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Do you use predictive text? Chances are it’s not saving you time – and could even be slowing you down

Typing is one of the most common things we do on our mobile phones. A recent survey suggests that millenials spend <a href="https://www.provisionliving.com/blog/smartphone-screen-time-baby-boomers-and-millennials/">48 minutes</a> each day texting, while boomers spend 30 minutes. Since the advent of mobile phones, the way we text has changed. We’ve seen the introduction of autocorrect, which corrects errors as we type, and word prediction (often called predictive text), which predicts the next word we want to type and allows us to select it above the keyboard. Functions such as autocorrect and predictive text are designed to make typing faster and more efficient. But research shows this isn’t necessarily true of predictive text. A <a href="https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/2858036.2858305">study</a> published in 2016 found predictive text wasn’t associated with any overall improvement in typing speed. But this study only had 17 participants – and all used the same type of mobile device. In 2019, my colleagues and I published <a href="https://doi.org/10.1145/3338286.3340120">a study</a> in which we looked at mobile typing data from more than 37,000 volunteers, all using their own mobile phones. Participants were asked to copy sentences as quickly and accurately as possible. Participants who used predictive text typed an average of 33 words per minute. This was slower than those who didn’t use an intelligent text entry method (35 words per minute) and significantly slower than participants who used autocorrect (43 words per minute). <h2>Breaking it down</h2> It’s interesting to consider the poor correlation between predictive text and typing performance. The idea seems to make sense: if the system can predict your intended word before you type it, this should save you time. In my most <a href="https://doi.org/10.1145/3411764.3445566">recent study</a> on this topic, a colleague and I explored the conditions that determine whether predictive text is effective. We combined some of these conditions, or parameters, to simulate a large number of different scenarios and therefore determine when predictive text is effective – and when it’s not. We built a couple of fundamental parameters associated with predictive text performance into our simulation. The first is the average time it takes a user to hit a key on the keyboard (essentially a measure of their typing speed). We estimated this at 0.26 seconds, based on <a href="https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/2470654.2466180">earlier research</a>. The second fundamental parameter is the average time it takes a user to look at a predictive text suggestion and select it. We fixed this at 0.45 seconds, again based on <a href="https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/1240624.1240723">existing data</a>. Beyond these, there’s a set of parameters which are less clear. These reflect the way the user engages with predictive text – or their strategies, if you like. In our research, we looked at how different approaches to two of these strategies influence the usefulness of predictive text. The first is minimum word length. This means the user will tend to only look at predictions for words beyond a certain length. You might only look at predictions if you’re typing longer words, beyond, say, six letters – because these words require more effort to spell and type out. The horizontal axis in the visualisation below shows the effect of varying the minimum length of a word before the user seeks a word prediction, from two letters to ten. The second strategy, “type-then-look”, governs how many letters the user will type before looking at word predictions. You might only look at the suggestions after typing the first three letters of a word, for example. The intuition here is that the more letters you type, the more likely the prediction will be correct. The vertical axis shows the effect of the user varying the type-then-look strategy from looking at word predictions even before typing (zero) to looking at predictions after one letter, two letters, and so on. A final latent strategy, perseverance, captures how long the user will type and check word predictions for before giving up and just typing out the word in full. While it would have been insightful to see how variation in perseverance affects the speed of typing with predictive text, even with a computer model, there were limitations to the amount of changeable data points we could include. So we fixed perseverance at five, meaning if there are no suitable suggestions after the user has typed five letters, they will complete the word without consulting predictive text further. Although we don’t have data on the average perseverance, this seems like a reasonable estimate. <h2>What did we find?</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/12/graph-text.jpg" alt="" />Above the dashed line there’s an increase in net entry rate while below it, predictive text slows the user down. The deep red shows when predictive text is most effective; an improvement of two words per minute compared to not using predictive text. The blue is when it’s least effective. Under certain conditions in our simulation, predictive text could slow a user down by as much as eight words per minute. The blue circle shows the optimal operating point, where you get the best results from predictive text. This occurs when word predictions are only sought for words with at least six letters and the user looks at a word prediction after typing three letters. So, for the average user, predictive text is unlikely to improve performance. And even when it does, it doesn’t seem to save much time. The potential gain of a couple of words per minute is much smaller than the potential time lost. It would be interesting to study long-term predictive text use and look at users’ strategies to verify that our assumptions from the model hold in practice. But our simulation reinforces the findings of previous human research: predictive text probably isn’t saving you time – and could be slowing you down. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/do-you-use-predictive-text-chances-are-its-not-saving-you-time-and-could-even-be-slowing-you-down-170163" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Technology

The correct way to store beauty products

To keep your coveted beauty products working their best for longer, try these beauty storing tips. Face wash – It may be convenient, but storing your scrubs and cleansers in the shower can damage them. The product will take in moisture which can turn them into a breeding ground for bacteria or mould. Skin creams – Skin creams should be kept out of the bathroom altogether. The humidity can damage them just as the shower damages your cleansers. Keep them in your bedroom away from the window. Fragrances – Fragrances should always be stored away from direct sunlight, as heat and sunshine can cause them to go off. Nail Polish – Storing your nail polish upright in the fridge can help keep your lacquers lasting to their fullest potential. Powder make up – Try to keep your blushes and powders out of the bathroom as the change in humidity and temperature can negatively affect their make up. Brushes – Store your make up brushes out of direct sunlight, as sunlight can cause their fibres to wear. The same goes for heat and humidity, which can cause them to become caked. Try rolling them up in a make up brush bag. Lipstick – Store your lipsticks in the fridge with your nail polishes to help them last longer. Image credits: Getty Images

Beauty & Style

Michael Klim's devastating health battle

Olympic gold medallist Michael Klim has opened up about his devastating health battle for the first time, sharing how his diagnosis changed his life. The 44-year-old opened up to Lisa Wilkinson on Sunday night’s The Project about his chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) diagnosis. It’s a rare type of auto-immune disorder where the body attacks the myelin sheaths — the fatty coverings on the fibres that insulate and protect the nerves. Michael first started to notice symptoms in 2019, when his condition progressed rapidly, leaving him struggling to walk and dependant on a walking stick or braces for support. He has now lost sensation in both his feet, with minimal function affecting his everyday life. Drastic muscle wastage has also caused Klim to collapse in front of his children, as he admitted to Wilkinson, "I might end up in a wheelchair." He said, “People that I’ve told, or I have spoken to about my CIDP, they’ve said oh, you’re an Olympic athlete you’ve got that mental strength to get you through this.” “And it actually hasn’t necessarily been the case. It’s not like I can do extra exercises or this or that. If anything, I’ve been more despondent about it. And it’s more depressing." “And, you know, I’ve gone through phases where even I drink too much and try to numb the pain.” Klim recalled a difficult experience at the airport which left him feeling vulnerable and shaken. “I literally had to sit down on the floor. There were no seats through the airport. And I’ve called Michelle and I was literally in tears because I couldn’t pinpoint what it was." “That was probably one of the scariest moments I had. For me, my ability to do anything physical was something that I used to pride myself on." “And it used to give me mental strength. And, bit by bit, was being taken away.” As his condition continued to deteriorate at the beginning of 2022, Michael admitted "something had to give" in June, when he made the decision to fly from his home in Bali to Sydney to undergo a back operation to release trapped nerves, rehabilitation and IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) treatments at RPA hospital to treat his condition. Since the treatment, along with drastic changes in his lifestyle, his condition has stabilised. “Look, initially, I was thinking, ‘Why was I dealt this card?’ I was feeling sorry for myself. And I almost felt like this was punishment for something,” he said. “I’d give myself about an hour a day to feel sorry and angry and frustrated and whatever else other emotion comes into my mind, and then move on with the rest of life." “I always thought I’d end up getting a full recovery. But I haven’t had, exactly, a recovery. I’ve sort of levelled – well, I got worse, then I got a little bit better, but I’ve just plateaued out.” Image credits: The Project

Caring

Supercheap Auto hero finally speaks

Darren Woolfe – the former Supercheap Auto worker who found viral fame recently – has finally broken his silence. After being labelled a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/supercheap-auto-hero-flooded-with-job-offers-after-being-stood-down" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hero by many</a>, with the clip of him apprehending an alleged shoplifter amassing more than 7 million views – he remains remarkably humble, saying he was just doing his job. “You don't expect that to happen when you go to work, you don't expect someone to be filming something like that. You go in and do your job and go home,” he shared. His employer was not so quick to praise, however, and temporarily stood him down from his role – which he revealed, even two weeks on, has been especially hard. “It's been a struggle, a huge impact on myself and my family... they are my number one focus at the moment.” Supercheap Auto have been widely slammed online over standing Mr Woolfe down but said it had policies in place that prevent confronting alleged shoplifters for everyone's safety. The owner of rival store Autobarn at Burleigh Heads, Michael Farrar, said that he has lost more than $15,000 worth of goods to shoplifters in the last year. And so Mr Woolfe has now taken up new job with the new company. 'In businesses you can measure a lot of things with KPIs like performance, but loyalty you can't measure,' Mr Farrar said. 'So I thought he's a very loyal kind of guy and the sort of person I want on my team.' Mr Woolfe shared that he is looking forward to clocking in at his new job at Autobarn, and finally putting his viral fame behind him. 'It's a new start for me... I just want this finished,' he said. Image: Nine

Legal

Twist in Supercheap Auto "hero" saga

A company spokesman from Supercheap Auto has confirmed that the employee who confronted an alleged shoplifter has left the business. The motor goods giant confirmed that the man has chosen to leave the business after a “comprehensive review” of the incident. This follows the viral video uploaded to TikTok that showed the employee's attempt to prevent an alleged shoplifter from leaving the store with items hidden in her pram. “I can confirm that the team member involved in the incident has decided to leave the business,” a company spokesman revealed. The communication also reiterated that workers are instructed not to confront shoplifters or make physical contact with customers. “We have extensive video surveillance in our stores and suspected cases of shoplifting are referred to the police with footage of the alleged offenders,” this continues. “The health, safety and wellbeing of our team members and customers is our highest priority and we are committed to maintaining a safe working and shopping environment.” Previously it had been reported that Supercheap Auto’s parent company, Super Retail Group, had stood the employee down but placed the employee on full pay while they were investigating the incident. The act earned the man widespread support, with some dubbing him as a local hero. Others were so impressed that the man became<a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/supercheap-auto-hero-flooded-with-job-offers-after-being-stood-down" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> inundated with job offers</a> once announcing he was stood down. 2GB radio host Ben Fordham also barracked for the man and said there was “no way in the world” he should have been stood down. Image: TikTok

Legal

Supercheap Auto "hero" flooded with job offers after being stood down

The Supercheap Auto worker stood down after confronting a shoplifter won’t have to look too far for another job – after his bold act has made him a prime candidate to other employers. The man appeared in a viral video captured outside a Gold Coast store in which he attempted to apprehend a woman pushing a pram covered by a blanket. After they both struggled to take control of the pram, a box was knocked to the ground from under the blanket and the woman said: “You can have the f***ing rotor mate.” The pram was filled with stolen goods, and didn’t contain a baby at the time. After being hailed a hero online for his ballsy approach, it has been revealed that he was in fact stood down while the incident was being reviewed internally. As Supercheap Auto faced backlash over its decision, other companies have since rushed to put in a good word with the worker in the hope of poaching him for themselves. Rival store Autobarn in Burleigh Heads was the first to offer him a new job, with owner Michael Farrar saying he was just the type of employee he was looking for. “His actions showed to me that he is a loyal person and someone we would want on our team,” he told Gold Coast Bulletin, adding his store had about $15,000 worth of items stolen in the last two years. Car wrecking business Southport Auto Recyclers has also thrown its hat in the ring, posting online offering him an interview. “If anyone knows him tell him to DM us or tag him, we would like to interview him for a position should he require one!” an employee wrote on Facebook. “After watching the video it’s crazy that Supercheap have stood him down after the commitment to them he demonstrated!” The video on TikTok alone has been viewed more than 5.5 million times since being uploaded last week. Images: TikTok

Legal

"Keen to correct": How Charles wanted to respond to the Oprah interview

In true royal fashion, the monarchy's response to the Harry and Meghan interview was brief and to the point, but if Prince Charles had his way, it would have been a fiery rebuttal. According to royal expert Katie Nichol, the Prince of Wales' initial reaction to Harry and Meghan's damaging claims to Oprah was to compile a "point by point" response to set straight some of the couple's explosive allegations. His son Prince William is believed to have taken his father's side, but the Palace decided against it so not to give "more ammunition" to the former royals. Appearing on ET, Nicholl said both Charles, 72, and William, 38, were "keen to correct some" of what was said by the Sussexes as they sat down with Oprah Winfrey on the other side of the world earlier this month. “My understanding is that Prince Charles did want to issue a more detailed statement (in response) to the Oprah interview and possibly address some of those issues point by point,” Katie Nicholl told ET this week. “But there was an evening to think about things and in the end, it was decided that a shorter statement would be better, (and) that going at things point by point could be potentially more damaging and give more ammunition for the row to continue. “I think Prince Charles and Prince William were keen to correct some of the things that the couple had said,” she added. Some of the shocking allegations included someone from the royal family raising concerns over the colour of Archie's skin, him being denied the title of prince because of his background, and Kate Middleton making Meghan cry before her wedding. Harry also accused Charles of refusing to take his calls and "cutting the couple off" financially. Responding to the direct hit, Nicholl said Prince Charles was “particularly frustrated” by the suggestion he had not provided financial assistance for the pair. “If you speak to sources in Charles’ camp, that wasn’t the case,” she said. “He did continue funding them for quite some time after they moved first to Canada and then to America. “So yes, I think there was at one point the feeling that they did want to address more than just the issue of race.” According to a royal insider, Charles felt "enormously let down" by Meghan and Harry after they had dropped that an unnamed royal had expressed concern over Archie's skin colour, a claim which prompted a global guessing game. “The Prince believes in diversity and his actions show that,” the source said, seemingly rejecting speculation Charles was the royal in question. “He was the first person to highlight the Windrush generation and the contributions they made to British society. “He has worked hard for the Muslim community. “Of all the members of the royal family, he has taken this issue the most seriously.” US media personality Gayle King, who is a close friend of both Oprah and Meghan, revealed Harry had had "unproductive" talks with both his brother and father after the TV appearance. King said the couple were still upset at the palace and claims no one from the royal family has reached out to Meghan, describing it as “frustrating”. “Houston, we have a problem here. That’s really all they want. They want a conversation. They both want a conversation,” King said. “I’m not trying to break news, but I did actually call them to see how they were feeling, and it’s true, Harry has talked to his brother and he has talked to his father too. “The word I was given was that those conversations were not productive. But they are glad that they have at least started a conversation.” She continued: “I think what is still upsetting to them is the palace keep saying they want to work it out privately, but yet, they believe these false stories are coming out that are very disparaging against Meghan, still.” Buckingham Palace has insisted it will make no further comment on the allegations.

Family & Pets

Jamie Oliver confirms the correct way to abbreviate "spaghetti bolognese"

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has finally settled the debate on how to properly abbreviate "spaghetti bolognese". He confirmed it on the Wednesday night's episode of The Project. Host Waleed Aly decided to pitch the debate to the chef as he appeared on the show via a live link from his London home. Aly confirmed that he referred to the popular pasta dish as "spag bol" whereas his co-host Peter Helliar used the term "spag bog". Jamie Oliver couldn't contain his giggles as he admitted that "bog" is a term used in Britain used to describe a toilet in England. Jamie joked: "In the UK, a bog is a toilet! If he [Peter] really wants to call it a spaghetti toilet... I mean, I'm not a marketeer, but the marketing on the 'spaghetti toilet' is probably not a great idea!" He was on the show to promote his new cooking book 7 Ways, which aims to give people new ideas for ingredients they often purchase. <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/CEB2OvLo_m5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" 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> <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/CEB2OvLo_m5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Lovely lot my NEW book #Jamies7Ways is out on THURSDAY!!! Link in my bio to order your copy.</a> <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/jamieoliver/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Jamie Oliver</a> (@jamieoliver) on Aug 18, 2020 at 4:24am PDT </div> </blockquote> Jamie has also been broadcasting his Channel 4 show Keep Cooking and Carry On from his home during the pandemic to give viewers an idea on what to cook while staying safe from coronavirus. </div> </div> </div>

Food & Wine

Blinker wars: Quiz on correct roundabout rules sparks intense debate

A simple question about the right way to indicate on a roundabout has sparked a debate after some drivers disagreed with the correct answer. The Department of Transport and Main Roads Queensland (TMR) tested its Facebook users on their road rules knowledge by posting a photo of a blue car entering a roundabout. “The blue car wants to travel straight ahead at the roundabout. How should they indicate?” The post garnered hundreds of comments and despite majority of users getting the answer right, it was alarming how many people failed the simple test. Some believed the driver wasn’t required to indicate at all when driving straight through the roundabout, a mistake that could result in a $393 fine. “No blinker required,” said one person. “Who in Qld uses an indicator when going straight and exiting … no one, no need to start today,” said another. Other people were certain that indication was required when entering and exiting the roundabout. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTMRQld%2Fposts%2F2560010187375182&width=500" width="500" height="639" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> “Yes the car should indicate when entering and exiting the roundabout as it has two lanes,” one motorist wrote. Another driver said the motorist going straight through has the option to indicate right on entry but is obligated to indicate left when leaving the roundabout. One user agreed, saying they were sure it was “right on entry and left on exit”, but changed their mind after searching up the rule. “Ugh. Just checked. Looks like I was wrong. I will track down my driving instructor from a billion years ago and have a word with him. Jerk shouted at me when I didn’t indicate on entry going straight ahead,” they wrote. TMR later on revealed the correct answer, saying the driver only has to indicate when exiting the roundabout. “Because they’re travelling straight through, the driver of the blue car *doesn’t* need to indicate when they enter the roundabout,” the post read. “They do though need to flick on the left indicator to exit the roundabout (and off again once they’ve exited).”

Domestic Travel

How this “superhero” dad's tiredness turned into a rare disease

A healthy father of two thought he was just suffering from fatigue before he was struck with an extremely rare disease that left him partially paralysed in June. Sam Hambly from the Sunshine Coast was left bed-ridden in hospital after he was left with the news he had Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) - an auto-immune disorder where the immune system attacks nerves connecting the brain and spinal cord with the rest of the body. <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/BzafrivhSOD/" 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> <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/BzafrivhSOD/" target="_blank">I can’t wait to see you smile again 😍</a> <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/amyshambly/" target="_blank"> Amy Hambly</a> (@amyshambly) on Jul 2, 2019 at 5:14am PDT </div> </blockquote> Both Sam and his wife, had no idea what was in store for them when the 27-year-old dad was left feeling exhausted all the time a little over a month ago. “He started getting really tired, he didn’t have the strength to go to the gym,” Amy, 27, explained to <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/super-hero-dad-suddenly-paralysed-after-contracting-rare-disease-035035949.html">Yahoo News Australia. </a> “But he was just so determined to keep working, he just didn’t think anything of it.” <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/ByWTdiAHZ8g/" 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> <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/ByWTdiAHZ8g/" target="_blank">Today should be a happy day filled with celebrations, Jack Daniels and cake. But instead it’s a effing shit day that I think we will both want to forget but never the less... HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAMMY! Your without doubt the strongest human I know mentally. I hate that your going through this let alone on your birthday but Darcy, Leo and I love you so so much! Your the backbone of our family and we wouldn’t be complete without you! I hope you start feeling better really soon. I’m proud of how your handling what life has thrown at you and I will always be by your side to take care of you when you can’t and support you when you need me. Crossing my fingers for you to be feeling like your usual self soon and for this to all be a distant memory! Love you always bub. Stay strong 💙</a> <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/amyshambly/" target="_blank"> Amy Hambly</a> (@amyshambly) on Jun 5, 2019 at 5:39pm PDT </div> </blockquote> Sam began experiencing even stranger symptoms when he had a bout of gastro, followed by a sore throat and numbness in his toes. Soon the numbness had spread to his feet and although he was persevering at his job as a plumber, he found it even more difficult to control his limbs. “...His legs gave way at work – he collapsed,” Amy explained. Despite his worrying, his symptoms were warded off by medical professionals who believed he had sinus issues and sent him home with Endone and medication. However, the couple soon realised Sam’s “left eye wasn’t shutting and we thought it was the Endone,” Amy said. The next day, the “the whole left side of his face wasn’t moving – I thought he’d had a stroke.” Sam was rushed to the hospital and later he was diagnosed with GBS after a series of tests. “Sam can move his legs but he can’t feel them,” Amy said. “His face is paralysed so his face doesn’t move. His arms and legs he can move but he can’t feel.” While the sad situation has taken a toll on their family, the support they have received from the community has been overwhelming. To ease the burden on the couple, a friend set up a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/help-out-the-hambly039s?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fb_dn_cpgnstaticsmall_r&fbclid=IwAR2FUCPh5WOCHkgEZTbz_VyvxqNLWkh1v_INKTd2fCr184HXllktSqMPar0">GoFundMe</a> page. “We might not be able to help Sam get back on his feet sooner although we can help to take some of the financial burden off his shoulders so he can concentrate on getting back to his normal superhero Daddy, strong self,” the crowdfunding page reads. “Sam’s one of those people that likes to do things himself and provide for himself. He’s so happy and generous – but he can’t believe the help and support he’s had,” Amy said. “I can’t believe it, I can’t say thank you enough, it just shows how supportive everyone on the Sunshine Coast is. It’s just beautiful really. Hopefully one day I can pay it forward.” While the road to recovery is long, Sam has returned home from hospital and since continued on his journey to “heal surrounded by his family.”

Legal

The correct way to clean your jeans without washing them

It’s a situation we’re all familiar with. You buy a new pair of jeans that fit like a dream and hug you in all the right places … until you decide to throw it in the wash. In comes the disappointment as your trusty denim just doesn’t feel the same way anymore. But there’s a simple solution to this complicated situation – just don’t wash your jeans. It may seem like a crazy concept, but Levi’s CEO and President Chip Bergh says to never throw your jeans in the wash, and when the king of denim gives an order, you follow it. Speaking to <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/">CNN</a>, Bergh said, “If you talk to real denim aficionados, they will all agree you should never put your jeans in the wash. “I spot clean my jeans when they need to be washed. Worst care, I hand wash my jeans. And I do it myself. I mean I love my jeans, and I take good care of them.” John Reid, managing director at clothing retailer Garment Quarter agrees with Bergh, saying his theory makes sense. “Washing your denim jeans can alter the make-up of the material itself, and in fact, your favourite pair of jeans don’t need to be washed as frequently as you may think,” he tells <a href="https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/never-wash-jeans-000344119.html">Yahoo UK</a>. “The sheer amount of water that they are exposed to in a washing machine can be the culprit for affecting the look and colour of the denim by fading over time.” So, when it comes to jeans, how do you clean them? Here are some nifty ways to keep your jeans looking as good as new. 1. Spot clean them If you happen to squirt tomato sauce or chocolate on your light wash jeans, Reid says spot cleaning is the best way to remove unwanted stains. “Keep your designer jeans in top condition by ‘spot cleaning’ any stains by using a toothbrush and a mixture of water with a gentle detergent. Doing this will not only reduce the risk of fading the dye, but you’ll also be helping the environment by reducing your water usage.” 2. Freeze them Your freezer isn’t only for leftovers – it’s also to keep your jeans looking new while making sure they’re hygienic. “Fold the jeans and place inside an airtight freezer bag before putting them in the freezer overnight and any bacteria will be killed by the cold temperatures,” Reid advises. 3. Hand wash them Sometimes, there really is no other option but to use good ol’ water to clean your jeans thoroughly. When that’s the case, Bergh said to use your hands and a bit of cold water to get them looking fresh. “Or hop in the shower with them on and soak them down and rinse them off – I do that too,” he said. Do you have any nifty hacks when it comes to washing your jeans? Let us know in the comments below.

Beauty & Style

This tricky quiz will test you: Can you pick the correct spelling?

A new quiz that tests your spelling has left many adults stumped, with only 6 out of 100 college students acing every question. The creator of the test, which was posted to Playbuzz, says only players with an above-average IQ will be able to score full marks. So, just how good is your spelling? Take the 15-question test below to find out. <div class="playbuzz" data-id="3b752634-f477-44d5-8107-54590b4201e3" data-show-share="false" data-show-info="false"></div> How did you score? Let us know in the comments below.

Mind

The stretch to correct your posture

If you spend a lot of time at the computer, at a desk or looking down, chances are that your posture has been impacted. Active Senior’s Taylor Harrison says that the worse your posture is, the worse your balance will be. In this video, Taylor Harrison – author, senior’s health expert and Director of <a href="http://www.activeseniors.net.au/">Active Seniors Health Centre</a> – shows you how to correct your posture against a wall to help improve your balance. <iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/296347369" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> <a href="https://vimeo.com/296347369">The stretch to correct your posture</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/oversixty">OverSixty.com.au</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>. To see more videos and articles on improving your health and fitness from Taylor Harrison, <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/search.aspx?Keyword=taylor+harrison">click here</a>. Will you be trying out this exercise? Let us know in the comments below.

Caring

The Kmart service set to disappear

Wesfarmers is set to sell its Kmart Tyre and Auto Service business to German auto giant Continental AG for $350 million. With 258 stores, Kmart Tyre and Auto Service is one of the country’s largest auto service businesses. It is the single largest employer of apprentice motor mechanics in Australia, with more than 1200 employees currently. Wesfarmers has owned the chain since it acquired the Coles Group in 2007. “We believe that the divestment is in the best interests of Wesfarmers’ shareholders, while giving the employees and customers of KTAS the opportunity to join a highly complementary business in Continental,” Wesfarmers managing director Rob Scott said in a statement on Monday. Continental employs more than 243,000 people in 60 countries and has annual sales of $69 billion. “Continental’s automotive industry expertise will further strengthen the business’ customer offering,” Mr Scott said. “I thank all of the KTAS team for their outstanding efforts in growing and improving the business under Wesfarmers’ ownership and, in advance, for their continued focus and commitment during the transition to new ownership.” The transaction, subject to approvals by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Foreign Investment Review Board, is expected to complete in the first quarter of the 2019 financial year.

News

How to stop Facebook’s auto-play video feature

Lisa Du is director of <a href="https://readytechgo.com.au/" target="_blank">ReadyTechGo</a>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology. Sitting in the quiet waiting room at the physio, I decide to have a peek at Facebook... suddenly sounds blast from my phone unexpectedly! I quickly scroll past the culprit video, and then another sound blasts from my phone! What is going on? This video auto play function on Facebook can be annoying. If you're annoyed by the sound blasting from your phone unexpectedly due to the video auto play feature, here's how to turn it off: 1. Open the Facebook app on your device. <img width="264" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/a5a72986-2c68-479f-bc6f-6a7b7ebed5fc.png" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 281px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: auto !important;"/> Tap on the 3 lines in the top right corner to reveal the Settings menu. 2. Scroll down until you see App Settings. Tap this to open App Settings. 3. Tap on the cog next to “Videos in News Feed Start With Sound.” <img width="264" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/df1f9ac9-e976-48ec-ad42-3c041dc7a22f.png" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 337px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: auto !important;"/> This will now turn off Sound when Videos auto play on Facebook. <img width="264" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/d42e8298-6651-4f9e-8fba-97cab118fbdd.png" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 1080px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: auto !important;"/> Tip: If you want to turn off AutoPlay completely, tap on Autoplay, and choose Never Autoplay Videos Do you have any handy tech advice to share?

Technology

8 clever car tips you’ll love

Make your drive (and upkeep of the car) easier with these nifty car tricks and tips. 1. Use toothpaste to clean foggy headlights Buff headlights with toothpaste on a soft cloth and they’ll soon look as good as new. 2. Cool a car without air conditioning Roll down one window, and open and close on the other side a few times. The hot air escapes through the door, while cool air enters the open window. 3. Fix scratches with nail polish If you have no touch-up pain on hand, clear nail polish helps fill scratches and cover up metal to avoid rust. 4. Use a staple remover on tough key rings Adding a new key onto your car key chain? Use a staple remover to prop open key ring and slide keys on and off. 5. Always know what side the tank is on If you’re in an unfamiliar car save yourself pulling up to the wrong side in the petrol station by looking at the fuel gauge. The arrow next to the fuel icon points to the side that the tank is on. 6. Organise supplies for a road trip A shoe organiser hung from the back of the front seat is an easy and cheap way to organise all the items you might need on hand on your road trip. 7. Plunge small dents away Got a small dent in your car? Push a plunger firmly against it and pull out to return it (mostly) back to normal. 8. Cool a scorching steering wheel To prevent a hot steering wheel, turn the wheel 180 degrees before getting out of your car. Now the part you touch is in the shade while you’re out and about. Related links: <a href="/travel/travel-tips/2015/08/motion-sickness-remedies-everyone-should-know/">Motion sickness remedies everyone should know</a> <a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/03/great-car-cleaning-tips/">Car cleaning tips everyone should know</a> <a href="/finance/money/2014/08/five-need-to-know-things-about-roadside-help/">Five need to know things about roadside help</a>

Home & Garden

Do you know the correct way to clean your pillows?

Most people are diligent about washing their sheets and pillowcases regularly. The quilt or bedspread will also get a turn in the washing machine at least a couple of times a season. But many people forget to wash their pillows, or aren’t sure how to go about doing so. That’s where we come in. We’ve got the best ways to keep your pillows clean without doing damage to them. Down or fibre-filled pillows These are the most common kind of pillow used, and are luckily easy enough to wash. You can put them straight into your washing machine. Try to keep your machine balanced by washing two pillows at once. If you have one, a machine without an agitator is best, but not essential. If your machine has an agitator, simply place your pillows in vertically so it’s less likely to be damaged. Be sure to follow any instructions on your pillow’s care label. If there’s no label, just use warm water and a gentle cycle. You may want to add a cold rinse and spin to make sure no soapy residue remains. You can tumble dry your pillows on a low heat if you like, or leave them in a sunny spot to dry naturally. A dryer will help fluff the insides up a little more, though – especially if you use rubber dryer balls. Foam pillows The down side to foam pillows (pun intended) is that you can’t put them into your washing machine. But many of these pillows will come with a detachable cover, which can be washed. Just be sure to follow any instructions on the tag. To remove any dust from your foam pillow, you can use your vacuum cleaner’s upholstery tool. Your other option is to tumble the pillow on a no-heat cycle in the dryer for 20 minutes. If your pillow has instructions for hand washing, feel free to follow them carefully. But be aware that wet foam can tear easily. Make sure your pillow is completely dry before replacing them on the bed. PRO TIP: If you fold your pillow in half and it doesn’t spring back into shape, it’s time for a new pillow. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/at-home/2015/04/great-laundry-tips/">8 stain-removal hacks</a> <a href="/lifestyle/at-home/2015/04/great-laundry-tips-and-tricks/">6 laundry hacks</a> <a href="/lifestyle/at-home/2015/04/dirtiest-household-items/">These are the most germ-filled things in your home</a>

Home & Garden

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Do you use predictive text? Chances are it’s not saving you time – and could even be slowing you down

The correct way to store beauty products

Michael Klim's devastating health battle

Supercheap Auto hero finally speaks

Twist in Supercheap Auto "hero" saga

Supercheap Auto "hero" flooded with job offers after being stood down

"Keen to correct": How Charles wanted to respond to the Oprah interview

Jamie Oliver confirms the correct way to abbreviate "spaghetti bolognese"

Blinker wars: Quiz on correct roundabout rules sparks intense debate

How this “superhero” dad's tiredness turned into a rare disease

The correct way to clean your jeans without washing them

This tricky quiz will test you: Can you pick the correct spelling?

The stretch to correct your posture

The Kmart service set to disappear

How to stop Facebook’s auto-play video feature

8 clever car tips you’ll love

Do you know the correct way to clean your pillows?

Our Partners

News

Shop

Catalogues

Newspaper

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Compare

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Do you use predictive text? Chances are it’s not saving you time – and could even be slowing you down

The correct way to store beauty products

Michael Klim's devastating health battle

Supercheap Auto hero finally speaks

Twist in Supercheap Auto "hero" saga

Supercheap Auto "hero" flooded with job offers after being stood down

"Keen to correct": How Charles wanted to respond to the Oprah interview

Jamie Oliver confirms the correct way to abbreviate "spaghetti bolognese"

Blinker wars: Quiz on correct roundabout rules sparks intense debate

How this “superhero” dad's tiredness turned into a rare disease

The correct way to clean your jeans without washing them

This tricky quiz will test you: Can you pick the correct spelling?

The stretch to correct your posture

The Kmart service set to disappear

How to stop Facebook’s auto-play video feature

8 clever car tips you’ll love

Do you know the correct way to clean your pillows?

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