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Council accused of "endorsing criminals" after statue vandalised

<p>The Yarra City Council has been accused of pandering to those who <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/captain-cook-memorial-vandalised-ahead-of-january-26th" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vandalised</a> a statue of Captain Cook in the days before Australia Day. </p> <p>In the early hours of the morning on January 25th, a statue of the British colonist was sawn off at the ankles, while "The colony will fall" was spray-painted on the stone column. </p> <p>Now, the Victorian city council will vote on whether to remove the statue for good, with one councillor claiming that replacing it would be a "waste of money".</p> <p>However, a spokesperson for local residents said "giving in" to vandals would only encourage such destructive behaviour.</p> <p>"If you're going to let vandals and criminals win, then you might as well give up altogether," Adam Promnitz, founder of the Yarra Residents Collective, told Melbourne radio station <em>3AW</em>.</p> <p>While Mr Promnitz admitted there were changing conversations around Australia Day in the inner Melbourne are,a he said this was the wrong way to have a discussion about removing the 110-year-old statue.</p> <p>"This isn't the right way to do things," he said.</p> <p>"You don't just get your own way by being destructive and anti-social and causing criminal damage."</p> <p>"How can it be a good outcome for any body when it is basically a green light for vandals and criminals everywhere that we'll let you get away with what you want and you'll get what you want if you behave like this?"</p> <p>Councillor Stephen Jolly said the majority of the council didn't share this view, telling the <em>Herald Sun</em> that replacing the statue would come at a cost that would better spent elsewhere in the community. </p> <p>"Even people who love Captain Cook, who love Australia Day, will see that repairing a statue that costs thousands to fix isn't the most important thing to spend money on," Cr Jolly said.</p> <p>"Residents want better bin services, more childcare services, cheaper swimming pools."</p> <p>"All of these things are a better way of spending the money [than] on a statue that we know is absolutely certain is going to get ripped down again."</p> <p><em>Image credits: 9News</em></p>

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Captain Cook memorial vandalised ahead of January 26th

<p>A memorial honouring Captain Cook in Catani Gardens, St  Kilda has been vandalised ahead of Australia Day. </p> <p>The statue of the British colonialist was cleanly sawn off from its stone base, which was also defaced with red graffiti and the chilling message: “The colony will fall”.</p> <p>The memorial is believed to have been cut down around 3:30 am on Thursday, after members of the public alerted police. </p> <p>“Several people were seen loitering in the area around the time of the incident,” police said.</p> <p>Liberal MP Angus Taylor called the incident an “egregious act of vandalism" and said that it is one of the acts that "everyone should condemn.”</p> <p>“Captain Cook was a man of the enlightenment. Why would they do this to I think a great human being,” he said on <em>Today</em>.</p> <p>Port Phillip councillor Marcus Pearl described the incident as “disheartening” and called for the vandal to be held accountable for their actions. </p> <p>“This is not a solitary act of mischief,” he said.</p> <p>“It’s a repeated pattern of disrespect, especially evident around Australia Day for the past six years. Such acts blatantly disregard our community’s hard-fought principles of debate and democratic expression.”</p> <p>The Captain Cook statue has been a target of multiple vandalism attempts, with vandals covering it in bright coloured paint, both in 2018 and 2022. </p> <p>The Port Phillip councillor has urged people not to let this incident “fuel division” but instead drive “constructive, inclusive conversations." </p> <p>“Our community’s strength lies in its ability to engage in respectful and open discussions,” he said.</p> <p><em>Images: Today</em></p> <p> </p>

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"Ready to tackle another 50 years": Jimmy Barnes is back!

<p>With Christmas just around the corner, legendary rock icon Jimmy Barnes is spreading holiday cheer in the land down under by gifting his fans an early Christmas present.</p> <p>Barnes, who is renowned for his powerful vocals and remarkable music career, is treating Australians to a special expanded version of his 2022 Christmas album, "Blue Christmas." The album's original release took the nation by storm, reaching number one on the charts, and this expanded edition promises to bring even more joy to the festive season.</p> <p>"Blue Christmas" marked a milestone for Jimmy Barnes, as it became his 15th solo album to reach the coveted number one spot. However, what makes this album even more special is the multigenerational musical journey it encapsulates. Three generations of the Barnes family have united in the recording booth to create a heartwarming rendition of the beloved Christmas hit, "If Santa Forgets."</p> <p>Originally recorded in 1991 by Jimmy's four children – Mahalia, Eliza-Jane, Jackie, and Elly-May – as part of the children's pop group "The Tin Lids," the song now sees a new iteration with the inclusion of the Barnes grandchildren. This family affair is not limited to the audio track; it will be accompanied by a brand-new music video, showcasing the musical talents of the Barnes clan.</p> <p>Reflecting on the experience, Jimmy Barnes shared his thoughts with <em>A Current Affair</em>, saying, "It was a lot of wrangling; the parents were doing a good job wrangling because they've got kids all running off to play, but it was just so special. If you had asked me 20 years ago if I was going to be making a Christmas album, I'd probably say no. But, you know, at this point in my life, with all the grandkids and children involved, it was a no-brainer."</p> <p>The expanded "Blue Christmas" album goes beyond the heartwarming family collaboration. It also showcases Barnes's rendition of the traditional Christmas classic "O Holy Night," marking his entry into the league of Christmas crooners. Barnes emphasised the importance of sticking to the traditional, saying, "There was not going to be anything modern, just a traditional Christmas record. You know we hear Michael Bublé or Mariah singing, and I thought it would be good for all of us to have a local sing."</p> <p>The release of "Blue Christmas" comes after a challenging period for the rock icon. Last year, Barnes was forced to cancel his summer tour to undergo surgery. However, the album serves as proof that he is back and ready to take on the world. He expressed his newfound vigor, stating, "I'm physically fitter now than I have been for about 40 years. I'm singing better than I've ever sung... I think I'm healthier, more focused, and more connected to myself."</p> <p>For fans who have been following Jimmy Barnes's illustrious career, the expanded "Blue Christmas" album is a delightful gift that keeps on giving. It's a testament to his enduring passion for music and his ability to connect with audiences across generations. As the rock icon looks forward to celebrating his 50th year in the music industry, he remains grateful for the unwavering support of his fans and the opportunity to do what he loves most.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzE-msAvm-8/?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> <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/CzE-msAvm-8/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jimmy Barnes (@jimmybarnesofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"I've been on the road for 50 years now since Cold Chisel started in 1973," Barnes reflected. "For me, 50 years down the track, to still be doing what I love... that's all the presents I need." So, this Christmas, as many Australians wake up to the sounds of "Blue Christmas" under their trees, Jimmy Barnes continues to gift his fans with the greatest present of all – his timeless music and unwavering dedication to the art that has defined his remarkable career.</p> <p><em>Images: A Current Affair</em></p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

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Victoria Beckham's cooking skills hilariously slammed by her own daughter

<p>Victoria Beckham's cooking skills have been playfully roasted by her daughter, Harper Beckham.</p> <p>In an Instagram story shared to her 31.4 million followers, the former Spice Girl documented a family baking session featuring herself, husband David Beckham, and their daughter Harper.</p> <p>David was filmed in the middle of whipping up an apple crumble using apples from the "Beckham Orchard," while Harper was busy baking chocolate chip cookies.</p> <p>While the father-daughter duo were channeling their inner baker, Victoria was filming the moment and asked Harper whether she inherited her culinary talents from her mum or dad.</p> <p>"Did you learn to cook from daddy or mummy?" Victoria asked Harper in the light-hearted clip.</p> <p>With a mischievous grin, Harper retorted, "Mummy, you can't even make cereal!"</p> <p>"Oh wow, Mummy can't even make cereal," Victoria responded. </p> <p>"Well you can make chicken Kiev but that comes from M&amp;S," the 12-year-old said, adding insult to injury. </p> <p>M&amp;S (Marks and Spencer) is the local British retailer, which specialises in clothing, food and home products among other things. </p> <p>Victoria hilariously captioned the video: "I get it Harper… I can't cook."</p> <p>The Beckhams often invite fans into their kitchen through their social media, and document their cooking escapades. </p> <p>Watch the full clip <a href="https://kitchen.nine.com.au/latest/harper-beckham-roasts-mum-victoria-beckham-cooking-skills-in-new-clip/e538cdaa-f295-427d-b334-4bb7351da1bd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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"I didn't do anything. I love them": Woman who cooked meal with deadly mushrooms speaks out

<p>A Victorian woman who cooked the meal that resulted in the suspected mushroom poisoning,  which left three elderly family members dead and one fighting for his life has tearfully broken her silence. </p> <p>Erin Patterson, 48, served the lunch to four people at Leongatha on July 29, including her former in-laws Don and Gail Patterson, who after falling sick later that evening, passed away from symptoms consistent with death cap mushroom poisoning.  </p> <p>Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson also passed away, with Heather’s husband, Ian in a critical condition at Melbourne’s Austin Hospital after suffering from the suspected poisoning. </p> <p>"I didn't do anything. I love them," Erin told  <em>A Current Affair. </em></p> <p>A clearly distraught Erin confused Don for Ian, who is currently being treated for his symptoms. </p> <p>"I'm devastated that they're gone and I hope with every fibre of my being that Don pulls through."</p> <p>“I’m so devastated by what’s happened, by the loss of Don, Don is still in hospital, by the loss of Ian and Heather and Gail," she repeated. </p> <p>“They were some of the best people I’ve ever met.</p> <p>“Gail was like the mum I didn’t have because my mum passed away four years ago, Gail had never been anything but good and kind to me,” she added.</p> <p>“Ian and Heather were some of the best people I’d ever met. They never did anything wrong to me.</p> <p>“I’m so devastated about what’s happened and the loss to the community and to the families and to my own children. They've lost their grandmother," she said, and added that she felt "so sorry" that they lost their lives.</p> <p>Erin was interviewed by police and later on released. Officials had also removed her two children from her care as a “precaution”. </p> <p>Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Dean Thomas also added that police are still determining whether this was an accident or a crime. </p> <p>“We’re working to determine what has gone on, to see if there is any nefarious activity that has occurred or if it was accidental.”</p> <p>“We have to keep an open mind,” he said.</p> <p>Police were also still unsure where the mushrooms were sourced from, and that it was a "complex case". </p> <p><em>Image: A Current Affair</em></p>

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Cooking (and heating) without gas: what are the impacts of shifting to all-electric homes?

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/trivess-moore-12580">Trivess Moore</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alan-pears-52">Alan Pears</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/joe-hurley-157161">Joe Hurley</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a></em></p> <p>Gas connections for all new housing and sub-divisions will be <a href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-victorian-homes-go-all-electric-2024">banned in Victoria</a> from January 1 next year. The long-term result of the state government’s significant change to planning approvals will be all-electric housing. The ACT made <a href="https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/policy-programs/preventing-new-gas-network-connections">similar changes</a> early this year, in line with a shift away from gas across <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-47559920">Europe</a> and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jan/19/gas-stove-culture-war-united-states">other locations</a>, although the NSW Premier Chris Minns has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/31/nsw-wont-ban-gas-in-new-homes-as-premier-declares-i-dont-need-another-complication">baulked</a> at doing the same.</p> <p>Around <a href="https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/victorias-gas-substitution-roadmap">80% of homes</a> in Victoria are connected to gas. This high uptake was driven by gas being seen as more affordable and sustainable than electricity over past decades. The situation has <a href="https://www.iea.org/events/net-zero-by-2050-a-roadmap-for-the-global-energy-system">changed dramatically</a> as renewable electricity generation increases and <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-27/aemo-wholesale-electricity-prices-fall-impact-power-bills/102654498">costs fall</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/all-electric-homes-are-better-for-your-hip-pocket-and-the-planet-heres-how-governments-can-help-us-get-off-gas-207409">Research</a> has suggested for more than a decade that the benefits of all-electric homes <a href="https://bze.org.au/research_release/energy-efficient-buildings-plan/">stack up in many locations</a>. New homes built under mandatory building energy performance standards (increasing from <a href="https://thefifthestate.com.au/innovation/building-construction/victoria-kicks-the-can-down-the-road-again-on-the-national-construction-code/">6 to 7 stars</a> in Victoria in May 2024) need smaller, cheaper heating and cooling systems. Installing reverse-cycle air conditioning for cooling provides a cost-effective heater as a bonus.</p> <p>Savings from not requiring gas pipes, appliances and gas supply infrastructure help to offset the costs of highly efficient electric appliances. Mandating fully electric homes means economies of scale will further reduce costs.</p> <h2>How does this ban help?</h2> <p>To achieve environmentally sustainable development, reforms of planning policy and regulation <a href="https://theconversation.com/sustainable-cities-australias-building-and-planning-rules-stand-in-the-way-of-getting-there-84263">are essential</a> to convert innovation and best practice to mainstream practice. Planning policy is particularly important for apartment buildings and other housing that may be rented or have an owners’ corporation. Retrofits to improve energy efficiency can be difficult in these situations.</p> <p>Banning gas in new and renovated housing will <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/report/getting-off-gas/">cut greenhouse gas emissions</a>. It’s also <a href="https://theconversation.com/gas-cooking-is-associated-with-worsening-asthma-in-kids-but-proper-ventilation-helps-151591">healthier for households</a> and <a href="https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/research-data-and-insights/research/research-reports/the-victorian-healthy-homes-program-research-findings">reduces healthcare costs</a> as well as <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/report/getting-off-gas/">energy bills and infrastructure costs</a>. The Victorian government suggests the change will save all-electric households <a href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-victorian-homes-go-all-electric-2024">about $1,000 a year</a>. Houses with solar will be even better off.</p> <p>The government appears to be offering wide support to ensure these changes happen, but this will need to be monitored closely.</p> <p>Some households will face extra costs for electric appliances and solar panels. The government’s announcement of <a href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-victorian-homes-go-all-electric-2024">$10 million</a> for Residential Electrification Grants should help with some of these costs while the industry adjusts.</p> <p>There will be impacts and benefits for the local economy. Some jobs may be lost, particularly in the gas appliance and plumbing industry. The government has announced financial support to retrain people and they will still have essential roles in the existing housing sector.</p> <p>Many gas appliances are imported, including ovens, cooktops and instantaneous gas water heaters. Some components of efficient electric products, such as hot water storage tanks, are made locally. Local activities, including distribution, sales, design, installation and maintenance, comprise much of the overall cost.</p> <h2>Challenges of change must be managed</h2> <p>Sustainability benefits will depend on what <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/report/getting-off-gas/">happens with the energy network</a>. We need more renewable energy, energy storage and smarter management of electricity demand.</p> <p>The shift to all-electric homes may mean winter peak demand for heating increases. Energy market operators and governments will have to monitor demand changes carefully to avoid the reliability issues we already see in summer. However, improving energy efficiency, energy storage and demand management will help reduce this load (and household costs).</p> <p>While the benefits are clear for new homes, the changes may <a href="https://www.bsl.org.au/research/publications/enabling-electrification/">increase gas costs and energy poverty</a> for residents of existing housing who don’t shift to efficient electric solutions. The government has reconfirmed financial rebates to help households switch from gas.</p> <p>In addition, existing housing may face building quality and performance issues. Some may require electrical wiring upgrades as part of the transition.</p> <p>Social acceptance of some electric appliances may also be an issue. For example, <a href="https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/property-construction-and-project-management/research/research-centres-and-groups/sustainable-building-innovation-laboratory/projects/heet-housing-energy-efficiency-transitions">our research</a> has found some households dislike the way heating from reverse cycle air conditioners feels. Others do not like cooking on induction cooktops.</p> <p>Consumer education and modifications to appliances and buildings may be needed to increase acceptance and avoid backlash.</p> <p>Some electric appliances are available overseas but not in Australia. Higher demand may increase the range of imports. For example, floor-mounted heat pumps can make heating feel similar to gas heating while still providing effective cooling.</p> <p>We should not assume electric appliances are all equal. To improve consumer protection, action is needed on weak standards and limited and inconsistent public information. For example, information on noise levels and efficiency under a range of weather conditions must be standardised.</p> <p>Moving housing away from gas is an <a href="https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-99-2760-9">important step</a> in the transition to a zero-carbon economy and energy system. Careful management is needed to ensure this transition is effective, accepted and fair.</p> <p>Continued planning reforms are also essential to ensure environmentally sustainable development of housing and communities. Other urgent priorities include urban cooling and greening, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/turning-the-housing-crisis-around-how-a-circular-economy-can-give-us-affordable-sustainable-homes-208745">circular economy approaches</a> to reduce the material and waste impacts of housing and thus the carbon that goes into building and running homes.<!-- 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/210649/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/trivess-moore-12580">Trivess Moore</a>, Senior Lecturer, School of Property, Construction and Project Management, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alan-pears-52">Alan Pears</a>, Senior Industry Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/joe-hurley-157161">Joe Hurley</a>, Associate Professor, Sustainability and Urban Planning, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/cooking-and-heating-without-gas-what-are-the-impacts-of-shifting-to-all-electric-homes-210649">original article</a>.</em></p>

Home & Garden

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Ready-made foods you should avoid at all costs

<h2>Pasta dishes</h2> <p>Those ready-made spaghetti Bolognese and creamy pasta dishes are comfort foods at their finest, but they’re not the best for your body. Skip the frozen dishes, which tend to be loaded with sodium and fat, and throw your own healthy pasta recipe together, suggests paediatric dietitian Jodi Greebel. Not only is boiling pasta quick and easy, but you also have more control over what goes into the sauce and sides. Load yours up with nutritious veggies and throw in a tin of lentils for a healthier twist on your guilty-pleasure pasta.</p> <h2>Kids’ meals</h2> <p>Parenting is a 24/7 job, and if you cook separate meals for your little ones, sometimes you lack the energy and time. It’s tempting to pop a frozen kids’ meal in the oven and serve dinner 20 minutes later, but that meal probably isn’t something you really want in your child’s belly. “Some meals have more than half the amount of fat a child needs for the whole day,” says Greebel. With just a teensy bit more effort, you can dish up something you can feel confident feeding your child. For standby freezer aisle meals, Greebel recommends baked chicken nuggets with frozen veggies, but fresh food can be just as easy. Pick up a rotisserie chicken to serve with two vegetables – food that will feed not just your children but the adults in the house too. Any leftovers use in tacos for tomorrow night’s meal.</p> <h2>Low-protein veggie burgers</h2> <p>Skipping the traditional cheeseburger for a meatless option can be better for your belly and the planet, but there’s a catch. A lot of people look at all plant-based burgers as healthy protein substitutes, but some are much higher in carbohydrates and fat than protein, says nutrition program creator Ilana Muhlstein. “Protein is important for keeping us full and preventing overeating.” Leave it on the shelf if the nutrition facts say just five grams of protein, and hunt down another veggie patty with ten grams or more, she suggests.</p> <h2>Frozen stir-fries</h2> <p>Frozen meals like stir-fries are loaded with sodium, thanks in part to the sauces they come in. Luckily, a healthier version is just as easy and freezer-friendly. Buy a pack of plain frozen veggies – some stores even sell stir-fry vegetables without the sauce – and throw them in your wok or frying pan with chicken or beef, suggests Greebel. Use just a bit of low-sodium soy or teriyaki sauce to keep the salt to a minimum.</p> <h2>Fried foods</h2> <p>So, how bad are fried foods? Chips and other frozen fried food is tasty, but it shouldn’t be a part of your regular diet. Loaded with sodium and saturated fats, it could increase your risk of heart disease and obesity. Keep some healthier snack options on hand so you’re not tempted by the fried stuff. Throw together a pita pizza instead of frozen pizza, or make chicken tacos.</p> <h2>Two-serving meals</h2> <p>When you’re looking for a quick and healthy single-serving dinner, buyer beware: some frozen foods look reasonable in calories, fat, and sodium at first glance, but they’re actually two servings disguised as one. Double-check the portion size before you dig in to make sure you’re not biting off more than you’d want to chew. Swap the poser out for a single-serving meal, or set half aside for leftovers.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/kitchen-tips/ready-made-foods-you-should-avoid-at-all-costs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Food & Wine

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"Forgotten pizza cook" Pete Evans' wild new look

<p dir="ltr">Former Seven personality Pete Evans has made an unexpected appearance on social media, though many took a moment longer than usual to realise who it was they were looking at in the clip.</p> <p dir="ltr">The former chef and <em>My Kitchen Rules</em> judge was a far cry from the polished persona audiences had come to expect from his days at the helm of the hit cooking competition, roaming through an outdoor kitchen in a ‘Food is Medicine’ t-shirt and unexpected mullet cut.</p> <p dir="ltr">The footage marked a new chapter in Evans’ public fall from grace, and as one account sharing the content wrote, it had “captured a quick raw video of the set up” for a cooking retreat with eight guests and “approx 25 recipes”.</p> <p dir="ltr">It did provide some insight into Evans’ new ‘career’ path, with the chef having turned his back on the entertainment industry in 2020, after 11 years as a household name hosting <em>My Kitchen Rules</em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">His controversial opinions on health - and his mounting support in conspiracy theories as well as his non-scientifics views - had initially turned attention his way, but it was his take on the global COVID-19 pandemic that sealed his fate. </p> <p dir="ltr">Also in 2020, Evans received a $25,000 fine from the TGA for his part in peddling a $15,000 ‘Biocharger’ device with the incorrect claim that it could combat the coronavirus.</p> <p dir="ltr">Evans was quickly removed from social media - namely Facebook and Instagram - for spreading misinformation during the pandemic, and lost 15 different sponsors in just 38 hours after sharing a meme that contained a neo-Nazi symbol with his remaining followers. It was estimated that the latter act alone could cost Evans millions of dollars.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the time since, Evans has purchased a $1 million tourist ‘healing’ retreat close to Byron Bay, where he offers the likes of ‘fasting retreats’ - charging $2250 a head for a “5-day juice, water, and froth fast” with Evans.</p> <p dir="ltr">When news of the venture broke on social media, opinion poured in thick and fast, with most condemning the experience. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, it wasn’t enough to keep Evans from returning to the internet, with the 50-year-old launching his presence on the alternative platform, Telegram, where he shares the likes of detail on his retreats, his experience with bitcoin, anti-vaccination takes, and right-wing political opinion.</p> <p dir="ltr">As one user wrote in response - and on behalf of the majority - to the fresh footage of the disgraced chef, “I won’t have what he’s having”. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Obviously vaccines are bad. Not ‘licking toads’ though. That’s cool. Forgotten pizza cook Pete Evans continues to have a normal one. <a href="https://twitter.com/krunchymoses?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@krunchymoses</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/petesscience?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@petesscience</a> <a href="https://t.co/a5fDzGIups">pic.twitter.com/a5fDzGIups</a></p> <p>— Cam (@camliveshere) <a href="https://twitter.com/camliveshere/status/1664565941219508225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“This is a hard second-hand cringe,” one said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“And here I was thinking that scone of his couldn't get any more offensive,” another said. “I was wrong.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“So funny, and sad at same time hope he is ok,” one wrote, “but I have had 4 vax, travelled [the] world twice in ]the last 12 months, kept a good job and have healthy friends and fam around me. Pete's approach hmmmm”.</p> <p dir="ltr">And as someone else pointed out., “he seems quite short of breath after placing a few small sticks under the pizza oven. Not a great advert for his lifestyle.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Twitter, Facebook</em></p>

Food & Wine

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“She wasn’t ready to die”: Son speaks after mum on life support dies during power outage

<p dir="ltr">A grieving son is calling for energy companies to do better after his mum, Gloria Shae, 80, who was on life support, died during a power outage in Dubbo.</p> <p dir="ltr">Gloria was found collapsed on the floor after her oxygen machine switched off during an unexpected blackout at around 5am on May 8.</p> <p dir="ltr">The great-grandmother was woken up out of a deep sleep and was later on found trying to reach for her bottled oxygen.</p> <p dir="ltr">Now, her son Brian Shae, has spoken up about the tragic incident and is calling for energy companies to do better.</p> <p dir="ltr">"She wasn't ready to die," Brian said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"She was full of life and energy, she had planned what she was doing the next day.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said that his mother was a registered life support customer with Origin Energy and Essential Energy.</p> <p dir="ltr">Neither Brian, who lives in the same property, nor Gloria were notified about the outage by their energy providers.</p> <p dir="ltr">"If there was some sort of automated system that sent out a text message, I could have been there in 30 seconds, in under a minute,” the grieving son said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We could have assisted her, we could have got her oxygen bottles to her.</p> <p dir="ltr">"She does have oxygen bottles in the home but at night you rely on the oxygen generator."</p> <p dir="ltr">Although emergency services arrived about 15 minutes after Gloria was found, and they managed to restart her heart, Brian said that by then she was already brain dead.</p> <p dir="ltr">Gloria’s oxygen machine was rented and didn't come fitted with a back-up battery.</p> <p dir="ltr">Providers currently only need to give customers using life support four days' notice if there is a planned power outage, but in the case of a blackout there is nothing in place to contact their customers or the next of kin.</p> <p dir="ltr">Instead, they urge vulnerable customers to have a back-up battery or generator, to call triple-zero in an emergency, and to “have contingency plans in place”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But how could an 80-year-old lady who has woken up out of a deep sleep (and) short of breath manage to go out (and) start a generator?” Brian asked.</p> <p dir="ltr">Health Minister Ryan Park described the death as a “terrible tragedy” and said that he has spoken with NSW Health. The Health Minister also encouraged energy companies to find better ways to support vulnerable customers.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If there’s anything that we could have done differently, we will look at that,” he added.</p> <p dir="ltr">An Essential Energy spokesperson has also commented and said that the team had personally contacted the family to extend their "deepest condolences".</p> <p><em>Images: 9News</em></p>

Caring

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Cooking mistakes that are making your food unhealthy

<p><strong>Boiling your veggies</strong></p> <p>A review published in the <em>International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science</em> in 2016 showed that boiling vegetables resulted in a high loss of vitamin C and folate. One study found that broccoli, for example, lost about 33 per cent of its vitamin C. “Water-soluble vitamins leach out,” says Nishta Saxena, a registered dietitian. “If you’re not using the fluids in something like a soup, you’re missing out on nutrients.”</p> <p><strong>Rinsing raw chicken</strong></p> <p>While your favourite old cookbooks likely tell you to rinse a chicken before roasting, this outdated advice is a safety hazard. Running poultry under the tap may remove some of the bacteria (including salmonella and campylobacter, which can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and fever), but it’s also likely to transfer it around your kitchen –as far as nearly one metre from the sink, according to research from Drexel University in Philadelphia. “Droplets can spread from your hands to counter­tops and even onto the floor, which can be a concern, especially if you have small children,” says Saxena. To stay safe, skip the rinse and wash your hands thoroughly after you’re finished prepping your bird.</p> <p><strong>Removing skins from produce</strong></p> <p>Peeling your produce rids your food of an important layer of nutrients. “Significant amounts of vitamins, minerals and fibre are found in the skins,” says Liz Powell, a registered dietitian. Researchers at the University of Maine estimate that the skins of potatoes, for example, contain 10 to 12 times more antioxidants than the flesh. Peeling fruits and vegetables also strips away a dose of insoluble fibre, which is crucial for digestion and bowel function. Concern about herbicide or pesticide residue isn’t a good enough reason to forego the peelings, says Powell. Washing your fresh produce will remove some pesticide residues from the surface, she says. You can also opt for organic varieties of heavily sprayed produce, such as peaches.</p> <p><strong>Blending everything</strong></p> <p>A smoothie is a smart way to sneak in some greens (and down your breakfast in a hurry), but liquid meals tend to be unbalanced. They’re often lacking in protein, healthy fat and complex carbohydrates. These components work together to keep us feeling full and satisfied, Powell says. “Without them, it’s not really a balanced meal.” Powell recommends adding a scoop of yoghurt or protein powder and part of an avocado or a spoonful of hemp hearts for protein and fat. To sneak in a complex carb, you can add some oats to the blender or have a piece of wholegrain toast on the side, she says.</p> <p><strong>Overdressing salads</strong></p> <p>“Salads have this health halo – we think we can add anything to them and they’ll still be a nutritious choice, but it’s just not true,” says Saxena. “If you’re topping your bowl with dried cranberries, candied pecans and a sweet goat cheese, you’ve easily added 30 grams of sugar to your so-called healthy lunch.” Chopped, raw nuts and seeds are better options to beef up the flavour profile of your greens. Oil-based dressings also tend to be more nutritious than their creamy counterparts.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/cooking-mistakes-that-are-making-your-food-unhealthy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a></em>. </p>

Home Hints & Tips

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8 air fryer cooking tips you need to know

<p><strong>Check your air fryer's temperature</strong></p> <p>Just like with ovens, temperatures may vary between air fryer models. Test your air fryer to see if it runs above or below the selected temperature setting. You’ll want your fryer nice and hot.</p> <p><strong>Know your air fryer's cooking times</strong></p> <p>Since air fryer temperatures vary, so do cook times. That’s why air fryer recipes have wider time ranges. So, to find your air fryer cooking times you’ll need to experiment. Start checking the food at the shortest time, and check back a little later if it’s not done.</p> <p><strong>Give it a shake (or a flip)</strong></p> <p>To help food crisp, always turn, rotate, or shake contents in air fryer basket (just like flipping French fries, fish fillets, or homemade chicken strips halfway through cooking in a traditional oven).</p> <p><strong>Cook food in a single layer for best results</strong></p> <p>Allow plenty of air circulation to get even cooking and crispy results. One exception where you can stack and pack foods is if you’re roasting veggie side dishes in the air fryer. For instance, you can load the basket with a 400 grams of Brussels sprouts and roast them at 180° for 12-15 minutes, stirring once.</p> <p><strong>Bake up a little treat</strong></p> <p>Yes, you can bake homemade cookies in the air fryer! All it takes is a few minutes and chilled dough on stand-by. Models differ in their “baking” functions, so test just one or two cookies at first. You may need to adjust the temperature or cooking time.</p> <p><strong>Seeing smoke? Here's what to do </strong></p> <p>First off, don’t panic. Simply unplug the air fryer and remove the food basket. Make sure no food is lodged in the heating coil. Return food to the air fryer and continue cooking. If smoke persists, there may be oil or residue on the heating element. Unplug the machine, cool, and then wipe the coil clean with a damp cloth, just like the heating coil on an electric stove. From now on, make sure to clean your air fryer regularly.</p> <p><strong>Use a thermometer when cooking meat</strong></p> <p>Because the food can brown nicely on the outside before reaching an appropriate temperature on the inside, checking the temp with a meat thermometer is an important step for safety. That goes for previously frozen foods and fresh ones.</p> <p><strong>It's a quick option when cooking for one or two </strong></p> <p>Any more than that, and you may have to cook in batches – so be sure to account for that in your timing.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/8-air-fryer-cooking-tips-you-need-to-know" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Food & Wine

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Tangy apricot Bavarian whip, fried rice medley and bombe Alaska: what Australia’s first food influencer had us cooking

<p>Our food choices are being influenced every day. On social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, food and eating consistently appear on lists of trending topics. </p> <p>Food has eye-catching appeal and is a universal experience. Everyone has to eat. In recent years, viral recipes like <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2021/02/11/baked-feta-pasta-recipe-tiktok/">feta pasta</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-dalgona-coffee-the-whipped-coffee-trend-taking-over-the-internet-during-coronavirus-isolation-137068">dalgona coffee</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/are-butter-boards-bad-for-you-an-expert-view-on-the-latest-food-trend-192260">butter boards</a> have taken the world by storm. </p> <p>Yet food influencing is not a new trend. </p> <p>Australia’s first food influencer appeared in the pages of Australia’s most popular women’s magazine nearly 70 years ago. Just like today’s creators on Instagram and TikTok, this teenage cook advised her audience what was good to eat and how to make it.</p> <h2>Meet Debbie, our teenage chef</h2> <p>Debbie commenced her decade-long tenure at the Australian Women’s Weekly in <a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page4814245">July 1954</a>. We don’t know exactly who played the role of Debbie, which was a pseudonym. Readers were never shown her full face or body – just a set of disembodied hands making various recipes and, eventually, a cartoon portrait.</p> <p>Like many food influencers today, Debbie was not an “expert” – she was a teenager herself. She taught teenage girls simple yet fashionable recipes they could cook to impress their family and friends, especially boys. </p> <p>She shared recipes for <a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page4925379">tangy apricot Bavarian whip</a>, <a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page4819441">fried rice medley</a> and <a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page4807813">bombe Alaska</a>. Debbie also often taught her readers the basics, like <a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52249448">how to boil an egg</a>.</p> <p>Just like today, many of her recipes showed the readers step-by-step instructions through images.</p> <h2>Teaching girls to cook (and be ‘good’ women)</h2> <p>Debbie’s recipes first appeared in the For Teenagers section, which would go on to become the Teenagers Weekly lift-out in 1959. </p> <p>These lift-outs reflected a major change taking place in wider society: the idea of “teenagers” being their own group with specific interests and behaviours had entered the popular imagination.</p> <p>Debbie was speaking directly to teenage girls. Adolescents are still forming both their culinary and cultural tastes. They are forming their identities.</p> <p>For the Women’s Weekly, and for Debbie, cooking was deemed an essential attribute for women. Girls were seen to be “<a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page4818166">failures</a>” if they couldn’t at least “cook a baked dinner”, “make real coffee”, “grill a steak to perfection”, “scramble and fry eggs” and “make a salad (with dressing)”. </p> <p>In addition to teaching girls how to cook, Debbie also taught girls how to catch a husband and become a good wife, a reflection of cultural expectations for women at the time. </p> <p>Her <a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page4920059">macaroon trifle</a>, the Women’s Weekly said, was sure to place girls at the top of their male friends’ “matrimony prospect” list!</p> <h2>Food fads and fashions</h2> <p>Food fads usually reflect something important about the world around us. During global COVID lockdowns, we saw a rise in <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-historical-roots-of-your-lockdown-sourdough-obsession-137528">sourdough bread-making</a> as people embraced carbohydrate-driven nostalgia in the face of anxiety.</p> <p>A peek at Debbie’s culinary repertoire can reveal some of the cultural phenomena that impacted Australian teenagers in the 1950s and ‘60s. </p> <p>Debbie embraced teenage interest in rock'n'roll culture from the early 1960s, the pinnacle of which came at the height of Beatlemania. </p> <p>The Beatles toured Australia in June 1964. To help her teenage readers celebrate their visit, Debbie wrote an editorial on how to host a <a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article48077701">Beatles party</a>. </p> <p>She suggested the party host impress their friends by making “Beatle lollipops”, “Ringo Starrs” (decorated biscuits) and terrifying-looking “Beatle mop-heads” (cakes with chocolate hair).</p> <p><a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article55185376">A few months later</a>, she also shared recipes for “jam butties” (or sandwiches, apparently a “<a href="https://slate.com/culture/2013/03/the-beatles-and-the-mersey-beat-in-the-latest-blogging-the-beatles-how-the-beatles-popularized-the-sound-of-liverpool.html">Mersey</a> food with a Mersey name”) and a “Beatle burger”. </p> <p>We can also see the introduction of one of <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/language/italian/en/article/spag-bol-how-australians-adopted-a-classic-italian-recipe-and-made-it-their-own/9ogvr96ea">Australia’s most beloved dishes</a> in Debbie’s recipes. </p> <p>In 1957, she showed her teen readers how to make a new dish – <a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article48076527">spaghetti bolognaise</a> – which had first appeared in the magazine <a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article46465023">five years prior</a>. </p> <p>Debbie was influencing the youth of Australia to enthusiastically adopt (and adapt) Italian-style cuisine. It stuck. While the recipe may have evolved, in 2012, Meat and Livestock Australia <a href="https://www.mla.com.au/globalassets/mla-corporate/marketing-beef-and-lamb/last-nights-dinner.pdf">reported</a> that 38% of Australian homes ate “spag bol” at least once a week.</p> <p>Our food influences today may come from social media, but we shouldn’t forget the impact early influencers such as Debbie had on young people in the past.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared in <a href="https://theconversation.com/tangy-apricot-bavarian-whip-fried-rice-medley-and-bombe-alaska-what-australias-first-food-influencer-had-us-cooking-199987" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</em></p>

Food & Wine

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"Ready for change": Taryn Brumfitt honoured as Australian of the Year

<p>2023’s Australian of the year has been announced, and the honour has gone to writer, director, mother of four, and body image activist Taryn Brumfitt. </p> <p>The award ceremony was held on January 26 in Canberra, with a host of familiar faces in attendance, including Australia’s own prime minister Anthony Albanese. </p> <p>South Australian Taryn received the award for her work in helping people everywhere learn to love their bodies. She rose to prominence in 2013 after a before-and-after photo she shared to Facebook went viral. The post highlighted how her body had changed since giving up her strict bodybuilding regime. </p> <p>As she told the ABC, “my ‘after’ is as I am now, cellulite, stretch marks, folds, rolls, all the things.”</p> <p>Taryn used the trajectory of the viral post to launch her body image campaign, has since produced and released three documentaries, including one titled <em>Embrace </em>which focused on Taryn’s path to body acceptance and the struggle of body loathing.</p> <p>"We weren't born into the world hating our bodies,” the 45-year-old said in her speech on Thursday, “this is something the world has taught us.</p> <p>“Body shaming is a universal problem and we have been bullied and shamed into thinking our bodies are the problem.”</p> <p>To combat this issue, Taryn founded the Body Image Movement (BIM) in 2012. The BIM is based in Taryn’s hometown of Adelaide, and declares itself to be an “international mission to help people embrace their bodies.”</p> <p>The organisation calls on the likes of educational resources, documentaries, speeches, and books to promote positive body image and to create content that is engaging for people of all ages.</p> <p>In her acceptance speech, Taryn stressed the importance of targeting the issue of negative body image in children, calling on adults to step up and help, and the government to tackle “a paediatric health emergency.”</p> <p>“What if instead of spending our days consumed by hating our bodies, we could invest our time together to solve these challenges?” She asked of her listeners, and of Australia, “and what if instead of spending their precious time and energy at war with their bodies our young people were free to become the leaders, big thinkers and game changers the world needs more of right now?</p> <p>“It is not our bodies that need to change, it is our perspective. Every adult is a role model to a child and I'm not here to shame you or make you feel bad, I'm here to ask you to shift the way you think.”</p> <p>The 45-year-old went on to share her hope for Australia’s future generations, and what it would mean for Australians - and people from all around the world - to embrace their bodies, and to learn to love themselves.</p> <p>“If we can embrace that perspective now while we are capable, breathing and able, and have the gratitude for our bodies we can all access a more joyous, rich and abundant life.</p> <p>"There is a lot of work to do and it starts early and it starts with us being role models for our kids by creating empowering environments where they can thrive. We're tired of just talking about it, we are tired of the misery and pain of hating our bodies. </p> <p>“My goodness Australia, we are ready for change, for ourselves and the generations to come.”</p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Body

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No, you shouldn’t wash raw chicken before cooking it. So why do people still do it?

<p>Food safety authorities and regulators <a href="https://foodsafety.asn.au/topic/tips-poultry/">around</a> <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/chicken.html#:%7E:text=after%20handling%20chicken.-,Do%20not%20wash%20raw%20chicken.,that%20previously%20held%20raw%20chicken.">the</a> <a href="https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/cleaning">world</a> <a href="https://www.mpi.govt.nz/food-safety-home/preparing-and-storing-food-safely-at-home/clean-cook-chill/#:%7E:text=Don't%20wash%20raw%20chicken,food%20poisoning%20from%20campylobacter%20bacteria.">recommend</a> you don’t wash raw poultry before cooking. </p> <p>That’s because washing chicken can splash dangerous bacteria around the kitchen. It’s best just to thoroughly cook the chicken without washing it, so it is safe to eat.</p> <p>Despite this, chicken-washing remains common. A <a href="https://www.safefood.qld.gov.au/newsroom/does-raw-chicken-need-rinsing/">survey</a> by Australia’s Food Safety Information Council showed almost half of Australian home cooks washed whole chickens before cooking. Dutch research found <a href="https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2022/05/dutch-survey-finds-a-quarter-of-people-wash-chicken-despite-expert-advice/">25%</a> of consumers washed their chicken often or almost always.</p> <p>So why do people do it – and what does the research say about the risks of chicken-washing?</p> <h2>Chicken meat and germs</h2> <p>Incorrect cooking temperatures and cross-contamination between different foods are two of the most important factors linked to foodborne illness. </p> <p>This is particularly relevant to poultry meat. Two leading causes of foodborne illness are the bacteria <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/campylobacter/index.html">Campylobacter</a> and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/communication/salmonella-food.html">Salmonella</a>, which are commonly found on raw poultry. </p> <p>In Australia, reported cases of Campylobacter and Salmonella have almost <a href="https://foodsafety.asn.au/topic/tips-poultry/">doubled</a>over the last two decades. </p> <p>Of the estimated 220,000 cases of Campylobacter infection each year, <a href="https://foodsafety.asn.au/topic/tips-poultry/">50,000</a> can be attributed either directly or indirectly to chicken meat.</p> <h2>Chicken-washing myths, busted</h2> <p>One <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107682">analysis</a> of consumer responses to an education campaign about the dangers of washing raw poultry shed light on why many people still wash raw chicken before cooking.</p> <p>Some believe there is a need to wash faeces and other matter off the chicken meat. In fact, modern processing techniques mean chicken carcasses do not need additional cleaning. </p> <p>Others believe washing with a slightly acidic solution (such as vinegar or lemon juice) will kill bacteria. </p> <p>On the contrary, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2018.06.034">research</a> has shown washing raw poultry in lemon juice or vinegar does not remove bacteria and can increase the cross-contamination risk.</p> <h2>Washing chicken splashes bacteria around</h2> <p>One of the more compelling arguments why washing raw poultry under a running tap is a risky activity comes from <a href="https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0083979">recent research</a> on water droplets ejected from the surface of washed chicken. </p> <p>The study clearly showed bacteria can be transferred from the surface of the chicken to surrounding surfaces via water droplets.</p> <p>Using high-speed imaging, the researchers found a higher tap height can increase splashing. </p> <p>Chicken meat is often soft and the water flow can create a divot in the surface. This leads to splashing that would not occur on a curved, hard surface. </p> <p>The researchers placed large agar plates next to the chicken surfaces to capture any water droplets. This allowed them to grow the bacteria that were transferred with the splashed water. </p> <p>They found the level of bacterial transmission increased with greater tap height and water flow rate. </p> <p>Aerated water (which is what you get when the tap is running very hard) also increased splashing and bacterial transmission. </p> <h2>What if I still really want to wash my chicken meat?</h2> <p>While washing raw poultry is not recommended, it appears some home cooks are reluctant to let go of this old habit. </p> <p>If you insist on washing chicken meat, consider doing so in a sink of water rather than under a running tap.</p> <p>Use a paper towel to mop up any liquids, dispose of the towel and clean up afterwards. </p> <p>This will help reduce the risk of cross-contamination and keep the kitchen safe. And please wash your hands after handling raw meat!</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/no-you-shouldnt-wash-raw-chicken-before-cooking-it-so-why-do-people-still-do-it-192723" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>

Food & Wine

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Bunnings issues urgent recall for popular garden product

<p dir="ltr">Bunnings has issued a nationwide recall of a popular gardening product that can cause severe eye irritation. </p> <p dir="ltr">Roundup F weedkiller fast ready-to-use herbicide (5 litres) has been recalled at all Bunnings stores.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to Product Safety Australia, due to the packaging damage, there is a risk that the user may be exposed to the contents of the product. </p> <p dir="ltr">Any exposure to the product could cause severe eye irritation and consumers are urged to stop using it immediately. </p> <p dir="ltr">The batch numbers that have been recalled include AAC2B5550, AAC2E5860, AAC2F5973 and AAC2G6035.</p> <p dir="ltr">The recalled herbicide was sold at Bunnings stores across Australia between March 1, 2022, and September 6, 2022</p> <p dir="ltr">“If you are in possession of a damaged container of product please contact the Evergreen Garden Care Consumer Advice Line on 1800 635 797,” Product Safety Australia advised.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Product Safety Australia/Shutterstock</em></p>

Home & Garden

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Cooking from meal boxes can cut household food waste

<p>The amount of food wasted by households each year was estimated at <a href="https://www.unep.org/resources/report/unep-food-waste-index-report-2021">570 million tonnes</a> in 2019. This is food that has been produced, packaged and taken to shops and homes, only to end up in the bin. Not only is the food wasted, but the greenhouse gases emitted during the entire process – from raising livestock, making packaging, transporting fruit and vegetables in refrigerated vehicles – are a pointless ecological burden.</p> <p>Once in landfills, the food rots and releases gases that are highly toxic for the environment, such as methane. Studies have shown that food waste accounts for between <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/fight-climate-change-by-preventing-food-waste">6-8%</a> of all the greenhouse gas emissions fuelling climate change. Food waste not only squanders natural resources, money and effort, it degrades the environment. It’s also ethically wrong to waste so much food while so many people are hungry.</p> <p>The fact that households waste such vast quantities of food in the first place may come as a surprise. Most people tend to believe they waste very little and often <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590289X19300234">trivialise the consequences</a> of wasted food. But the amount of food being sent to landfill suggests we are not so good at predicting how much food we actually need when cooking. One way to limit the chance of cooking too much or buying too many ingredients may be to cook from subscription meal boxes.</p> <p>In <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652622035739?via%3Dihub">a recent study</a>, we looked at whether cooking from meal boxes helps reduce food waste. Are people better off outsourcing part of the cooking process with a subscription that sends pre-portioned ingredients in the exact quantities needed for each recipe?</p> <p>Our research suggests that the answer is yes. We found that households wasted on average 38% less food when they prepared dinner using a meal box compared to when they bought the ingredients from a shop. This was largely due to there being less food left in pots and pans after cooking with a meal box.</p> <h2>Six countries, 914 kitchens, 8,747 meals</h2> <p>We surveyed 914 households from six countries (the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands) that subscribed to a meal box scheme during November and December 2019. A subscription meal box provider helped by allowing us to run our survey on their customers.</p> <p>Households reported the amount of food waste from multiple dinners over the course of four weeks. Participants weighed the food they wasted while preparing their dinner and the uneaten leftovers in pots and pans and on plates after the meal. We measured food waste from 8,747 meals, of which around a third were cooked using meal boxes. We compared the food waste from these dinners to the food waste that accumulated when people cooked a meal from scratch with store-bought ingredients.</p> <p>Our results showed that most of the food waste from dinner is food left in pots and pans that isn’t served and eaten, and is instead thrown away. Meal box dinners reduced this type of waste by 34% compared with store-bought equivalents. Meal box dinners also cut food waste during preparation by 45%, but increased the amount of food wasted as leftovers on plates compared to meals made with store-bought ingredients by 15%. This may be because these recipes offer instructions for how to arrange the food on a plate which can induce people to dole out larger portions before serving.</p> <p>Combining these three different types of food waste, cooking from meal boxes reduced how much food was wasted at dinner by more than a third compared to traditional meals. By providing people with ingredients in amounts tailored to the number of people eating in a household, meal box providers can offer a convenient way to cut waste.</p> <p>Even without subscribing to a meal box provider, our results suggest that taking care to measure and weigh the exact amount of ingredients you need before cooking is a good way to lower the amount of food sent to landfill.</p> <p>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/cooking-from-meal-boxes-can-cut-household-food-waste-by-38-new-research-192760">original article</a>.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Does cooking bacon in water make it taste better

<p>A rumour on the internet has suggested the key to juicier, crispier bacon is submerging it in cold water and bringing it to the boil. But does this theory have legs?</p> <p>Well, the idea at least seems to check out. The difference between “good” and “bad” bacon generally comes down to the rendering of the fat from cooking to too long or too quickly. But when you cook it with the cold-water method, bringing the cold water to the simmer, cooking it away completely, you theoretically cook the fat away without drying the bacon, and once the water’s gone all you have to do is brown the meat.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2guC4Badq2s" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p><a href="http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/eat/internet-cooking-test-should-you-cook-bacon-in-water/news-story/a4ac7d3e60033861c0a625ef9638c526" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>News.com.au</strong></em></span></a> recently put this to test, cooking a control and putting it up against the new bacon cooking method, “The ‘new’ method had produced much drier, darker bacon. It was crispier as promised, but in a way that made it less enjoyable to eat. It had developed the consistency reminiscent of beef jerky.</p> <p>“Even worse, this method seemed to have leached a lot of the bacon’s salt content out into the water before gluing it back to the outside of the bacon as it evaporated, making the bacon much saltier to taste.”</p> <p>So, what do you think? Are you going to experiment with this new bacon-cooking method, or stick to what you know works? Let us know in the comments below. </p> <p><em>Image: Youtube</em></p>

Food & Wine

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5 signs you're ready to start dating again

<p>Dealing with a breakup or a loss of a loved one is tough and takes time. It might not seem likely but at some point you may feel like getting back in the “game”. It can be hard to figure out exactly when you are ready to pursue another romantic relationship though. For many people, the thought of dating can be daunting if you’ve been out of the dating world for a long time. But remember there’s a big bright world out there with many wonderful people ready to make your acquaintance. Here are some signs that you might be ready to meet somebody new.</p> <p><strong>You have let go</strong></p> <p>This is the hardest thing to do but once you have truly let go then you are ready to start dating again. Whether you are widowed or divorced, you need to let yourself grieve. There is no time limit and it can be a painful process but there will come a day where you feel like you’re ready to make new memories. This may mean you no longer feel betrayed, hurt or angry. It might mean you know your loved one is gone so now you can look to the future. If you are still thinking of the past, you won’t be ready to give a new relationship a proper go. Think of what the future and the dating world will open up for you. </p> <p><strong>You are at peace alone</strong></p> <p>Are you independent and happy to be alone? Sometimes after a breakup we become dependent on others to fill our time or our sense-of-self has been lost in being a couple for such a long time. Being at peace with yourself is about having a life that it not only yours but one you are satisfied with. After all, how can you be a partner to someone if you aren’t content with your life? It may seem strange but once you are comfortable with being alone, you are ready to meet somebody new. Remember you want to start dating, you don’t need too!</p> <p><strong>You know what you want</strong></p> <p>You don’t have to have everything figured out but it’s important you have an idea of want you want out of life moving forward. This can help you determine what you want (and don’t want) out of a new relationship. When you know what you want in life, the future and a companion, you’ll be able to see much clearer when you’ve found the person for you!</p> <p><strong>You are doing it for the right reasons  </strong></p> <p>The only reason you should begin dating again is if you are genuinely looking to meet someone new. You need to be honest with yourself – if you are looking to fill the void, a confidence boost, make somebody jealous, replace an old partner or afraid to be alone – you aren’t ready to start dating. Dating for the wrong reasons usually ends in disappointment and hurt.</p> <p><strong>Your friends and families tell you</strong></p> <p>After a painful loss or break-up, it’s common to get comfortable in a routine. You might think “that’s it” or it’s “too hard” even when family and friends are telling you to get back out there. It’s not the easiest thing to hear and you might think you know best, but sometimes your loved ones can see things you can’t. If your family and friends (who know you best) think you might be ready to start dating again, it might be the gentle push you need to go out and mingle! </p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Relationships

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Super foods worth adding to your cooking now!

<p>It’s a saying we’ve all heard many times before: you are what you eat! However, it can be tough being a saint all the time when it comes to choosing what to put in your mouth. So, we’ve compiled a list of superfoods to add to your shopping list that will transform the way you look <em>and</em> feel. Plus, you'll feel less guilty for indulging in the occasional treat. We've also included tips on how to use them in your kitchen – we'll have you fighting fit in no time!</p> <p><strong>CHIA SEEDS</strong><br />They may be a tiny grain, but packed with a whole range of nutrients and high-fibre content, they’re a great source of energy. Complete with proteins (which help keep your energy levels high, while the fibre keeps you fuller for longer, they also contain antioxidants and more brain-boosting and cholesterol-regulating omega-3 than salmon.</p> <p><strong>How to use them:</strong> The ways are endless. Try roasting cauliflower in a chia seed-infused oil to add a healthy crunch, adding them to a lemon poppy seed muffin recipe, sprinkling them on your salads, porridge or youghurt.</p> <p><strong>COCONUT FLOUR</strong><br />A natural by-product from making coconut milk, coconut flour is made from the dried coconut meat that’s left over. This newly discovered superfood is so amazing we’re not quite sure why it hasn’t been screamed about from the hilltops. It is sweet in taste but contains no fructose; it’s a great alternative to regular (less healthy) flours when baking; it’s grainless thus containing no sugary starch nor toxins; it’s rich in protein, fibre and good fat, as well as manganese (which curbs cravings and supports the thyroid); and it’s nourishing, especially for autoimmune disease sufferers as it contains lauric acid, a saturated fat that supports the immune system and the thyroid as well.</p> <p><strong>How to use it:</strong> Coconut flour works really well in combination with almond meal when baking as an alternative to normal flour. It can also be used to coat meat or fish. But remember, it does have a “sweet” flavour.</p> <p><strong>BLACK GARLIC</strong><br />Significantly less smelly than regular garlic, this sweet version boasts twice the antioxidants of the white stuff. Not only does the softer texture have a sweeter taste, it won't leave you with bad breath either as it’s produced by fermenting a standard garlic bulb over several weeks, which makes the sugars and amino acids react to produce the trademark black colour.</p> <p><strong>How to use it:</strong> As an alternative to regular garlic.</p> <p><strong>ALMOND MILK</strong><br />Slightly beige in colour and with a nutty taste and creamy texture, almond milk is an extract of protein-rich almonds. Almonds are rich in nutrients such as protein, fibre, vitamin E, magnesium, selenium, manganese, zinc, potassium, iron, phosphorus, trytophan and calcium. Almond milk also contains flavonoids, which help to lower levels of "bad" cholesterol and protect the heart. Almond milk has no cholesterol and is often recommended to lower blood-sugar levels and to treat constipation.</p> <p><strong>How to use it:</strong> It’s a great alternative to dairy. You can either drink almond milk straight or add to coffee, tea or hot chocolate. You can also add it to smoothies, non-dairy ice-cream or savoury dishes.</p> <p><strong>KUKICHA TWIG TEA</strong><br />Smokey in flavour with all the antioxidant goodness of green tea, this refreshing option is made with twigs (rather than leaves) of the camellia plant and has significantly less caffeine than your green tea (and approximately 90% less caffeine than coffee).</p> <p><strong>How to use it:</strong> Drink as you would herbal tea. </p> <p><strong>BAOBAB</strong><br />With three times as much vitamin C as an orange, twice as much calcium as milk, Baobab is packed with antioxidants and is as tasty as a yummy pear - it makes the praised pomegranate seem like a small fry.</p> <p><strong>How to use it:</strong> It is great in powder form and you can add it to your smoothies, juices, yoghurts, or even into cake and bread mixes.</p> <p><strong>NATTO</strong><br />Considered a Japanese breakfast staple that is thought to prevent heart disease and strokes, these fermented soya beans are rich in vitamins and an enzyme called nattokinase. High in protein and a great source of tummy-friendly probiotics, natto is full of vitamin K as well as omega-3 fatty acids so could help to protect against bone loss and to boost skin health.</p> <p><strong>How to use it:</strong> With a cheesy flavour and a stringy consistency, natto is often served with soya sauce and mustard, eaten straight or with rice, spaghetti or in omelettes. </p> <p><strong>MAQUI BERRY</strong><br />Move over acai, there’s a new superfood wonder berry in town. Pronounced “mah-kee”, this berry found in Patagonia has various health benefits. With high levels of anthocyanins and polyphenols, maqui is said to fight signs of ageing, aid weight loss and boost your immune system. And they taste sweet to boot!</p> <p><strong>How to use it:</strong> Commonly available in supplement form as capsules or a powder.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Food & Wine

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By order of the Peaky Blinders, the TV show’s movie script is almost ready

<p dir="ltr">By order of the Peaky Blinders, a movie script following the popular TV show is being finalised. </p> <p dir="ltr">The gangster series dropped its sixth and final season on Netflix, but this isn't the end for fans of Tommy Shelby and his brothers. </p> <p dir="ltr">The show’s creator Steven Knight confirmed the movie script is being finalised and shooting should begin within 18 months or so.</p> <p dir="ltr">He explained that the show’s lead actor, Cillian Murphy who plays Tommy Shelby has quite a busy schedule at the moment as he films Christopher Nolan’s highly-anticipated Oppenheimer.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We’re going to shoot [the movie] at the studios in Digbeth, and on-location in Digbeth and Birmingham,” Knight said on British radio station Heart FM.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Digbeth and Small Heath [are] where the Peaky Blinders actually roamed, so it’s like Peaky’s coming home.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Knight expects most of the current cast to come back for the movie but there will be “some new faces that will hopefully be quite surprising”.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Peaky Blinders</em> tells the story of a notorious gang in 1919 Birmingham, England, that is led by Tommy Shelby, a crime boss set on moving up in the world no matter the cost.</p> <p dir="ltr">The movie is slated for a 2024 or 2025 release. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Netflix</em></p>

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