re-surfaces

Newly-surfaced footage has been released of legendary screen starlet Elizabeth Taylor very adeptly applying her own make-up before shooting a scene for the 1974 film The Driver’s Seat. And we must say, it’s quite mesmerising to watch. The Hollywood icon, who sadly passed away in 2011 at the age of 79, was allegedly so well-known for her beauty skills that she would often go without one of the studio’s make-up artists, instead opting to do it herself. And, after seeing the video above, we don’t blame the talented starlet. It’s rumoured that Liz’s trademark blue smoky eye was actually to help make her eyes look extra white. We wouldn’t be surprised if it were true, as her peepers certainly do pop in this glamourous clip. What's your favourite memory of Elizabeth Taylor? Share it in the comments below. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/2016/04/elizabeth-taylors-granddaughter-shares-candid-details-on-their-relationship/">Elizabeth Taylor's granddaughter shares candid details on their relationship</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/02/best-elizabeth-taylor-looks/">Our favourite Elizabeth Taylor looks</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/2016/02/elizabeth-taylor-memorable-wedding-looks/">Elizabeth Taylor’s most memorable wedding looks</a>

News

Rare footage of Marilyn Monroe’s third wedding surfaces

Marilyn Monroe lived a life in the spotlight, which brands the fleeting glimpses into the iconic blondes’ private life rather alluring – and actually very rare. However, Milton H. Greene – a fashion and celebrity photographer and friend of the starlet – has released new, intimate footage that includes scenes from her third wedding reception. Marilyn was married three times before her untimely death at just 36. She married for the first time at just 16 to Jim Dougherty, again to athlete Joe Dimaggio in 1954, and finally to playwright Arthur Miller. In Greene's video, courtesy of Vanity Fair, the model turned actress kisses her new, doting husband and cheerfully greets guests at the wedding. Other scenes in the montage of footage show the smitten couple dancing, Marilyn rehearsing movie scenes, and posing on a bed during a photo shoot. The film will be shown on loop at the Morrison Hotel Gallery at the Sunset Marquis Hotel in West Hollywood, accompanied other behind-the-scenes images of Marilyn, captured by Greene. Take a look at the rare footage yourself in the video above. What’s your favourite Marilyn Monroe movie? Let us know in the comments below. Related links: <a href="/%20http:/www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/2016/06/the-moment-marilyn-munroe-met-queen-elizabeth/%20">The moment Marilyn Monroe met the Queen </a> <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/06/15-most-unconventional-celebrity-wedding-dresses/">15 most unconventional celebrity wedding dresses </a> <a href="/lifestyle/relationships/2016/06/old-fashioned-wedding-traditions-that-have-disappeared/">5 old-fashioned wedding traditions that have disappeared</a>

News

What hotel room surface is covered in the most germs?

Ever wondered how clean your hotel room really is? Well, in this infographic from Travel Maths, featuring research conducted by the EmLab P&K laboratory, we discover the most germ-ridden surfaces in common hotels. The hotels are broken down to three-star, four-star and five-star hotel rooms. To see the full infographic, scroll down. <img width="500" height="1544" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/16962/hotel-room-germs_500x1544.jpg" alt="Hotel Room Germs" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/03/airports-you-should-try-and-avoid/">8 airports you should try and avoid</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/02/jetstar-passenger-furious-windowless-window-seat/">Passenger’s fury over “windowless” window seat on plane</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/03/the-golden-rules-of-packing/">8 golden rules of packing for a trip</a>

Travel Tips

Newly surfaced deleted scenes of Mrs Doubtfire will break your heart

The classic family comedy Mrs Doubtfire has warmed hearts since it landed on screens back in 1993. For years Robin Williams has delighted kids and adults with his antics as the titular housekeeper in the light-hearted and charming film. But now newly surfaced deleted scenes show the film could have been a lot sadder. Even heartbreaking. One scene shows Williams’ daughter in spelling bee before being distracted by her parents arguing in the crowd. In an emotional talk, she asks her dad why he can’t be Mrs Doubtfire again. “Life’s more real and wonderful than [acting all day],” Williams says. “Acting... it’s nice but it’s a job.” In another heartbreaking scene, Williams and Field are shown in a brutal argument after Fields’ realises Williams is Mrs Doubtfire. The children are upstairs listening to every word. While the film will always be remembered for the comic genius of Robin Williams, and the classic moments will always remain hilarious, it shows just how close the movie was to becoming a story of divorce and family heartache. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/movies/2015/12/top-10-horror-movies/">Top 10 classic horror movies of all-time</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/movies/2015/11/best-kids-movies/">10 of the best movies to watch with the grandkids</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/movies/2015/11/sean-connery-is-the-best-james-bond/">5 reasons why Sean Connery is our favourite Bond</a>

News

Shirtless photo of 28-year-old Harrison Ford surfaces

Before Star Wars – before every great film Harrison Ford has been in – he was a carpenter. Musician Sergio Mendes has shared a throwback black-and-white photo on his Facebook page of the now 73-year-old Hollywood legend as a young 28-year-old giving the peace sign. <img width="499" height="380" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/13212/harrison-ford-28_499x380.jpg" alt="Harrison Ford 28" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Sergio accompanied the photo with the message, “Before Han Solo, there was a great carpenter named Harrison Ford," "And here he is, with his crew, the day he finished building my recording studio back in 1970...Thank you Harrison...may the force be with you..." <img width="361" height="656" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/13215/harrison-ford-28.jpg" alt="Harrison Ford 28 (1)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Related links: <a href="/entertainment/movies/2015/12/top-10-horror-movies/"></a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/movies/2015/11/best-kids-movies/">10 of the best movies to watch with the grandkids</a> <a href="/entertainment/movies/2015/12/top-10-horror-movies/"></a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/movies/2015/11/hilarious-james-bond-gadgets/">The most hilarious Bond gadgets ever</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/movies/2015/12/child-stars-now/">What your favourite childhood actors look like no</a>

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Dive below the surface with the Underwater Photographer of the Year awards

The trick to removing a stain from any surface

How to remove permanent marker from any surface

Bizarre Bindi Irwin conspiracy theory has surfaced

Body fat deep below the surface is a toxic risk especially for your heart

BREAKING: Aussie invents game-changing coronavirus-killing paint

Mesmerising video of Liz Taylor applying make-up re-surfaces

Rare footage of Marilyn Monroe’s third wedding surfaces

What hotel room surface is covered in the most germs?

Newly surfaced deleted scenes of Mrs Doubtfire will break your heart

Shirtless photo of 28-year-old Harrison Ford surfaces

News

Shop

Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Property

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Dive below the surface with the Underwater Photographer of the Year awards

The trick to removing a stain from any surface

How to remove permanent marker from any surface

Bizarre Bindi Irwin conspiracy theory has surfaced

Body fat deep below the surface is a toxic risk especially for your heart

BREAKING: Aussie invents game-changing coronavirus-killing paint

Mesmerising video of Liz Taylor applying make-up re-surfaces

Rare footage of Marilyn Monroe’s third wedding surfaces

What hotel room surface is covered in the most germs?

Newly surfaced deleted scenes of Mrs Doubtfire will break your heart

Shirtless photo of 28-year-old Harrison Ford surfaces

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