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New proposal would see child care cost just $10 per day

In an incredibly promising step towards affordable and high-quality early childhood education, families in Australia could soon benefit from a significant reduction in costs – potentially paying just $10 a day for three days a week of high-quality care. This development is part of a broader push to reform the current, troubled system, driven by the Centre for Policy Development (CPD) and supported by various early learning and parenting groups. The CPD has introduced a comprehensive plan aimed at overhauling the existing system, proposing free or low-cost early learning for all children three days a week. A key aspect of their proposal includes replacing the current childcare subsidy with a "child-centred" funding model that directly finances early education centres. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has endorsed the initiative, highlighting its significance in the national conversation on childcare, stating, “Universal child care provision, as it is in a range of other countries, is something that is a valued national asset. Early education is good for children, it’s good for families, but it’s also good for our economy.” Countries like Denmark, Germany, Sweden and Norway have successfully implemented legislated entitlements for early childhood services. Research indicates that where universal or low-cost education is available, participation rates are high, suggesting similar potential outcomes for Australia. Economic modelling by CPD suggests that universal or low-cost early learning could increase tax revenue by up to $3.2 billion annually and boost economic growth by $6.9 billion as more parents, particularly mothers, are able to work additional hours. The federal government is awaiting the final report from the Productivity Commission before making further decisions. Preliminary findings from this body and a separate investigation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission have identified the current system as complex, costly and inconsistently available across the country. Andrew Hudson, CEO of the Centre for Policy Development, labelled the existing system as "broken", noting that about 22% of children start school developmentally vulnerable and over 120,000 children miss out on early learning entirely due to stringent activity test rules and other barriers. Hudson also pointed out that enabling more women to return to the workforce represents the "single biggest productivity gain" for the country, describing the proposal as a "classic win-win". As momentum builds, this initiative promises a brighter future for Australian families, making high-quality early childhood education more accessible and affordable, while delivering significant economic and social benefits. Image: Shutterstock

Family & Pets

10 ways to cruise as a senior

Just because you’re older, that doesn’t mean you can’t experience all that a cruising holiday has to offer. Follow our simple tips for a fun filled holiday on the water. 1. Choose the right ship Cruise ships today carry anywhere from six to 6,000 people. The larger megaliners tend to be geared towards families with plenty of crazy rides and high-energy activities. They’ll also probably be crowded with kids. Smaller boutique ships operate at a slower pace and are generally stocked with an older crowd. Do your research and find one to suit you. 2. And the right cabin Do you need an accessible cabin? Do you want to reduce walking with a cabin close to the elevators? Is it important for you to have some outside space of your own? These are all important questions that you’ll need to answer when you book. The right cabin can make or break a cruise. 3. Pick an appropriate itinerary You’ll need to decide if you want to visit new places every day or spend more time onboard the ship. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Port heavy itineraries, where you’re stopping at a new destination every day, can be tiring. On the other hand, you might get bored with too many days at sea. Think realistically about your needs and make the right choice for you. 4. Research your dates One of the best things about being a senior traveller is that you are (generally) no longer bound by things like school holidays. By avoiding these times you’ll not only save money, you won’t be on a ship with an unusually high proportion of children. When cruising in the Caribbean, you’ll also need to keep in mind the US college holidays so you’re not trapped with a bunch of boozy spring breakers. 5. Allow extra time It’s a sad fact of ageing that you’re not as quick on your feet as you used to be. That means you’ll need to factor in extra time for just about everything. Ships can be huge, so you don’t want to be rushing to make a dinner reservation or spa appointment. This applies on shore too. If you’re really late, the ship will leave without you so don’t cut it too fine. 6. Choose the right shore excursions Before you book, have a chat with the shore excursions team and get a good idea of the physical requirements. What they consider minimal walking might not be the same as what you consider minimal walking. These tours aren’t cheap, so you want to be sure that you can enjoy everything it involves. 7. Look at onboard activities You might not want to get off at every port (which can be exhausting) but still want to be entertained onboard. And adventurous activities like skydiving simulators and giant waterslides may not be your thing any more. Many cruise lines offer fantastic enrichment programs onboard where you can listen to world-class lecturers, learn new skills or watch performances from the likes of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts or the Lincoln Centre. 8. Give yourself time to relax You’re on holiday! If you want to spend a day in bed, watching movies and ordering room service then do exactly that. Don’t feel any pressure to be up and about every day. 9. Travel with the right companions Solo, couple, friends or family, there’s a cruise for every group. Cruising is hugely popular with multi-generational groups as there something for everyone to do, but it might not make for the most relaxing holiday. If you’re a solo traveller, you can book a single cabin all to yourself or find a room mate with any number of matching services. Just think carefully – because once you’re onboard with your travel buddy, there’s no getting off. 10. Think about medical care Be realistic about any medical needs you may have. Most ships have a decent medical centre, but if you are spending multiple days at sea or cruising to very remote destinations and something happens it might not be enough to help you. If you are concerned, choose cruises that stay close to shore or visit developed countries where you can get proper treatment quickly. Image credits: Shutterstock

Cruising

Major Australian cruise line shuts down

After almost a century of voyages, one of Australia's most trusted cruise lines is shutting down. In a shock statement on Tuesday, P&O Australia announced it will cease to exist from early 2025, with the family-friendly cruising company wrapping up operations. The cruise liner’s parent company Carnival Cruises announced the shocking news in a statement, which read, “In March 2025, the company will sunset the P&O Cruises Australia brand and fold the Australia operations into Carnival Cruise Line, which has served the South Pacific since 2013 and is today the world’s most popular cruise line." “When the transition is complete next year, the Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure ships will begin sailing under the Carnival Cruise Line brand while the Pacific Explorer will exit the fleet at that time.” A spokesperson for Carnival Cruise said those who are booked on a currently available itinerary with P&O Cruises Australia will “operate business as usual” and guests will be “notified in the coming days” of any changes to future bookings as a result of the announcement. Josh Weinstein, chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation, said the increasing operating costs and the South Pacific’s “small population” had weighed in on the decision to close up shop. “P&O Cruises Australia is a storied brand with an amazing team, and we are extremely proud of everything we have accomplished together in Australia and the broader region,” Mr Weinstein said. “However, given the strategic reality of the South Pacific’s small population and significantly higher operating and regulatory costs, we’re adjusting our approach to give us the efficiencies we need to continue delivering an incredible cruise experience year-round to our guests in the region.” According to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/travel-stories/po-cruise-australia-to-shut-down-after-almost-a-century-of-voyages/news-story/9c7f34641337edf06a764849241a35b0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>, P&O Cruises Australia will continue setting sail as planned until March next year before Carnival Cruises absorbs P&O customers and redistributes keen travellers on different Carnival ships. Ahead of the announcement, president of Carnival Cruise Line Christine Duffy warned there would be major job losses as a result of the decision. “This is not an easy decision for the company to shut down or sunset the P&O Australia brand,” she told <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Telegraph</a>. “We will continue to maintain an office here in Sydney. We don’t want to get into the numbers of people this impacts.” Image credits: Shutterstock

Cruising

Racist street name set to change

The name of a street in northern NSW is set to be changed after an Uber driver stumbled across it and alerted locals to its racist background. Byron Shire Council announced that Hottentot Crescent in Mullumbimby, will soon be renamed Moonlight Close, after the council deemed Hottentot - a racist term for Indigenous South Africans - no longer appropriate for use. Jonny Simons, a local man who moved to Australia from South Africa in the 1980s, was the first person to petition for the name change back in November, after the Uber driver tipped him off. He garnered 383 signatures in the petition, but not all residents and community members supported the change. Last year, there were 12 submissions from past and present residents objecting to the council's name change proposal. One resident insisted on keeping the name saying: “My understanding is that our street name was chosen decades ago, after a tree, the Hottentot Bean Tree (Schotia Brachypetala). Never in my time as a resident here, have I heard another person ever relate the street name in regards to a racial slur." “While I appreciate the concerns raised, it is essential to acknowledge that names can change in meaning and connotation over the years. “Altering the street name would greatly impact residents and the council long term with endless administrative changes and potential financial costs.” However, five other submissions were in favour of the change, with one writing: “a racial slur is a racial slur even if a tree is named after it. As much as I loved the sound of the name, it has to go.” A few other names were put forward, including Drunken Parrot Place - named after a nearby tree full of lorikeets getting drunk in spring and summer - but the council ultimately decided on Moonlight Close. In November, following community consultation, the council’s director of infrastructure services Phillip Holloway, recommended the name change “on the basis that there is more lasting value in trying to minimise the type of hurt this particular name could cause some people over the long term", over avoiding costs to the residents in the short term. He added that many of the residents were unaware of the racist connotation of the name "beyond naming the relevant tree", and that "the tree name itself is racially loaded" because it is linked to the slur used towards the Khoisan people "who used the tree for food during South Africa’s colonisation.” Simons, who petitioned for the change, said he doesn't hold anything against the residents who were against the name change as "they didn't know what it meant". "They thought it was the name of a tree, but that tree was named as such because the Khoisan people of South Africa ate the fruit of that tree," he said. Image: Google Maps

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How Bindi Irwin is passing down Steve's legacy to her daughter

Bindi Irwin has found a unique and heartwarming way to introduce her late dad Steve to her own daughter. Grace, who is now three years old, never got to meet her grandfather Steve Irwin, who tragically passed away in 2006. In order to pass down his legacy and introduce Steve to her own daughter, Bindi has been showing Grace her dad's old documentaries. In an interview with <a title="US Weekly" href="https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/bindi-irwin-shares-the-one-thing-she-wants-to-tell-dad-steve-irwin/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">US Weekly,</a> 25-year-old Bindi said her daughter has already picked up Steve's iconic catchphrase. "He was the same person in real life as he was on screen, so I feel like Grace is able to grow up knowing him," Bindi said. "As soon as we turn Dad on, she starts doing her imitation, yelling 'Crikey!' through the living room." Bindi, who continues to run Australia Zoo alongside her mum Terri, brother Robert, and her husband Chandler Powell, said the place is still filled with the essence of Steve with photos of him all through the park. It's bittersweet for Bindi, who's seeing her daughter grow up with a version of Steve who's only on the screen and the memory of him in Australia Zoo, but she's hoping that he's proud of them. "If I had the chance, the one thing I'd say to my dad is, 'I love you, and I miss you. Every day that you aren't here is hard. But we hope to be making you proud,'" she said. "I think when there's love that is that great, it never truly goes away. He's always with us." Image credits: Instagram

Family & Pets

Channel 10 axes another show amid ratings crisis

Channel 10 has decided to axe yet another popular show as they continue to grapple with declining ratings and viewers leaving. Following the cancellation of The Bachelors and The Masked Singer, <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13449749/Channel-10-axes-amid-ratings-crisis-revealed-Channel-Seven-considering-saving-unlikely-series.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a> reported that the network was also cancelling Gladiators. Despite the show's success in the UK, the Australian reboot struggled to find the same effect as they failed to sustain their initial viewership. The show produced by Warner Bros and hosted by Beau Ryan and Liz Ellis was launched with high hopes and attracted 395,000 metro viewers during its premiere. However, by the second episode the numbers plummeted to just 196,000 - over half of the initial viewership. Critics on social media were also quick to point out the lack of crowd presence, despite the show being filmed under normal conditions, with one person saying: "It felt like watching an event without any real energy." The Traitors is another the show that was axed by the network after just two seasons, and now an insider has revealed that Channel Seven is considering commissioning the series. "The show's concept has potential, but it needs a fresh approach and a new platform," the insider told Daily Mail Australia. They also shared what's in store for Channel 10 as they attempt to revive their ratings. "Channel 10 is now deciding to put all their eggs in one basket, planning to roll out not one, but two seasons of Australian Survivor in 2025," the insider said. "They are putting together a 10th season special as well as an Australia vs USA Survivor all-star showdown which will be screened simultaneously in America and Down Under." A Channel 10 executive said: "Survivor has consistently performed well for us, and we believe this new approach will reignite audience interest." The Daily Mail reported that they have contacted Channel Seven and 10 for a comment. Image: Ten

Entire Knox team stood down after abusing female players

Knox Football Netball Club (KFNC) has stood down its entire mens development indefinitely, following reports of their "inexcusable behaviour" towards an opposing women's team. Reports emerged this week that players from the Melbourne suburban football club rated and attempted to trip over Donvale's female players as they entered the field last Sunday. “They held out their legs to trip the women over and used the phrases yes, no, mediocre, rating each female player. The players were rightly upset but they played out the rest of the game,” veteran reporter Jacqui Felgate said. “I hope the men that did this … are held to account," she continued. KFNC immediately looked into the incident, and on Thursday announced that the whole team had been “stood down indefinitely pending the outcome of the independent investigation” in an open letter shared on Facebook. They also said: "KFNC recognises that such behaviour is completely unacceptable and does not reflect the values of the club." KNFC will also implement a comprehensive behavioural and domestic violence education program across the entire club. “Participation in this program will be mandatory for all members, with a ‘no education, no play’ rule in effect,” Knox said. “KFNC is establishing an ongoing partnership with a local family violence shelter for both education and charitable support. “We understand the gravity of this situation and the importance of taking swift and decisive action. We are committed to learning from this incident and ensuring that such behaviour is not repeated in the future. “Our club stands for inclusivity, respect, and safety for all members, and we will continue to uphold these values in everything we do.” Felgate reacted to Knox's open letter and said that the action was “the very least they could do”. “Women play sport — they should not be subjected to abuse on the field, off the field, whatever, on the base of their sex,” Felgate said. A Donvale player also spoke to the Herald Sun anonymously and said that her team were already "uncomfortable" before the comments began. "We all realised what happened a lot of us broke down in tears and just felt helpless," she told the publication. "I’ve had individual men come up to me and say things that aren’t really appropriate but this was a group of 20 men standing, laughing and making comments about us. “The only thing I want to emphasise is the amount of other men from Knox that were around them not saying anything," she added. “Unfortunately I really do believe that men aren’t going to stop behaving like this unless other men call it out, they don’t listen to women.” Image: Facebook/ Knox Football Club

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10 best airports for sleeping

Sleeping in airports isn’t exactly luxury, but sometimes when you’re stuck between flights you’re all out of options. We’ve taken a look at the 10 best airports to sleep in. While you might not be able to get your full set of 40 winks, at least you can catch a little bit of shut eye at these airports. 10. Taipei Taoyuan International Airport – Taiwan You might want to bring along an eye mask or sunglasses, but you can definitely get a bit of shut-eye between flights at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport. This airport makes the list but it is quite busy so it’s an idea to have some earplugs or even a pillow if you’re serious about sleeping. 9. Stockholm Arlanda International Airport – Sweden Nothing ruins an airport nap like missing your international flight! Travellers sleeping at Stockholm Arlanda International Airport needn’t be concerned though as there have been reports of travellers leaving post-it notes with stickers that say “Wake me at 5:00am”. Beats an alarm clock! 8. Tallinn International Airport – Estonia This international airport is fast gaining a reputation as a good place to catch some sleep, but it’s advised that you make sure you sleep near other travellers. The website says, “Make sure they are actual travellers and not homeless people – it is sometimes hard to tell in certain airports.” 7. Tokyo Haneda International Airport – Japan Due partly to its proximity to the rest of town, Tokyo Haneda International Airport is a very popular airport to sleep at, to the point where the site says, “If you are staying at a busy airport overnight, you'll have to get there early if you want a good spot, especially during the summer season.” 6. Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport – Portugal While this airport provides a great option for travellers looking to catch up on a little bit of shut-eye, they still have to be creative. The website recommends heading, “behind ticket counters, under and behind seats, in wheelchairs and on luggage conveyor belts,” to get some sleep. 5. Vienna International Airport – Austria This airport sports a grand-spanking new terminal with some nice cots for you to catch up with some shut eye in peace and privacy. There are also lots of power sockets around the place if you need to charge devices or even if you were looking to check out the latest <a href="../news/news/">O</a>ver 60 article on your tablet! 4. Munich International Airport – Germany If you’re looking to catch up on some sleep at the home of Oktoberfest you’re in luck – Munich International Airport is set up pretty well for dozing travellers, relatively safe and asides from the odd security officer asking to see your boarding pass you will generally be left alone. 3. Helsinki International Airport – Finland There is a range of options for sleepy travellers at Helsinki International Airport including the famous GoSleep airport sleeping pods. These handy capsules measure in at 1.8 metres by 0.6 metres, and can be rented for as little as $12 to ensure you get some peace and quiet as you sleep. 2. Seoul Incheon International Airport – South Korea This huge international airport is a marvel in and of itself and provides a state of the art, luxurious place to get a little bit of shut eye between naps. What is even better is the fact that there have been reports of, “a few generous vendors giving away their unsold food to airport sleepers.” 1. Changi International Airport – Singapore When you look at the inclusions this airport has sheerly designed to enhance customer comfort you can see why there’s no question Changi International Airport came out at number one. Enjoy massage chairs, low-lit relaxation zones, armrest-free seating and handy charging outlets. Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Tips

New rules to crack down on dodgy taxi practices

New technology is being rolled out on Wednesday, which will make it more difficult for taxi drivers to overcharge their customers. The country's largest taxi payment provider, Cabcharge, is introducing a new system which will link cab drivers' payment terminals with their meters. The move has been made in attempt to crack down on dodgy taxi practices. Under the current system the two are not connected, so dishonest drivers may disregard the distance and fee on the meter and input a higher sum on their payment terminals, charging customers more money. The crack down has been approved Australia's most extensive taxi network which includes operators such as 13cabs, Silver Service and Black & White Cabs. They are also encouraged to display a sticker that says "We proudly accept Cabcharge." Speaking to 2GB on Monday, Nick Abrahim the CEO of NSW Taxi Council said that the technology was "welcomed news", which will help strengthen customer trust. "We want people, whether they're going to a sporting event or a concert or whatever it is, not even to worry about the transport issues. We want them to go out and make sure they're having a good time," he said. "The majority of drivers are out there, they want to do the right thing they want to look after passengers, but we know there are a handful of those drivers that unfortunately think they can flout the law and get away from it... [this] sends a strong message to that handful of drivers." Image: Shutterstock

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10 questions you must ask before booking a tour

A tour can be a memorable experience, for the right and wrong reasons. Here are 10 questions you must ask yourself before booking one on your next holiday. 1. Are there minimum or maximum group sizes? This applies for two reasons. Firstly, you need to decide how many people you’d like to travel with. Small group tours will have no more than a dozen or so while larger tours could be up to 50. The size will drastically impact your tour experience, affecting everything from the mode of transport to the type of meals. Secondly, you need to know if there’s a minimum group size needed for the tour to run. If you’re the only one who books you may find it cancelled. 2. What is your cancellation/refund policy? As a rule of thumb, you should ask this question about any kind of travel you book before you hand over your cash. With a tour, make sure you find out their policies around inclement weather, too few passengers or if you need to cancel. And as always, travel insurance is your best friend. 3. Are you available for support throughout? One of the good things about travelling with a tour is that you’ll have the services of at least one guide. It’s also good to know if the tour office itself is available for assistance when you’re on the road. This comes in handy if you have to make changes, get sick or are unhappy with the experience. 4. Do you have any reviews I can read? If you can’t find the tour company on TripAdvisor or a similar review site, ask the company if they have any testimonials from previous customers. Before you make your final decision, it’s nice to know what other people have said about the tour and its style. 5. What experience/qualifications do the guides have? Many tour companies now pride themselves on using locals or people who have lived in a country for many years to guide tours. You don’t want to be stuck with someone who just reads from a guidebook – you can do that yourself for half the price. Find out what they know before you go. 6. How active is it? There is a huge spectrum when it comes to tours, ranging from coach journeys with very little walking to active treks where you cover hard ground every day. Make sure you find out exactly what will be involved and if that suits your abilities and fitness level. And be realistic – you and the tour group will suffer otherwise. 7. What is the demographic? You don’t want to get stuck on a tour with a bunch of 25 year olds who are just looking for the pub. Most people prefer to travel with people around their own age and in similar demographics (such as solo travellers, seniors, families etc), so make sure you find out who is likely to be in your group before you book. 8. Is everything included or will I have to pay for extras? You should be able to get a detailed break down of exactly what is – and what isn’t – included in the price. What looked like a good deal can quickly become very expensive if you have to pay for day excursions, admission fees, alcohol or other surprises. 9. How much time do you spend in each place? Are you looking to tick many famous sites off your list or do you want to have the time to immerse yourself in a destination? When you’re looking at an itinerary, ask questions about how long you will actually be spending at each place to ensure that you get enough time to really enjoy it. 10. Will I get any free time on my own? After many days as part of a group, it’s nice to have some time on your own. You can explore sites that aren’t on your itinerary, try a new restaurant or just have a well deserved nap. Find out how rigid the schedules are and if there will be some time to do your own thing. Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Tips

10 tips for a better night’s sleep in a hotel room

From noisy neighbours to unbearable bedding, a good night’s sleep in a hotel room can be hard to come by. Here are 10 tips to help you get decent shut eye. 1. Book a room midway down a hallway This is generally the quietest part of the floor, way from ice and wending machines, laundry facilities, exits, closets and any other places where sudden noises might occur. 2. Try to avoid rooms facing a pool While the view is something to admire, pools can also be the sight of noise generating late-night gathering and any sounds generally echo loudly off the water. 3. Inquire at the front desk about pillow options If the wrong pillow gives you back or neck pain have a chat to the front desk when checking in. Most hotels stock pillows of varying firmness, and can offer a better fit. 4. Pack earplugs and eyeshades When you’re struggling to get to sleep the tiniest noise or ray of light can end up being a huge distraction. Nip this in the bud by packing earplugs and eyeshades. 5. Turn your mobile phone off Mobile notifications can be a huge distraction (particularly when they’re coming from friends and family in different time zones). Turn your phone off, and enjoy the bliss. 6. Make use of your ‘do not disturb’ sign If you’re planning to sleep in make sure you put your ‘do not disturb’ sign on the outside doorknob, otherwise you might get a rude awakening from a housekeeper. 7. Report any noises immediately Sometimes a quick pound of the wall will quiet down a noisy neighbour, but this doesn’t always work. If the people in the room next to you won’t keep quiet, make sure you let the front desk know and they can take the necessary actions. 8. Adjust the room temperature Most people sleep better in a cooler room, so make sure you adjust the temperature to whatever is the best fit for you to get sleep. Even just opening the window a tiny little crack can make a big difference in terms of your overall comfort levels. 9. Ask the front desk about blackout shades Particularly if you’re staying in a city that’s full of lights, noises and distractions, blackout shades can provide you with a level of peace and comfort that will help you sleep. 10. Consider bringing your own sheets Particularly if you’ve got skin sensitives, it’s generally a good idea to bring your own sheets (if you’ve got enough space). The familiar scent and feel will really help you sleep. Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Tips

Hollywood legend targeted on the street in unprovoked attack

During an increase in unprovoked attacks in New York City, a Hollywood A-lister has been targeted in broad daylight. Actor Steve Buscemi was strolling through Kips Bay in mid-town Manhattan last Wednesday when a man walked up and struck the actor in an attack just before midday. The attack on the 66-year-old star is one of the latest unprovoked assaults in the five boroughs, law enforcement sources told <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/05/12/us-news/boardwalk-empire-star-steve-buscemi-attacked-by-rock-wielding-maniac-in-nyc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The New York Post</a>. The actor, who starred in Fargo and Boardwalk Empire, suffered swelling to his face and left eye and was taken to Bellevue Hospital for treatment. His attacker fled the scene and is still at large, according to police. “Steve Buscemi was assaulted in Mid-Town Manhattan, another victim of a random act of violence in the city,” Buscemi’s publicist said in a statement to The Post. “He is OK and appreciates everyone’s well wishes, though incredibly sad for everyone that this has happened to while also walking the streets of New York.” A worker in the area who witnessed part of the assault told the publication, “I saw he was with a woman, and then through the corner of the window I saw him trip and fall backwards.” “He right away got up and ran in the opposite direction. I didn’t see who hit him." “It worries me for when we close because we close at 11 and it can get scary around that time,” said the woman. Image credits: Shutterstock / NYCPD

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“We’re now in a death spiral”: Complete collapse of Channel Ten predicted

The future of Network Ten is in jeopardy, as the broadcaster continues to face dwindling ratings nationwide, while also juggling a turbulent ownership battle at its American parent company Paramount. <a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/media/network-10-is-in-total-turmoil-and-may-not-survive-as-australias-third-commercial-broadcaster/news-story/8834f836947d5f4ca478c9b88db9e47f" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to a report by news.com.au</a>, the existence of the Network is in "total turmoil", after high profile shows such as The Masked Singer and The Bachelor have both been axed, leaving many wondering how long the broadcaster can stay afloat. Queensland University of Technology Professor Amanda Lotz, who leads the Transforming Media Industries research program, told the outlet that it’s unlikely Australia will still have three free-to-air commercial networks in the near future. “I would suspect by the end of the decade that we will have two commercial broadcasters,” Prof Lotz said. “It’s just math. We’re now in a death spiral. And eventually, it might be that we just have one.” QUT Professor Anna Potter, an expert in digital media and cultural studies, agreed that the landscape for commercial TV in Australia is now so stretched that television businesses are dangerously unviable. “I think there’s a big question too about whether Australia can support three television (commercial) broadcasters – and I’m not sure we can,” Prof Potter said. A major part of Ten's toppling has been the ongoing defamation suit against the network, launched against Bruce Lehrmann. While Ten successfully defended the suit, they hardly came out unscathed as the Federal Court criticised its handling of various matters related to the broadcast of The Project’s explosive interview with Brittany Higgins in 2021. Daily headlines about the court case overshadowed many popular programs, many of which failed to deliver a significant ratings recovery. As the network has consistently lost viewers over the past years, nationwide ratings have continuously put Network 10 behind its other commercial competitors, making parent company Paramount doubt how viable the business can be long term. Media analyst and Pearman director of strategy and research Steve Allen said, “A new owner of Paramount Global is unlikely to see Ten as an asset worth retaining because the business is in serious turmoil.” “There’s no programming momentum and they haven’t found a really solid anchor for prime time, their revenue looks steady but they can’t seem to significantly reduce overheads, and now there’s upheaval in terms of their US ownership." “Network 10 is in a real pickle and I don’t see a way out for them.” Image credits: Ten

Channel 10 presenter exposes on-air dress shaming

Channel 10 presenter Narelda Jacobs has exposed a “humiliating” email she received from a viewer who commented on an outfit she wore on-air Tuesday. The Australian journalist, who hosts 10 News First, wore a v-neck blouse and patterned blazer when she was reporting that day, when the unsolicited "feedback" came through. Jacobs shared a screenshot of the email that was sent to the Ten News group on Instagram. “Inappropriate dress sense for reading the news. Cleavage is for the nightclub,” the email read. Addressing the email, Jacobs began: “Yes, we still receive emails like this. Yes, it went to the entire newsroom." “Yes, I was on air at the time. Yes, it is intended to shame and humiliate me," the 48-year-old added. “No, what I’m wearing is not inappropriate but your email sure is.” Followers took to the comments to back Jacobs, with fellow journalists sharing their own experience of receiving sexist criticism. Retired swimmer Giaan Rooney wrote: “Yep. The number of emails the newsroom used to get attacking everything about my appearance when I was presenting the weather was incredible.” The Guardian journalist Amy Remeikis recalled how “not that long ago” a woman felt that she had to “hide” her nine-year-old son from the TV when she was on-air. “Because he wanted to know why that woman (me) had ‘sex face’ and what my boobs were,” Remeikis wrote. “Had never seen breasts apparently, but could use the phrase ‘sex face’.” ABC Radio host Yumi Stynes joked, “How dare you cleavage?” before complimenting Jacobs for her radiant look, while Dessert Masters judge Melissa Leong wrote, “File under ‘When you really hate yourself, so you decide to email random strangers to tell them.’” Comedian Janelle Koenig slammed the ‘feedback’ as “absolute insanity.” This comes after thousands attended <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/it-s-up-to-men-anthony-albanese-joins-violence-against-women-rally" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rallies</a> in late April calling on the government to take action against the recent spate of acts of violence against women. Image: Instagram

"An absolute hero": 10-year-old boy rescues drowning swimmer

Miles Babcock has been made an honorary member of Careflight after saving a woman who was drowning in Sydney Harbour. Miles, who is just 10 years old, was paddle boarding with his dad Graham when they spotted the woman who was struggling in the water. The 10-year-old remained calm and collected after spotting the woman in distress, and began directing his dad over to help the woman out of the water. Graham could not contain his pride for his son, telling Today that he did everything in his power to rush to her aid. "I'm just incredibly proud, it's one of those confronting situations where you never really know how you're going to react," Graham said. "But Miles was the one who spotted the lady in distress, he kept the board steady and told me to get in the water and go and get her, he helped get her onto the board, helped turn her onto the side and helped pat her on the back to help clear her airways." "And then as soon as I asked him to jump off the board because we needed to get into shore as quickly as possible, he just did exactly that." Another nearby paddleboarder helped get the lady onto Miles and Graham's board, while Miles stayed behind to catch a ride back to shore with another boarder. "He was a real, real trooper and an absolute hero on the day," Graham said. "And then all the people who came in and helped were just fantastic, it was one of those things where everyone came together." People on the shore had already called triple zero and the Careflight team worked with lifeguards and paramedics to help get the woman to hospital where she is recovering. In the days after the rescue, Miles was called into the Careflight base to meet with the crew who helped the drowning woman, as they made him an an honorary Air Crew Officer and praised his "heroic rescue". <iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMyCareFlight%2Fvideos%2F416634217746897%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Image credits: Today

Family & Pets

Teen with Down Syndrome sets new world record

A 19-year-old teen with Down Syndrome has conquered the London Marathon and became a Guinness World Record after just five months of training. Lloyd Martin from Cardiff completed the 42.1 km course across the capital with his mother cheering him on. Guinness World Record has awarded him the certificate for becoming the youngest person in his learning disability category to finish a marathon. "I'm so excited to run London. I love being fit and healthy and I want to make my family and friends proud," the teenager said. Mum Ceri Hooper also told the BBC how proud she was of her son's accomplishment. "In Lloyd's words, it's achieving his dream," she said. "Really anything is possible if you put your mind to it. With a bit of work, you can achieve it." Recalling the experience, the proud mum said: "He ran continuously for 14 miles which is the longest he's ever run before." Although Lloyd walked for a bit after his 14-mile-long streak, the crowd cheered him on every step of the way, and despite the challenge the mother-and-son duo had "a ball". The pair were at a loss for words when he finally crossed the finish line and they both "burst into tears." Lloyd is also now the third Welsh Special Olympics athlete to compete in the London Marathon. Prior to completing the world-famous marathon, Lloyed had completed an astonishing 30 Parkruns. Until last Christmas the teenager had never run further than three miles, but his mother was determined to get him marathon-ready. Ceri, who has taken on the London Marathon four times, created a specialised training regime for her son which included weekly runs. Lloyd managed to secure a spot in the marathon thanks to the help of the Special Olympics GB, where he is also a footballer and a gymnast. Images: Facebook/ Twitter

Caring

"Big one for shenanigans": Aussie larrikin paddles a giant pumpkin down a river

In potentially the most Aussie story ever and a suspected world first, one bloke has pinched his mate's award-winning pumpkin to turn into a paddle boat and sail down the Tumut River. The enormous pumpkin was grown by farmer Mark Peacock, who grew the vegetable to a whopping 407kg and would regularly post updates on the gourd's growing progress on Facebook. The pumpkin even earned a fitting name, Tormund after a character in Game of Thrones, and was used to feed his livestock. After the pumpkin had served its purpose, Peacock's friend and local canoe club commodore Adam Farquharson saw a once in a lifetime opportunity. Sporting a sailor hat and pipe, he navigated the hollowed-out pumpkin, dubbed ‘Cinderella’, down the Tumut River in New South Wales’ Riverina region, much to the amusement of bystanders. “Barry Humphries said that he’s a big fan of the unnecessary, and I am too. I’m a big one for shenanigans,” he told <a title="www.abc.net.au" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-16/man-turns-mammoth-400kg-pumpkin-into-a-canoe/103708438">ABC Riverena</a><a title="www.abc.net.au" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-16/man-turns-mammoth-400kg-pumpkin-into-a-canoe/103708438">.</a> While initially surprised by Farquharson’s antics, Mr Peacock acknowledged that it was characteristic of his friend’s sense of humour to do something out of the ordinary to make people smile. “He’s really hilarious. But he’s random, occasionally,” he said. “I intentionally grew this as a family project and then started doing Facebook updates every week.” For Mr Farquharson, the voyage was simply about enjoying himself and giving locals an opportunity for a laugh. Farquharson joked about potential future exploits but remained grounded about his brief moment of fame as “Popeye the Pumpkin Man.” “I think the worldwide fame will wear off pretty soon. I won’t end up like Taylor Swift. I’ll just get back to life as normal,” he said. Reflecting on the unusual journey, Mr Farquharson humorously considered preserving the pumpkin as a national curiosity by placing it on a pedestal among Australian sporting royalty. “It was a sad moment. I did jokingly say to my wife that I should petition the prime minister to have it preserved and put next to Phar Lap’s heart at the National Museum,” he told the ABC. “She thought I was an idiot.” Image credits: Facebook

Domestic Travel

Judge finds Bruce Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins and dismisses Network 10 defamation case. How did it play out?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/brendan-clift-715691">Brendan Clift</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> Bruce Lehrmann has lost his defamation suit against Channel Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson after the media defendants proved, on the balance of probabilities, that Lehrmann raped his colleague Brittany Higgins in Parliament House in 2019. After a trial lasting around a month, Federal Court Justice Michael Lee – an experienced defamation judge – concluded that both Lehrmann and Higgins had credibility issues, but ultimately <a href="https://www.judgments.fedcourt.gov.au/judgments/Judgments/fca/single/2024/2024fca0369">he was persuaded</a> that Lehrmann raped Higgins, as she’d alleged and he’d denied. <h2>Criminal trials by proxy</h2> Ordinarily, charges like rape would be resolved through the criminal courts, but Lehrmann’s criminal trial was <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-27/jury-discharged-in-trial-of-bruce-lehrmann-brittany-higgins/101583486">aborted</a> in October 2022 after juror misconduct. The charges against him were soon <a href="https://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/courts-law/bruce-lehrmann-sexual-assault-charge-dropped-dpp-confirms/news-story/3f82dd388d2cfa38680f7d4f4ceb1c5e">dropped</a>, nominally over concerns for Higgins’ mental health. Higgins, however, foresaw civil proceedings and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/05/brittany-higgins-volunteered-to-be-defamation-trial-witness-as-she-would-not-let-rapist-become-a-millionaire-ntwnfb">offered to testify</a> should they arise. That they did, as Lehrmann, free from the burden of any proven crime, sued several media outlets for defamation over their reporting into the allegations (<a href="https://www.fedcourt.gov.au/services/access-to-files-and-transcripts/online-files/lehrmann">the ABC</a> and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/06/abc-agrees-to-pay-bruce-lehrmann-150000-to-settle-defamation-claim-court-documents-reveal">News Corp</a> both settled out of court). <iframe class="flourish-embed-iframe" style="width: 100%; height: 550px;" title="Interactive or visual content" src="https://flo.uri.sh/visualisation/17195035/embed" width="100%" height="400" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-forms allow-scripts allow-downloads allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation"></iframe> <div style="width: 100%!; margin-top: 4px!important; text-align: right!important;"><a class="flourish-credit" href="https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/17195035/?utm_source=embed&utm_campaign=visualisation/17195035" target="_top"><img src="https://public.flourish.studio/resources/made_with_flourish.svg" alt="Made with Flourish" /></a></div> Like Ben Roberts-Smith’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/dismissed-legal-experts-explain-the-judgment-in-the-ben-roberts-smith-defamation-case-191503">recent defamation suit</a> against the former Fairfax papers, this became another case of civil proceedings testing grave allegations in the absence of a criminal law outcome. The form of proceedings made for some key differences with the aborted criminal trial. In criminal cases, prosecutors are ethically bound to act with moderation in pursuing a conviction, which requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt, while defendants have the right to silence. By contrast, this trial featured detailed accounts from both sides as each sought to convince, in essence, that their contentions were likely to be correct. Also like the Roberts-Smith case, live streaming of the trial generated very high levels of public engagement. Today’s stream reached audiences of more than 45,000 people. It gave us the chance to assess who and what we believe, and to scrutinise the parties’ claims and the media’s reporting. The Federal Court doesn’t have juries, but we, the public, acted as a de facto panel of peers. We saw accusations and denials, revealing <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-23/bruce-lehrmann-defamation-trial-network-ten-lisa-wilkinson-ends/103260752">cross-examination</a> of the protagonists, witness testimony from colleagues, CCTV footage from nightclubs to Parliament House complete with lip-reading, expert testimony on alcohol consumption and consent, and lawyers constructing timelines which supported or poked holes in competing versions of events. The complexity of high-stakes legal proceedings was on display, with Justice Lee issuing many interim decisions on questions of procedure and evidence. Whenever transparency was at stake, it won. The preference for full disclosure led to the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2024/apr/02/bruce-lehrmann-defamation-trial-network-10-fresh-evidence-bid-lisa-wilkinson-brittany-higgins-delay-ntwnfb">case being re-opened</a> at the eleventh hour to call former Channel 7 producer Taylor Auerbach as a witness, providing a denouement that the judge called “sordid”, but which had little relevance to the final result. <h2>An argument over the truth</h2> Lehrmann had the burden of proving that the defendants published matter harmful to his reputation. That matter was Wilkinson’s interview with Higgins on Channel Ten’s The Project in which the allegations were made. A statement is only defamatory if it’s untrue, but in Australian law, the publisher bears the burden of proving truth, should they opt for that defence. And more serious allegations usually require more compelling proof, as the law views them as inherently more unlikely. This can be onerous for a defamation defendant, but it also involves risk for the plaintiff, should the defendant embark on an odyssey of truth-telling yet more damaging to the plaintiff’s image. That happened to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-65717684">Ben Roberts-Smith</a> and it happened to Lehrmann here. On the other hand, if the media hasn’t done their homework, as in <a href="https://www.judgments.fedcourt.gov.au/judgments/Judgments/fca/single/2023/2023fca1223">Heston Russell’s case</a> against the ABC (also presided over by Justice Lee), the complainant can be vindicated. This case was a manifestation of Lehrmann’s professed desire to “<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/oct/26/how-bruce-lehrmanns-media-interviews-cost-him-his-anonymity-in-toowoomba-case">light some fires</a>”. Few players in this extended saga have emerged without scars, and here he burned his own fingers, badly. As Justice Lee put it, Lehrmann, “having escaped the lion’s den [of criminal prosecution], made the mistake of coming back to get his hat”. <h2>How was the case decided?</h2> Lehrmann denied having sex with Higgins, whereas Higgins alleged there had been non-consensual sex. The defamatory nature of the publication centred on the claim of rape, so that was what the media defendants sought to prove. This left open the curious possibility that consensual sex might have taken place: if so, Lehrmann would have brought his case on a false premise (there had been no sex), but the media would have failed to defend it (by not proving a lack of consent), resulting in a Lehrmann win. That awkward scenario did not arise. The court found sex did in fact take place, Higgins in her heavily-inebriated and barely-conscious state did not give consent, and Lehrmann was so intent on his gratification that he ignored the requirement of consent. Justice Lee found Lehrmann to be a persistent, self-interested liar, whereas Higgin’s credibility issues were of lesser degree, some symptomatic of a person piecing together a part-remembered trauma. The judge drew strongly on the evidence of certain neutral parties who could testify to incidents or words spoken in close proximity to the events. <h2>Defamation laws favour the aggrieved</h2> Australian defamation law has historically favoured plaintiffs and, despite recent <a href="https://www.ruleoflaw.org.au/civil/defamation/2021-law-reform/">rebalancing attempts</a>, it remains a favoured legal weapon for those with the resources to use it. This includes our political class, who sue their critics for defamation with unhealthy frequency for a democracy. In the United States, public figures don’t have it so easy: to win they must prove their critics were lying. In Australia, the media sometimes succeeds in proving truth, but contesting defamation proceedings comes at great financial cost and takes an emotional toll on the journalists involved. Nor can a true claim always be proven to a court’s satisfaction, given the rules of evidence and the fact that sources may be reluctant to testify or protected by a reporter’s guarantee of confidentiality. But this case demonstrates that publishers with an appetite for the legal fight can come out on top.<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/225891/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/brendan-clift-715691">Brendan Clift</a>, Lecturer of law, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> Image credits: Getty Images 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/judge-finds-bruce-lehrmann-raped-brittany-higgins-and-dismisses-network-10-defamation-case-how-did-it-play-out-225891">original article</a>.

Legal

Nat Barr breaks down as more details revealed on co-star’s tragic passing

Nat Barr has broken down in tears while paying tribute to Nathan Templeton after his sudden passing. The body of Templeton, a 44-year-old father of two and regular Sunrise reporter, was found on Monday evening after he suffered a medical incident while walking his dog in Geelong. The Sunrise panel confirmed the <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/sunrise-reporter-found-dead-at-age-44" target="_blank" rel="noopener">death</a> of their friend and co-host on Thursday morning, playing a montage of Templeton's time on the program, including him reporting from football games, flood zones, Covid labs and at swimming competitions. Barr's voice over could be heard saying, "Thank you, Tempo, for brightening our lives. We are so fortunate to have known you and worked alongside you. You will be missed." Following the montage, Barr cried as she paid tribute to the father-of-two and thanked him for "brightening everyone's lives". "We know you had more stories to tell them (our viewers). We are sorry you can't tell them. Our hearts go out to our family, your two little boys, Kate, and everyone who knew you inside this building and across the Seven Network," she said. "But also so many of you who have written in and just said that you felt like you knew him because of how he... How he conducted himself on-air." The on-air tribute comes after Templeton's family broke their silence on Nathan's tragic passing, issuing a statement saying the "adoring father and wonderful friend" will be sorely missed. "Our hearts are broken for an adoring father and a wonderful friend, who'll be missed by many," the statement read. In the wake of his untimely death, it has been revealed that Templeton had recently dialled back his time on screen to deal with personal issues. Image credits: Sunrise / Instagram

Caring

10 ways to sneak in meditation into your everyday life

Health experts share their tips and tricks on how to sneak meditation into your daily life without going on a yoga retreat. Ways to meditate every day Meeting deadlines at work, keeping up with friends, and trying to make time to exercise can be stressful – throw in a global pandemic and all its repercussions and it’s no wonder the majority of Australians feel that stress impacts their physical health (72%) and mental health (64%). But whatever the source of your stress, daily meditation can help you cope without having to change your schedule. 1. Try eating a meal without distractions <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/04/1-lunch-mindful-eating-GettyImages-1263611134-770.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> When was the last time you did this? According to Rebecca Weible, founder of Yo Yoga!, eating without your phone, tablet or a book creates real awareness. “Take the time to notice each bite, including the taste and texture of your food,” she says. “This is also great for digestion and portion control.” 2. Unplug and take a walk <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/04/2-walk-scooter-kids-parents-GettyImages-932349458-770.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Sometimes slowing down is as easy as unplugging from the digital world, including your phone, social media and email and taking in your surroundings. Weible says to take notice of each step: “The first and last part of your foot to hit the ground with each step, your stride and your pace. See how long you can stay present.” Running is also a great way to unplug. 3. Try out some yoga moves <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/04/3-yoga-GettyImages-1051753046-770.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Anyone can do yoga, trust us! “Yoga is a moving meditation as you are encouraged to be mindful of each part of your body in every pose and how you are moving from pose to pose,” says Weible. In yoga, you are forced to focus on your breathing and muscle control, which makes you totally present in the moment – a key to good meditation. Ensure you have the yoga mat best suited to your needs, <a href="http://gaiam.innovations.com.au/p/gaiam-yoga/mats?affiliate=GAIAM60" target="_blank" rel="noopener">starting with this extensive range from Gaiam</a>. 4. Really wake up in the morning <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/04/4-waking-up-stretch-GettyImages-552008811-770.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Sure, we all wake up in the morning, but before you hop out of bed for that shower or cup of coffee, Scott Rogers, principal advisor at Innergy Meditation, suggests you really wake before getting out of bed, which means sitting up and taking in your surroundings. “Notice the lighting, the temperature, how you feel,” says Rogers, “Close or lower your eyes for a few breaths – for a few minutes – and rest your attention on the sensations of your body breathing.” 5. Whenever you walk through a door, take a deep breath <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/04/5-walking-through-a-door-GettyImages-1063759498-770.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Another way to bring focus and calm is to take a deep breath every time you walk through a doorway. This forces you to look around, see where you are, and again bring focus into your daily life. “Such moments insert an important wedge of awareness that helps reduce stress and steady the mind,” says Rogers. 6. Use Post-It notes <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/04/6-post-it-note-GettyImages-85007668-770.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> There is no wrong way or right way to meditate. A super-easy way is using Post-It notes. suggests Jackie Itzkowitz and Joel Granik, co-founders of Floating Lotus. “Put a Post-It note on your mirror in your bathroom to remind yourself to think about something you are grateful for,” explain Itzkowitz and Granik. “The fact you can walk, the exciting day you have ahead of you, or even the fact you are alive and well. Taking a moment to be mindful and aware of yourself and the things around you counts as meditating.” 7. Check your breathing <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/04/7-breathing-exercise-GettyImages-1143696586-770.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> This is a really easy one. “Take a moment to sit up tall with both feet on the floor, hands in your lap. You can close the eyes or leave them open,” suggests Weible. “Take a deep breath in through your nose counting to three, then let it out through your nose counting to three. Take another breath in counting to four, let it out counting to four. Repeat this pattern using a five-count. You can take as many breaths as you like, but three mindful breaths can go a long way towards making you feel less stressed and more at ease.” Add the healing benefits of aromatherapy to your breathing exercises <a href="https://gaiam.innovations.com.au/p/gaiam-wellness/relax/27-73273-gaiam-wellness-usb-mini-diffuser?affiliate=GAIAM60" target="_blank" rel="noopener">with the help of a Gaiam Wellness Mini Diffuser</a>. 8. Practise mindfulness <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/04/8-smelling-flowers-roses-GettyImages-455252101-770.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> This another meditation practice you can try anywhere. “Mindfulness meditation involves paying attention to our present moment experience and there is no time when we cannot be practising,” says Rogers. “But, we tend to forget or feel too busy to do so” So literally, slow down and smell the roses. 9. Try switching hands <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/04/9-yoghurt-spoon-GettyImages-1226825261-770.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Most people have one dominant hand so Rogers suggests switching it up. “When you are ready to eat, place your fork or spoon in your non-dominant hand for your first bite,” he says, “This will slow down the process and engage attention. As you take your first bite, notice the sensory richness of sight, smell and touch.” 10. Forget about worrying <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/04/10-meditation-GettyImages-1157178955-770.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> This one is easier said than done but Itzkowitz and Granik say worrying is the one thing that can bring your meditating down. “Actually worrying about doing meditation wrong is the only thing you can do wrong,” they advise. “Be compassionate with yourself and let yourself relax.” This article, written by Felissa Benjamin Allard, originally appeared on<span style="color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder;"> <a style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #258440; text-decoration-line: none; background-color: transparent; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;" href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/conditions/mental-health/10-ways-to-sneak-in-meditation-into-your-everyday-life" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">Images: Shutterstock | Getty

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New proposal would see child care cost just $10 per day

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How Bindi Irwin is passing down Steve's legacy to her daughter

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Hollywood legend targeted on the street in unprovoked attack

“We’re now in a death spiral”: Complete collapse of Channel Ten predicted

Channel 10 presenter exposes on-air dress shaming

"An absolute hero": 10-year-old boy rescues drowning swimmer

Teen with Down Syndrome sets new world record

"Big one for shenanigans": Aussie larrikin paddles a giant pumpkin down a river

Judge finds Bruce Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins and dismisses Network 10 defamation case. How did it play out?

Nat Barr breaks down as more details revealed on co-star’s tragic passing

10 ways to sneak in meditation into your everyday life

Our Partners

News

Shop

Catalogues

Newspaper

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Compare

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

New proposal would see child care cost just $10 per day

10 ways to cruise as a senior

Major Australian cruise line shuts down

Racist street name set to change

How Bindi Irwin is passing down Steve's legacy to her daughter

Channel 10 axes another show amid ratings crisis

Entire Knox team stood down after abusing female players

10 best airports for sleeping

New rules to crack down on dodgy taxi practices

10 questions you must ask before booking a tour

10 tips for a better night’s sleep in a hotel room

Hollywood legend targeted on the street in unprovoked attack

“We’re now in a death spiral”: Complete collapse of Channel Ten predicted

Channel 10 presenter exposes on-air dress shaming

"An absolute hero": 10-year-old boy rescues drowning swimmer

Teen with Down Syndrome sets new world record

"Big one for shenanigans": Aussie larrikin paddles a giant pumpkin down a river

Judge finds Bruce Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins and dismisses Network 10 defamation case. How did it play out?

Nat Barr breaks down as more details revealed on co-star’s tragic passing

10 ways to sneak in meditation into your everyday life

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