Placeholder Content Image

What is ‘health at every size’ lifestyle counselling? How does it compare with weight-focused treatments?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/clare-collins-7316">Clare Collins</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-newcastle-1060">University of Newcastle</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/erin-clarke-1314081">Erin Clarke</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-newcastle-1060">University of Newcastle</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jordan-stanford-1631336">Jordan Stanford</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-newcastle-1060">University of Newcastle</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/maria-gomez-martin-1218567">María Gómez Martín</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-newcastle-1060">University of Newcastle</a></em></p> <p>Health at every size (or HAES) is a lifestyle counselling approach that promotes mindful eating and lifestyle behaviours to pursue health and wellness, without focusing on weight loss. Weight loss is seen as a <a href="https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/understanding-the-%E2%80%98health-at-every-size%E2%80%99-paradigm">beneficial side effect</a>, rather than a goal.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.sizeinclusivehealth.org.au/What-is-HAES">Association for Size Diversity and Health</a> first developed the approach in 2003 and revised it in 2013 and 2024. Its current <a href="https://asdah.org/haes/">core principles</a> promote:</p> <ul> <li>minimising weight discrimination</li> <li>encouraging body acceptance</li> <li>intuitive eating</li> <li>enjoyable physical activities.</li> </ul> <p>It also aims to address <a href="https://theobesitycollective.org.au/our-work/#weight-stigma-awareness">stigma and discrimination</a> that people in larger bodies may experience when seeking medical care.</p> <p>Internationally, a <a href="https://asdah.org/listing/">range of health professionals</a> have incorporated the HAES approach into their treatment and services. Some organisations, such as <a href="https://obesitycanada.ca/guidelines/nutrition/">Obesity Canada</a>, have included HAES in their <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32753461/">guidelines for obesity treatment</a>.</p> <h2>How does it compare with weight-focused treatments?</h2> <p>We conducted a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38563692/">systematic review and meta-analysis</a> of all the research studies published until November 2022 that had used HAES-based programs.</p> <p>Across 19 scientific papers, we compared the outcomes of people living in larger bodies who used HAES-based programs <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38563692/">with</a>:</p> <ul> <li>conventional weight loss programs (six studies)</li> <li>people on waiting lists receiving no treatment at all (six studies)</li> <li>groups where people received weekly social support in groups (four studies).</li> </ul> <p>We evaluated the program’s impact on appetite, weight, physical health measurements including cholesterol and blood pressure, and also wellbeing and mental health.</p> <p>Our analysis found HAES interventions were beneficial in reducing susceptibility to hunger more than other approaches, meaning people had less subjective perceptions of hunger or eating in response to emotions.</p> <p>However, compared to control interventions, HAES did not show superior results for improving any other physical health outcome – weight loss, blood cholesterol levels, blood pressure – or wellbeing or mental health outcomes.</p> <p>Given the results to date, the choice about whether to use a HAES-based approach (or not) will depend on each person’s preference, needs and goals.</p> <h2>Don’t get your health advice from influencers</h2> <p>While HAES has been used in clinical practice for many years, some United States and Canadian anti-diet practitioner’s motives have been scrutinised because of their links <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/04/03/diet-culture-nutrition-influencers-general-mills-processed-food/">with processed food companies</a>.</p> <p>The spotlight was put on the <a href="https://nutritionbycarrie.com/2024/04/washington-post-dietitians.html">very small number</a> of dietitian “influencers” (roughly 20 from a membership of more than 80,000 dietitians in the US and Canada) promoting “eat what you feel like” and discouraging people from making weight loss attempts, under the banner of HAES. They failed to mention they were being paid to promote products sold by food, beverage or supplement companies.</p> <p>US <a href="https://nutritionbycarrie.com/2024/04/washington-post-dietitians.html">author and dietitian Carrie Dennet</a> urges people to not look to influencers for health advice. Instead, seek non-judgemental health care from your GP.</p> <h2>What might treatment look like?</h2> <p>When improving your health is a treatment goal, a good place to start your journey is to have a health check-up with your doctor, as well as to assess your relationship with food.</p> <p>A healthy relationship with food means being able to eat appropriate amounts and variety of foods to meet your nutritional, health and wellbeing goals. This might include strategies such as:</p> <ul> <li>keeping a <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-does-having-a-good-relationship-with-food-mean-4-ways-to-know-if-youve-got-one-202622">food mood diary</a></li> <li>reflecting on factors that influence your eating</li> <li>practising <a href="https://theconversation.com/thinking-youre-on-a-diet-is-half-the-problem-heres-how-to-be-a-mindful-eater-99207">mindful eating</a></li> <li>learning about nutrient needs</li> <li>focusing on food enjoyment and the pleasure that comes from preparing, sharing and eating with others.</li> </ul> <p>If you need more help to develop this, ask your doctor to refer you to a health practitioner who can assist.</p> <h2>What if your goal is weight loss?</h2> <p>When it comes to medical nutrition therapy to treat weight-related health conditions, such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, the approach will depend on individual needs and expectations.</p> <p>Broadly, there are three graded energy intake target levels:</p> <ol> <li> <p>a reduced-energy diet where the goal is to lower energy intake by 2,000 to 4,000 kilojoules (kJ) per day by identifying food substitutions, like swapping soft drinks and other sugar-sweetened drinks for zero or diet versions or water.</p> </li> <li> <p>a <a href="https://theconversation.com/health-check-whats-the-best-diet-for-weight-loss-21557">low-energy diet</a>, which uses an energy intake goal in the range of 4,200-5,000 kJ, up to 7,000 kJ per day depending on an individual’s energy expenditure.</p> </li> <li> <p>the most restricted regime is a <a href="https://theconversation.com/health-check-whats-the-best-diet-for-weight-loss-21557">very low-energy diet</a>, has an energy intake target less than 2,500 kJ/day, achieved using formulated meal replacement products.</p> </li> </ol> <p>The aim of a <a href="https://theconversation.com/health-check-whats-the-best-diet-for-weight-loss-21557">very low-energy diet</a> is to facilitate rapid weight loss when this is essential to improve health acutely such as poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Such a diet should be used under supervision by your doctor and dietitian.</p> <p>When selecting an initial <a href="https://theconversation.com/health-check-whats-the-best-diet-for-weight-loss-21557">strategy</a>, seek a balance between energy intake goals and your ability to stick to it. Your approach may change over time as your health needs change.</p> <p>If you need personalised nutrition advice, ask for a referral to an accredited practising dietitian. The <a href="https://member.dietitiansaustralia.org.au/Portal/Portal/Search-Directories/Find-a-Dietitian.aspx">register of service providers though Dietitians Australia</a> allows you to view their expertise and location.</p> <p>Regardless of whether your practitioner uses a HAES approach or not, your health providers should always treat you with respect and address your personal health and wellbeing.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/234376/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/clare-collins-7316">Clare Collins</a>, Laureate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-newcastle-1060">University of Newcastle</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/erin-clarke-1314081">Erin Clarke</a>, Postdoctoral Researcher, Nutrition and Dietetics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-newcastle-1060">University of Newcastle</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jordan-stanford-1631336">Jordan Stanford</a>, Post Doctorate Fellow, Nutrition and Dietetics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-newcastle-1060">University of Newcastle</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/maria-gomez-martin-1218567">María Gómez Martín</a>, Dietitian and early career researcher, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-newcastle-1060">University of Newcastle</a></em></p> <p><em>Image </em><em>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/what-is-health-at-every-size-lifestyle-counselling-how-does-it-compare-with-weight-focused-treatments-234376">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

Placeholder Content Image

New outdoor cinema with Queen-size beds opening

<p>Do you ever find yourself torn between wanting to catch a flick and the irresistible allure of your comfy bed? Well, brace yourself, because Sydney's movie scene is about to get a serious dose of comfort with the grand opening of Mov'in Bed in Barangaroo.</p> <p>Yes, you read that right – a cinema where you can literally Netflix and chill on a queen-size bed!</p> <p>Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Barangaroo skyline, Mov'in Bed promises a cinema experience that'll make you question why you ever settled for uncomfortable theatre seats in the first place.</p> <p>Picture this: a giant 15-metre 4K screen, plush queen-size cloud-like beds, and a total transformation of Barangaroo's Harbour Park into a sandy tropical paradise. It's like combining a day at the beach with a movie night – talk about the best of both worlds.</p> <p>The grand opening on January 12 marks the return of Mov'in Bed after an extended intermission courtesy of the pandemic. If you've been waiting for the perfect excuse to combine your passion for cinema with your love of lounging, this is it. The lineup promises a mix of new-release blockbusters and timeless classics, with films like <em>Trolls</em> and <em>Barbie</em> making their debut on the giant Mov'in Bed screen.</p> <p>For those who like to take their movie nights up a notch, Mov'in Bed offers VIP packages that include unlimited popcorn, bubbly on arrival and even a personal butler. Because why settle for a regular cinema experience when you can have someone cater to your every cinematic whim?</p> <p>But what about the practicalities, you ask? Fear not, for Mov'in Bed has thought of everything. Each bed comes with comfy blankets, LED-lit bedside tables for those all-important snacks – and, of course, comfy pillows for all your cinematic napping needs. And to ensure you don't miss a single dialogue or explosion, noise-cancelling headphones are provided – because the only explosions you want to hear are on the screen, not your neighbour's popcorn bag.</p> <p>And let's not forget the halftime experience; a nostalgic nod to classic drive-in nights where you can replenish your snacks or hit the bathroom during those longer films. Scorcese's epic <em>Killers of the Flower Moon</em> with its 3-hour-and-26-minute runtime? No worries, you've got time for a quick snack break without missing any plot twists.</p> <p>Mov'in Bed isn't just a cinema; it's a full-blown cinematic event. Partnering with local restaurants, you can savour delicious dinners while catching the latest blockbuster. It's the perfect excuse for a summer evening date night or a laid-back hangout with friends.</p> <p>So, mark your calendars, Sydney-siders! Mov'in Bed Barangaroo is here to redefine your summer nights from January 12 to April 14, 2024. Whether you're a film buff, a beach lover, or just someone who appreciates the genius of combining the two, <a href="https://movinbed.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mov'in Bed</a> is the place to be.</p> <p>Because why settle for a regular movie night when you can have a cinema experience that's fun, chill, laid-back and upbeat – all while lying in the lap of luxury? Get ready to sink into cinematic bliss under the glistening Sydney moon!</p> <p><em>Images: Mov'in Bed.</em></p>

Movies

Placeholder Content Image

Busting a king-sized myth: why Australia and NZ could become republics – and still stay in the Commonwealth

<p>The imminent coronation of King Charles III is an ideal time for Australia and New Zealand to take stock of the British monarchy and its role in national life – including certain myths about what becoming a republic might mean.</p> <p>In particular, there is a common assumption that both nations must remain monarchies to retain membership of the Commonwealth of Nations. It might sound logical, but it’s entirely wrong. </p> <p>There is no basis for it in the rules of the Commonwealth or the practice of its members. Australia could ditch the monarchy and stay in the club, and New Zealand can too, whether it has a king or a Kiwi as head of state. </p> <p>Yet this peculiar myth persists at home and abroad. Students often ask me about it when I’m teaching the structure of government. And just this week a French TV station interpreted the New Zealand prime minister’s opinion that his country would one day <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/01/new-zealand-will-ideally-become-a-republic-one-day-says-chris-hipkins">ideally become a republic</a> to mean he would <a href="https://www.bfmtv.com/international/oceanie/nouvelle-zelande/nouvelle-zelande-le-nouveau-premier-ministre-souhaite-que-son-pays-quitte-le-commonwealth_AN-202305010328.html">like to see</a> it leave the Commonwealth.</p> <h2>What does ‘Commonwealth’ mean?</h2> <p>The implication that breaking from the Commonwealth would be a precursor to, or consequence of, becoming a republic relies on a faulty premise which joins two entirely separate things: the way we pick our head of state, and our membership of the Commonwealth. </p> <p>It would make just as much sense to ask whether Australia or New Zealand should leave the International Cricket Council and become a republic.</p> <p>The confusion may derive from the fact that the 15 countries that continue to have the British sovereign as their head of state are known as “Commonwealth Realms”. </p> <p>What we usually refer to as the Commonwealth, on the other hand, is the organisation founded in 1926 as the British Commonwealth of Nations. This is the body whose membership determines the competing nations of the <a href="https://www.commonwealthsport.com/">Commonwealth Games</a>, the highest-profile aspect of the Commonwealth’s work. </p> <p>King Charles III is the head of state of the 15 Commonwealth Realms and the head of the international governmental organisation that is the Commonwealth of Nations. The Commonwealth has 56 members – but only 15 of them continue to have the king as head of state.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said Monday he personally favors his country becoming a republic, though it’s not a change he intends to push for as leader. <a href="https://t.co/1XEiFFtqPT">https://t.co/1XEiFFtqPT</a> <a href="https://t.co/aftsZ0hHmV">pic.twitter.com/aftsZ0hHmV</a></p> <p>— The Diplomat (@Diplomat_APAC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Diplomat_APAC/status/1653406552693395457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <h2>Joining the Commonwealth club</h2> <p>To be fair, confusion over who heads the Commonwealth is nothing new. A <a href="https://www.royalcwsociety.org/_files/ugd/e578ea_5642f282aad345faa0b39c9eebd465e5.pdf">2010 poll</a> conducted by the Royal Commonwealth Society found that, of the respondents in seven countries, only half knew the then queen was the head of the Commonwealth. </p> <p>A quarter of Jamaicans believed the organisation was led by the then US president, Barack Obama. One in ten Indians and South Africans thought it was run by former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan.</p> <p>Given the king’s overlapping leadership roles and the different use of the word in the contexts of Commonwealth Realms and the Commonwealth of Nations, these broad misunderstandings are perhaps understandable. In fact, it was this ambiguity that allowed for the development of an inclusive Commonwealth during the postwar years of decolonisation.</p> <p>However the confusion arose, it is also very simple to correct. The Commonwealth relaxed its membership rules regarding republics when India became one in 1950. </p> <p>According to Philip Murphy, the historian and former director of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, this decision was based on the erroneous idea that India’s huge standing army would underwrite Britain’s great-power status in the postwar world. </p> <p>From that point on the Commonwealth of Nations no longer comprised only members who admitted to the supremacy of one sovereign. To make the change palatable, a piece of conceptual chicanery was needed. Each country did not need a king, but theking was to be head of the organisation comprising equal members.</p> <h2>Monarchy optional</h2> <p>Since then, the number of Commonwealth members has steadily increased to the 56 we have today.</p> <p>As early as 1995, membership was extended to countries with no ties to the former British Empire. With the support of Nelson Mandela, Mozambique became a member, joining the six Commonwealth members with which it shared a border. </p> <p>Rwanda, a former German and then Belgian colony, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/oukwd-uk-commonwealth-rwanda-idAFTRE5AS1C520091129">joined in 2009</a>. It became an enthusiastic member and hosted the biennial meeting of states known as CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting). The most recent countries to take up Commonwealth membership are the <a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/news/gabon-and-togo-join-commonwealth">former French colonies of Togo and Gabon</a>. </p> <p>According to the <a href="http://www.thecommonwealth.org/shared_asp_files/GFSR.asp?NodeID=174532">Commonwealth’s own rules</a>, membership is based on a variety of things, including commitment to democratic processes, human rights and good governance. Being a monarchy is entirely optional. </p> <p>The new king offers the chance for a broader debate on the advantages of monarchy. But let’s do so knowing Commonwealth membership is entirely unaffected by the question of whether or not the country is a republic.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/busting-a-king-sized-myth-why-australia-and-nz-could-become-republics-and-still-stay-in-the-commonwealth-204750" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

8 bite-sized renovations you can do on the weekend

<p>We’re all time poor but that doesn’t mean you have to develop renovation inertia. By chunking down the big tasks you need to do around your home into bite-sized, weekend-worthy nibbles you can power through a number of renovation items piece by manageable piece.</p> <p><strong>1. Replace your handles</strong></p> <p>Upgrading your old, tired <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.domain.com.au/news/why-reddit-is-losing-it-over-doorknobs-20160323-gnpe5q/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">door handles</a></strong></span> is as simple as measuring the distance between the holes and searching online or in store to find a straight replace. Unscrew the old ones, hanging onto the existing screws, as otherwise you may have to cut the ones supplied with the new handles to size, and screw the new ones in place. Simple.</p> <p><strong>2. Changing cupboard fronts</strong></p> <p>A wonderful visual upgrade, you need to check that your kitchen has standard-sized cupboards for this to be an easy weekend upgrade. Standard cupboard and drawer sizes will have plenty of options in stores and online. You’ll need to check the location of hinges, the height and width of fronts and the condition of your carcasses but by unscrewing and replacing cupboards you can transform your kitchen or bathroom cabinets completely. You’ll find some <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.domain.com.au/news/cabinet-fever-on-the-rise-20120706-21kkk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">interesting colour, texture and pattern options</a></span></strong> The only impediment is your creativity.</p> <p><strong>3. Paint your doors</strong></p> <p>While painting your whole home might be a bit more than you can manage in one sitting, a nice bite-sized job is to apply a couple of coats of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.domain.com.au/news/for-the-love-of-the-coloured-front-door-20151127-gl5boi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">coloured paint to your existing internal and external doors</a></strong></span>. Sure, you might not get through them all in one weekend but you can chip away at this task after work or in the mornings and add amazing contrast and interest to your interior scheme. Remember to use an enamel paint for doors and timber work.</p> <p><strong>4. Replace your shower head and toilet seats</strong></p> <p>One of the things I do routinely when moving into a new property is replace the shower head with a new one. Most replacement shower heads come with thread tape and you don’t need to be a plumber to do this straight replace as it doesn’t interrupt the fitting connection. If you can manage that the toilet seat replacement is a cinch.</p> <p><strong>5. Regrouting tiles</strong></p> <p>Scrape out any old or worn grout and replace with a new colour or a replacement of the existing. A word to the wise – don’t grout floors in white as they will be mid grey in no time.</p> <p><strong>6. Replace bathroom accessories</strong></p> <p>Another quick trip to the hardware store or bathroom supplier and you can <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.domain.com.au/news/budget-bathroom-makeovers-can-make-big-difference-20150703-gi12es/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">give your bathroom a facelift</a></strong></span> to complement that lovely new shower head.</p> <p><strong>7. Fill gaps and scrapes</strong></p> <p>There are different fillers for different tasks. A quick-dry, all-purpose one like Selley’s Rapid Filler is great for scratches and scrapes on walls or filling in bumps in timber work before painting. Fill gaps between skirtings, cornices and walls with no more gaps. Use a two-part filler like builders bog for areas that need a more hard-wearing but still sandable solution.</p> <p><strong>8. Remove redundant “features” and install new ones</strong></p> <p>Pulling out old, dated or worn shelving and storage cabinets can free up wall space and liberate your rooms from a tired look. Installing wall hung units or floating shelves can give you an opportunity to <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.domain.com.au/advice/moving-house-how-to-let-it-go-declutter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">clear your home of clutter</a></strong></span> or create a place for you to best display your favourite items.</p> <p><em>Written by Darren Palmer. First appeared on <a href="http://www.domain.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Domain.com.au.</span></strong></a></em></p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

Placeholder Content Image

“So disappointing”: Rebel Wilson’s fashion line slammed for lack of inclusivity

<p dir="ltr">Rebel Wilson has come under fire after the launch of her clothing line was slammed for a lack of size inclusivity. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Australian actress recently launched R&amp;R Club, a loungewear fashion brand, with her partner Ramona Agruma.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, the initial launch raised eyebrows of Rebel’s fans, as the first collection is only available in sizes XS, S, M, and L/XL. </p> <p dir="ltr">The largest size in this collection, which roughly equates to a size 14-16, excludes a lot of larger-sized people who are fans of the actress and wanted to get their hands on her new products. </p> <p dir="ltr">Rebel herself was formerly “plus size” before embarking on her “year of health” in 2020 which saw her lose more than 30kgs.</p> <p dir="ltr">As a result, fans have been left “bitterly disappointed”, with many taking to social media to slam the actress’s choice. </p> <p dir="ltr">In a TikTok video captioned “can we talk about the lack of size inclusivity in Rebel Wilson’s brand”, one woman said she was “confused” by the move.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I don’t understand how someone who was plus size for the majority of her career and majority of her life, as someone who knows how hard it is to be fat and to shop for clothing and actually find it in your size...” the TikTok user said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I don’t understand how someone with that background, that knowledge, could release a brand that only goes up to an XL.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“People’s biggest argument for this is always, ‘oh it’s so expensive to have so many size ranges,’ but it’s Rebel Wilson. She’s got money.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The video quickly racked up thousands of views, with many agreeing it was “ridiculous”. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s so disappointing when you see something you love and are so excited and they do not offer in my size,” one commented. </p> <p dir="ltr">Another said, “Wow. I’m disappointed in her. She knew how this felt.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Out of all the people I thought she would have bigger sizes since she was bigger than a XL back in the day so disappointed in her,” another raged.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Beauty & Style

Placeholder Content Image

Imminent arrival of huge "double-size" mosquitoes

<p>Aussies can’t seem to catch a break this year; between inflation, record-breaking weather events and interest rate hikes we’ve had it rough.</p> <p>If you were planning on summer being a welcome relief, think again and start making preparations for the shocking mosquito season that lies ahead - which is believed to be the worst in 30 years.</p> <p>The insect population numbers have skyrocketed, thanks to extreme wet weather, so you might want to stock up on the likes of bug spray and Aerogard.</p> <p>These fat, hungry, “double-size” bloodsuckers are making their way into major cities after wreaking havoc in the NSW Central West.</p> <p>"We are told this is what is expected after all of this rain, is the floodwaters recede, we get ponds, these pools of water, the female mozzies go on a frenzy, lay their eggs," Today reporter Sarah Stewart said.</p> <p>Stewart said Sydneysiders can expect an influx of the hungry insects in coming weeks, as conditions ripen for even more of the pests.</p> <p>"We are hearing from farmers if you work outside, they get on your hair, up your nose, they bite them through their hats even," she said.</p> <p>"Unfortunately, we are told they are going to head to Sydney to the coast, over the coming weeks."</p> <p>Just weeks ago, Associate Professor Cameron Webb from NSW Health Pathology told 9news.com.au that numbers are expected to explode once the weather officially warms up.</p> <p><em>Image: Nine News</em></p>

Body

Placeholder Content Image

Why the size of your glasses matters

<p>It can be frustrating when you’ve picked up your news glasses only to find the frame presses against your head or the glasses keep slipping down your nose. Getting the right pair of glasses isn’t just about the right prescription, finding a comfortable frame is also key to enjoying relaxed and (almost) perfect vision. So if you’ve ever suffered buyer’s remorse after a glasses purchase, here are the tips to follow so you always get the perfect fit for your new glasses.</p> <p><strong>The lens</strong></p> <p>In general, the thinner and lighter the lens, the more comfortable the spectacles will be to wear. If possible, choose a thinner lens so your glasses won’t feel as heavy on the nose and ears.</p> <p><strong>The nose bridge</strong></p> <p>As one of the few points of contact with your face, it’s important to carefully consider the comfort of the glasses’ nose bridge. You want the nose pads to sit solidly on your nose, otherwise they can quickly lose their grip and keep sliding down.</p> <p><strong>The sides</strong></p> <p>The sides of your spectacles shouldn’t press into your temples. Some people mistakenly believe pressure means the glasses fit properly, but there should never be any heaviness felt on the temples. You might feel some pressure behind the ear, but that’s ok as this keeps the weight of the glasses from being borne wholly by your nose.</p> <p><strong>The frame</strong></p> <p>As a general rule, when you look through your glasses it should be at the middle of the lens. The top of the frame should sit below the eyebrows but above the fold of the eye and the frame should not be much wider than your face.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Eye Care

Placeholder Content Image

New world-first tool the size of a choccie bar that could save your life

<p dir="ltr">Demand for a low-cost defibrillator has proven there is a market for AEDs in the home according to Australian MedTech start-up, Rapid Response Revival, which has commenced manufacturing its world-first miniaturised defibrillator, CellAED in Sydney. </p> <p dir="ltr">More than 25,000 pre-orders from Australia alone have been secured for CellAED, which addresses the problem that conventional AEDs (automated external defibrillators) are too expensive for most households. Similar in size to a block of chocolate, designed to be deployed in seconds and priced around the USD250 mark, CellAED is intended to address this significant barrier to reducing the sudden cardiac arrest death toll worldwide.</p> <p dir="ltr">AEDs exist to speed response to sudden cardiac arrest, which kills in minutes and is responsible for more than 6 million deaths worldwide every year.  Around 80 per cent of all sudden cardiac deaths occur in homes, where AEDs are unlikely to be found.</p> <p dir="ltr">CellAED is the result of more than AUD40 million in development funding over five years, with a further USD100 million being sought following the commencement of manufacturing and demonstration of demand its unique medical technology.  Off the back of securing regulatory approvals for CellAED in more than 70 countries, RRR commenced commercialisation through its own channels in late 2021, adding two authorised distributors in Australia and New Zealand earlier this year.</p> <p dir="ltr">“To put our 25,000-plus pre-orders into context, we have research showing there are approximately 18,000 active AEDs in Australia, total.  From a purely commercial perspective, we have created a volume product in a category that is used to low volume sales, relative to the estimated 1.5 million AED &amp; CPR training courses delivered annually in Australia,” said Rapid Response Revival Head of Investor Relations, Damian Shrubsole.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Many of our pre-orders are from people at home, buying one for the house, another for the car.  There is also strong demand from businesses that want to introduce affordable AEDs to their environments for the first time, or bolster their network of conventional AEDs already in place.</p> <p dir="ltr">“These pre-orders have proven the appetite for AEDs in the home.  Many of us are at risk of, or living with cardiovascular diseases that put us in danger of sudden cardiac arrest.  We have shown that there are many households aware of that risk, that want to be prepared for the worst,” Mr Shrubsole said.</p> <p dir="ltr">CellAED is currently being manufactured at RRR’s facility in south-west Sydney, much of which was designed from the ground up by RRR’s engineers to accommodate CellAED’s unique design.  While mass production is set to commence in partnership with a large-scale manufacturer in south-east Asia, RRR will also continue manufacturing in Sydney.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This is an Australian invention, and future research and development will happen here.  Despite the challenges associated with manufacturing in Australia, we are expanding our Sydney production lines to retain control over our own R&amp;D, and ensure that any future innovation around how CellAED is built starts at home,” said Rapid Response Revival co-founder and CEO, Donovan Casey.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We created CellAED after my partner, Sarah narrowly survived her own sudden cardiac arrest.  Many of the people who have invested in this business also have lived experience – either through their families, or their professions as paramedics, cardiologists and other medical professionals.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Sudden cardiac arrest survival rates are less than one per cent globally because it kills quickly, and most people who witness a cardiac arrest don’t have the knowledge, skills or tools to respond in time.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Sudden cardiac arrest victims need urgent, rapid defibrillation because every minute without defibrillation and CPR, reduces the chances of revival by 10 per cent.  By getting AEDs into homes, where they’re needed the most, we have an opportunity to save more lives from these terrible events,” Mr Casey added.</p> <p dir="ltr">CellAED is ground-breaking medical technology that emergency first responders, electrocardiologists, first aid trainers and others dedicated to saving lives from sudden cardiac arrest have been waiting for in Australia.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-98f8f92e-7fff-f711-a9ff-e269c2c8e083"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">For more information on CellAED® visit <a href="https://cellaed.io/">cellaed.io</a></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Supplied</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

“Pint-sized explorer” takes on Kosciusko to honour his late mum

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A six-year-old boy has spent a day conquering Australia’s highest peak for a cause that is incredibly close to him and his family.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ollie Finnane, accompanied by his cousins Finn Gibson, ten, and Ted O’Hare, eight, trekked to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko for a good cause: to raise money for the Torie Finnane Foundation, established in honour of Ollie’s late mother.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The boys wanted to do something for the foundation,” Ollie’s dad Liam Finnane told </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/torie-finnane-foundation-schoolboy-climbs-mt-kosciuosko-raise-money-for-mum/09f55c71-4a8b-41fc-abb2-148549d06dfa" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">9news.com.au</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“So they set the goal of climbing Australia’s highest peak on Australia Day, and hoped to raise $5000 to $10,000 along the way.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When they made it back to Thredbo on Thursday night, they discovered the figure was well over $20,000.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“There was no whinging and no sore feet,” Liam said.</span></p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZLHV_BPK-w/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZLHV_BPK-w/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Torie Finnane Foundation (@toriefinnanefoundation)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Torie Finnane, Ollie’s mum, was a popular and respected midwife at the Orange Hospital, in the city of Orange in NSW’s central west.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In December 2020, while celebrating the birth of her third child Maisie and the family’s first night at home as a family of five, Torie began experiencing headaches.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Within just a few days, Torie had succumbed to bacterial meningitis, passing away in the very same hospital where she had assisted in the birth of so many babies.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Her death greatly affected the close-knit community, with Liam now caring for three children under five on his own.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With her family and friends wanting to honour her passion for healthcare, the Torie Finnane Foundation was established in December 2021 - a year after Torie’s passing.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The foundation aims to provide the highest quality midwifery and nursing services in regional areas by purchasing much-needed equipment and providing training scholarships and placements.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Through the foundation, regional midwives and special care nurses will spend a month training and learning from experienced obstetricians in Sydney, before returning to regional areas to utilise their skills.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Investing in nurses and midwives means we invest in patient safety and clinical care in our community,” Orange Hospital General Manager Catherine Nowlan told the </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">ABC</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in December.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ollie, Finn and Ted’s climb marks one of the first fundraising efforts for the foundation, with their climb announced on social media little over a month before it began.</span></p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXkB9rGPx3K/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXkB9rGPx3K/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Torie Finnane Foundation (@toriefinnanefoundation)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Look at these little legends! Meet Torie’s son Ollie Finnane (6), nephew Ted O’Hare (8) and nephew Finn Gibson (10),” a post on the foundation’s Instagram page reads.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“These pint sized explorers are going to tackle a 13km walk across the top of Mt Kosciuszko on Australia Day to honour Torie, with the aim to raise $10,000 for TFF.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We thought we can make a difference,” Liam said after the climb.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Even on Kosciuszko, people saw the boys in their Torie Finnane Foundation shirts and were offering them cash halfway up the mountain.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.toriefinnanefoundation.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">foundation</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is still accepting donations, with the first nurse placements expected to start later this year.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: @toriefinnanefoundation (Instagram)</span></em></p>

Family & Pets

Placeholder Content Image

Cadbury releases mega-size of popular chocolate

<p>Just when you thought the Cadbury Caramilk chocolate couldn't get any better, the confectioner decides to release a giant version.</p> <p>The makers of the "golden" treat confirmed to<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="http://news.com.au/" target="_blank">news.com.au</a><span> </span>it now has a 315g block after a shopper spotted it at their local Woolies store last week.</p> <p>“Now comes in big blocks,” the fan simply wrote in a Facebook post, alongside a snap of the huge, new treat.</p> <p>The man's post garnered plenty of attention, attracting hundreds of likes and comments from fellow fans.</p> <p>“Mother of God!” one person wrote.</p> <p>“Oh dear lorrdddyyy,” a second person added.</p> <p>“Dangerous,” said a third, while a fourth wrote, “I’ve already looked – Coles don’t have it yet.”</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/COFhnFhpDvt/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COFhnFhpDvt/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Willy Wonka (@junkfoodoz)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The 315g block is currently only available at Woolworths and retails for $6.</p> <p>“The newest block began to hit shelves in early-April and is available at Woolworths,” a Cadbury spokesperson told news.com.au.</p> <p>“Cadbury Caramilk is one of Australia’s most loved chocolates due to the heavenly caramelised white chocolate.”</p> <p>The new size compares to the current 180g family block, which usually costs $5, but is currently on sale for $3.50 at both Woolworths and Coles.</p> <p>The news comes after Cadbury revealed to<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="http://news.com.au/" target="_blank">news.com.au</a><span> </span>it has Caramilk Marble - combining the two popular flavours to form one block.</p> <p>“Cadbury Caramilk and Cadbury Dairy Milk Marble are two of our cult favourites, so combining them both to create a new taste experience is sure to excite chocolate lovers across the country,” Katrina Watson, senior marketing manager for Cadbury, told news.com.au in March.</p>

Food & Wine

Placeholder Content Image

Behind the new Samsung Fold: how the quest to maximise screen size is driving major innovation

<p>To enlarge a phone, or not to enlarge a phone? That is the question. In the world of flagship smartphones, there seems to be one clear trend: bigger is better.</p> <p>Manufacturers are trying to strip away anything that might stand in the way of the largest possible slab of screen. There is also growing demand for thinner phones with diminishing <a href="https://www.lifewire.com/bezel-4155199">bezels</a> (the area surrounding a screen).</p> <p>This trend has now culminated in the latest innovation in smartphone design, the <a href="https://www.t3.com/au/news/best-folding-phones">foldable screen phone</a>. These devices sport thin <a href="https://www.techradar.com/au/news/what-is-oled">OLED</a> self illuminating screens that can be folded in half.</p> <p>The newest release is the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/21427462/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-2-review">Samsung Galaxy Z fold 2</a> – a device that is almost three-quarters screen and has extravagant overtones rivalled only by a hefty <a href="https://www.samsung.com/au/smartphones/galaxy-z-fold2/buy/">A$2,999 price tag</a>.</p> <p><strong>Hear from them</strong></p> <p>But to prevent the phones themselves from growing to unwieldy size, manufacturers are having to find ways to balance size with usability and durability. This presents some interesting engineering challenges, as well as some innovative solutions.</p> <p><strong>Internal design complexities of folding phones</strong></p> <p>Modern phones still typically use a thin LCD or plastic OLED display covered by an outer glass panel.</p> <p>Folding displays are a new category that exploit the flexibility of OLED display panels. Instead of simply fixing these panels to a rigid glass panel, they carefully engineer the panel so that it bends – but never quite tightly enough to snap or crack.</p> <p>Internal structural support is needed to make sure the panel doesn’t crease, or isn’t stressed to the point of creating damage, discolouration or visible surface ripples.</p> <p>Since this is a mechanical, moving system, reliability issues need to be considered. For instance, how long will the hinge last? How many times can it be <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/4/20898484/samsung-galaxy-fold-folding-test-failure-durability">folded and unfolded</a> before it malfunctions? Will dirt or dust make its way into the assembly during daily use and affect the screen?</p> <p>Such devices need an added layer of reliability over traditional slab-like phones, which have no moving parts.</p> <p><strong>Large screen, thin phone: a recipe for disaster?</strong></p> <p>Each generation of smartphones becomes thinner and with smaller bezels, which improves the viewing experience but can make the phone harder to handle.</p> <p>In such designs, the area of the device you can grip without touching the display screen is small. This leads to a higher chance of <a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/study-19-percent-of-people-drop-phones-down-toilet/">dropping the device</a> – a blunder even the best of us have made.</p> <p>There’s an ongoing tussle between consumers and manufacturers. Consumers want a large, viewable surface as well as an easily portable and rugged device. But from an engineering point of view, these are usually competing requirements.</p> <p>You’ll often see people in smartphone ads holding the device with two hands. In real life, however, most people use their phone with <a href="https://www.smartinsights.com/mobile-marketing/mobile-design/research-on-mobile-interaction-behaviour-and-design/">one</a> <a href="https://alistapart.com/article/how-we-hold-our-gadgets/">hand</a>.</p> <p>Thus, the shift towards larger, thinner phones has also given rise to a boom in demand for assistive tools attached to the back, such as <a href="https://www.androidcentral.com/best-popsockets">pop-out grips and phone rings</a>.</p> <p>In trying to maximise screen size, smartphone developers also have to account for interruptions in the display, such as the placement of cameras, laser scanners (for face or object identification), proximity sensors and speakers. All are placed to minimise visual intrusion.</p> <p><strong>Now you see it, now you don’t</strong></p> <p>In the engineering world, to measure the physical world you need either cameras or sensors, such as in a fingerprint scanner.</p> <p>With the race to increase the real estate space on screens, typically these cameras and scanners are placed somewhere around the screen. But they take up valuable space.</p> <p>This is why we’ve recently seen tricks to carve out more space for them, such as <a href="https://www.techradar.com/au/news/this-is-the-worlds-first-smartphone-where-half-the-screen-is-a-fingerprint-scanner">pop up</a> cameras and <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=phone+screen+hole+for+camera&amp;source=lmns&amp;bih=598&amp;biw=1280&amp;rlz=1C5CHFA_enAU871AU871&amp;safe=active&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjXvcyoveDrAhUwhUsFHXvqBYMQ_AUoAHoECAEQAA">punch-hole</a> cameras, in which the camera sits in a cutout hole allowing the display to extend to the corners.</p> <p>But another fantastic place for sensors is right in front of us: the screen. Or more specifically, under the screen.</p> <p>Samsung is one company that has suggested placing selfie-cameras and fingerprint readers behind the screen. But how do you capture a photo or a face image through a layer of screen?</p> <p>Up until recently, this has been put in the “too hard basket”. But that is changing: Xiaomi, Huawei and <a href="https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/262497-samsung-patent-shows-phone-camera-inside-display">Samsung</a> all have patents for <a href="https://www.phonearena.com/news/samsung-galaxy-s21-s30-under-display-camera_id125174">under-display cameras</a>.</p> <p>There are a range of ways to do this, from allowing a camera to see through the screen, to using <a href="https://www.rp-photonics.com/microlenses.html">microlenses</a> and camera pixels distributed throughout the display itself – similar to an insect’s <a href="https://www.britannica.com/animal/insect/Nervous-system#ref250944">compound eye</a>.</p> <p>In either case, the general engineering challenge is to implement the feature in a way that doesn’t impact screen image quality, nor majorly affect camera resolution or colour accuracy.</p> <p><strong>Laptops in our pockets</strong></p> <p>With up to 3.8 billion smartphone users <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/330695/number-of-smartphone-users-worldwide/">expected by 2021</a>, mobile computing is a primary consumer technology area seeing significant growth and investment.</p> <p>One driver for this is the professional market, where larger mobile devices allow more efficient on-the-go business transactions. The second market is individuals who who <a href="https://www.statista.com/topics/779/mobile-internet/"><em>only</em> have a mobile device</a> and no laptop or desktop computer.</p> <p>It’s all about choice, but also functionality. Whatever you choose has to get the job done, support a positive user experience, but also survive the rigours of the real world.</p> <p><em>Written by Andrew Maxwell. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/behind-the-new-samsung-fold-how-the-quest-to-maximise-screen-size-is-driving-major-innovation-145700">The Conversation.</a></em></p>

Art

Placeholder Content Image

Puma-sized cat sightings in NSW prompt investigation

<p>The New South Wales state government has launched an investigation into sightings of a puma-sized cat in the Hunter Valley.</p> <p>Maitland woman Bev Fraser told the <em><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-20/hunter-valley-big-cat-sighting-nsw-dpi-investigates/11877970">ABC</a> </em>she could not believe her eyes when she spotted a panther-sized big cat in a paddock next to her home.</p> <p>“It was too large to be an overgrown domestic cat – just a 50-kilo sort of animal sitting on my fence post,” Fraser said.</p> <p>She estimated the cat’s size based on the fence post on which it was sitting. “This cat had climbed up on a fence post and was sitting on a substantial fence post staring down into the undergrowth,” she said.</p> <p>“It was obviously hunting something, looking and concentrating obviously as cats do. I am now hesitant to go down there.”</p> <p>Fraser said she could not get closer than about 120 metres before the animal sensed her presence.</p> <p>“You know, it was 100 or so metres away, and that is a huge animal, and so I am still very convinced that is was a very large cat, but what variety I have no idea.”</p> <p>Hunter Valley man Chris O’Neill has also reported a sighting of a puma-sized cat about 30 kilometres from Fraser’s place.</p> <p>O’Neill said he was driving home for dinner last Thursday when he saw “a very big creature”.</p> <p>“A black feline cat-like creature, was kind of running under or near a truck and it was the same size as the wheel,” he told the <em>ABC</em>.</p> <p>“So it was a very big creature and its movement was cat-like but it certainly wasn’t a domestic cat.”</p> <p>The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) told the <em>ABC </em>it had launched an investigation into the feline sightings and would refer the report to either the NSW Police, the land manager, or the Livestock Health and Pest Authority.</p>

Domestic Travel

Placeholder Content Image

“Why aren’t I allowed to play?”: 11-year-old’s heartbreak as he’s told he’s too big to play minutes before match

<p>An 11-year-old boy was left devastated after being told that he was too big to play in a rugby union competition with his friends.</p> <p>Leonidas Hinekiteao was taken from the field in the fifth match of an eight-week Spring Sevens rugby tournament in Sydney earlier this month.</p> <p>He played with his teammates in earlier rounds of the competition but was removed from the field by an NSW Rugby Union official.</p> <p>Leonidas is twice of the size of the children he plays against and was taken off the field due to the<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/rugby-coaching/blog/australia-age-grade-size-for-age-guidelines-official-document/" target="_blank">Rugby Australia size for age policy</a>.</p> <p>The policy states that players in under-10 to under-15 age groups must be assessed if they’re taller than a certain height and heavier than a certain weight.</p> <p>An under-11 player, which was the category Leonidas was trying to play in, must be assessed if they are more than 164cms tall and weigh more than 65kgs.</p> <p>While unclear as to what Leonidas measurements are, he was above these measurements.</p> <p>His mother Ayla took to Facebook to share her outrage.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Foceania88%2Fposts%2F2499142673515131&amp;width=500" width="500" height="985" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></p> <p>“Just before the whistle blew an official from Waratahs approached us to say the ''big kid'' can't play anymore,” the boy's mother, from Christchurch, New Zealand said.</p> <p>“If there was an issue with him playing in his own age group, don't go and accept his registration and take my money,” she said.</p> <p>“Call me to discuss this during the week, don't go and tell my kids can't play when he's already tied his boots and is ready to kick off.”</p> <p>Leonidas attempted to take to the field with his team, but the referee refused to blow the whistle until he was off the field in tears.</p> <p>Leonidas’ teammates left the field with him and forfeited the game.</p> <p>“Sorry for posting this Leo, but at the end of the day you are still a kid and crying because you don't fully understand what is going on and why you cannot play is allowed,” Ms Hinekiteao's post continued.</p> <p>Rugby NSW issued a statement to<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7730169/Why-arent-allowed-play-11-year-old-breaks-told-hes-BIG-play-rugby.html" target="_blank">The Daily Mail</a><span> </span>about the incident.</p> <p>“While it is not NSWRU or SJRU intention to prevent any player from participating in rugby, the player involved had been previously assessed in accordance with the policy and it was deemed he was required to compete in an older age division,” the statement read.</p> <p>“We recognise that perhaps further attempts could have been taken to speak to all those involved; family, players and club; to minimise impact to the player, his team mates and the wider competition.</p> <p>“While the matter had tried to be addressed since the opening round of the competition, the miscommunication between all parties meant the matter had not been fully addressed.</p> <p>“We want to see the player involved stay part of our competition and we are continuing to work with the club to ensure he and his family can stay involved.”</p>

Body

Placeholder Content Image

Di, Kate and Meghan's royal plus-size fashion recreation

<p>A plus size blogger has recreated previously worn outfits by members of the Royal Family in a bid to “supersize” the stylish looks into wearable moments for everyday women. </p> <p>Kate Sturino, 36, has shared her inspired outfits to her Instagram page with over 400 thousand followers to prove you don’t have to be slim and trim to dress like royalty!</p> <p>Katie became inspired to recreate looks worn by the Duchess of Cambridge and Sussex to show how plus sized women can be stylish without breaking the bank or their confidence. </p> <p>The blogger even goes the extra mile and gets her friend Ryan Dziadul, a male plus size blogger, to stand in as her royal hubby.</p> <p>However, she has made it clear she is not trying to outdo anyone, and stated “It’s not about who wore it better, style has no size!”</p> <p>Unfortunately, Ms Sturino is no stranger to controversy or criticism, and recently took to social media to speak about the disparaging comments she received for taking on outfits worn by Duchess Meghan. </p> <p>“My #SuperSizeTheLook shots with Meghan Markle got picked up and the comments are brutal...they do not hurt my feelings, but they are scary!” she said in a post. </p> <p>“It’s scary that a woman who is almost the average size in this country would be regarded with such shock! </p> <p>“Also, they don’t stop at my body, they are equal opportunity women haters who take shots at MM as well!”</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery to see the plus size blogger take on royal outfits.</p>

Beauty & Style

Placeholder Content Image

Arnott’s slammed for "size-shaming" biscuit ad

<p>Arnott’s has been slammed by customers after a body-shaming ad from 14 years ago resurfaced online.</p> <p>The contentious ad features two pairs of underwear and a pack of Snack Right Fruit Slice biscuits.</p> <p>The larger pair is labelled “snack wrong”, while the smaller pair is labelled “snack right”. At the bottom of the page, an image of the biscuit packet is featured with the tagline “the healthier biscuit”.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnopesisters%2Fphotos%2Fa.584970321700687%2F1073435262854188%2F%3Ftype%3D3&amp;width=500" width="500" height="745" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></p> <p>Social media users criticised the ad for encouraging body image issues.</p> <p>“This size shaming marketing for Arnott’s Biscuits Limited in a mag is ABSOLUTELY WRONG! How dare they try to sell high sugar biscuits in this disgraceful way,” a Facebook page posted along with a picture of the ad. “When will they get it? That #ANYSIZE is right for you, as long as you are healthy and happy.”</p> <p>“Just dreadful. I hope their marketing team listens. Really listens and gets why this is so wrong,” one person commented.</p> <p>“This is something they should be ashamed of,” another added.</p> <p>After the ad circulated around social media sites on Monday, an Arnott’s spokesperson confirmed that the campaign is not current. </p> <p>“This advertising campaign … was in poor taste, and does not reflect Arnott's brand values,” the spokesperson told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/113904932/arnotts-comes-under-fire-for-body-shaming-biscuit-advertisement-published-in-2006?fbclid=IwAR0t3oMgu7ujztXRpOzLazifyAOeshbDWt6ZTfauAqMSRNrJPvaKTbCXQVE" target="_blank">stuff.co.nz</a> in a statement.</p> <p>“While this advertisement was printed in 2005, it should not have run in the first place and we apologise for any offence caused.</p> <p>“Arnott’s is committed to conducting business in a manner that is respectful and inclusive of everyone.”</p>

Body

Placeholder Content Image

Instantly drop a dress size: Kmart’s $25 “miracle” jeans

<p>Finding the perfect pair of jeans isn’t easy, with many women spending hundreds of dollars on the wardrobe staple only to find out that they either don’t fit right or that the cut isn’t very flattering.</p> <p>But there’s good news for those who enjoy a bargain: Kmart’s new $25 “holy grail” jeans.</p> <p>After Aussie fashion influencer <em>Luxe and Lemonade</em> took to Instagram to rave about the affordable item of clothing, people went mad as the blogger revealed that the jeans sculpted your figure and pulled you in at all the right places.</p> <p>“They’re the kind of jeans that allow you to consume your weight in chocolate but still look like you did 100 squats at the gym,” Dani, who runs the page, told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/im-officially-obsessed-with-kmarts-25-sculpting-jeans/news-story/b312b526a2cb4648b29fa219555ca5d8" target="_blank"><em>news.com.au.</em><span> </span></a>It didn’t take long for the miracle pair of jeans to make the rounds on social media, garnering rave reviews by all that wore them.</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv07pmvAGzC/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv07pmvAGzC/" target="_blank">• Instant #bootygains in these jeans! @kmartaus serving up the the goods with their high rise ‘Sculpting’ jeans. Head over to my stories for more options☝🏼 oh and hats off to @thebargainstyler_ for the inspo behind this ca-ute @kmartaus blouse! •</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/luxeandlemonade/" target="_blank"> Dani • Affordable Style 🍋</a> (@luxeandlemonade) on Apr 4, 2019 at 1:33am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The pants come in three colours – blue, black and grey – and are made from a soft, stretchy fabric.</p> <p>The high-rise waist ensures it cinches in your stomach area and best of all, the length is perfect for those who lean more towards the petite side.</p> <p>Many have praised the denim jeans for being incredibly comfortable, as the flexible material allows for movement.</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bym5WgrDCTT/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bym5WgrDCTT/" target="_blank">@mediadog - Bel act natural Me - this pose! Seriously though I've been innundated with requests about the @kmartaus jeans so here they are again for your viewing pleasure. So many of you have told me you've already bought them and love them as much as I do! Those of you wanting to know more, click the link in my bio to hear about the miracle jeans. It'll be the best $25 you spend this season! . . . . #kmart #iheartkmart #kmartstyling #kmartaus #perthlifestyleblogger #perthfoodblogger #perthfashionblogger #perthblogger #style #cookinginchoos #weekendvibes #perth #bossbabe #perthgirlboss #girlboss #sheisnotlost #fashion #fashionblogger #fashionstyle #style #perthlifestyle #ladyboss #whowhatwear #stylediaries #whowhatwearing #portuguesegirl #portugueseblogger #portuguesa #portuguesefashionblogger #perthlife</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/cookinginchoos/" target="_blank"> Belinda Lisa</a> (@cookinginchoos) on Jun 12, 2019 at 4:18am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>So, if you have a spare $25 lying around then head to your local Kmart, because we doubt these will stay in stock for long! And you might love them so much, you'll want to snap up all three colours. </p>

Money & Banking

Our Partners