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Former pilot shares tips for fighting jet lag

<p dir="ltr">A former pilot has shared his fool-proof tips for beating jet lag when you’re flying to the other side of the world. </p> <p dir="ltr">As an ex-airline pilot, Jeremy Burfoot knows a thing or two about dealing with dreaded jet lag. </p> <p dir="ltr">After his years flying Qantas planes to every corner of the globe, Captain Burfoot has revealed to <em><a href="https://travel.nine.com.au/latest/how-to-beat-jet-lag-ex-airline-pilot-shares-hack-for-flights-to-europe/656b0602-9cd2-4923-b3b4-1310a2613235">9Travel</a></em> the unique way he would combat the condition while he was working. </p> <p dir="ltr">"I used to try and stay in a time zone of where I was living," he told <em>9Travel</em>. "So I went to London, I would just sleep during the day and go out at night."</p> <p dir="ltr">However, for those who need to be up during usual hours, he advised trying to avoid one thing.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The first day you get there, spend all day in the sun, in the daylight," he says. "Resist having an afternoon nap so you're really tired when you go to bed."</p> <p dir="ltr">Captain Burfoot went on to share his hacks for anyone flying from Australia or New Zealand to Europe, which can be some of the most gruelling flight paths in the world. </p> <p dir="ltr">"If I was planning to go to Europe, I would try to split it into two, try to fly both of the days in the daylight," he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"You'd want to be on a flight to Singapore out of Australia that leaves in the morning, so you're basically doing a daylight flight to Singapore, then you have an overnight, eat some curry or something.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"And the next day catch a daylight flight to Europe. So it doesn't actually feel like you're up in the middle of the night."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Captain Jeremy Burfoot</em></p>

Travel Tips

Are cats good for our health?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/susan-hazel-402495">Susan Hazel</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a></em></p> <p>Cats have lived with humans for <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-017-0202">thousands of years</a>. And <a href="https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240923-100-year-old-cat-memes-that-predate-the-internet">long before</a> cat memes and viral <a href="https://theconversation.com/tiktok-says-orange-cats-are-dumb-and-tortoiseshell-cats-have-an-attitude-but-how-true-is-that-218033">TikToks</a> took over the internet, they’ve been comforting us with their purrs and making us laugh with their weird antics.</p> <p>But what does the research say – are cats good for us?</p> <p>Living with a cat can have a profound – and sometimes surprising – effect on our physical and mental health. Still, living with cats is not without risks.</p> <h2>Part of the family</h2> <p>You may have heard cats don’t have owners, they have “staff”. In fact, multiple studies show the humans who live with them feel more like beloved relatives.</p> <p>In a <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/1/193">study</a> of 1,800 Dutch cat owners, half said their cat was family. One in three viewed their cat as a child or best friend and found them loyal, supportive and empathetic.</p> <p>Another US study developed a “<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.812922/full">family bondedness</a>” scale and found cats were just as important a part of families as dogs.</p> <p>Many cats would choose <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376635716303424">human interaction</a> over food or toys. And <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10071-022-01674-w">they can distinguish</a> when we are talking to them (rather than another human).</p> <p>In fact we’ve adapted to each other. Cats are <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-73426-0">more likely</a> to approach human strangers who first give a “kitty kiss” – narrowing your eyes and blinking slowly. And research suggests cats have developed <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-cats-meow-at-humans-more-than-each-other-232865">specific meows</a> that tune into our nurturing instincts.</p> <p>What does this close relationship mean for health outcomes?</p> <h2>A sense of purpose</h2> <p>Owning a pet is associated with <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00127-022-02332-9">less social isolation</a>. And <a href="https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.1079/hai.2021.0006">some cat owners</a> say “providing for the cat” increases their feelings of enjoyment and sense of purpose.</p> <p>But the benefits of the relationship may depend on how you relate to your cat.</p> <p><a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/6/1601">One study</a> looked at different relationship styles between humans and cats, including “remote”, “casual” and “co-dependent”. It found people whose relationship with their cat was co-dependent or like a friend had a higher emotional connection to their pet.</p> <h2>Links to heart health</h2> <p>People who own – or have owned – a cat have a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3317329/">lower risk</a> of dying from cardiovascular diseases such as stroke or heart disease. This result has been repeated in several <a href="https://journals.lww.com/jcardiovascularmedicine/fulltext/2020/05000/association_between_pet_ownership_and.3.aspx?casa_token=JmAlt8nNRAUAAAAA:NdUb0DK3DF6Fej0Vrx9t55JK-HZPmE7F1teQeDCCt3vy0Ha3aSNwZeA4KMcTVm-4ZWz1n-rEVUhIE62CUcfXhAn0sA5RQg">studies</a>.</p> <p>However a problem interpreting population studies is they only tell us about an association. This means while people with cats have lower risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases, we can’t say for sure cats are the cause.</p> <p>Cat ownership has also been associated with some positive changes in the <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0253133">gut microbiota</a>, especially in women, such as improved blood glucose control and reduced inflammation.</p> <h2>Helping mental health</h2> <p>Having cat or dog is also associated with <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08927936.2023.2182029">higher psychological well-being</a>. For people with depression, patting or playing with their cat <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2752/089279399787000066">has been shown</a> to reduce symptoms (although this was over a short, two-hour period and can’t be extrapolated longer-term).</p> <p>Another way to find out about the health impact of cats is qualitative research: asking people what their cats mean to them, beyond the numbers.</p> <p>When colleagues and I <a href="https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.1079/hai.2023.0013">surveyed veterans</a>, we found people more attached to their pets actually had poorer mental health scores. But their survey responses told a different story. One respondent said, “my cats are the reason I get up in the morning”.</p> <p>Another wrote:</p> <blockquote> <p>I consider my pet to be a service animal. My cat helps me to relax when I’m dealing with my anxiety, depression or when I wake during the night from the frequent nightmares I have. My cat isn’t just a pet to me, my cat is a part of me, my cat is part of my family.</p> </blockquote> <p>It may be that veterans were more attached to their cats because they had worse mental health – and relied on their cats more for comfort – rather than the other way around.</p> <h2>Mental health downsides</h2> <p>It is possible being attached to your cat has downsides. If your cat becomes sick, the burden of caring for them may have a negative impact on your mental health.</p> <p><a href="https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/vetr.836?casa_token=g2tT-K2uFUcAAAAA%3AkxrkxlT5voEB8-GpKtiY2pX8qCDgFMjqDZPNS5L2AavYLAlfs6CG_wtsICp7bv-a3TtPMclLHl8edNE">In our study</a> of owners whose cats had epilepsy, around one third experienced a clinical level of burden as caregivers that was likely to interfere with their day-to-day functioning.</p> <h2>Toxoplasmosis</h2> <p>Cats can also carry <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/zoonoses">zoonotic</a> diseases, which are infections which spread from animals to humans.</p> <p>They are the main host for <a href="https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/toxoplasmosis-cats">toxoplasmosis</a>, a parasite excreted in cat faeces which can affect other mammals, including humans. The parasite is more likely to be carried by <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304401720301254?casa_token=hp10VTR-NcEAAAAA:SHRRFC7kULN2idlaOttl6VKIaH2FSSNtM6SMEzW3kK8EeZsUZNYSNcNd16Y8Sm8oItsPE9TTpdk">feral cats</a> that hunt for their food than domestic cats.</p> <p>Most people have <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13071-021-04769-4">mild symptoms</a> that may be similar to flu. But <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/toxoplasmosis">infection during pregnancy</a> can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth, or cause problems for the baby including blindness and seizures.</p> <p>Pregnant women and people with lowered immunity are <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/toxoplasmosis">most at risk</a>. It is recommended these groups don’t empty cat litter trays, or use gloves if they have to. Changing the litter tray daily prevents the parasite <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/toxoplasmosis/index.html#:%7E:text=Life%20Cycle&text=Unsporulated%20oocysts%20are%20shed%20in,the%20environment%20and%20become%20infective.">reaching a stage</a> that could infect people.</p> <h2>Allergies</h2> <p>Up to one in five people have an <a href="https://theconversation.com/do-hypoallergenic-cats-even-exist-3-myths-dispelled-about-cat-allergies-191662">allergy to cats</a> and this is increasing.</p> <p>When cats lick their fur, their saliva deposits an allergen. When their fur and <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17702-pet-allergies">dander</a> (flakes of skin) come loose, it can set off an allergic reaction.</p> <p>People without severe allergies can still live with cats if they regularly wash their hands, clean surfaces and vacuum to eliminate dander. They can also exclude cats from areas they want to be allergen-free, such as bedrooms.</p> <p>While cats can provoke allergic reactions, <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1945892420932487?casa_token=0H_y7qS3NMwAAAAA%3A3dIpa1GNTqFWXHgszpVm7JzcVkmb4EHpE8IEXtlnK1VtMGGH-FkKvMcO5uc1JjTdzC6Q-7RR9UP-ZQ">there is also evidence</a> contact with cats can have a protective role in preventing asthma and allergic reactions developing. This is because exposure may modify the immune system, making it less likely allergic reactions will occur.<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/238993/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/susan-hazel-402495">Susan Hazel</a>, Associate Professor, School of Animal and Veterinary Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </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/are-cats-good-for-our-health-238993">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Home & Garden

"Misconceived": Coles and Woolies fight allegations of price gouging

<p>Coles and Woolworths are set to fight the allegations that they have been inflating prices, as they begin their cases against the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).</p> <p>The lawyers for both supermarket giants appeared in the Federal Court on Wednesday after the ACCC claims the companies violated consumer law by intentionally misleading shoppers.</p> <p>The ACCC claim both Coles and Woolworths inflated the prices on hundred of items before placing them on sale with their "Down Down" and "Prices Dropped" campaigns.</p> <p>The products - including dairy, pet food and personal care - sold for less than the inflated prices, but still more than the regular price that applied before the price spike.</p> <p>Cameron Moore SC, representing Woolworths, told the court the supermarket had not initiated the temporary spikes in prices and would be fighting the ACCC's allegations. </p> <p>"The suggestion is that Woolworths initiated temporary price spikes and that's not correct factually," Moore said. "We say factually, the ACCC's case is misconceived."</p> <p>Both Coles and Woolworths said their increase in prices came at the demand of suppliers, who pushed for the increase due to their rising costs.</p> <p>John Sheahan KC, representing Coles, said the case was not as simple as alleged by the ACCC and any outcome could have significant implications for the whole industry.</p> <p>Coles and Woolworths have until November 29th to file a written response to the ACCC's allegations, before both parties return to the Federal Court in December for another case management hearing.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Legal

Cyclist and AusPost worker caught in wild brawl

<p>An altercation between an Australia Post worker and a cyclist has gone viral on social media, with an investigation underway. </p> <p>The video captured by Gold Coast resident Codey Lamos showed the cyclist attacking the postie's van. </p> <p>"I don't want to fight, go away," the driver can be heard saying, as he tries to get into his van, the cyclist pushes the door squishing the driver. </p> <p>After realising he won't be left alone, the driver jumps out and begins throwing punches at the cyclist, while also throwing a small object at him.</p> <p>They then punch at each other for a few seconds, exchanging a few words before the driver hopped back into his van. </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/reel/DBBICoSpsmS/?utm_source=ig_embed&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/reel/DBBICoSpsmS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by 7NEWS Queensland (@7newsqueensland)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"Australia Post is aware of an incident involving a subcontractor delivery driver, which has also been reported to Police," a spokesperson told <em>Yahoo News Australia</em> on Saturday. </p> <p>"As the footage only shows part of the incident, Australia Post will conduct a full investigation into the matter, however the behaviour shown in the video is not what Australia Post expects of its people."</p> <p>Lamos believed the fight was triggered after the postie reportedly cut the cyclist off and something had been thrown at his face, telling the<em> Daily Mail </em>that the cyclist "followed the postman into complex and that's what I captured."</p> <p>The video gained nearly a million views the day after it was posted on TikTok, with many describing the scene as "embarrassing". </p> <p>However, a few others defended the postie, with one saying: "No stop. This is my postman. He is the kindest person." </p> <p>"I know the postie came out on top but I still feel bad for him. No one should be treated like this at work," another added. </p> <p>“Postie tossed between losing his job or losing his patience,” a third wrote.</p> <p>One person wrote of the cyclist: “I can’t take captain spandex seriously.” </p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

Legal

Pet cat lost in the outback ends in purr-fect reunion months later

<p>A beloved pet cat who went missing in the South Australian outback while on a road trip with his owner has been miraculously returned to his family months later.</p> <p>In June, Murry Rantall was travelling from Warnambook Victoria to Darwin in a caravan when he made a pit stop on the Stuart Hwy so his Burmese cat Raj could use the litter box. </p> <p>Rantall went for a walk and came back assuming that his 14-year-old feline friend was still inside so he drove off. </p> <p>It wasn't until 200km later, when he went to check on Raj, that he realised the cat was missing. </p> <p>“I was just about bawling … I knew he was in trouble,” Rantall said.</p> <p>Rantall who had recently lost his wife said that Raj was the only loved one he had left at home. </p> <p>“We were sort of looking after each other more or less,” Rantall said.</p> <p>He turned back to search for Raj, and even had his daughter, Katrina drive from Victoria to South Australia to help find the cat, but they had no luck. </p> <p>The feline was lost but not fur-gotten as Rantall's children put up Facebook posts about Raj missing in the South Australian outback. </p> <p>Two months later, the outback cat-astrophe ended with the purr-fect homecoming when Raj was found in Port Augusta, about 50km from where he ran away. </p> <p>Raj was found in Milla Dey’s backyard on Thursday, August 8.</p> <p>“I just saw that he was there and covered in prickles. We got him some food and water and he spent probably 15 to 20 minutes just eating,” Dey said.</p> <p>He was taken to a local vet to scan his microchip, but the details were outdated. </p> <p>Locals managed to track down Rantall's family on social media after seeing the Facebook posts about Raj, and they were reunited over the weekend. </p> <p>Rantall said Raj had lost a lot of weight but was content to be back in his arms.</p> <p>“We’ll feed him up, he’ll be all right,” Rantall said.</p> <p>Port Augusta City Council animal control officer Kylie McKerlie said the reunion was thanks to the care and dedication of the local community.</p> <p>“It’s just a really good town and a really good feeling for everyone,” she said.</p> <p>Rantall also thanked everyone who helped saying, “it’s unbelievable, the help I’ve had.” </p> <p><em>Images: 7News</em></p>

Family & Pets

Fighting for change: how much cash Olympic medallists actually win at Paris 2024

<p>As the world soaks up the glitz and glamour of Paris 2024, athletes are not just eyeing the podium – they're also thinking about the cash they might pocket. Or, in some cases, the cash they might not pocket. Because while the Olympics is a billion-dollar spectacle, the earnings for athletes can range from princely sums to pocket change.</p> <p><strong>Australia: A Gold Medal and a Discount Coupon</strong></p> <p>Let’s start with the Aussies. Winning gold at the Olympics might be the pinnacle of an athlete's career, but for Australian athletes, it also means... $20,000. Yes, you heard that right. In a land where a house deposit will likely cost you a LOT more, Aussie Olympians are basically getting paid in Monopoly money. Silver and bronze medalists get $15,000 and $10,000 respectively. That's enough for a decent holiday, but you might still need a GoFundMe for the flights.</p> <p><strong>Singapore: the million-dollar carrot</strong></p> <p>On the other end of the spectrum, athletes from Singapore are practically diving into pools of gold – like Scrooge McDuck, but in real life. A gold medal will earn them a staggering AU$1.13 million. That’s the kind of money that makes you forget about the gruelling four-year training cycle and instead think about which colour Lamborghini matches your national flag.</p> <p><strong>Hong Kong: fencing your way to riches</strong></p> <p>Hong Kong, not to be outdone, will reward its fencing champion Vivian Kong with AU$1.17 million for her gold. That’s enough to make you consider taking up fencing, even if you’re as coordinated as a baby giraffe.</p> <p><strong>Malaysia and Kazakhstan: cars and apartments</strong></p> <p>In Malaysia, winning athletes might not get cold hard cash, but they do get a new car. And in Kazakhstan, you can literally earn a place to call home – with more rooms depending on the colour of your medal. A gold gets you a penthouse, a silver a two-bedroom, and a bronze... well, maybe a studio with a view of the parking lot.</p> <p><strong>France: host with the most (ish)</strong></p> <p>The host nation, France, offers a more modest reward of $108,000 for a gold medal. That’s enough to cover a year's rent in Paris, or a really good wine collection. But let’s face it, in the land of fine dining, they might just spend it all on cheese.</p> <p><strong>New Zealand, Norway and the UK: the love of the game</strong></p> <p>Athletes from New Zealand, Norway and the UK? Well, they’ll have to make do with a pat on the back and a hearty “well done”, because there’s no financial incentive for winning a medal in these countries. Just the satisfaction of representing your nation, which, as any athlete will tell you, doesn't pay the bills.</p> <p><strong>The United States: the great divide</strong></p> <p>The US offers $37,500 for a gold medal, but that's chump change compared to the endorsement deals top athletes like swimmer Katie Ledecky pull in. She's reportedly earning $1 million a year from swimwear endorsements. Meanwhile, many other American athletes are scraping by, with some earning less than $15,000 a year. That's barely enough for a year's supply of Weet-Bix, let alone world-class training.</p> <p><strong>Jamaica: sharing the love</strong></p> <p>Jamaica’s Olympic team will share a pot of about AU$3,500 each, regardless of their results. It's the ultimate participation trophy – except it’s not enough to buy a trophy, or even a decent pair of running shoes.</p> <p><strong>World Athletics: the global jackpot</strong></p> <p>World Athletics is offering a $3.6 million prize pool for track and field events, with $76,000 per gold medalist. It's a model that some athletes, like Australia’s Arianne Titmus, think other sports should follow. After all, nothing says “thank you for your hard work” like a big, fat cheque.</p> <p>So, whether they’re racing for millions or just a modest thank you, athletes at Paris 2024 will be giving it their all. Because at the end of the day, it's not just about the money. It's about the glory, the honour, and ... well, okay, it’s mostly about the money.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram \ Shutterstock</em></p>

Money & Banking

Nude athletes and fights to the death: what really happened at the ancient Olympics

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/konstantine-panegyres-1528527">Konstantine Panegyres</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a></em></p> <p>The first recorded victor at the Olympics was <a href="https://anastrophe.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/perseus/citequery3.pl?dbname=GreekNov21&getid=1&query=Paus.%205.8.8#:%7E:text=This%20I%20can%20prove%3B%20for%20when%20the%20unbroken%20tradition%20of%20the%20Olympiads%20began%20there%20was%20first%20the%20foot%2Drace%2C%20and%20Coroebus%20an%20Elean%20was%20victor.%20There%20is%20no%20statue%20of%20Coroebus%20at%20Olympia%2C%20but%20his%20grave%20is%20on%20the%20borders%20of%20Elis.">Coroebus of Elis</a>. A cook by profession, Coroebus won the event called the “stadion” – a footrace of just under 200 metres, run in a straight line.</p> <p>Coroebus was victorious in the year 776 BC, but this was probably not the year of the first Olympic games.</p> <p>A few ancient writers, such as the historian <a href="https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/moa/acl3129.0001.001/320">Aristodemus of Elis</a> (who lived in the 2nd century AD or earlier), <a href="https://www.attalus.org/translate/eusebius2.html#:%7E:text=Aristodemus%20of%20Elis,in%20between%20them.">believed</a> there had been as many as 27 Olympic contests prior to 776 BC, but the results had never been recorded because people before that time did not care about recording the names of the winners.</p> <p>The games were held every four years at <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Olympia-ancient-site-Greece">Olympia</a>, a site in Western Greece that had a famous temple to the god <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Zeus">Zeus</a>.</p> <p>The games started in mid-August and were part of a religious festival dedicated to Zeus.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VdHHus8IgYA?wmode=transparent&start=25" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption><span class="caption">The Olympics began as part of a religious festival honouring the Greek god Zeus.</span></figcaption></figure> <h2>Competing for glory</h2> <p>In the early days of the Olympics, there was only one event (the “<a href="https://www.britannica.com/sports/stade-footrace#:%7E:text=ancient%20Olympic%20Games&text=The%20race%2C%20known%20as%20the,the%20diaulos%2C%20roughly%20similar%20to%E2%80%A6">stadion</a>”) and one victor.</p> <p>Over the centuries, other events were added, like chariot races, wrestling, long-distance running and boxing. The Roman emperor <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nero-Roman-emperor">Nero</a> (37-68 AD) even “introduced a musical competition at Olympia”, as the biographer <a href="https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/acref/9780198606413.001.0001/acref-9780198606413-e-6117">Suetonius</a> (1st/2nd century AD) <a href="https://www.loebclassics.com/view/LCL038/1914/volume.xml">informs</a> us.</p> <p>Victors at Olympia won a wreath of wild olive. Unlike today, there were no prizes for second or third.</p> <p>The athlete <a href="http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0104%3Aalphabetic+letter%3DI%3Aentry+group%3D2%3Aentry%3Diccus-bio-1">Iccus of Tarentum</a>, who lived in the 5th century BC and won victory in the pentathlon at the Olympics of 476 BC, apparently <a href="https://www.loebclassics.com/view/LCL448/1959/volume.xml">said</a> that for him “the prizes meant glory, admiration in his lifetime, and after death an honoured name”.</p> <p>Mostly men competed for the prizes but some women took part.</p> <p><a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/43610326">Cynisca</a>, daughter of King <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Archidamus-II">Archidamus II of Sparta</a>, was the first woman to achieve an Olympic victory. She got the prize because the horses she trained won the chariot racing event in the year 396 BC, as the traveller <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Pausanias-Greek-geographer">Pausanias</a> (2nd century AD) <a href="https://www.loebclassics.com/view/LCL188/1926/volume.xml">writes</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p>Cynisca was exceedingly ambitious to succeed at the Olympic games and was the first woman to breed horses and the first to win an Olympic victory. After Cynisca, other women have won Olympic victories but none of them was more distinguished for their victories than her.</p> </blockquote> <p>But competing in the games could be dangerous.</p> <p><a href="https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803100454522">Lucius Annaeus Seneca</a> (c. 50 BC-c. 40 AD) <a href="https://www.loebclassics.com/view/LCL463/1974/volume.xml">describes</a> how a father lost both sons in the “<a href="https://www.britannica.com/sports/pankration">pancration</a>”, a type of combat sport that was a violent mixture of boxing and wrestling:</p> <blockquote> <p>A man trained his two sons as pancratists, and presented them to compete at the Olympic games. They were paired off to fight each other. The youths were both killed together and had divine honours decreed to them.</p> </blockquote> <h2>Going to the games</h2> <p>People travelled far to see the athletes competing in the famous games.</p> <p>The rhetorician <a href="https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/acref/9780198606413.001.0001/acref-9780198606413-e-4094">Menander</a> (3rd/4th century AD) <a href="https://www.loebclassics.com/view/LCL539/2019/volume.xml">said</a> of the Olympic games: “the journey there is very difficult but nevertheless people take the risk”.</p> <p>In 44 BC, the Roman statesman <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cicero">Cicero</a> (106-43 BC) <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?id=BzJsGtpNTwMC&pg=PA125&dq=%22A+winter+voyage+is+disagreeable,+and+that+is+why+I+asked+you%22&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjd5ca9m62HAxXKSWwGHf13DPEQ6AF6BAgKEAI#v=onepage&q=%22A%20winter%20voyage%20is%20disagreeable%2C%20and%20that%20is%20why%20I%20asked%20you%22&f=false">wrote</a> a letter to his friend Atticus about planning a trip to Greece to see the games:</p> <blockquote> <p>I should like to know the date of the Olympic games […] of course, as you say, the plan of my trip will depend on chance.</p> </blockquote> <p>Cicero never made it to the Olympics – he was interrupted by other business. If he had gone, the trip would have involved a voyage by sea from Italy to Greece, then a carriage ride to Olympia.</p> <p>Once at Olympia, travellers stayed at lodging houses with other travellers. There they mixed with strangers and made new friends.</p> <p>There is a famous story about what happened when the philosopher <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Plato">Plato</a> (428/427-348/347 BC) stayed at Olympia for the games.</p> <p>Plato lived there with others who did not realise he was the celebrated philosopher and he made a good impression on them, as the Roman writer <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Aelian#:%7E:text=Aelian%20(born%20c.,%22Honey%2Dtongued%22).">Claudius Aelian</a> (2nd/3rd century AD) <a href="https://www.loebclassics.com/view/LCL486/1997/volume.xml">recalled</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p>The strangers were delighted by their chance encounter […] he had behaved towards them with modesty and simplicity and had proved himself able to win the confidence of anyone in his company.</p> </blockquote> <p>Later on, Plato invited his new friends to Athens and they were amazed to find out he was in fact the famous philosopher who was the student of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Socrates">Socrates</a>.</p> <p>It’s unclear how many people actually visited the ancient games each time they were held, although some modern scholars <a href="https://olympics.com/ioc/ancient-olympic-games/spectators">think</a> the number could have been as high as 50,000 in some years.</p> <h2>Watching the games</h2> <p>The Greek writer <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Chariton-Greek-author">Chariton</a> (1st century AD) in his novel Callirhoe <a href="https://www.loebclassics.com/view/LCL481/1995/volume.xml">wrote</a> how athletes – who had often also made a long journey to get to the games – arrived at Olympia “with an escort of their supporters”.</p> <p>Athletes competed naked, and women were usually not permitted to watch.</p> <p>But there were some exceptions. For example a woman called Pherenice, who lived in the 4th century BC, was permitted to attend the Olympics as a spectator. As Claudius Aelian <a href="https://www.loebclassics.com/view/LCL486/1997/volume.xml">explains</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p>Pherenice brought her son to the Olympic festival to compete. The presiding officials refused to admit her as a spectator but she spoke in public and justified her request by pointing out that her father and three brothers were Olympic victors, and she was bringing a son who was a competitor. She won over the assembly and she attended the Olympic festival.</p> </blockquote> <p>As the contest was held in the middle of summer, it was usually extremely hot. According to Claudius Aelian, some people <a href="https://www.loebclassics.com/view/LCL486/1997/volume.xml">thought</a> watching the Olympics under “the baking heat of the sun” was a “much more severe penalty” than having to do manual labour such as grinding grain.</p> <p>The site at Olympia also had problems with freshwater supply. According to the writer <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lucian">Lucian of Samosata</a> (2nd century AD), visitors to the games sometimes <a href="https://www.tertullian.org/rpearse/lucian/peregrinus.htm#:%7E:text=Coming%20at%20last,that%20same%20water!">died of thirst</a>. This problem was fixed when <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Herodes-Atticus">Herodes Atticus</a> built an <a href="http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/artifact?name=Olympia%2C+Nymphaeum&object=Building">aqueduct</a> to the site in the middle of the 2nd century AD.</p> <p>The atmosphere of the crowd was electric.</p> <p>The Athenian general and politician <a href="https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Plutarch/Lives/Themistocles*.html">Themistocles</a> (6th/5th century BC) apparently <a href="https://www.loebclassics.com/view/LCL486/1997/volume.xml">said</a> the most enjoyable moment of his life was “to see the public at Olympia turning to look at me as I entered the stadium”.</p> <p>They praised him when he visited the games at Olympia because of his recent victory against the Persians at the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Salamis">battle of Salamis</a> (480 BC).</p> <p>When the games were over, winning athletes returned home to a hero’s welcome.</p> <p>According to Claudius Aelian, when the athlete <a href="https://ia801308.us.archive.org/18/items/PWRE09-10/Pauly-Wissowa_V1_1151.png">Dioxippus</a> (4th century BC) <a href="https://www.loebclassics.com/view/LCL486/1997/volume.xml">returned to Athens</a> after being victorious in the pancration at Olympia, “a crowd collected from all directions” in the city to celebrate him.</p> <h2>The end of the ancient games</h2> <p>The Roman historian <a href="https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803115406219">Velleius Paterculus</a> (born 20/19 BC) <a href="https://www.loebclassics.com/view/LCL152/1924/volume.xml">called</a> the Olympic games “the most celebrated of all contests in sports”.</p> <p>Current research <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/end-of-greek-athletics-in-late-antiquity/DF60B2B859B4F1A7FE7549B17B61E9A1">suggests</a> the ancient games probably ended in the reign of the Roman emperor Theodosius II (reigned 408-450 AD).</p> <p>There may have been a number of reasons for the demise but some ancient sources specifically <a href="http://ancientolympics.arts.kuleuven.be/sourceEN/D219EN.html#:%7E:text=Scholia%20in%20Lucianum%2041.9.42%2D46%3A%0AThe%20Olympic%20games%20%C3%AF%C2%BF%C2%BD%20existed%20for%20a%20long%20time%20until%20Theodosius%20the%20younger%2C%20who%20was%20the%20son%20of%20Arcadius.%20After%20the%20temple%20of%20Olympian%20Zeus%20had%20been%20burnt%20down%2C%20the%20festival%20of%20the%20Eleans%20and%20Olympic%20contest%20were%20abandoned.">say</a> it was caused by a fire that destroyed the temple of Zeus at Olympia during Theodosius II’s reign:</p> <blockquote> <p>After the temple of Olympian Zeus had been burnt down, the festival of the Eleans and the Olympic contest were abandoned.</p> </blockquote> <p>The Olympics were not revived again until 1896, the year of the first <a href="https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/athens-1896">modern Olympics</a>.<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/234912/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/konstantine-panegyres-1528527">Konstantine Panegyres</a>, McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellow, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a></em></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</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/nude-athletes-and-fights-to-the-death-what-really-happened-at-the-ancient-olympics-234912">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

International Travel

Shopping centre locked down after violent altercation

<p>Two teenage boys have been arrested after a violent altercation broke out in South Australia's largest shopping centre. </p> <p>On Sunday afternoon, three boys allegedly confronted another group of teens at the Westfield Marion centre’s food court armed with “expandable batons”, with reports one of the boys was also armed with a knife. </p> <p>The violent altercation triggered Westfield’s emergency lockdown and evacuation procedures, with alarms blaring throughout the centre and major storefronts locking their doors to keep shoppers safe.</p> <p>Heavily armed specialist police officers stormed the centre in search of the teens, but they were unable to be found. </p> <p>Following hours of investigating, two boys, aged 15 and 16, were found, arrested and charged with assault, affray and aggravated robbery.</p> <p>The two teens will appear in the Adelaide Youth Court on Monday afternoon, and police continue to search for any outstanding suspects.</p> <p>Assistant Commissioner Duval said police knew the identity of a third offender, and encouraged him to turn himself in.</p> <p>“His identity is known, and at some point we will catch up with him,” he told Today.</p> <p>Duval said police believe the boys knew each other and it was "not a random attack".</p> <p>He also confirmed that police had seized two expandable batons from the teens, explaining, "It's a baton that effectively expands, not dissimilar to what police would use."</p> <p>"Certainly the possession of them is very concerning, that formed part of the allegation of what these boys were charged with."</p> <p>Following the incident, a spokesperson for Westfield issued a statement saying the safety of customers, business partners and people is their "highest priority".</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine News</em></p>

Legal

Jason Donovan's wild personal update

<p>Jason Donovan has revealed that his beloved pet cat has finally returned after it went missing for almost half a year. </p> <p>The ex <em>Neighbours</em> star was devastated when his pet cat of 14 years went missing and had lost hope of getting her back, but life had other plans. </p> <p>Donovan took to Instagram to share the incredible update revealing: “After nearly 5 months missing, Pixie our 14-year-old family cat was found alive yesterday on the other side of London.”</p> <p>After months in the wild, a family had found Pixie and looked after her for the last few months before she was reunited with her owner. </p> <p>“Apparently she’d been looked after by an unknown for two months. what transpired before who knows! What an incredible feeling to know that she was well and healthy and that she’d survived what could’ve only been an extremely traumatic experience.”</p> <p>“It’s funny … before she disappeared early Jan we [Pixie and myself] really started to bond and when I left for Australia earlier this year I feared something might happen. It was just a funny feeling I had," he continued. </p> <p>"Yesterday … a miracle a phone call proving that hope, a good heart and a bit of modern technology [microchip] have brought this traumatic chapter to a happy end. Good to have you back in the hood Pixie … You have been missed.”</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/C8FlRNON6PK/?utm_source=ig_embed&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/C8FlRNON6PK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jason Donovan (@jdonofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Donovan speculated that because Pixie was a very sociable cat, she might've "jumped into an Amazon van or something and got transported across town" when she was out in front of the house. </p> <p>Many fans were amazed and shared their joy with the actor. </p> <p>"That's a neighbours storyline. Taking notes from old hazza," quipped one fan. </p> <p>"How lovely ❤️ my cat Delilah went missing nearly five years ago, I still hope and pray that one day we’ll get that call," added another. </p> <p>"Wow what amazing news that after 5 months Pixie has been found and reunited with u all. Cats are such resilient amazing animals," wrote a third. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

Common mistakes pet owners make

<p>While most pet owners have the best of intentions, sometimes not everyone is aware of the mistakes they are making or the things they could be doing better. Here’s a list of common mistakes pet owners make. How many are you guilty of?</p> <p><strong>Lack of exercise</strong><br />While each breed and species is different in reference to their specific exercise needs, one thing stays the same: every animal requires daily exercise. When working out what is the correct amount for your animal, you need to look at their age, species and breed.</p> <p>And before you go thinking of daily exercise at a chore, remember this: exercise should be fun! It can include play time, walks, jogs, runs, agility training and more. Always consult with your local vet if you want to know the specific exercise guidelines for your pet.</p> <p><strong>No behavioural training</strong><br />When bringing a new animal into your home and family, adequate training is so important. Does your animal know how to take commands? It’s important to be able to teach your pet things and that they respect you.</p> <p>Remember the saying: You can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Well, that’s right. Investing the time to go through behavioural training from the start will help save you time and frustration in the long run.</p> <p><strong>Your pet is bored often</strong><br />Just like humans, pets too get bored. Playing games with your furry friend – such as teaching them tricks or providing them with the toys and space to do interesting things – will do wonders in ensuring their mind is constantly developed.</p> <p>If your pet is stimulated, it should stop them from destroying the house, and your things, when you’re out.</p> <p><strong>Poorly looked after teeth</strong><br />A common mistake a lot of pet owners make, is not brushing often enough – or at all – their pet’s teeth. After all, dental hygiene is one of the most important health issues animals face. The good news is this is avoidable by regularly brushing your pet’s teeth and checking on their oral hygiene.</p> <p>Anything out of the ordinary may be an indication of infection, but when caught early, can be more easily treated. So ensure you book in regular visits at the vet to check your furry friend’s mouth too.</p> <p><strong>Not enough trips to the vet</strong><br />Just as it is important for humans to go to the dentist and doctor for check-ups and shots regularly, visiting the vet and keeping up with a vaccination schedule is equally as important.</p> <p>If not more so, as pets cannot tell you when something is wrong. Booking into to see the vet every so often will ensure your pet is healthy and blossoming for years to come. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Family & Pets

Grieving dad fights for "ZaZa's Law" after toddler dies in his arms

<p>A grieving father has called for change after his toddler tragically died from choking on a grape. </p> <p>Brian Bwoga, a 44-year-old dad from Perth was at the beach with his two sons, Alessandro, four, and Zaire (ZaZa) 22 months, at the beginning of the year on what seemed like a normal family day out. </p> <p>But what was meant to be an idyllic summer’s day soon turned into any parent’s worst nightmare.</p> <p>“The weather was amazing, the boys were playing and it was just the perfect summer’s day,” Brian, who parents his boys with their mother Claudia, 39, told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/perth-toddler-dies-five-minutes-after-being-eating-popular-snack/news-story/0bfb598fe70bb5b47259cdc3b80c60cd" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>news.com.au</em></a>.</p> <p>“I was gathering up our things ready to go home. My older son Alex came up to me and asked if he could play for just five more minutes. I was carrying ZaZa, and I told them both to go and play together with their friends while I finish packing the car."</p> <p>“The next minute ZaZa is just running to me, holding his neck and gasping for air."</p> <p>“I jumped into action and did CPR, I put my fingers inside his throat and got one grape out. I was so relieved, I thought thank god I got it out. But I didn’t know there were four more grapes inside his throat.”</p> <p>The toddler continued to choke on the grapes, and Brian says his eyes started “popping out”.</p> <p>The terrified dad began performing abdominal thrusts to try and dislodge the grapes but to no avail.</p> <p>“I told one of the mothers to call the ambulance. I was terrified,” he recalled.</p> <p>“My older son was scared and asked me why there was blood coming from ZaZa’s mouth. I told him to go with another parent because I didn’t want him to see this. I was holding ZaZa and he was looking at me. I gave him CPR again and I tried so hard to save him."</p> <p>“He gave me this look and died in my arms.”</p> <p>“I left home with a beach bag and left with a body bag. It happened so quick. Within a few minutes he was gone. My son Alex is traumatised. He misses his brother so much and I don’t know how to fix it.”</p> <p>Grapes are a notorious choking hazard for children under the age of 5, as it is often recommended to always cut up grapes when feeding them to young kids.</p> <p>Sadly, Zaza consumed the grapes whole, and although the mistake cost his son his life, he doesn't place the blame on anyone.</p> <p>Instead, he wants to educate the public about the importance of cutting up grapes and is now fighting for <a href="https://www.change.org/p/zaza-s-law?source_location=petitions_browse" target="_blank" rel="noopener">change</a> as he hopes to introduce ‘ZaZa’s Law’ to parliament. </p> <p>This new law would ensure there are choking hazard labels on all grape packets and other food items that could be dangerous for small children.</p> <p>“I would hate for this to happen to anyone else. But I hear so many stories about kids dying from choking,” he said.</p> <p>“Ideally, I would like a warning label on all grapes and small foods to warn people to cut them up. Even a big sign at the supermarket for parents."</p> <p>“Not everyone knows this, but every parent needs to be aware of the dangers of food. I want ZaZa’s Law to come into parliament to get labels on everything."</p> <p>“We buy toys and they come with warning labels for things like batteries or other choking hazards. Why can’t we do the same for food?”</p> <p>The dad also hopes that a new anti-choking device, called LifeVac, might be more widely introduced in Australia and placed in public spaces.</p> <p>“Everywhere you go, shopping centres or beaches, there is a defibrillator on the wall,” he explained.</p> <p>“That is great, but we also need those anti-choking devices. It sucks everything up like a plunger and has saved so many lives."</p> <p>“If we had that at the beach that day, ZaZa might still be here.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Courtesy of Brian Bwoga</em></p>

Caring

University gives resident cat an honorary doctorate

<p>A university in the US has handed out an honorary doctorate to a surprising recipient: the resident campus cat. </p> <p>For four years, Max the cat has been a respected member of the Vermont State University, putting a smile on students' faces through his friendly demeanour. </p> <p>When Max's owner Ashley was contacted by the school and told their plans to give Max the special honour, she "thought they were crazy", but it brought a big smile to her face.</p> <p>"We live on the main entrance to campus and when my daughter started attending as a junior, she started seeing everyone and how they kind of doted on Max," Ashley told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/today/vermont-state-university-resident-cat-max-dow-given-honorary-doctorate-in-literature/57d96d7c-ecc5-460f-85ac-ceee24e119b5" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Today Extra</em></a>.</p> <p>"So we started an Instagram page that we keep updated with some of the photos and then I started getting tracked down by people on campus saying, 'Oh Max has been on the Dean's desk and he's been on the desk of the head of graduate studies, and he just kind of makes himself at home.'"</p> <p>Ashely said that Max's calming presence has helped many students who are stressed about their studies, or those who are feeling homesick. </p> <p>"They were just talking about how he was so helpful during finals week because everybody was picking him up and doing selfies with him and he was making everyone calmer," she said.</p> <p>"There's a real sense of community because I heard he was getting attacked by feral cats if he was on campus after 5pm, so I put up some posters and asked the students to give me a call or shoot me a text if they see him out after dark and they started arriving on our doorstep with him saying 'Hey, we brought Max home.'"</p> <p>Max was bestowed the honorary degree of "doctor of litter-ature", although will not be attending the next graduation ceremony. </p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 24px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.333; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;"><em>Image credits: Today Extra / Vermont State University </em></p>

Family & Pets

"SHEER INSANITY": Dog owner slammed over bizarre request

<p>A cat owner was left purr-plexed after receiving a bizarre note from her neighbour about her cats. </p> <p>She took to Facebook to share the "unhinged" letter, racking up over 15,000 comments from other people who were furious on her behalf. </p> <p>"Hey neighbour! Can you please keep your cats out of the window?" the letter read. </p> <p>"They are causing my dog to sit in the window and bark all day long."</p> <p>The anonymous letter ended abruptly with: "I work from home so this is very difficult, thanks, K."</p> <p>The cat owner said that she has three cats and two new kittens in her house, and although they occasionally sit on the window when it's a nice outside, they "do nothing but sleep." </p> <p>"We keep the windows open because we don’t have aircon yet," she added.</p> <p>The dog owner had barked up the wrong tree, as many commenters slammed them for their "entitled" behaviour. </p> <p>"Tell them to train the dog," one said, echoing the thoughts of many. </p> <p>"LMAO, you cannot stop a cat from sitting in a window. Cats will find a way, but you can absolutely do a number of things to stop a dog from barking at a window," another added. </p> <p>"This can’t be real. What a crazy neighbour," a third wrote. </p> <p> "I’m totally a dog person, but trying to make your neighbour discipline their cat for sitting in a window because you won’t discipline your dog for nuisance barking is SHEER INSANITY. I mean, what the hell?" a fellow dog owner added. </p> <p>"Train your cat not to chill in a window because training a dog not to disturb the s*** out of everyone is too hard? I can’t believe this neighbour had the nerve."</p> <p>"Imagine being so entitled that you think it’s someone else’s responsibility to control your pet’s behaviour," another wrote. </p> <p>Another person pointed out: "If ‘your dog’ is barking when they look out the window, then cover 'your window'." </p> <p><em>Image: Facebook</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

Riley Keough fights Graceland foreclosure sale

<p>Elvis Presley's granddaughter Riley Keough has taken legal action against a company's plan to publicly auction Graceland estate in Memphis county, after she accused them of providing "fraudulent" documents. </p> <p>A public notice for a foreclosure sale of the 13-acre estate was posted in early May said that Promenade Trust, the company which controls the Graceland museum, owed $US3.8 million ($5.7 million) after failing to repay a 2018 loan.</p> <p>Keough's late mother, Lisa Marie Presley, allegedly signed the deed of trust and used Graceland as collateral. </p> <p>Naussany Investments and Private Lending, a Missouri-based company who managed the loan, claims that Lisa Marie failed to repay the loan. </p> <p>A public auction for the estate had been scheduled for Thursday this week, but a judge has blocked the sale after Keough sought a temporary restraining order and filed a lawsuit. </p> <p>In the lawsuit, Keough asserts that her mother never borrowed any money, and alleged that Lisa Marie’s signatures were forged and that Naussany Investments isn’t even a legitimate company.</p> <p>"Lisa Maria Presley never borrowed money from Naussany Investments and never gave a deed of trust to Naussany Investments," Keough's lawyer wrote in a lawsuit.</p> <p>“These documents are fraudulent.</p> <p>“Furthermore, the notary listed on the documents denies notarising Lisa Marie’s signature or ever meeting her.”</p> <p>A source told <em>The New York Post</em> that Keough is “traumatised” at what has unfolded and “never thought that a historic piece of property could even be considered to go into the hands of any random stranger”.</p> <p>An injunction hearing is set for Wednesday. </p> <p>Elvis bought the Graceland estate in 1957. After his death in 1977, his daughter Lisa Marie Presley inherited it and opened it up as a public museum five years later. After her death last year, her daughter Riley Keough became the heir. </p> <p><em>Image: Carl Timpone/BFA.com/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Legal

Stuck in fight-or-flight mode? 5 ways to complete the ‘stress cycle’ and avoid burnout or depression

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>Can you remember a time when you felt stressed leading up to a big life event and then afterwards felt like a weight had been lifted? This process – the ramping up of the stress response and then feeling this settle back down – shows completion of the “stress cycle”.</p> <p>Some stress in daily life is unavoidable. But remaining stressed is unhealthy. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2568977/">Chronic stress</a> increases <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32886587/">chronic health conditions</a>, including heart disease and stroke and diabetes. It can also lead to <a href="https://theconversation.com/were-all-exhausted-but-are-you-experiencing-burnout-heres-what-to-look-out-for-164393">burnout</a> or <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5137920/">depression</a>.</p> <p>Exercise, cognitive, creative, social and self-soothing activities help us process stress in healthier ways and complete the stress cycle.</p> <h2>What does the stress cycle look like?</h2> <p>Scientists and researchers refer to the “stress response”, often with a focus on the fight-or-flight reactions. The phrase the “stress cycle” has been made popular by <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/articles/2019/03/complete-stress-cycle-emotional-exhaustion-burnout">self-help experts</a> but it does have a scientific basis.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541120/">stress cycle</a> is our body’s response to a stressful event, whether real or perceived, physical or psychological. It could be being chased by a vicious dog, an upcoming exam or a difficult conversation.</p> <p>The stress cycle has three stages:</p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>stage 1</strong> is perceiving the threat</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>stage 2</strong> is the fight-or-flight response, driven by our stress hormones: adrenaline and cortisol</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>stage 3</strong> is relief, including physiological and psychological relief. This completes the stress cycle.</p> </li> </ul> <p>Different people will respond to stress differently based on their life experiences and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181835/#:%7E:text=The%20major%20findings%20regarding%20the,renin%2Dangiotensin%2Daldosterone%20system%20or">genetics</a>.</p> <p>Unfortunately, many people experience <a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/01/polycrisis-global-risks-report-cost-of-living/">multiple and ongoing stressors</a> out of their control, including the cost-of-living crisis, extreme weather events and <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/family-domestic-and-sexual-violence/types-of-violence/family-domestic-violence">domestic violence</a>.</p> <p>Remaining in stage 2 (the flight-or-flight response), can lead to chronic stress. <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-chronic-stress-changes-the-brain-and-what-you-can-do-to-reverse-the-damage-133194">Chronic stress</a> and high cortisol can increase <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5476783/">inflammation</a>, which damages our brain and other organs.</p> <p>When you are stuck in chronic fight-or-flight mode, you don’t think clearly and are more easily distracted. Activities that provide temporary pleasure, such as eating junk food or drinking alcohol are <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acer.14518">unhelpful strategies</a> that do not reduce the stress effects on our brain and body. Scrolling through social media is also not an effective way to complete the stress cycle. In fact, this is associated with an <a href="https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/11/strain-media-overload">increased stress response</a>.</p> <h2>Stress and the brain</h2> <p>In the brain, chronic high cortisol can <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4561403/">shrink the hippocampus</a>. This can <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1557684/#:%7E:text=The%20hippocampal%20formation%20plays%20a,%2C%20memory%2C%20motivation%20and%20emotion.&text=Therefore%2C%20reduced%20hippocampal%20volumes%20should,in%20patients%20with%20major%20depression">impair a person’s memory</a> and their capacity to think and concentrate.</p> <p>Chronic high cortisol also <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2907136/#:%7E:text=The%20prefrontal%20cortex%20(PFC)%20intelligently,brain%20regions%20(BOX%201).">reduces activity</a> in the prefrontal cortex but <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352289514000101">increases activity</a> in the amygdala.</p> <p>The prefrontal cortex is responsible for higher-order control of our thoughts, behaviours and emotions, and is <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00761/full">goal-directed</a> and rational. The amygdala is involved in reflexive and emotional responses. Higher amygdala activity and lower prefrontal cortex activity explains why we are less rational and more emotional and reactive when we are stressed.</p> <p>There are five <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/articles/2019/03/complete-stress-cycle-emotional-exhaustion-burnout">types of activities</a> that can help our brains complete the stress cycle.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eD1wliuHxHI?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption><span class="caption">It can help to understand how the brain encounters stress.</span></figcaption></figure> <h2>1. Exercise – its own complete stress cycle</h2> <p>When we exercise we get a short-term spike in cortisol, followed by a <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/exercising-to-relax">healthy reduction</a> in cortisol and adrenaline.</p> <p>Exercise also <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469#:%7E:text=Exercise%20in%20almost%20any%20form,distract%20you%20from%20daily%20worries.&text=You%20know%20that%20exercise%20does,fit%20it%20into%20your%20routine.">increases endorphins and serotonin</a>, which improve mood. Endorphins cause an elated feeling often called “runner’s high” and have <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33396962/">anti-inflammatory effects</a>.</p> <p>When you exercise, there is more blood flow to the brain and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6721405/">higher activity</a> in the prefrontal cortex. This is why you can often think more clearly after a walk or run. Exercise can be a helpful way to <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/exercise-stress-relief">relieve feelings of stress</a>.</p> <p>Exercise can also increase the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3041121/">volume</a> of the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4915811/">hippocampus</a>. This is linked to better short-term and long-term memory processing, as well as reduced stress, depression and anxiety.</p> <h2>2. Cognitive activities – reduce negative thinking</h2> <p>Overly negative thinking can trigger or extend the stress response. In our 2019 research, we found the relationship between stress and cortisol was <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6987429/">stronger in people with more negative thinking</a>.</p> <p>Higher amygdala activity and less rational thinking when you are stressed can lead to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18628348/">distorted thinking</a> such as focusing on negatives and rigid “black-and-white” thinking.</p> <p>Activities to reduce negative thinking and promote a more realistic view can reduce the stress response. In clinical settings this is usually called <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cognitive-behaviour-therapy-cbt">cognitive behaviour therapy</a>.</p> <p>At home, this could be journalling or writing down worries. This engages the logical and rational parts of our brain and helps us think more realistically. Finding evidence to challenge negative thoughts (“I’ve prepared well for the exam, so I can do my best”) can help to complete the stress cycle.</p> <h2>3. Getting creative – a pathway out of ‘flight or fight’</h2> <p>Creative activities can be art, craft, gardening, cooking or <a href="https://heartmindonline.org/resources/10-exercises-for-your-prefrontal-cortex">other activities</a> such as doing a puzzle, juggling, music, theatre, dancing or simply being absorbed in enjoyable work.</p> <p>Such pursuits increase <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00761/full">prefrontal cortex activity</a> and promote flow and focus.</p> <p>Flow is a <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.645498/full">state of full engagement</a> in an activity you enjoy. It lowers high-stress levels of noradrenaline, the brain’s adrenaline. When you are focussed like this, the brain only processes information relevant to the task and ignores non-relevant information, including stresses.</p> <h2>4. Getting social and releasing feel-good hormones</h2> <p>Talking with someone else, physical affection with a person or pet and laughing can all <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-happens-in-our-brain-and-body-when-were-in-love-198885">increase oxytocin</a>. This is a chemical messenger in the brain that increases social bonding and makes us feel connected and safe.</p> <p>Laughing is also a social activity that <a href="https://neurosciencenews.com/laughter-physical-mental-psychology-17339/">activates parts</a> of the limbic system – the part of the brain involved in emotional and behavioural responses. This increases <a href="https://www.jneurosci.org/content/37/36/8581">endorphins</a> and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27439375/">serotonin</a> and improves our mood.</p> <h2>5. Self-soothing</h2> <p>Breathing <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6189422/">exercises</a> and meditation stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (which calms down our stress responses so we can “reset”) via the <a href="https://theconversation.com/our-vagus-nerves-help-us-rest-digest-and-restore-can-you-really-reset-them-to-feel-better-210469">vagus nerves</a>, and <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17437199.2020.1760727">reduce cortisol</a>.</p> <p>A good <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4035568/#:%7E:text=We%20conclude%20that%2C%20in%20addition,self%2Dsoothing%20effects%20of%20crying.">cry can help too</a> by releasing stress energy and increasing oxytocin and endorphins.</p> <p><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319631#:%7E:text=Possible%20benefits%20of%20crying%20include,of%201.9%20times%20a%20month.">Emotional tears</a> also remove cortisol and the hormone prolactin from the body. Our prior research showed <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29096223/">cortisol</a> and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9216608/">prolactin</a> were associated with depression, anxiety and hostility.<em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/theresa-larkin-952095">Theresa Larkin</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/susan-j-thomas-1293985">Susan J. Thomas</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a></em></p> <h2>Action beats distraction</h2> <p>Whether it’s watching a funny or sad movie, exercising, journalling, gardening or doing a puzzle, there is science behind why you should complete the stress cycle.</p> <p>Doing at least one positive activity every day can also reduce our baseline stress level and is beneficial for good mental health and wellbeing.</p> <p>Importantly, chronic stress and <a href="https://theconversation.com/are-you-burnt-out-at-work-ask-yourself-these-4-questions-118128">burnout</a> can also indicate the need for change, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/wps.20311">such as in our workplaces</a>. However, not all stressful circumstances can be easily changed. Remember help is always available.</p> <p>If you have concerns about your stress or health, please talk to a doctor.</p> <p><em>If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/">Lifeline</a> on 13 11 14 or <a href="https://kidshelpline.com.au/">Kids Helpline</a> on 1800 55 1800.</em><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/218599/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/theresa-larkin-952095">Theresa Larkin</a>, Associate professor of Medical Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/susan-j-thomas-1293985">Susan J. Thomas</a>, Associate professor in Mental Health and Behavioural Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a></em></p> <p><em>Image </em><em>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/stuck-in-fight-or-flight-mode-5-ways-to-complete-the-stress-cycle-and-avoid-burnout-or-depression-218599">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Mind

"There's no place like home": Marcia Hines and her amazing cat share sweet message

<p>Australian music icon and <em>Australian Idol</em> judge Marcia Hines recently took to social media to express her heartfelt gratitude to those who supported her during a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/marcia-hines-rushed-to-hospital" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recent medical incident</a>. The beloved singer and performer shared a touching message on Instagram, reflecting on the challenges she faced and the overwhelming support she received from healthcare professionals, family, friends and fans – but mostly from her amazing-looking cat, Sistah!</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/C5AeYisL9Pu/?utm_source=ig_embed&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/C5AeYisL9Pu/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Marcia Hines (@themarciahines)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The incident unfolded backstage at Sydney’s Coliseum Theatre just before last Sunday night’s <em>Australian Idol</em> finale. Hines, known for her vibrant presence and insightful critiques on the talent show, collapsed, prompting concerns among the show's crew and audience. As a result, she had to miss the episode, with fellow musician Guy Sebastian stepping in as a guest judge.</p> <p>Following her collapse, Hines was swiftly taken to the hospital, where she received treatment for head injuries, including stitches. Despite the setback, she was able to make a remarkable recovery <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/marcia-hines-returns-as-australian-idol-fans-cry-foul-over-upset-win" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in time to return</a> for the Grand Finale show on Monday night.</p> <p>In her Instagram post, Hines expressed profound gratitude for the exceptional care she received during her hospital stay, particularly praising Brad Ceely and the entire team at Blacktown Hospital.</p> <p>"There’s no place like home….." Hines wrote. "Especially when Sistah is here to greet me 🐾 What an action-packed week ❤️ I’ve experienced so much care and love, and none moreso than the exceptional treatment that Brad Ceely and his entire team at Blacktown Hospital gave me during my stay with them.</p> <p>"We are so fortunate to live in a country with such incredible healthcare, and the amazing facilities we have in our Western Sydney suburbs - wow! I’m so grateful to all of the hospital staff - from the tireless nurses to the wonderful administration staff. A special thanks to all of the staff at Mount Druitt Emergency Department, all of the Ambulance teams who got me safely to-and-from hospitals this weekend, and of course Dr Kit Rowe for stitching me up so nicely after my fall. Ouch lol 🤕Thank you for being you and keeping us all safe 🫶🏾</p> <p>"Thank you also to Kyle, Amy and all the team at @australianidol for your love, and also to my @greaseoztour family who I’ll be seeing soon. Thank you also to my family and friends - you’re always there when I need you most 💝"</p> <p>The response to Hines' message was overwhelmingly positive, with fans and well-wishers flooding the comments section with messages of support, encouragement and excitement for her upcoming projects. Many expressed relief at her recovery and eagerly anticipated her return to the stage, particularly in her role in <em>Grease the Musical</em>. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Young musician dies weeks after writing final song

<p>Cat Janice has died aged 31 with her family by her side.</p> <p>The young musician, who had a large following on TikTok, had been battling cancer since January 2022 when doctors diagnosed her with sarcoma, a rare malignant tumour. </p> <p>She was declared cancer-free on July 22 that same year, following extensive surgery, chemo and radiation therapy. </p> <p>The mum-of-one was sadly re-diagnosed with cancer in June last year and despite fighting hard in the second round of her treatments, Janice told fans in January that her cancer "won" and that she "fought hard but sarcomas are too tough".</p> <p>Janice's family have announced her passing in a statement shared to her Instagram. </p> <p>"From her childhood home and surrounded by her loving family, Catherine peacefully entered the light and love of her heavenly creator," they said. </p> <p>"We are eternally thankful for the outpouring of love that Catherine and our family have received over the past few months."</p> <p>Before she died, Janice publicly announced that all her music would be signed over to her 7-year-old son, Loren, to support him in the future. </p> <p>Just weeks before her death, she released her final song <em>Dance You Outta My Head </em> in the hope it would spread "joy and fun". </p> <p>"My last joy would be if you pre saved my song 'Dance You Outta My Head' and streamed it because all proceeds go straight to my 7-year-old boy I'm leaving behind," she said, before the song was released. </p> <p>The song went viral, and took he number one spot in several countries and the number five spot on the Apple Itunes globally.</p> <p>Her family have said that the love she received for her final song, was unbelievable parting gift she could have ever received.</p> <p>"Cat saw her music go places she never expected and rests in the peace of knowing that she will continue to provide for her son through her music. This would not have been possible without all of you."</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

"Stuff youse": Pensioner who's never owned a phone fights mobile detection camera fine

<p>A pensioner from New South Wales has disputed a fine he was issued for using his phone while driving, despite never owning a phone. </p> <p>Frank Singh, 77, was captured on a mobile phone detection camera while driving on the Pacific Motorway last September, and was issued a fine for $362. </p> <p>Mr Singh has refused to pay the fine, claiming that he was holding his wallet when the image was captured. </p> <p>He also claims to have never owned a mobile phone or a computer in his life, wondering how the camera made such a mistake. </p> <p>The senior man decided to appeal and take Revenue NSW to court, despite the risk of paying thousands in legal fees if he lost the case.</p> <p>"Looks like I'm guilty on it, but I'm not," he told <em>A Current Affair</em>. </p> <p>"I thought, what the bloody hell is this all about, I don't own a mobile phone. I've never used a mobile phone. What a load of s***."</p> <p>When questioned what the item could be, he said, "I think it could be my wallet."</p> <p>While Mr Singh admitted he can't specifically remember what he was doing at the time, he believes he was possibly placing his wallet on the passenger seat after paying for fuel. </p> <p>Unfortunately, the review of the fine was rejected and Frank was ordered to pay the $362, but he has not given up. </p> <p>"Then I thought stuff youse, I'm not guilty, I don't own a bloody phone," he said.</p> <p>While preparing to appeal the fine once more, Revenue NSW revoked the fine after issuing a letter to Mr Singh saying he would not be required in court following an investigation by the government body. </p> <p>"We have decided to cancel the fine," the letter read. </p> <p>"You little bloody beauty, how good's that," Mr Singh said on hearing the news, before planning to celebrate the win with a beer at his local pub. </p> <p><em>Image credits: A Current Affair </em></p>

Legal

Stage 3 stacks up: the rejigged tax cuts help fight bracket creep and boost middle and upper-middle households

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ben-phillips-98866">Ben Phillips</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-national-university-877">Australian National University</a></em></p> <p>The winners and losers from the Albanese government’s <a href="https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-01/tax-cuts-government-fact-sheet.pdf">rejig</a> of this year’s Stage 3 tax cuts have already been well documented.</p> <p>From July 1 every taxpayer will get a tax cut. Most, the 11 million taxpayers earning up to A$146,486, will also pay less tax than they would have under the earlier version of Stage 3, some getting a tax cut <a href="https://theconversation.com/albanese-tax-plan-will-give-average-earner-1500-tax-cut-more-than-double-morrisons-stage-3-221875">twice as big</a>.</p> <p>A much smaller number, 1.8 million, will get a smaller tax cut than they would have under the original scheme, although their cuts will still be big. The highest earners will get cuts of $4,529 instead of $9,075.</p> <p>But many of us live in households where income is shared and many households don’t pay tax because the people in them don’t earn enough or are on benefits.</p> <p>The Australian National University’s <a href="https://csrm.cass.anu.edu.au/research/policymod">PolicyMod</a> model is able to work out the impacts at the household level, including the impact on households in which members are on benefits or don’t earn enough to pay tax.</p> <h2>More winners than losers in every broad income group</h2> <p>We’ve divided Australian households into five equal-size groups ranked by income, from lowest to lower-middle to middle to upper-middle to high.</p> <p>Our modelling finds that, just as is the case for individuals, many more households will be better off with the changes to Stage 3 than would have been better off with Stage 3 as it was, although the difference isn’t as extreme.</p> <p>Overall, 58% of households will be better off with the reworked Stage 3 than they would have under the original and 11% will be worse off.</p> <p>Importantly, there remain 31% who will be neither better off nor worse off, because they don’t pay personal income tax.</p> <hr /> <p><iframe id="0CWXE" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/0CWXE/4/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> <hr /> <p>But it is different for different types of households.</p> <p>In the lowest-earning fifth of households, far more are better off (13.5%) than worse off (0.2%) with the overwhelming bulk neither better nor worse off (86.3%).</p> <hr /> <p><iframe id="KC5zy" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/KC5zy/3/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> <hr /> <p>In the highest-earning fifth of households, while more than half are better off (54.4%), a very substantial proportion are worse off (42.3%).</p> <p>Very few (only 3.1%) are neither better nor worse off.</p> <hr /> <p><iframe id="WSkSL" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/WSkSL/3/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> <hr /> <h2>But high-earning households go backwards on average</h2> <p>In dollar terms, the top-earning fifth of households loses money while every group gains. That’s because although there are more winners than losers among the highest-earning fifth of households, the losers lose more money.</p> <p>The biggest dollar gains go to middle and upper-middle income households with middle-income households ahead, on average, by $988 per year and upper-middle income households by $1,102. The highest-income households are worse off by an average of $837 per year.</p> <p>As a percentage of income, middle-income households gain the most with a 1% increase in disposable income. Lowest income households gain very little, while the highest-income households go backwards by 0.3%.</p> <hr /> <p><iframe id="kAPmC" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/kAPmC/3/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> <hr /> <h2>The rejig does a better job of fighting bracket creep</h2> <p>And we’ve found something else.</p> <p>The original version of the Stage 3 tax cuts was advertised as a measure to overcome <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-2-main-arguments-against-redesigning-the-stage-3-tax-cuts-are-wrong-heres-why-221975">bracket creep</a>, which is what happens when a greater proportion of taxpayers’ income gets pushed into higher tax brackets as incomes climb.</p> <p>We have found it wouldn’t have done it for most of the income groups, leaving all but the highest-earning group paying more tax after the change in mid-2024 than it used to in 2018.</p> <p>The rejigged version of Stage 3 should compensate for bracket creep better, leaving the top two groups paying less than they did in 2018 and compensating the bottom three better than the original Stage 3.</p> <hr /> <p><iframe id="YG0cT" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/YG0cT/1/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> <hr /> <p>Not too much should be made of the increase in tax rates in the lowest income group between 2018 ad 2024 because some of it reflects stronger income growth.</p> <p>We find that overall, the redesigned Stage 3 does a better job of offsetting bracket creep than the original. It is also better targeted to middle and upper-middle income households.</p> <p>Having said that, the average benefit in dollar terms isn’t big. At about $1,000 per year for middle and upper-middle income households and costing the budget about what the original Stage 3 tax cuts would have cost, its inflationary impact compared to the original looks modest.<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/221851/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ben-phillips-98866"><em>Ben Phillips</em></a><em>, Associate Professor, Centre for Social Research and Methods, Director, Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-national-university-877">Australian National University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</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/stage-3-stacks-up-the-rejigged-tax-cuts-help-fight-bracket-creep-and-boost-middle-and-upper-middle-households-221851">original article</a>.</em></p>

Money & Banking

"Worth it": Insane amount woman spends to clone dead cat

<p>Kelly Anderson from Texas, US was devastated when she lost her "soulmate" cat Chai more than four years ago. </p> <p>Not long after, in what she calls "fate", Anderson decided to clone her beloved pet, a process which cost her a whopping $USD25,000 ($AUD38,000).</p> <p>"It was just one of those moments where I had been talking about cloning a few weeks before and fate kicked in," she told <em>Weekend Today</em>.</p> <p>"I remembered the conversation and decided to clone."</p> <p>The process took about four years, which is roughly twice the average time it takes to clone a pet. </p> <p>"It was not money that I had come easily to me but it was a very important process for me to do," she said.</p> <p>"It was 100 per cent worth it. The process saved my life."</p> <p>Anderson added that Belle, the successfully cloned cat, has grown to be as "bold, bossy, sassy" as Chai, and their personalities have become more alike. </p> <p>Despite the similarities, Anderson said that she doesn't set any expectations on Belle to be Chai's replacement. </p> <p>"I would still say she's very much her own cat and I treat her that way. I always try to treat them as individuals.</p> <p>"I never wanted to put expectations on Belle to be Chai. But I would say that they're very similar in a lot of ways."</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">According to</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> </span><em><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/business-60924936" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC</a>, </em>the process itself involves extracting DNA from the pet to be cloned, then injecting that into a donor egg that has had its genetic material removed. The egg then grows into an embryo before being implanted into a surrogate mother, who then gives birth to the kitten. </p> <p>Pet cloning has become an increasingly popular practice, , despite how controversial and expensive it is, with celebrities like Barbra Streisand and Simon Cowell using the process to clone their own beloved pets. </p> <p>Anderson, who decided to document her story on social media added that people have mixed reactions to the process. </p> <p>"I think there's people who are fascinated and don't even realise that we're cloning animals ... so a lot of people are learning about cloning," she said. </p> <p>"But a lot of people also have opinions. So it's a mixed bag."</p> <p><em>Images: Weekend Today</em></p> <p> </p>

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"There's no place like home": Marcia Hines and her amazing cat share sweet message

Young musician dies weeks after writing final song

"Stuff youse": Pensioner who's never owned a phone fights mobile detection camera fine

Stage 3 stacks up: the rejigged tax cuts help fight bracket creep and boost middle and upper-middle households

"Worth it": Insane amount woman spends to clone dead cat

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