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Second Bee Gees member dies within four days

<p>Drummer Byron Dennis, who played a pivotal role in the success of The Bee Gees, has died just days after one of the original band members also <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/original-bee-gees-star-passes-away-aged-78" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passed away</a>. </p> <p>Touring drummer Dennis Bryon died aged 76 in Nashville on November 14th, just four days before original Bee Gees drummer Colin “Smiley” Petersen.</p> <p>The news of Bryon’s death was confirmed by his former bandmate, Blue Weaver, who performed alongside him in another band before he joined the Bee Gees.</p> <p>“I am lost for words at the moment. Dennis has passed away,” Weaver wrote in a heartfelt social media post.</p> <p>“Dennis has been my friend since we were in our first band together aged 15. His great drumming will always Stay Alive.”</p> <p>Bryon was the group's drummer between 1973 and 1981, and played on some of the Bee Gees’ most iconic disco hits, including <em>Stayin’ Alive</em> and <em>Night Fever</em>.</p> <p>Just days before Dennis's tragic death, the Bee Gees original drummer Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen, as the band confirmed the news of his passing with a post on social media. </p> <p>“It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen,” the post read.</p> <p>“He enriched our lives and bound our group with love, care and respect."</p> <p>“Not sure how we can go on without his glowing smile and deep friendship. We love you Col. Rest in Peace.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Mediapunch/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p> <p class="css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020" style="box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word; margin: 0px 0px 1.125rem; line-height: 25px; font-size: 1.125rem; font-family: HeyWow, Montserrat, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; caret-color: #292a33; color: #292a33;"> </p>

Caring

Beloved Aussie musician dies days after revealing cancer diagnosis

<p>Australian musician Richard Andrew has tragically died at the age of 58, just seven days after announcing he had been diagnosed with lung cancer. </p> <p>Andrew, who has long been a fixture of the Melbourne music scene, passed away on October 30th, with his grieving wife confirming his death on a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-nikki-through-tragedy-honouring-richards-legacy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page. </p> <p>Andrew's wife, Nicolette Powell, is now faced with mourning the sudden loss of her husband while caring for her mother, who is grappling with a terminal brain tumour.</p> <p>"Nicolette's beloved husband, Richard, a well-known and iconic figure in Melbourne's music scene, recently passed away suddenly from cancer," the GoFundMe page's tribute to Andrew began.</p> <p>"Richard was a talented musician who left his mark in bands like Underground Lovers, Crow and Black Cab as well as his own band Registered Nurse and more recently his solo project RJ Andrew."</p> <p>"He was also the founder of Pharmacy Records. He poured his heart and soul into his music, and his legacy will be felt across Melbourne's music community for years to come."</p> <p>Just one week before his untimely death, Andrew revealed to his fans he had been diagnosed with lung cancer in a social media message shared alongside a photo from his wedding to Powell.</p> <p>"After my last unsuccessful attempt to jump 17 double decker buses – A) this may go someway towards explaining being in a wheelchair and, B) the fact I'm getting married to the beautiful Nicolette Powell, in this photo," he wrote on Facebook.</p> <p>"Alas, although the marriage is definitely true and based on love, the double decker bus is, sadly, not quite the truth. Instead, a few month ago, I was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic lung cancer, which has been a billy cart ride down s**t street, for the last little while."</p> <p>Andrew then went on to issue a public farewell to his fans and loved ones.</p> <p>"I am completely reconciled to whatever the future is, however, that future is probably quite limited and I'm in the process of preparing to pop this mortal coil and return to the trees, as it were," he wrote.</p> <p> </p> <p>"I cannot overstate enough what an honour and a privilege it has been to know you all over the last 58 years, and to have lived the most incredible, incredible life."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram / GoFundMe</em></p>

Caring

Australian Word of the Year announced

<p>Cost-of-living pressures and anger at the nation-wide supermarket duopoly have influenced the Australian Word of the Year for 2024.</p> <p>The Australian National Dictionary Centre, based at the Australian National University, has chosen "Colesworth": a blended word referencing the country's largest supermarket chains, Coles and Woolworths.</p> <p>Senior Researcher Mark Gwynn said the word is almost exclusively used in negative contexts, with many calling out the power held by both supermarket giants. </p> <p>Although the word itself has been circulated for several years, its use has skyrocketed over the past 12 months, according to Gwynn.</p> <p>"Aussies walk out of the supermarket with less after paying more, but then hear news of massive profits in the supermarket sector. And with official investigations into some of the pricing practices at Australia's two largest supermarkets, it's no wonder that ordinary shoppers have become cynical," he said.</p> <p>"The blend of the supermarket names Coles and Woolworths into Colesworth provides a succinct way of referring to both supermarkets while at the same time hinting at the negative aspects of what is perceived as an unfair duopoly."</p> <p>Other shortlisted words include a mix of terms referencing politics, tax, and climate change.</p> <p>"Breaking" also made the shortlist, following the iconic performance by Australian artist RayGun at the Paris Olympic Games, with words included "climate trigger," "ute tax," and "YIMBY" (Yes In My Backyard).</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Books

“Mindless vandalism" at Remembrance Day shrine

<p>Vandals have allegedly desecrated one of Australia's Remembrance Day sites. </p> <p>A photo from the Dandenong Remembrance Day shrine shows the apparent act of vandalism, with flowers and wreaths ripped up. </p> <p>3AW’s <em>Rumour File</em> reported on the alleged act of desecration on Tuesday. </p> <p>“Rumour has it, as one southeastern suburb’s Remembrance Day site, the mood was soured by the destruction of wreaths and the ripping up of flowers by the afternoon,” a caller told the show's hosts Ross and Russel. </p> <p>“Mindless vandalism as far as I can tell.”</p> <p>The alleged vandalism took place on Monday November 11, which marks the signing of the armistice agreement that ended World War 1 in 1918. </p> <p><em>Image: news.com.au</em></p>

Legal

Fasting, eating earlier in the day or eating fewer meals – what works best for weight loss?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hayley-oneill-1458016">Hayley O'Neill</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/loai-albarqouni-452476">Loai Albarqouni</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a></em></p> <p>Globally, <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight">one in eight people</a> are living with obesity. This is an issue because <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/risk-factors/risk-factors-to-health/contents/overweight-and-obesity">excess fat</a> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27423262/">increases the risk</a> of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.</p> <p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33393504/">Modifying your diet</a> is important for managing obesity and preventing weight gain. This might include reducing your calorie intake, changing your <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39143663/">eating patterns</a> and prioritising healthy food.</p> <p>But is one formula for weight loss more likely to result in success than another? Our <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11530941/">new research</a> compared three weight-loss methods, to see if one delivered more weight loss than the others:</p> <ul> <li>altering calorie distribution – eating more calories earlier rather than later in the day</li> <li>eating fewer meals</li> <li>intermittent fasting.</li> </ul> <p>We analysed data from 29 clinical trials involving almost 2,500 people.</p> <p>We found that over 12 weeks or more, the three methods resulted in similar weight loss: 1.4–1.8kg.</p> <p>So if you do want to lose weight, choose a method that works best for you and your lifestyle.</p> <h2>Eating earlier in the day</h2> <p>When our metabolism <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/metabolic-syndrome">isn’t functioning properly</a>, our body can’t respond to the hormone insulin properly. This can lead to weight gain, fatigue and can increase the risk of a number of chronic diseases such as diabetes.</p> <p>Eating later in the day – with a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23512957/">heavy dinner</a> and late-night snacking – seems to lead to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33172509/">worse metabolic function</a>. This means the body becomes less efficient at converting food into energy, managing blood sugar and regulating fat storage.</p> <p>In contrast, consuming calories <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31151228/">earlier</a> in the day appears to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29754952/">improve</a> metabolic function.</p> <p>However, this might not be the case for everyone. Some people naturally have an evening “chronotype”, meaning they wake up and stay up later.</p> <p>People with this chronotype appear to have <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36803075/">less success losing weight</a>, no matter the method. This is due to a combination of factors including genes, an increased likelihood to have a poorer diet overall and higher levels of hunger hormones.</p> <h2>Eating fewer meals</h2> <p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30700403/">Skipping breakfast</a> is common, but does it hinder weight loss? Or is a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28967343/">larger breakfast and smaller dinner</a> ideal?</p> <p>While <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28137935/">frequent meals</a> may reduce disease risk, recent studies suggest that compared to eating one to two meals a day, eating six times a day might increase <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32437566/">weight loss success</a>.</p> <p>However, this doesn’t reflect the broader research, which tends to show consuming <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33485709/">fewer meals</a> can lead to greater weight loss. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39485353/">Our research</a> suggests three meals a day is better than six. The easiest way to do this is by cutting out snacks and keeping breakfast, lunch and dinner.</p> <p>Most studies compare three versus six meals, with limited evidence on whether <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7490164/">two meals is better than three</a>.</p> <p>However, <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11530941/">front-loading your calories</a> (consuming most of your calories between breakfast and lunch) appears to be better for weight loss and may also help <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9605877/">reduce hunger</a> across the day. But more studies with a longer duration are needed.</p> <h2>Fasting, or time-restricted eating</h2> <p>Many of us eat over a period of more than <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26411343/">14 hours a day</a>.</p> <p>Eating late at night <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26411343/">can throw off</a> your body’s natural rhythm and alter how your organs function. Over time, this can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases, particularly among <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8617838/">shift workers</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35194176/">Time-restricted eating</a>, a form of intermittent fasting, means eating all your calories within a <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7262456/">six- to ten-hour window</a> during the day when you’re most active. It’s not about changing what or how much you eat, but <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7262456/">when you eat it</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7262456/">Animal studies</a> suggest time-restricted eating can lead to weight loss and improved metabolism. But the evidence in humans is still limited, especially about the long-term benefits.</p> <p>It’s also unclear if the benefits of time-restricted eating are due to the timing itself or because people are eating less overall. When we looked at studies where participants ate freely (with no intentional calorie limits) but followed an eight-hour daily eating window, they naturally consumed about 200 fewer calories per day.</p> <h2>What will work for you?</h2> <p>In the past, clinicians have thought about weight loss and avoiding weight gain as a simile equation of calories in and out. But factors such as how we distribute our calories across the day, how often we eat and whether we eat late at night may also impact our metabolism, weight and health.</p> <p>There are no easy ways to lose weight. So choose a method, or combination of methods, that suits you best. You might consider</p> <ul> <li>aiming to eat in an eight-hour window</li> <li>consuming your calories earlier, by focusing on breakfast and lunch</li> <li>opting for three meals a day, instead of six.</li> </ul> <p>The <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13679-024-00555-2">average adult gains 0.4 to 0.7 kg per year</a>. Improving the quality of your diet is important to prevent this weight gain and the strategies above might also help.</p> <p>Finally, there’s still a lot we don’t know about these eating patterns. Many existing studies are short-term, with small sample sizes and varied methods, making it hard to make direct comparisons.</p> <p>More research is underway, including well-controlled trials with larger samples, diverse populations and consistent methods. So hopefully future research will help us better understand how altering our eating patterns can result in better health.<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/242028/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hayley-oneill-1458016">Hayley O'Neill</a>, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/loai-albarqouni-452476">Loai Albarqouni</a>, Assistant Professor | NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond 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/fasting-eating-earlier-in-the-day-or-eating-fewer-meals-what-works-best-for-weight-loss-242028">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

Aussie Vietnam vet reunited with lost war medals just in time

<p>A Vietnam veteran has been reunited with his lost war medals that were missing for a year, just in time for Remembrance Day. </p> <p>When attending a Remembrance Day event in New Zealand last year, Townsville veteran Malcolm Edmiston lost his medals somewhere along the journey to Christchurch from Brisbane. </p> <p>The medals were left sitting unclaimed in Brisbane Airport's lost and found after being found in an airport terminal, before airport staff launched a social media campaign to find their owner. </p> <p>After seeing a post on Facebook, Edmiston was finally reunited with his precious medals just in time for this year's Remembrance Day events. </p> <p>"It's very good to have them back, great to have them back, I thought they were gone and gone for good," Malcolm told <em><a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/today/lost-war-medals-returned-to-vietnam-veteran-in-time-for-remembrance-day/b03bf4df-0d3c-440b-9783-1e6c7ac73a11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Today</a></em>.</p> <p>"The zip was opened on my case and somehow they fell out, so it's a good reminder for us to take extra care when we pack."</p> <p>Malcolm was not the only one in his family to serve the country, sharing how his father served in the Royal Navy, he had uncles in the Royal Australian Air Force and and the Royal Air Force and a brother who served in Naval Reserve.</p> <p>His son also served in the Navy and with so many of his fellow Vietnam veteran soldiers no longer alive, having his medals back today is something special.</p> <p>"Remembrance Day is a very important day for me," he said.</p> <p>Brisbane Airport's media manager Peter Doherty added that he was thrilled to see the medals return to their rightful owner. </p> <p>He said, "For Malcolm's lifetime of service, the least we could do was the door-to-door service to get the medals back to him."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Today </em></p>

Retirement Life

Elizabeth Hurley reunites with Shane Warne's kids

<p>Two years after Shane Warne's death, his ex-fiancé, Elizabeth Hurley has reunited with his three kids. </p> <p>Elizabeth and her son Damian Hurley, 22, caught up with Brooke Warne, 27, Jackson Warne, 25, and Summer Warne, 23, at Oaks Day.</p> <p>"Today deserves a double upload," Brooke captioned a series of photos with Warne's kids. </p> <p>"Special memories with this bunch, a special day with our special people!"</p> <p>In one photo, the 59-year-old actress had her arm around Brooke as the pair smiled for the camera. </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/DCEGMZMyMpD/?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/DCEGMZMyMpD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by B R O O K E 🍿 W A R N E (@brookewarne)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Elizabeth and her son flew out to Australia for the race, with Damian opening up about how important the trip was for him in his own Instagram post. </p> <p>"My forever family ♥️ Coming back to Australia was always going to be hard. Part of me wanted to put it off forever, knowing that once here, the reality of SW’s passing would truly sink in," he wrote on Instagram. </p> <p>"Now, being back in this beautiful place which I was once lucky enough to call home, I’m overwhelmed with more love than I’ll ever be able to put into words. My heart is full." </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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCEsxMxviXc/?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/DCEsxMxviXc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Damian Hurley (@damianhurley1)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Brooke also shared a video on her Instagram stories with Damian, with the caption: "Baby brother, missed you." </p> <p>Elizabeth and Shane were together from 2010-2013 and they got engaged in 2011. </p> <p>The former couple often made appearances together at race days, including Royal Ascot in the UK and the 2011 Melbourne Cup Carnival. </p> <p>Despite their split, Shane and Elizabeth stayed good friends. </p> <p>On Tuesday, the actress opened up about how "bittersweet" it was to be back in Australia. </p> <p>"Bittersweet to be back in Melbourne - home to so many memories. Thank you @flemingtonvrc for inviting me and my son. We had a beautiful day," she wrote. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

"The time has come": Ray Hadley announces retirement

<p>After 43 years on air, Ray Hadley has announced he will be stepping back from his hosting role at 2GB. </p> <p>Hadley shocked his loyal listeners on Thursday morning, saying his extensive career has been "one hell of a ride". </p> <p>“It’s been a hell of a ride from a young bloke who wanted to call the races," he said. "But the time has come for someone else to do the job. So December 13 will be my last day broadcasting."</p> <p>“Apparently the story has broken somewhere. There’s always a leak somewhere, so I may as well do it now, earlier than I anticipated,” he said.</p> <p>“Sometimes you can’t keep things secret, and I suppose in the media, that’s what happens."</p> <p>“I’ve achieved far more than I ever thought I would. My children, Dan, Laura, Emma and Sarah, have made sacrifices over the years for me to realise my ambitions."</p> <p>"Back in September I turned 70, I started to think, how long I've got left on this Earth, and do I want to keep getting up at half past three in the morning, meaning I go to bed early. At social events I'm always the first out the door. I don't want to be the first out the door anymore."</p> <p>Hadley assured listeners he would not be disappearing completely, clarifying, "I'm not retiring from work. I'm just retiring from full-time radio. I'll bob up somewhere in 2025 but not in a full-time capacity, and certainly not on radio." </p> <p>Shortly after making the on-air announcement, NSW premier Chris Minns called into the show to share a tribute. </p> <p>“Ray, you shocked us all. What a massive day in New South Wales radio, and a huge loss for Sydney in particular," Mr Minns said.</p> <p>“We’re genuinely going to miss you. I’m in shock at the moment. It’s a distinguished career. It’s an incredible legacy. But if I was someone up in one word, I would just say fearless, a broadcasting career that’s been completely fearless, and you’ve never, ever pulled your punches in something that you believe in."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Retirement Life

Bride's touching tribute to late father on her wedding day

<p>"Who's going to walk me down the aisle?" those were the first words 13-year-old Bianca Accurso told her mother when she found out her father had passed away. </p> <p>"I knew from that moment that I needed to feel like he was going to be there right there with me [on my wedding day]," the now mum-of-one told <em>Yahoo Lifestyle</em>. </p> <p>"It was always important for me to acknowledge my dad in a special way at my wedding as he was my first love and whole world."</p> <p>Bianca kept her promise to her teenage self when she got married earlier this year, and the way she did it was by tracking down the man who owned her late father's car, and asking him if she could use it on her big day. </p> <p>"When going down the path of planning, I was writing down all that we needed to organise and tick off and ‘cars’ was one of the many things on the list," she recalled. </p> <p>Her husband had asked her what car she wanted for the special day, and she quickly responded "an XY GT just like my Dad’s". </p> <p>It was only when she brought up the topic of wedding cars to her mum that she had her "light bulb moment". </p> <p>"I literally then had a light bulb moment and said out loud, ‘Hey imagine if I could get it..’. I asked my Mum to see if she still had the transfer papers and contact details of the male that she sold it to after Dad had passed." </p> <p>It didn't take long for her to find the contact details for a man named Harold, while the phone call started a little awkwardly, once he realised who she was, they started talking like they were long lost friends. </p> <p>"I then proceeded to ask if he still owned my dad’s GT, to which he responded, ‘I would never sell it’. I had total goosebumps," Bianca said.</p> <p> </p> <div class="embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important; width: 537px; max-width: 100%;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7430359178104802561&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40loverslenssocials%2Fvideo%2F7430359178104802561&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2FoQ4D7LDJFHhEO47CqjA4ACqIYzZIQoCfAOeHfE%3Flk3s%3Db59d6b55%26x-expires%3D1730498400%26x-signature%3DZNBsHGDfkYMa0%252F22tUjN3D3RPjE%253D%26shp%3Db59d6b55%26shcp%3D-&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p>"I then told Harold the real reason why I had called and explained to him my wish of driving to my wedding in my Dad’s GT. There was no hesitation and he quite literally responded, ‘I would be absolutely honoured to do that for you, count me in.’ I was speechless. The butterflies were fluttering in my tummy... it was a meant-to-be moment."</p> <p>People were moved by Bianca's story which she posted on TikTok, with the video gaining almost a million views. </p> <p>"Your father is watching down crying and praising that man for taking time out of his day to make yours even better ❤️❤️," one person wrote.</p> <p>"The pure joy and happiness on your face ❤️ your dad may have not walked you down the aisle but he made sure you arrived in style..bless this beautiful man for doing this for you on your special day🥰🥰🥰," another added. </p> <p>Bianca recalled the moment she saw the car for the first time, saying: "seeing my Dad’s car after 10 years was indescribable."</p> <p>"My smile said it all. It looked like it had never been touched. I could picture my Dad in the driver's seat with me buckled in tightly by his side.</p> <p>"When we were driving in it, it was pure joy and happiness! We were just so present and tried to enjoy every last moment. Harold made us feel so comfortable and gave us a ride that we will never forget."</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram/ TikTok</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

Missing woman found after 12 days in national park

<p>Missing woman Lovisa 'Kiki' Sjoberg has been found alive after almost two weeks lost in the Snowy Mountains region of New South Wales. </p> <p>The 48-year-old photographer was last seen driving into the Kosciuszko National Park on October 15th and was reported missing six days later when she failed to return a hire car.</p> <p>After setting up a command post at the Kiandra Courthouse on the Snowy Mountains Hwy, police began an intensive search for the woman immediately.</p> <p>A wide-scale search was conducted involving the Mounted Unit, Dog Unit, SES, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Rural Fire Service, a Surf Life Saving Helicopter and members of the public.</p> <p>On Sunday afternoon, the woman was found injured on the Nungar Creek Trail at Kiandra.</p> <p>She was treated at the scene by paramedics for exposure and what appeared to be a snake bite before being taken to a local hospital in a stable condition.</p> <p>Worried friends of Ms Sjoberg have expressed their relief and joy on Facebook about the news of her discovery, thanking the community for their support. </p> <p><em>Image credits: NSW Police / llawarra Police Rescue Squad</em></p>

Caring

Wheel of Fortune star weds in lavish ceremony

<p>Sophie Falkiner has tied the knot with Stephen Wood in a lavish ceremony in Sydney's Northern Beaches. </p> <p>The <em>Wheel of Fortune</em> presenter, 51, looked stunning in a white strapless gown with beading on the corset. She had her hair in Hollywood waves and completed the look with a pop of red lipstick.</p> <p>The groom complimented her in a classic tux with a white rose pinned to the lapel. </p> <p>The ceremony took place at Pasadena, a restaurant on Sydney's Northern Beaches, decorated with pink and white flowers that matched the pink velvet chairs and white draping on the ceiling. </p> <p>The couple said "I do" on the waterfront at Church Point, with a flower arch behind them.</p> <p>Friends congratulated the bride and groom on social media. </p> <p>"The most beautiful happy wedding of @sophie_falkiner and Steve, congratulations to a gorgeous couple and family," wrote entrepreneur, Jose Bryce Smith.</p> <p>"THE most beautiful wedding ever. The love, warmth, beauty, talent, company, location… and my favourite part, the speeches! Enchanting, elegant and full of heart, just like our @sophie_falkiner. Congratulations Sophie and Stephen! May your joy and happiness only multiply!" wrote digital creator, Alina Rose.</p> <p>The couple got engaged two years ago after Wood popped the question while they were holidaying in Queensland's idyllic Whitsunday Islands.</p> <p>They met after Falkiner's divorce from radio executive Tony Thomas after 14 years of marriage and they share children Bella, 17, and Jack, 14.</p> <p>Falkiner described how "easy" her new relationship was, saying: "I think when you meet the right person it's easy. There's a comradery, a friendship."</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

Olympic champion inducted to Sport Australia Hall of Fame

<p>Olympic gold medallist Sally Pearson and surfing legend Mick Fanning have joined the most elite group of Australian sportspeople, after being inducted to the Sport Australia Hall of Fame (SAHOF). </p> <p>Pearson is one of only nine Australian women to win an Olympic track and field gold medal, winning her first gold in London 2012. She won a silver medal in 2008 for the 100m hurdles, and has World Championship success in 2011 and 2017.</p> <p>She is also the first Australian to be named World Athlete of the year, and won the SAHOF’s “The Don” Award twice. </p> <p> Pearson said it was “surreal” to be included in such esteemed company, including the likes of Cathy Freeman, her childhood hero.</p> <p>“I don’t think it’s really sunk in. It’s so surreal. It feels like it just happens to people you see on TV,” she said.</p> <p>“I still feel like I’m watching the Sydney Olympics and watching Cathy Freeman run. When Steve Hooker won gold in Beijing I was sitting on the sidelines.</p> <p>“Even though I won silver, I was thinking, this is really cool. I’m watching this person, this athlete, just doing amazing things. It’s a bizarre feeling that I’m one of those people now.”</p> <p>Surfing legend Mick Fanning, who is already a member of the World Surfers’ Hall of Fame and Australian Surfing Hall of Fame and said he was pretty “flabbergasted” to be elevated into the SAHOF. </p> <p>“Australia produces so many incredible sporting stars and to be honoured as one of those, among the greats, I’m pretty flabbergasted, to be honest,” he said.</p> <p>“It’s not something that we ever look for when we’re doing our sport, but to be acknowledged later in life is very special and I’m very honoured to be able to share it with people who have supported me.</p> <p>“I wasn’t the most talented person, I wasn’t the most gifted, I didn’t have the most money or anything like that, but I just gave it my all.’’</p> <p>Fanning enters as a three-time world champion for surfing. </p> <p>Motorsport great Mark Skaife, former Kookaburras’ captain Mark Knowles, lawn bowls trailblazer Karen Murphy and dual-sport Paralympics champion Liesl Tesch are some of the other 2024 inductees. </p> <p><em>Image: Colorsport/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

Body

1 in 5 Australians admit they don’t wash their hands every time they use the toilet

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/christine-carson-109004">Christine Carson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-western-australia-1067">The University of Western Australia</a></em></p> <p>Do you wash your hands every time you use the toilet? How about before you handle food? Be honest.</p> <p>Australia’s Food Safety Information Council has released its <a href="https://www.foodsafety.asn.au/topic/latest-report-card-on-aussie-handwashing-blokes-still-need-to-do-better-global-handwashing-day-15-october-2024/">latest report card</a> on the country’s hand washing habits. It found 19% of Australians don’t wash their hands every time they use the toilet. Close to half (42%) admit they don’t always wash hands before handling food.</p> <p>So who’s doing well when it comes to hand hygiene, who’s not – and why does it matter?</p> <h2>What did the report find?</h2> <p>The new report surveyed hand washing practices of 1,229 people. Results were consistent with what we’ve learned from <a href="https://www.foodsafety.asn.au/topic/latest-research-shows-improvement-in-aussie-handwashing-but-blokes-still-need-to-do-better-global-handwashing-day-15-october-2023/">similar surveys</a>.</p> <p>Once again, women do better than men at washing their hands after using the toilet, although only slightly (80% of men say they do every time, versus 83% of women). Just 55% of men wash their hands before touching food, compared to 62% of women.</p> <p>Age also seemed to make a difference. Under 34 years old, 69% of people washed their hands every time they used the toilet. Over age 65, that jumped to 86%.</p> <p>Although some of these differences aren’t completely unexpected – such as <a href="https://slate.com/technology/2020/02/women-hand-washing-more-than-men-why-coronavirus.html">the gap</a> between men’s and women’s hand washing habits – the reasons remain unclear.</p> <h2>Why don’t people wash their hands?</h2> <p>Public health messaging often focuses on how to wash hands well. But there’s less research that follows up on how widely people actually adopt these practices. And to understand why – if they are skipping the soap and water – those messages might not be getting through effectively.</p> <p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33998334/">One study</a> that looked at this question in India asked school children about barriers to hand washing. The vast majority (91%) had low “illness threat perception”. In other words, they simply didn’t perceive a risk of getting sick form not washing their hands after going to the toilet.</p> <p>Interestingly, the inability to see germs with their own eyes was one of the biggest barriers, cited by 46% of the children. But 72% said they would wash their hands if their friends did.</p> <p>It’s tempting to speculate these reasons may also apply to other age groups, but we simply haven’t done enough research to know. People’s reasons for hand washing, or not, likely vary across their lifetime and with their circumstances.</p> <h2>What are the risks?</h2> <p>Urine and faeces contain millions of germs, especially faeces, which has more than <a href="https://theconversation.com/your-poo-is-mostly-alive-heres-whats-in-it-102848">100 billion</a> germs per gram.</p> <p>When you use the toilet and touch surfaces in the bathroom, you will pick up germs. People who skip the hand washing step on the way out take those germs with them when they leave, depositing them on each surface they touch afterwards.</p> <p>You may not get sick yourself, but you’re increasing the spread of bacteria. This can increase the risk of infection and illness for other people, including those with compromised immune systems such as older people and those undergoing common forms of treatment for cancer.</p> <p>Hand washing before cooking and eating is also important. The risk here goes both ways. If you have disease-causing germs on your hands (maybe because you didn’t wash them after the toilet) you may transfer them to the food where they can multiply and even produce toxins. People who eat the food may then get sick, often involving vomiting and diarrhoea.</p> <p>In the other direction, some foods naturally carry germs before cooking – such as <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7697675/">salmonella and campylobacter bacteria in raw poultry</a>. If you don’t wash your hands after handling these foods you may transfer them to other surfaces and risk spreading infection.</p> <h2>How should I wash my hands?</h2> <p>Follow these three simple tips for hand washing correctly:</p> <ol> <li> <p><strong>wet</strong> your hands and rub them together well to build up a good lather with soap for at least 20 seconds and don’t forget to wash between your fingers and under your nails. You might have to use a nail brush</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>rinse</strong> well under running water to remove the bugs from your hands</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>dry</strong> your hands thoroughly on a clean towel for at least 20 seconds. Touching surfaces with moist hands encourages bugs to spread from the surface to your hands.</p> </li> </ol> <h2>What about hand sanitiser?</h2> <p>If no running water is available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. These rapidly inactivate a wide range of germs, rendering them non-infectious. Hand sanitisers are effective against a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513254/#_article-17334_s3_">wide range of bacteria and viruses</a> that can cause many common gastrointesintal and respiratory infections.</p> <p>However if your hands are soiled with organic matter – such as blood, faeces, meat, sand or soil – they won’t be effective. In that case you should clean your hands with soap and water.</p> <h2>The bottom line</h2> <p>Hand washing is a bit like wearing a seat belt — you do that every time you get in a car, not just on the days you “plan” to be involved in an accident. The bottom line is hand washing is a simple, quick intervention that benefits you and those around you — but only if you do it.<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/241481/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/christine-carson-109004">Christine Carson</a>, Senior Research Fellow, School of Medicine, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-western-australia-1067">The University of Western Australia</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/1-in-5-australians-admit-they-dont-wash-their-hands-every-time-they-use-the-toilet-241481">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

Man decides to end his own life after waiting for at-home care

<p>A terminally ill man has made the heartbreaking decision to end his life after waiting 10-month for end of life care. </p> <p>Cyril Tooze, an 86-year-old from South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, was approved for a Level 4 Home Care Package in January. </p> <p>The package - which is the highest available care for individuals with high-level needs under the federal government’s MyAgedCare scheme - would give Mr Tooze up to $59,594 annually for daily assistance with physical, medical and social tasks.</p> <p>But almost one year on from the approval, his funds and support have yet to be delivered.</p> <p>It’s understood his family, who live interstate, contacted the government to enquire about receiving an urgent reassessment, and were told he could be waiting another three to six months.</p> <p>Independent MP Rebekha Sharkie told reporters that his family were also told a reassessment “could delay it even longer”.</p> <p>While waiting for his vital funds, Mr Tooze - who suffers from terminal heart and lung conditions and regularly requires morphine for pain relief - has worsened and has been hospitalised after suffering a fall at home. </p> <p>Tired of waiting for help to arrive, Tooze has started the process of ending his life through South Australia’s voluntary assisted dying scheme.</p> <p>“There is no hope ... I don’t want to live my life laying in a bed waiting for something to happen,” he told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/terminally-ill-mans-heartbreaking-decision-to-end-his-life-after-10-month-wait-for-home-care-in-australia-c-16471785" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a>.</p> <p>“You can’t live like that, that’s unfair, we don’t deserve that in such a country as Australia.”</p> <p>Following the media coverage of his case, Tooze was contacted by the Aged Care Department, who said the package could temporarily be made available.</p> <p>Sharkie said Tooze’s situation was “shameful”, saying, “What devastates me is that Mr Tooze feels voluntary assisted dying is the only course available to him, and that is because we as a nation have failed him."</p> <p>“I would say, if Mr Tooze had that package in a timely manner, as he should have, he would probably be sitting at home now, making himself a cup of tea.”</p> <p>Anglicare Australia’s <a href="https://www.anglicare.asn.au/2024/09/20/life-on-the-wait-list-report-shows-older-australians-are-going-without-support/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">Life on the Wait List report</a> revealed that as of May 2024, 68,109 Australians had been approved for a Home Care Package but were facing wait times of up to 15 months to access it.</p> <p><em>Image credits: 7News</em></p>

Caring

Aussies chat with King Charles on first day of royal tour

<p>Hundreds of Aussies have lined up for a hours to catch a glimpse of King Charles and Queen Camilla on the first day of their royal tour of Australia, with some royal fans getting the chance to have a brief moment with the monarch. </p> <p>In their first public appearance of the royal couple’s five-day tour Down Under, Charles and Camilla attended a church service at St Thomas Anglican Church on Sunday morning in North Sydney as hundreds of fans waited to see the royals. </p> <p>After the service, Charles and Camilla made an unexpected stop to talk fans who had congregated on the street. </p> <p>Royalist Mary-Anne Spring said the monarch made the stop after a boy “yelled out” asking him to come over to the group, as Ms Spring shared that she spoke to the King about his health. </p> <p>“I welcomed them to Sydney and I wished the King all the very best in his cancer treatment. He said thank you very much I really appreciate it,” she told <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/king-charles-queen-camillas-first-public-appearance-in-australia-on-royal-tour/news-story/f23713cc089ce37d149fd829c68e50fd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a></em>. </p> <p>“I think it’s good to support them and the work they do.”</p> <p>Another royal fan, Malcolm Lemirae, managed to gift the Queen a bunch of red roses. </p> <p>“They accepted the flowers and Camilla asked if I grew them and I said I grew them in my garden,” he said. "I think she was thrilled about that. It’s just a little symbol of my gratitude for them coming out. The guy's got cancer. To come out here and do that trip, it’s a long, long trip.”</p> <p>Julianne McCartney, who is originally from the UK, also had her own moment with the King, recalling her previous encounter with the royal family.</p> <p>She said, “He told me he really appreciated the crowd. He noticed my British accent and asked if I was from the UK, I said I had met his mother before and I think he thought that was quite nice actually.”</p> <p>On Monday, King Charles and Queen Camilla will head to Canberra for a reception with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, along with other political and community leaders. </p> <p><em>Image credits: DEAN LEWINS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Domestic Travel

"Ridiculous and disrespectful": Groom goes viral for working on wedding day

<p>A wedding photo has gone viral for the wrong reasons after a groom was pictured working on his own wedding day. </p> <p>Torrey Leonard, the founder of US-based start-up company, Thoughtly, shared a photo of his co-founder, Casey Mackrell, pulling out a laptop at his own wedding to get some work done.</p> <p>“My co-founder Casey has built a reputation for himself as ‘the guy who sits on his laptop in bars’ from SF to NYC,” he wrote in the post. </p> <p>“Last week Thoughtly brought on a customer that needed to launch within 2 weeks. He just so happened to be getting married within that 2 week window.</p> <p>“So, here he is wrapping up a pull request. At his own wedding. Congrats Casey – now please, go take some time off.”</p> <p>Hundreds of people were quick to comment on the post, labelling it “one of the most depressing LinkedIn posts to exist” and it was even shared to other social media pages. </p> <p>The groom himself eventually had to clarify saying: “Don’t worry I got back to dancing and champagne 2 seconds later.” </p> <p>But that wasn't enough to appease fellow LinkedIn users. </p> <p>“So your company has such terrible work/life balance that you can’t have a WEDDING without having to work? That’s just sad as hell," one wrote. </p> <p>Another commenter quipped that it was "really sad" the groom didn't call off the wedding to focus on work, saying: “Someone who actually knows how to grind would have called it off the second the contract was signed." </p> <p>A few others questioned the authenticity of the post, saying that it had to be staged as they couldn’t believe that someone would be “that ridiculous and disrespectful to his bride and family”.</p> <p>“Aside from the fact that this is probably staged, pushing people to sacrifice their private life and mental health is not the flex you think it is," another added. </p> <p>In an interview with <em>news.com.au</em> Leonard defended his co-founder's decision and explained the situation. </p> <p>“As a company, what we do is very high-stakes. Every single one of our customers, they depend on us to function perfectly, 24-7, around the clock, no questions asked,” he told the publication. </p> <p>“We work with many publicly traded companies across the globe, and we spend long hours of the night, early mornings awake, monitoring these calls, proactively fixing issues, fixing problems, building new features.</p> <p>“The context of this post, he had to solve a problem, and it was really only something that he could solve. It was a three- to five-minute task.</p> <p>“We understand that this lifestyle is not for everybody. It’s obviously something that is a lot of work, but it’s something that we love.”</p> <p>He also clarified that Mackrell's bride, Grace, did not have a problem with the brief interruption on their happy day. </p> <p>“They were dating for many years, so she’s seen him pull a laptop out at a restaurant dinner table. I mean, it looks crazy, but that’s just who Casey is. She’s obviously fine with it.”</p> <p><em>Images: LinkedIn</em></p> <p> </p>

Relationships

No time for a holiday? A ‘workation’ could be the answer

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mariachiara-barzotto-1449459">Mariachiara Barzotto</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-bath-1325">University of Bath</a></em></p> <p>Imagine this: you’re lounging on the beach, waves crashing in the background. A laptop sits on the table next to your iced coffee. In between meetings, you dip into the ocean or explore a hiking trail. This is the ideal vision of “workations” – a blend of work and vacation that is <a href="https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1882649/rise-workation-hr-encourage-blurring-lines-home-away#:%7E:text=Since%20many%20people%20shifted%20to,having%20to%20take%20annual%20leave.">gaining popularity</a> worldwide.</p> <p>A workation allows employees to work remotely from a holiday spot, and is part of a larger shift towards more flexible working arrangements, accelerated by the COVID pandemic and the rise of digital technology. <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/16078055.2022.2134199#d1e474">Workations</a> can last from a few days to several weeks.</p> <p>The concept can be appealing to both employees and companies, but there are challenges too. So, understanding its benefits and limitations is important for workers and employers alike.</p> <p>The most obvious benefit for employees is enjoying a new environment while staying productive. The typical work environment can become monotonous, potentially leading to burnout, decreased creativity and dissatisfaction.</p> <p>A workation offers an escape from this day-to-day grind, providing a refreshing change of scenery. It combines the mental break of a vacation with the flexibility of working remotely, allowing workers to balance their professional and personal lives and <a href="https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/abas/20/1/20_0210112a/_pdf">enhance their creativity</a>. This flexibility may be particularly beneficial for those with high workloads or tight schedules, as they no longer need to sacrifice time away from work to relax.</p> <p>And companies can also reap rewards from approving workations among their staff. One of the most significant advantages is employee retention. Flexible work arrangements are among <a href="https://buffer.com/state-of-remote-work/2023">the top priorities</a> for employees in today’s job market, helping to reduce staff turnover.</p> <p>Offering the option of a workation could also make a company more attractive to prospective employees. And workers who are free to work from inspiring locations may return to their tasks less stressed, and more motivated and engaged. Studies show that remote workers often demonstrate <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1529100615593273">increased organisational commitment</a>.</p> <p>Another advantage is the potential for cost savings. With more employees working remotely, companies may reduce their need for large office spaces or the expensive perks offered in corporate environments such as gyms, canteens and the staffing that goes with them.</p> <p>But there can be challenges too. The boundary between work and leisure can become blurred, and some employees may find it <a href="https://tuprints.ulb.tu-darmstadt.de/7578/1/Dissertation_Reinke_Always%20Online%20-%20Boundary%20Management%20and%20Well-being.pdf%20">hard to disconnect from work</a> – defeating the object of travelling to a different workplace. The allure of finishing “just one more task” can prevent employees from truly enjoying their surroundings, potentially leading to exhaustion instead of rejuvenation.</p> <p>Time zone differences can also be a challenge. Juggling meetings and collaborating with colleagues in different time zones can lead to irregular work hours that make it hard to maintain a healthy work-life balance.</p> <p>Distractions are another concern. Beaches, tourist attractions or even the simple novelty of being in a new place can make it difficult to focus on work tasks. Employees need to have a strong sense of discipline to remain productive.</p> <p>For companies, one of the primary challenges is ensuring that employees remain productive. Monitoring performance without feeling intrusive can be a tricky balance for managers to strike.</p> <p>Security is another major concern. Remote work often involves accessing company networks and handling sensitive information. When employees work from unfamiliar locations – particularly in public spaces such as cafes – there may be increased risks related to cybersecurity. Ensuring that employees follow security protocols, use secure wifi and protect sensitive data is crucial.</p> <p>Lastly, workations might not be feasible for all roles. This can lead to disparities in who can take advantage of the opportunity, potentially leading to bad feeling among other staff.</p> <p>For the concept of workations to succeed, both employees and employers should set clear expectations, establish boundaries, and focus on maintaining productivity while allowing time for relaxation. But, if managed properly, they could become a staple of modern work culture. In a world where flexibility and wellbeing are increasingly valued, workations offer a unique opportunity to blend productivity with personal fulfilment, reshaping how we think about work and leisure.</p> <h2>Nine tips for having a successful workation</h2> <p><strong>1. Choose the right destination</strong></p> <p>Opt for a location with reliable internet access and where the time difference between colleagues and clients is manageable.</p> <p><strong>2. Set clear boundaries</strong></p> <p>Establish dividing lines between your work and vacation time, and communicate these boundaries with your employer and colleagues.</p> <p><strong>3. Ensure you have the right tech set-up</strong></p> <p>Bring all the necessary equipment, including noise-cancelling headphones. Double-check that you have remote access to all necessary material before leaving.</p> <p><strong>4. Plan for cybersecurity</strong></p> <p>Use a secure virtual private network (VPN) to protect company data, and follow your company’s cybersecurity policies to the letter.</p> <p><strong>5. Understand your company’s remote work policy</strong></p> <p>Read up on things like flexibility in terms of location, time zones, working hours and refunds for co-working spaces or tech tools.</p> <p><strong>6. Set realistic expectations</strong></p> <p>Don’t expect your workation to feel like a full vacation. Plan your leisure activities around your work schedule. Be prepared to work longer or odd hours if your company operates in a different time zone.</p> <p><strong>7. Consider the local infrastructure</strong></p> <p>Research amenities such as medical services, food delivery and transport. These might be important if you stay in a more remote or unfamiliar area. Have a contingency plan for health emergencies and check visa requirements.</p> <p><strong>8. Prepare for flexibility</strong></p> <p>Be ready for unexpected issues like slow internet or disruptions due to local events. Back-up plans, such as access to a co-working space or alternative accommodation, can save you from unnecessary stress.</p> <p><strong>9. Stay organised</strong></p> <p>Keep a work schedule and a checklist of tasks to ensure that you remain as productive as you are in your regular work environment.<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/240485/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mariachiara-barzotto-1449459">Mariachiara Barzotto</a>, Senior Lecturer in Management Strategy and Organisation, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-bath-1325">University of Bath</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/no-time-for-a-holiday-a-workation-could-be-the-answer-240485">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Travel Tips

John Farnham's voice heard for the first time since throat surgery

<p>John Farnham's voice has been heard for the first time since undergoing extensive surgery on his throat and jaw to treat his cancer in August 2022. </p> <p>The Aussie music legend is lending his voice to narrate the audio version of his new <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/finally-felt-like-the-right-time-john-farnham-s-huge-announcement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">memoir</a> titled <em>The Voice Inside</em>, which is to be released on October 30th. </p> <p><em>The Morning Show</em>'s entertainment reporter Peter Ford broke the news that Farnham's voice would be heard for the first time in over two years, while playing an exclusive clip from the audio book. </p> <p>Ford said Farnham co-wrote the book with Poppy Stockwell, who directed his recent Logie-winning documentary <em>The Voice Inside</em>, saying the documentary was “brilliantly done,” and “obviously John feels safe and a great connection with her”.</p> <p>“So they’ve written it together now," Ford said. </p> <p>“We got the news that John was going to do the audio version of the book, and also his wife Jill will actually be writing two chapters.”</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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DA17RsMNCTK/?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/DA17RsMNCTK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Morning Show On 7 (@morningshowon7)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Ford expressed his excitement over the clip, saying, “This is for the first time now in many years.”</p> <p>“We haven’t heard John. We haven’t seen John. We know what he’s been going through. So this is great for that reason."</p> <p>“He’s older and there has been some impact on his voice because of the surgery. But, you know, the delivery, the tone, the cheekiness, it’s all there. It’s instantly John Farnham.”</p> <p>“I‘m just thrilled to hear his voice and to think he’s doing something, and what a rollercoaster that would have been for him,” Ford says.</p> <p>“It’s one thing to sit down with Poppy and tell her the stories and share the memories, but to actually get behind a microphone and deliver it."</p> <p>“John, as we know, is a performer who always gives 120 per cent. He would have really been challenged, I think, in delivering some of those sadder stories of recent times.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Facebook</em></p>

Caring

"Time for a rest": John Laws retires from radio

<p>Radio veteran John Laws has announced his plans to retire from radio in the coming weeks. </p> <p>The radio host, 89, shocked his loyal listeners on his 2SM show on Tuesday morning, after reading out a letter from a fan who wrote how much they enjoy listening to the show each day. </p> <p>“You’re not going to be hearing it for long, mate,” Laws said in response to the email. “I think it’s time for a rest.</p> <p>“I’ve done it for a very, very, very, very long time,” Laws said about his broadcasting career. “And I think that I’ll just call it a day, and call it a day pretty soon.”</p> <p>Laws said that he will “probably” hang up his headphones at the beginning of November when he celebrates 71 years on air.</p> <p>“I don’t want to be greedy,” he said. “I’ve had 71 fantastic years … and loved almost every minute of it.”</p> <p>He also made clear that after his final show, he will not be returning to radio. </p> <p>“I’m not going to go away and then come back again and say, ‘oh, it was all a mistake,’” he said on 2SM. “It may well be a mistake, but there’ll be no return. That’s it.”</p> <p>Laws then outlined his plans for his long-awaited retirement, saying, “I’ll travel, I’ll sit about, I’ll read more… and I’ll catch up with things that I should have caught up with a long time ago”.</p> <p>The retirement announcement came as a shock to many loyal viewers, as Laws said in an interview in 2023 that he can't picture himself ever stepping back from the coveted radio role. </p> <p>Just last year he told <em><a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/john-laws-reveals-he-doesnt-think-about-retirement-as-he-notches-up-70-years-in-radio/news-story/9ed6d8dad7af5523e6c70bca45f8516d" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-tgev="event119" data-tgev-container="bodylink" data-tgev-order="9ed6d8dad7af5523e6c70bca45f8516d" data-tgev-label="entertainment" data-tgev-metric="ev">The Daily Telegraph</a></em>, “I don’t think about retirement. I suppose I will have to one day but no, I don’t want to stop, I’d like to be doing it when I am 100.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: 9News / 2SM </em></p>

Retirement Life

World’s longest treasure hunt ends as Golden Owl finally unearthed in France

<p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">After more than three decades of mystery and intrigue, the world’s longest-running treasure hunt has come to a thrilling conclusion with the discovery of the elusive Golden Owl. Valued at approximately $240,000, the treasure had captivated the imaginations of thousands since it was first buried in France in the early 1990s.</span></p> <p>The hunt began with the publication of the now-famous book, <em>On the Trail of the Golden Owl</em>, written by communications expert Régis Hauser under the pseudonym “Max Valentin” and illustrated by artist Michel Becker. The 1993 book challenged readers to solve a series of intricate riddles and clues, which, when deciphered, would reveal the owl’s secret location.</p> <p>Despite years of painstaking attempts to crack the mystery, the Golden Owl remained hidden for decades, surviving even its creator. Hauser passed away in 2009, leaving the prize still buried. Michel Becker, who took over the management of the hunt, delivered the long-awaited news on October 3 via an online announcement that sparked a frenzy among treasure hunters: “A potential winning solution is currently being verified.”</p> <p>Two hours later, he confirmed: “Don’t go digging! We confirm that the Golden Owl countermark was unearthed last night.”</p> <p>The treasure hunt’s <a href="https://goldenowlhunt.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">official website was also updated with the announcement</a>, bringing an end to a search that has been both thrilling and, for some, overwhelming.</p> <p><strong>The obsession and madness behind the search</strong></p> <p>For over 30 years, the Golden Owl hunt transcended being just a hobby for many treasure hunters and became an all-consuming obsession. While some enjoyed it as a leisurely pursuit, others were driven to extreme lengths – financially, emotionally and mentally. The search for the owl has been linked to personal crises, including financial ruin and broken marriages. At least one individual reportedly ended up in an asylum due to their fixation on solving the hunt’s riddles.</p> <p>The toll wasn’t limited to individuals. Searchers caused considerable disruption across France, digging unauthorised holes in public and private lands. In one eastern French village, the local mayor was forced to plead with hunters to stop digging around its chapel, while in other cases, searchers brought power tools to banks and even considered destroying structures in the hopes of unearthing the treasure.</p> <p><strong>The Golden Owl’s elusive clues</strong></p> <p><em>On the Trail of the Golden Owl</em> contained a complex series of 11 riddles, each paired with a painting by Becker. The riddles, combined with maps, colours and hidden details, challenged readers to work out the owl’s hidden location.</p> <p>Before his death, Hauser revealed three crucial elements to solving the puzzle:</p> <p>The use of maps: Hunters needed to work with maps to narrow down the search area and use a specific map to pinpoint the final zone.</p> <p>A “mega trick”: This was the key to using the sequence of riddles to locate the final area where the owl was hidden.</p> <p>A final hidden riddle: Once in the final zone, hunters had to uncover one last riddle to lead them to the exact spot of the treasure.</p> <p><strong>Joyous celebration among treasure hunters</strong></p> <p>The treasure-hunting community was overjoyed when the news broke, with many expressing their disbelief and excitement. “Finally – liberated!” exclaimed one fan on the hunt’s Discord forum. Another added, “I didn’t think I’d live to see the day.”</p> <p>As of now, the exact location of the owl’s discovery and the identity of the finder remain undisclosed. However, Becker hinted at the complexity involved in concluding this monumental hunt. “Tons of emotions to manage for all those who are responsible for managing the end of this episode and complex logistics to put in place,” he said in a statement on October 6.</p> <p>For now, the Golden Owl, a treasure that has held a generation of sleuths in its grasp, has been unearthed. Yet, the fascination with its story will undoubtedly linger for years to come.</p> <p><em>Images/Illustrations: Michel Becker</em></p>

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