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REVIEW: Super-intelligent, dog-detecting robot lawn mower

I was recently invited to an onsite demonstration of a brand new line of lawn mowers that were pitched as being not just a lawn mower, but a furry-friend dodging, grass-grooming marvel of modern technology. According to the specs, the <a href="https://au.worx.com/vision-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WORX LANDROID® Vision</a> is the world’s first advanced AI, "unbox & mow" robot lawn mower. "No wire. No satellite. No beacons. No time between unboxing and mowing." Using a combination of HRD camera, the latest AI smarts and a deeply trained neural network to identify grass to mow and obstacles to avoid, it features the innovative "Cut-to-Edge" function, multi-zone management and adaptive auto-scheduling. Plus an optional LED headlight safe night-mowing (apparently, unlike conventional robots, Vision sees nocturnal animals and stays away from them). But the real test for me was always going to be: how would something like the Vision get along with my dog, Rosie? I was offered the chance to try out one of the mowers for a few weeks, and so I jumped at it. But let's talk about Rosie for a moment. Now, this little ball of fur thinks she's the queen of the backyard. She zooms around like a tiny tornado, and honestly I think she believes the grass is her personal chew toy. So, when I introduced the LANDROID into the mix, I was half expecting chaos and half hoping for a miracle. Lo and behold, this mower is not just a lawn whisperer; it's a puppy ninja. The WORX LANDROID has some sort of superpower in its sensors, allowing it to detect my pup's presence and skilfully manoeuvre around her. It was like watching a graceful dance between technology and canine curiosity. For the duration of the test, Rosie basically appointed herself as the official supervisor of lawn maintenance, proudly watching from a safe distance (and sometimes not so safe) as the LANDROID worked its magic. But let's not forget about the real star of the show: the lawn itself. The LANDROID doesn't just dodge around obstacles; it trims with precision, leaving my yard looking like a freshly coiffed celebrity. It's like having a personal stylist for my grass – one that never sleeps. And the best part? I get to sit back, relax and sip my lemonade while the LANDROID does all the heavy lifting (or should I say, mowing). It's like having a reliable little garden gnome, except this one runs on electricity and has impeccable dodging skills. So if you want a lawn mower that's not only efficient but also entertaining, look no further than the <a href="https://au.worx.com/vision-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WORX LANDROID Vision</a>. It's the perfect blend of technology, pet sensitivity and grass-grooming prowess. Plus, it's the only mower I know that can outmanoeuvre a puppy – and that is definitely something to bark about. Images: Alex Cracknell

Home & Garden

Victorian man rides lawn mower for 800km to speak to the PM

You know the saying: mow big or mow home. And one man risked it all in hopes of scoring a meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. In an incredible 11-day journey Warren "Woz" Acott made the 800km journey from Central Victoria to Canberra to try and speak with the Prime Minister about motor neurone disease (MND). He left his home in Toolleen in Central Victoria on March 11, with no guarantee that anyone was going to meet him at the end of his journey. But his efforts have been fruitful, because by the time he arrived in Canberra this morning, he had a booking with the PM. "I've shuffled my schedule around to fit him in. I'd better go see him," Woz joked when he was told he had a meeting with the PM Albanese met met Woz in the Prime Minister's courtyard, and a crowd of families affected by MND were also waiting outside parliament to welcome Woz. "I'm overwhelmed. But it's not about me. It's about MND and the families and the carers and everybody else," Woz told A Current Affair. Woz, who lives with MND, wants the condition to be added to the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NNDSS). This is because NNDSS conditions "a threat to public health in Australia" and are given additional funding for research." "We'll give consideration to all these things. You're a champion, mate," Albanese said. "It's all over my head. I mean, I'm a truck driver at the end of the day. But I know that if (MND is added to the NNDSS), it's more trackable, more funding, and everything else," Woz said. Robyn Sneddon, who lost her husband Ian to MND, praised Woz for his effort. "The effort he has made has been incredible. He is just a champion," she told A Current Affair. "I'm very proud of him," Snedden added. Images: A Current Affair

Caring

Ratings results after Shirvo’s first day in Kochie’s chair

The results are in and Seven has maintained its position on top, with thousands of viewers tuning in to watch newly appointed Sunrise co-host Matt Shirvington <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/kochie-s-sunrise-replacement-revealed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">replace Kochie</a> on the breakfast TV show. Over 235,000 metro viewers tuned in to Seven on Monday, while Nine’s Today drew around 188,000 viewers, and 104,000 watched ABC’s News Breakfast. The reactions were positive and many took to social media to share their well-wishes for the former sprinter after his first day on the show. “Your first morning Shirvo, great, So natural,” one viewer posted on Instagram. “The best person to replace Kochie,” wrote another. “Matt Shirvo is exactly what Sunrise needed,” another viewer added. “I am so glad they went with Shirvo. A fresh start for Sunrise,” commented another. The 44-year-old was<a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/kochie-s-sunrise-replacement-revealed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> announced as the new host</a> alongside Nat Barr on June 5, and officially replaced Kochie a week later. He has shared his delight and excitement over joining the show, and even posted an <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CtWFmBhPAT4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noopener">image </a>of all the alarms he set in preparation for his new job. “I’m so excited but also humbled by the opportunity to co-host such an important show to so many Australians,” he said last week. Image: Sunriseon7 Instagram

12 things you should never do to your lawn

Whether you have a green thumb or not, it’s easy to maintain a blissful, barefoot-worthy backyard. For starters, avoid these no-nos. Don't remove grass clippings Leaving grass clippings on the lawn after you mow can cause thatch problems, right? Nope! That’s a myth. Turns out, grass clippings can actually help with the overall health of your lawn. And (bonus!) that means less work for you when you mow. Don't skip aerating Most lawns, whether seeded or sodded, are planted over a fairly skimpy layer of topsoil. Over time, lawn mowers, pets and football games compact the soil, making it difficult for air, water and vital nutrients to penetrate to the grassroots. Your challenge: to restore healthy soil conditions that nurture your lawn. To loosen and aerate the soil, rent a power core aerator. They’re available at rental centres, plus some hardware stores and garden centres. Don't use a dull mower blade Dull mower blades rip through the grass blades instead of slicing them cleanly, and that stresses the plant. You can always tell a lawn that’s been mowed with a dull blade because it looks brown on the top. Get on your hands and knees and you can actually see the damage. Be sure to sharpen your mower blade each season to keep your lawn in good shape. Don't water every day Did you know your lawn can actually get dependent and needy if it has too much water? Instead of watering every day for 15 minutes, choose one day a week to water the lawn for an entire hour. Your lawn will be watered deeply, and it will be healthier and more drought-tolerant. Don't forget to dethatch Thatch is a layer of slowly decomposing grass stems, roots, clippings, and debris that accumulate at the soil surface over time. It can build up in your lawn and virtually choke it to death. Excessive thatch build-up is commonly found in lawns that have been overfertilized or overwatered and have never been aerated. Thatch build-up of 2cm or more will restrict water and nutrient penetration into the soil (think thatched roof) and can harbour disease organisms that can increase the need for pesticides. Slice open a section of turf. If the thatch is more than 2cm thick, take action. Don't give up on shady areas Growing grass under shade trees isn’t easy, but one key to success is choosing the right shade grass species and planting method for your region. In cool-season areas, you’ll get a better result using seed rather than sod. Sod is grown in wide-open fields under conditions that favour sun-loving grasses. Garden centres will have grass seed mixes formulated for shade. Late summer and mid-spring are the best times to establish cool-season grasses in shady areas. Don't wait too long between mowing If you came back from a holiday and didn’t arrange to have the grass mowed while you were away, don’t try and mow it down in one day. Cut off some of the length and then wait a couple of days and mow again. This will cause less stress on the grass. You may need three passes depending on how long the grass grew. Don't cut grass too short Every grass type has an optimal cutting height, and you’re better off on the high side of that height. Here are a few reasons: The grass blade is the food factory of the plant. Short blades just can’t generate as much food as long blades. Long blades also shade and cool the soil. That means weed seeds are less likely to sprout, and you won’t have to water as often because water won’t evaporate as fast. Not sure what type of grass you have? Take a sample to a garden centre for identification. Don't mow in the same direction every time Instead, mow in a different direction every time: front to back, back to front, diagonal, etc. Repeatedly mowing the exact same way will cause the grass blades to grow at an angle, and you may develop permanent tracks from the mower wheels. Don't cut wet grass Mowing wet grass can cause the mower wheels to leave ruts in your yard, and you could leave behind giant clumps of clippings that could smother the grass beneath. And the wet grass will carpet the underside of your mower deck with a thick mat that’s a pain to clean. Yikes! Don't overfeed If you apply too much grass fertiliser, especially in sandy soils, a good share of it will leach through the soil and make its way into our precious groundwater, rivers, streams and wetlands. Lawn grasses only need a certain amount of food. More isn’t always better. Don't ignore pet areas Dog spots are round patches about 10 to 20cm in diameter with dead grass in the middle, encircled by dark green grass. They’re most apparent in the early spring when dormant grass first begins to turn green again. You have to replant your grass; it won’t come back on its own. But first, you have to dilute or remove the caustic urine from the soil. Thoroughly soak the area with lots of water. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/gardening-tips/12-things-you-should-never-do-to-your-lawn?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

Readers Respond: In light of Tracy Grimshaw's announcement, who would you like to see in the big chair at A Current Affair?

Earlier this week, Tracy Grimshaw announced she will <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/tracy-grimshaw-s-huge-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener">no longer be presenting A Current Affair</a> to enjoy a much needed break. Grimshaw has been the face of the show for a whopping 17 years and shocked audiences when she announced she is stepping down at the end of the year and going on an extended break. Now, whoever replaces her has BIG shoes to fill and we wanted to ask our readers who they would want to see in the ACA chair next. Check out some of your responses below. ShaRoss Coles - Melissa Doyle. Wendy Mulholland - Good luck Tracy, enjoy the next stage of your life. I think you did a great job. Definitely not Lisa Wilkinson as a replacement! Jo Soper - Debra Knight, Silvia Jeffries or Layla McKinnon. All these women would be great. Janet Payne - All the best Tracy! Deb Knight would be great. John Wells - Don’t care as long as it’s not Lisa Wilkinson. Jenny Taylor - Debra Knight does a good job on the weekend ACA. Max Margie Mallard - DEB. KNIGHT. The only one. Bruce Croker - The wonderful GEORGIE [Gardner]. Kim Anderson - Sylvia Jeffries!! John Smith - A male please. Love Tracy but time for a bloke. Share your suggestions <a href="https://www.facebook.com/oversixtys/posts/pfbid0z4Bkvdx2r37tSVe6SNzJgNt3h188S8kasAngXVDvAFBSLDZAEsJsEvS3arpF2m1El" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image: Shutterstock

Kate Middleton to face Roger Federer in tennis

The Duchess of Cambridge will go head-to-head with Roger Federer in a tennis match for a special charity event. Kate Middleton will go against the Swiss 20-time Grand Slam tennis champion to help raise money for disadvantaged and vulnerable children. All funds raised will go toward two organisations backed by the Duchess, Action for Children and the Lawn Tennis Association. Children between the ages of 8-15 will have the opportunity to meet the professional tennis player and enjoy a game or two with him. The exciting match, which was reportedly suggested by Kate, will go ahead on September 22 as part of the Laver Cup which was co-founded by Federer. “Her Royal Highness is passionate about supporting grassroots tennis and encouraging young people from all backgrounds to become involved in the sport,” a statement from the Palace read. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Excited to announce that Laver Cup is partnering with The Duchess of Cambridge this year to raise funds for two incredible charities – @actionforchildrenuk and the <a href="https://twitter.com/LTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LTA</a> Tennis Foundation. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to seeing you in London! <a href="https://t.co/7B82Gkj5EE">https://t.co/7B82Gkj5EE</a> — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1559843493610246145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2022</a></blockquote> The Laver Cup is a three day tournament which sees six of the best tennis players across Europe go against six of the best tennis players from the rest of the world. Federer is no stranger to the royal family, having played tennis with Prince George, nine, and attended Pippa Middleton’s wedding. "Her Royal Highness is passionate about supporting grassroots tennis and encouraging young people from all backgrounds to become involved in the sport," the palace said in a statement. The Laver Cup will see Federer’s <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/federer-sends-tennis-world-in-a-spin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">return to the court</a> after struggling with his right knee after undergoing three operations to help repair damage to his meniscus and cartilage. Images: Twitter/Getty

Beauty & Style

Support the environment. Don’t mow your lawn

<div> <div class="copy"> Mowing urban lawns less often or less severely increases biodiversity, saves money and reduces pests, according to research from the British Ecological Society. A meta-analysis of data from North America and Europe found strong evidence, the researchers say, that greater mowing intensity at home, in parks and on roundabouts and road verges has negative effects, particularly on invertebrate and plant diversity. Pest species thrive, however. “Even a modest reduction in lawn mowing frequency can bring a host of environmental benefits: increased pollinators, increased plant diversity and reduced greenhouse gas emissions,” says Chris Watson from the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières, Canada, lead author of a <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.13542" target="_blank" rel="noopener">paper</a> in the Journal of Applied Ecology. “At the same time, a longer, healthier lawn makes it more resistant to pests, weeds, and drought events.” The reason, Watson says, is that regular mowing favours grasses, which grow from the base of the plant, and low growing species such as dandelion and clover. Other species that have their growing tips or flowering stems regularly removed by mowing can’t compete. {%recommended 6627%} “These findings support a lot of research done by the turfgrass industry that shows that the more disturbance a lawn gets, the higher the likelihood of pest and weed invasion,” he adds. For their meta-analysis, the researchers identified 14 studies undertaken in urban areas between 2004 and 2019 that measured mowing intensity (either height or frequency) as an experimental factor. They also included three unpublished studies of their own. A separate case study was used to estimate the economic costs of high-intensity lawn management – which are known to be considerable. Previous studies have shown, for example, that the cost of allergies to ragweed, which is common in North America and Europe, is around CAD$155 million per year in Quebec and €133 million a year in Austria and Bavaria. As it has a more rapid reproduction than other species, the researchers say, ragweed is able to colonise disturbances caused by intense mowing. You can also save money more directly. In their case study, Watson and colleagues analysed mowing contractor data from the city of Trois-Rivières. They estimated a 36% reduction in public maintenance costs when mowing frequency was reduced from 15 to 10 times per year in high use lawn areas and from three times to once a year in low use areas. Watson acknowledges that people worry that leaving grass long attracts ticks and rodents but says there is little evidence to support this. “The presence of ticks are more strongly related to host populations, like deer, than type of vegetation,” he says. “With respect to small mammals, some species prefer longer grass, whereas others do not.” The plan now is to expand the research and begin applying the findings to improve lawns. Image credits: Getty Images </div> <div id="contributors"> This article was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/earth/sustainability/support-the-environment-dont-mow-your-lawn/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cosmosmagazine.com</a> and was written by Nick Carne. </div> </div>

Home Hints & Tips

Is this Australia’s oldest lawn mower?

Geoff has tried to retire five times but just can’t seem to adhere to a lifestyle without work. A bit shy of 80, Geoff and his wife Gayl, 69, have together purchased a Jim’s Mowing Franchise and is now mowing lawns in Mackay and Ayr. The even more exciting bit is that Geoff is basically booked out - working from sunrise to sunset. "I'm up at 5.30 every morning and in bed by 8. I work from sun up to sun down," Geoff said. "I've got so much work I am now going to employ my own kids and my grandkids. They have to help me out because I've got so much work on I can't keep up with it all. "People can't believe I'm turning 80 and I'm mowing five lawns a day." Geoff and Gayl are part of a group of retirees who refuse to stop working. A study of 4,000 elderly people, conducted by National Seniors Australia shows 20 per cent of pensioners would consider returning to the workforce after retirement if Age Pension requirements. Sixty per cent of respondents said the main reason to re-enter the workforce was to earn more money, while 15 per cent wanted to keep active, and 12 per cent wanted to contribute to society. Professor John McCallum, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Director of Research at National Seniors said that elderly Australians re-entering the workforce will become more common. “We have got something we are looking backwards at and not looking forwards for the next 20 years of an ageing society, which continues to 2040, and not setting up the systems to really make it work and to benefit the economy, frankly,” he said. Images: Supplied

Retirement Life

Woman's body found sitting in chair two years after her death

The body of a 70-year-old woman has been found in her house in Northern Italy, two years after her death.Marinella Beretta lived alone near Lake Como in Lombardy.Her decomposed body was discovered on Friday by the Como fire brigade following complaints that a tree had fallen in her garden as a result of overgrown vegetation, Como City Hall press officer Francesca Manfredi said.Beretta’s body was found sitting in a chair in the living room, SkyTg24 reported on Monday.Manfredi told CNN that the cause of Beretta’s death was unknown, and the examiner had established that she died sometime toward the end of 2019, based on the level of decay to her body.No relatives of Beretta had yet come forward, Manfredi said, adding that police were investigating whether she had any surviving family.For now, Beretta’s body remains at the morgue, and a funeral date has not yet been set, Manfredi added.Como mayor Mario Landriscina has invited the town’s residents to attend Beretta’s funeral. He told the Italian media on Tuesday that the local government would take care of the funeral arrangements.“I will try to be there and I invite the city to be present,” Landriscina said.“This is the moment to be together, and even if this woman had no relatives, we could become her relatives.”On Facebook, Elena Bonetti, Italy’s minister for family and equal opportunities, mourned Beretta’s solitary death.“What happened to Marinella Beretta in Como, the forgotten loneliness, hurts our consciences,” she said. “Remembering her life is the duty of a community that wants to remain united.”Bonetti added: “Taking care of each other is the experience of families, institutions, of our being citizens. No one should be alone.”Image: Getty

Travel Trouble

Help insects flourish from your backyard

As winter phases into spring across the U.S., gardeners are laying in supplies and making plans. Meanwhile, as the weather warms, common garden insects such as bees, beetles and butterflies will emerge from underground burrows or nests within or on plants. Most gardeners know how beneficial insects can be for their plots. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/animals/flies.shtml" target="_blank">Flies pollinate flowers</a>. Predatory bugs, such as the <a rel="noopener" href="http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/beneficial/podisus_maculiventris.htm" target="_blank">spined shoulder bug</a>, eat pest insects that otherwise would tuck into garden plants. As a <a rel="noopener" href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tzo9De0AAAAJ&hl=en" target="_blank">scientist whose research involves insects</a> and as a gardener, I know that <a rel="noopener" href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2023989118" target="_blank">many beneficial insect species are declining</a> and <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/is-an-insect-apocalypse-happening-how-would-we-know-113170" target="_blank">need humans’ help</a>. If you’re a gardener looking for a new challenge this year, consider revamping all or part of your yard to support beneficial insects. <iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H-iIgTNdmRo?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Ladybugs, lacewings, spiders, earthworms and honey bees are among the most beneficial common garden animals. Lawns are insect food deserts Some gardeners <a rel="noopener" href="https://plants.usda.gov/checklist.html" target="_blank">choose native plants</a> to attract and support helpful insects. Often, however, those native plants are surrounded by vast expanses of lawn. The vast majority of insect species find blades of grass as unappetizing as we do. Yet, lawns sprawl out across many public and private spaces. <a rel="noopener" href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/Lawn" target="_blank">NASA estimated in 2005</a> that lawns covered at least 50,000 square miles (128,000 square kilometers) of the U.S. – about the size of the entire state of Mississippi. A well-manicured lawn is a sure sign that humanity has imposed its will on nature. Lawns provide an accessible and familiar landscape, but they come at a cost for our six-legged neighbors. Grasses grown as turf provide very few places for insects to safely tuck themselves away, because homeowners and groundskeepers cut them short – before they send up flowering spikes – and apply fertilizers and pesticides to keep them green. Entomologists have a recomendation: Dig up some fraction of your lawn and convert it into a meadow by <a rel="noopener" href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2002547117" target="_blank">replacing grass with native wildflowers</a>. Wildflowers provide pollen and nectar that feed and attract a variety of insects like ants, native bees and butterflies. Just as you may have a favorite local restaurant, insects that live around you have a taste for the flowers that are native to their areas. This bold choice will not just benefit insects. Healthier insects support local birds, and meadows require fewer chemical inputs and less mowing than lawns. The amount of attention lawns demand from us, even if we outsource the work to a landscaping company, is a sign of their precarity. A meadow is a wilder, more resilient option. Resilient ecosystems are better able to respond to and recover from disturbances. Entomologist <a rel="noopener" href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3EsB164AAAAJ&hl=en" target="_blank">Ryan Gott</a>, integrated pest management and quality control specialist at Maitri Genetics in Pittsburgh, describes lawns and meadows as two opposite ends of a resiliency spectrum. “As far as basic ecological functions go, a lawn does not have many. A lawn mainly extracts nutrition and water, usually receiving outside inputs of fertilizer and irrigation to stay alive, and returns very little to the system,” he told me. Native flowers, by definition, will grow well in your climate, although some areas will have more choices than others and growing seasons vary. Native plants also provide a palette of colors and variety that lawns sorely lack. By planting them as a meadow, with many different flowers emerging throughout the growing season, you can provide for a diverse assortment of local insects. And mowing and fertilizing less will leave you more time to appreciate wildlife of all sizes. There are many different types of meadows, and every wildflower species has different preferences for soil type and conditions. Meadows thrive in full sunlight, which is also where lawns typically do well. Making insects feel at home Not every yard can support a meadow, but there are other ways to be a better, more considerate neighbor to insects. If you have a shady yard, consider modeling your garden after natural landscapes like woodlands that are shady and support insects. What’s important in landscaping with insects in mind, or “entoscaping,” is <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.amentsoc.org/insects/insects-and-man/gardening-for-insects.html" target="_blank">considering insects early and often</a> when you visit the garden store. With a few pots or window boxes, even a balcony can be converted into a cozy insect oasis. If you’re gardenless, you can still support insect health. Try replacing white outdoor lights, which <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/light-pollution-contributes-insect-apocalypse-180973642/" target="_blank">interfere with many insects’ feeding and breeding patterns</a>. White lights also lure insects into swarms, where they are vulnerable to predators. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-have-figured-out-the-type-of-light-bulb-to-use-if-you-want-to-avoid-insects" target="_blank">Yellow bulbs or warm-hued LEDs</a> don’t have these effects. Another easy project is using scrap wood and packing materials to create simple “hotels” for <a rel="noopener" href="https://modernfarmer.com/2017/02/build-native-bee-hotel/" target="_blank">bees</a> or <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/craft-a-ladybug-hotel" target="_blank">ladybugs</a>, making sure to carefully sanitize them between seasons. Easiest of all, <a rel="noopener" href="https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=26345" target="_blank">provide water for insects to drink</a> – they’re adorable to watch as they sip. Replace standing water at least weekly to prevent mosquitoes from developing. <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/390417/original/file-20210318-23-16piil9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/390417/original/file-20210318-23-16piil9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="Butterflies on a pebbled pathway." /></a> Giant swallowtail (left) and Palamedes swallowtail (right) drinking water from a puddle. <a rel="noopener" href="https://flic.kr/p/PGuLZ" target="_blank" class="source">K. Draper/Flickr</a>, <a rel="noopener" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank" class="license">CC BY-ND</a> A refuge in every yard Many resources across the U.S. offer advice on converting your lawn or making your yard more insect-friendly. The Xerces Society for Insect Conservation publishes a <a rel="noopener" href="https://xerces.org/publications/guidelines/establishing-pollinator-meadows-from-seed" target="_blank">guide to establishing meadows</a> to sustain insects. Local university extension offices <a rel="noopener" href="https://extension.unh.edu/resource/planting-pollinators-establishing-wildflower-meadow-seed-fact-sheet" target="_blank">post tips on growing meadows</a> with specific instructions and resources for their areas. Gardening stores often have experience and carry selections of local plants. You may find established communities of enthusiasts for local plants and seeds, or your journey could be the start of such a group. Part of the fun of gardening is learning what plants need to be healthy, and a new endeavor like entoscaping will provide fresh challenges. In my view, humans all too often see ourselves as separate from nature, which leads us to relegate biodiversity to designated parks. In fact, however, we are an important part of the natural world, and <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.si.edu/spotlight/buginfo/benefits" target="_blank">we need insects</a> just as much as they need us. As ecologist <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.udel.edu/canr/departments/entomology-and-wildlife-ecology/faculty-staff/doug-tallamy/" target="_blank">Douglas Tallamy</a> argues in his book, “<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.workman.com/products/natures-best-hope" target="_blank">Nature’s Best Hope</a>,” the best way to protect biodiversity is for people to plant native plants and promote conservation in every yard.<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; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/153609/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/brian-lovett-1032419" target="_blank">Brian Lovett</a>, Postdoctoral Researcher in Mycology, <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/west-virginia-university-1375" target="_blank">West Virginia University</a> This article is republished from <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/to-help-insects-make-them-welcome-in-your-garden-heres-how-153609" target="_blank">original article</a>. Image: Getty Images

Home & Garden

Liked Netflix’s The Chair? Here are 4 moving, funny novels set in English departments

English departments are strange places. Even to those of us who spend our working lives inside them, they can seem utterly mysterious. Those looking in from outside must find them even more baffling. What exactly do lecturers do all day? They teach and interact with students, but what happens the rest of the time? Literary scholars everywhere, writes <a href="https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/english-literature-and-creative-writing/people/terry-eagleton">Terry Eagleton</a>, “live in a state of dread – a dread that one day, someone … will suddenly get wise to the fact that we draw salaries for reading poems and novels.” This fact, say Eagleton, “is as scandalous as being paid for sunbathing [or] eating chocolate.” He has a point. Harvard professor <a href="https://english.fas.harvard.edu/people/deidre-shauna-lynch">Deidre Shauna Lynch</a> says even more bluntly that what English academics get up to simply “does not look like work” to those on the outside. Those of us writing on literature, she suggests, must make our peace with this fact. We must resign ourselves to being largely unknown to the broader culture, living in quiet obscurity. And yet, as Netflix’s The Chair makes clear, life within an English department can actually look a lot like life in any other workplace. At the fictional Pembroke University, there are familiar office politics and dramas, as well as the usual mixture of ambition, resentment, and status-seeking that exist elsewhere. Professor Ji-Yoon Kim (Sandra Oh) steers a team of colleagues who have eccentric literary quirks but are recognisable figures in many workplaces. If you enjoyed this series, I’d recommend checking out these four novels, all of which offer compelling depictions of English departments. Forget the Campus Novel – the English Department Novel is a more interesting sub-genre. <h2>1. Richard Russo, Straight Man (1997)</h2> <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/428162/original/file-20211025-19-ar21bw.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/428162/original/file-20211025-19-ar21bw.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" alt="" /></a> Russo’s comic novel shares many similarities with The Chair. It centres on the madcap adventures of William Henry Devereaux, Jr., who chairs an English department similar in size to that of Pembroke. Furious about recent financial cuts, Devereaux takes matters into his own hands. He uses a local television network to publicise his cause, threatening to kill one goose from the university pond every day until his department’s budget is reinstated. Russo emphasises the slapstick, farcical side of departmental politics. Straight Man is a glorious send up of self-serious academics, the politics of literary theory, and intellectual ambition. It also offers a perfect gloss on the old adage that academic politics are so vicious precisely because the stakes are so low. I strongly suspect that the writers of The Chair had Devereaux in mind while creating the similarly hapless Bill Dobson (Jay Duplass). <h2>2. John Williams, Stoner (1965)</h2> <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/428161/original/file-20211025-13-1glczfs.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/428161/original/file-20211025-13-1glczfs.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" alt="" /></a> John Williams may well have written the most moving novel ever to be set in an English department. In understated, elegiac prose, Williams gives us the tragic life story of William Stoner, an obscure English professor at the University of Missouri, who enters as an agriculture student but develops a lifelong passion for literature. He lives his entire life against the backdrop of the university, and all of his significant relationships are found within the English department. While Stoner’s contributions to the field seem middling to his colleagues, he inspires generations of students with his generous and rigorous teaching. His personal life may well be a kind of tragedy, but he finds redemption in his teaching and research, and a true home in the department. Williams gives us an example of the English department novel at its most existential and weighty, one beloved of readers inside and outside the academy. <h2>3. Mary McCarthy, The Groves of Academe (1952)</h2> <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/428163/original/file-20211025-27-16tzpl7.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/428163/original/file-20211025-27-16tzpl7.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" alt="" /></a> McCarthy’s novel takes us back to comedy once again, mining the same territory as The Chair and Straight Man but written well in advance of either. Drawing on her own experiences at Bard College and elsewhere, McCarthy gives us a farce with a serious political edge. Set at the fictional Jocelyn College, the novel centres on Henry Mulcahy, an expert on James Joyce who learns he has been let go, seemingly without cause. As he fights to save his position, McCarthy shows us the subtle and shifting nature of allegiances within the English departments she knew firsthand, as well as the petty disputes and lurid scandals they can harbour. She pulls no punches, laying bare the gossip, naked careerism, and backstabbing that even seemingly mild-mannered English academics are capable of. The novel also gives us a classic bait-and-switch. The central character, Mulcahy, whom we initially see as sympathetic and unfairly mistreated, slowly comes into focus as manipulative and profoundly unlikable. As we begin to see the central events from the perspective of once minor characters, the truth is revealed, and McCarthy skillfully shows us the mistakes of our earlier judgments. <h2>4. Wallace Stegner, Crossing to Safety (1987)</h2> <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/428164/original/file-20211025-15-1u6vbym.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/428164/original/file-20211025-15-1u6vbym.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" alt="" /></a> This wise and moving novel explores the lifelong friendship between two couples, Larry and Sally Morgan and Sid and Charity Lang. Sid and Larry are English professors in Madison, Wisconsin, and the novel follows them as they chase literary ambitions while also managing substantial teaching duties. Both are striving for tenure and are forced to negotiate complicated faculty politics. Ultimately, this is a novel about “quiet lives,” as the narrator tells us. Its great themes are friendship, marriage, and the nature of love. And while the English department often fades into the background as Stegner explores other aspects of his characters’ lives, its politics are never far away. Sid and Larry are often concerned with the petty machinations of their academic colleagues, and Crossing to Safety includes many details that still resonate with life at a university today. Stegner’s novel also offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of literary studies from the 1930s to the 1970s. Of course, there are many other novels within this sub-genre, including David Lodge’s beloved campus trilogy, as well as novels by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pnin">Vladimir Nabokov</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disgrace">J.M. Coetzee</a>, and others. While eating chocolate and sunbathing wouldn’t necessarily make for interesting fiction, life in an English department, it seems, certainly does.<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; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/170110/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lucas-thompson-1261087">Lucas Thompson</a>, Lecturer, Department of English, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> 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/liked-netflixs-the-chair-here-are-4-moving-funny-novels-set-in-english-departments-170110">original article</a>. Image: Netflix

"Get off my lawn!": Man cops spray for hose-based deterrent

A man has gone viral on TikTok for showing his controversial way of preventing people from cutting across his front lawn. Thomas Lyons' house is located on the corner of two streets, with many using his unfenced front yard as a shortcut to the adjoining street. Thomas was sick of people trespassing on his property and trampling all over his perfect grass, so he devised a cunning plan to stop people using it as a thoroughfare. Thomas has repeatedly asked those who frequently cut across his lawn to stop and use the footpath, but his warnings have since gone unheeded. Taking matters into his own hands, Thomas installed sprinklers that go off whenever they detect any motion, leaving trespassers soaking wet and having to run to the footpath as quickly as possible. Thomas shared a video of his unique methods to his TikTok account, after also posting videos of people trampling on his perfectly maintained lawn at all hours of the day and night. Many people have divided opinions on his tactics, as the video has quickly racked up an impressive 40 million views. Many of his followers have praised his efforts, with one person commenting, "There's a sidewalk 10 feet away... constantly walking over the grass will kill it." "I was always taught not to walk on people's grass but I never knew why," another person says. "Also, if they tripped and fell on the grass and broke their leg, I'm assuming they would sue the owner," says another understanding user. While many commenters were quick to praise Thomas' efforts, there were also a lot of comments wondering why he went to such extremes to install a sprinkler system when he could've built a fence around his property instead. "The level of petty," says one person. "These are school kids," comments another. "You could just put a stone path. It's just grass, kindness means so much more." Image credits: TikTok @tgunz81

Travel Trouble

Roger Federer's rare spat with chair umpire

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post-body-container"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> In a move that surprised fans, tennis legend Roger Federer blew up at an umpire at the French Open. He was furious as he was handed a time violation for taking too long between points and took out his anger on the chair umpire and his opponent Marin Cilic. "Marin, am I playing too slow?" Federer asked, to which Cilic responded he was. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Need subtitles for this masterpiece. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RogerFederer?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RogerFederer</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RolandGarros?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RolandGarros</a> <a href="https://t.co/uHdcN1dPHt">pic.twitter.com/uHdcN1dPHt</a> — Divyanshu 🙂 (@tweetsbydivyu) <a href="https://twitter.com/tweetsbydivyu/status/1400469489800540163?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2021</a></blockquote> Federer tried arguing that he was not used to handling his own towel due to coronavirus to the chair umpire. "I understand the rule," Federer protested to Cilic. "I'm going from one corner to the next trying to get my towel. I'm not doing it on purpose." He was still frustrated by the end of the argument, saying he will stay still. "I don't even dare to go my towel anymore," he said to Joseph. The dispute lasted several minutes, but Federer won the match with 6-2 2-6 7-6 (4) 6-2. Federer spoke about the "misunderstanding" to the press after the match. The argument started as Federer was serving, with the rules of tennis insisting that the receiver play to the speed of the server. "I just feel like it was a misunderstanding on many levels," Federer added. "I didn't feel like I was playing particularly slow, and with the towels, quite honestly, if I want to go to the towel, now I can't go to the towel anymore, it's okay, I get it. "I understand playing to the server's pace, I have done it in hundreds of matches, and I always feel like I don't make my opponent wait very much, but clearly Marin wanted to go faster." Federer was surprised by his strong performance as he said that he couldn't have lasted more than two hours against his opponent. "I didn't think I could play at this level for two hours against Marin," Federer said. "I finished by serving really well. It shows I have something in reserve, I have some energy left and that's really good for my confidence." </div> </div> </div> </div>

News

Urgent recall issued on popular ALDI item over safety fears

A popular recliner sold at ALDI has been recalled over fears users could tip over and suffer major injuries while sitting in it. The chair, identifiable by the SOHL FURNITURE label attached to the chair, has been deemed as unstable, with Product Safety Australia claiming there was a risk of serious injury to the user and bystanders. <img style="width: 480px; height: 208px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840765/1.jpeg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/897116eae62041868a78eb4adf9c6749" /> There is also a fear the chair could cause damage to property. PSA said consumers should “immediately stop using the product, and return it to any ALDI store for a full refund”. ALDI sold the chair in stores around the country between January 20 and February 22 this year. The product code is 704625.

Legal

“I’m not playing”: Kyrgios loses it at chair umpire

Nick Kyrgios has kicked off the tennis season by storming off the court and calling the chair umpire a “smarta***” after being awarded a time violation during Wednesday night’s game against Harry Bourchier. Kyrgios repeatedly complained about the limited time he had between serves during his second set of the Murray River Open clash. COVID-19 restrictions have prohibited ball kids from bringing towels to players between points, meaning Kyrgios was forced to retrieve the towel himself. The Australian firecracker lost his temper when the chair umpire Nacho Forcadell called a time violation towards the end of the set. “Bro, I just started serving,” Kyrgios said. “I was in my motion, what are you talking about? “I’m not playing, I’m not playing.” The Melbourne spectators could be seen laughing as Kyrgios made his way to the bench in frustration. The 25-year-old continued to argue with Forcadell, and claimed that he’d already started his service motion when the clock struck zero. “I’m not f***ing moving. It’s like you guys do it to just be funny,” Kyrgios said. “Bro, I was serving. Why’d you have to call it? “Because the tennis is about the umpires, right? They come to see you. You’re an extra. You’re an extra for all of us.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> This is ridiculous especially when you compare it to other players on tour like Nadal and Djokovic. Kyrgios is one of the quicker servers on tour 😂 <a href="https://t.co/6xAhG9wy5b">pic.twitter.com/6xAhG9wy5b</a> — Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) <a href="https://twitter.com/LMcKirdy7/status/1356888859175358464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2021</a></blockquote> Replays showed that Kyrgios was undeniably into his service motion when the violation was called. While speaking with court supervisor Cedric Mourier, Kyrgios could not hide his anger towards the chair umpire. “I saw the clock … I’m pulling my serve here and he called a time violation,” Kyrgios said. “Tennis isn’t about him (the chair umpire). He’s an extra to make all this s**t go smoothly, so why is he doing this? “I have to walk back and forth to get my towel now, so he’s a smarta*** and calls it? And now I have to get fined for it, but I was playing by the rules.” Kyrgios reluctantly agreed to finish the match. “Do I get fined for that, yes or no?” Kyrgios asked. “I’ve lost enough money to these peanuts.” Kyrgios eventually claimed a 6-2 7-6 victory after saving several set points to qualify for the round of 16. Next, he will face Croatia’s Borna Coric. “I definitely feel at home playing at the Aus Open,” Kyrgios said after the match. “I love it here, it’s my favourite tournament of the year. “I thought that the level (Bourchier) brought in the second set was very high. He was serving really, really well and he started getting on to a couple of my serves. “I’m actually pretty happy with the way I played today. “A tough one tomorrow, but first I have a dinner and some wine to drink.”

News

Crazy debate sparked over un-mown patch of lawn

A photograph of a freshly trimmed patch of lawn has caused furious debate over whether Australians should be forced to mow their own nature strips and the ones they own with neighbours, or just their own. The photo sparked a heated argument after it was posted to a Facebook community group based in northern Sydney. The image showed grass beside a footpath that stretched across the front of two properties. While the lawn was well maintained on one side, the lawnmower finished his work at the final metre of grass that was on the neighbour's property. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837235/lawn-frass.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/07d59535b25c40228f869a94ec6d70f0" /> “Seems these two neighbours in Chatswood clearly don't get on,” the caption on the post read. Some locals branded the neighbour “petty” and the alleged dispute between the homeowners as simply “ridiculous”. “Why wouldn't the person just go to the end? Visually it would actually look better,” one person furiously said. However, not everyone agreed that the neighbour should have finished the whole lawn strip and said the other party could be to blame. “We used to have to do this as our old neighbours didn't like us touching "his lawn" even though it was less than 30cm,” a local wrote. Another said: “They would be employing a gardener, doubt the homeowner would be doing that.” <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837225/lawn-frass-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9116e00d1fc54e3684d85eaae14ac6e3" /> According to the Willoughby Council's website the “petty" neighbour may be in the right. “All residents are responsible for caring for the nature strip that fronts or adjoins onto the property in which they reside,” it said. The owner of the well-mowed lawn eventually took to social media to reveal there was no bad blood between his family and their neighbour. “Relax people, we like our neighbours and promise in future we will get our gardeners to co-ordinate better,” they said.

Home & Garden

Room where a disabled woman sat in a chair for "12 months" revealed

The room where disabled woman Ann Marie Smith police allege was slowly left to die has been seen for the first time. Detectives are now appealing for public help as Ann's friends are in shock and "regret". Police believe that Ann had been living in the same chair for 12 months. "The state of the house when police arrived, the state of Ann when she was taken to hospital, it was obvious that she'd been neglected," Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Neagle said to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/ann-marie-smith-room-revealed-as-investigation-into-death-continues/63bb57db-13ae-4b63-b701-6b381c5c4c54" target="_blank" class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtflink">9news</a>. Ann had cerebral palsy and died at the age of 54 after being rushed to hospital semi-conscious. <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7836627/chair-disabled-lady-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/483a680a97174ff89e7ed90338d458dc" /> <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7836628/chair-disabled-lady.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2b71e477caed42b7810764731f0c11a9" /> <div class="body_text "> One of Ann's oldest friends is among those who are helping police piece together her life. "She was always my friends, (although) I hadn't spoken to her," she said. "That's been the hardest part, I just feel so guilty, you always think what if?" "She was loved and it hurts to hear comments, (like) where were her family and friends, and you do have friends that you don't see all the time," she said. Friends say Ann rarely left her home in recent years but was in regular contact with them via social media and text messages. Ann's carer Rosemary Maione is now at the centre of the police investigation. Rosemary was employed by Integrity Care SA, but has since been sacked. "We're examining the level of care provided by the carer as well as by the care provider," Senior Sergeant Neagle said. Detectives are also investigating <a rel="noopener" href="https://o60.me/RZH4zp" target="_blank">missing jewellery and money</a> as well as the alleged misuse of Ann's car. Photo credits: <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/ann-marie-smith-room-revealed-as-investigation-into-death-continues/63bb57db-13ae-4b63-b701-6b381c5c4c54" target="_blank" class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtflink">9news</a> </div>

Legal

“Get off the lawn!”: ScoMo’s press conference hilariously interrupted

Hell hath no fury than a man whose freshly seeded lawn is being trampled on by a pack of people. Members of the press learned that lesson this morning in the New South Wales town of Googong, about 25km east of Canberra, in the funniest way. While addressing journalists to outline the government’s new HomeBuilder grant, Prime Minister Scott Morrison was confronted with a frustrated resident who came out of his house. “Can you guys get off the lawn please?” the man yelled, interrupting Morrison mid-sentence. “Hey guys, I’ve just reseeded that,” he added, pointing to the grass that reporters, cameramen and photographers were crowded on. Morrison immediately asked the press to move forward onto the road. “Sorry, man,” the resident offered. “It’s all good, thanks,” Morrison replied, giving him the thumbs up – a conciliatory gesture that the man returned. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Nothing wrong with having pride in your lawn... <a href="https://twitter.com/9NewsAUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@9NewsAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/auspol?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#auspol</a> <a href="https://t.co/mQ5eqBmnvC">pic.twitter.com/mQ5eqBmnvC</a> — Jonathan Kearsley (@jekearsley) <a href="https://twitter.com/jekearsley/status/1268354482057834496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote> Speaking later on 2GB radio, the PM said “people are very house proud” and explained that “this bloke had just built his house and all the media was standing on part of his lawn”. “And so, he wasn’t yelling at me but he came and said ‘get off my lawn.’ So I ushered them all off the lawned area and he was quite happy then, he said thanks and went back inside. “So, it was quite funny actually.” After the brief interruption, the media conference continued, with the PM explaining details of the already controversial $25,000 payment designed to support the struggling construction sector during the coronavirus crisis. The scheme allows couples with a combined income of $200,00 to secure a $25,000 grant to build a new home or for major renovations if the contract is worth over $150,000. “In the short-term, we know that in the residential building construction industry that on the other side of September, the pipeline of works that they’ve been working on will really start to dry up quickly,” Morrison said. “That means jobs, not just for tradies and apprentices but all the other homes that feed into that industry, and all the industries that depend on that, the retail jobs and the community more broadly. “That’s we thought it was important that mart of the many measures and supports we’re putting into our economy at the moment, supporting our home building industry. “And not just new homes but significant renovation of homes, knock downs and rebuilds.” For families dreaming of a new home, or of a significant renovation of their existing one, the stimulus will help make it a reality, Morrison said.

News

Sorry, not sorry: Djokovic speaks out on patting chair umpire's feet

Novak Djokovic has apologised for touching the umpire during his Australian Open final match on Sunday night. The Serb initially defended his decision to tap official Damien Dumusois twice on the foot, describing it as “a nice, really friendly touch”, but expressed his regret on Monday. “In a professional sport, things happen that obviously you’re not proud of,” Djokovic said. “Sometimes you do things that you’re not happy with and you go through different emotions, you go through ups and downs. “Of course, I’m not happy that I touched the chair umpire. And I’m sorry if I offended him or anybody else. “But in the heat of the battle, some decisions that he makes or some decision that happens just distracts you and sets you off the balance a little bit.” According to the official grand slam rule book, Djokovic could be charged with a fine of up to AU$30,000 for the action. “Players shall not at any time physically abuse any official, opponent, spectator or other person within the precincts of the tournament site,” the rules state. “Violation of this section shall subject a player to a fine up to US$20,000 [AU$30,000] for each violation.” In the post-match press conference, Djokovic said he did not believe he overstepped the mark. “For touching his shoe? I mean, I didn’t know that’s completely forbidden,” he said after securing his 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 against Dominic Thiem. “I thought it was a nice, really friendly touch. I wasn’t aggressive with him in terms of physical abuse.”

Legal

Did you know this bad cruise habit could get you into trouble?

Cruise ships are a haven away from home and a place to put your feet up, relax and enjoy your time on the high seas. However, there are always rule everywhere we go - and a cruise getaway is no different. There is one rule cruise ship passengers are expected to follow or else they face the risk of getting into big trouble. Supercruisers said sun lounge “hogging” is no longer acceptable on cruise ships and could get travellers into a bit of trouble if they are spotted making that mistake. One expert told<a href="https://www.express.co.uk/travel/cruise/1157046/cruises-2020-cruise-ship-passenger-chair-hogging-sun-lounger-carnival-cruises"> express.co.uk</a> passengers have a number of activities to enjoy while onboard so it can come off as extremely selfish to hog beach chairs when there's already a limited number. “If you’re looking to begin your days on the ship relaxing by one of the onboard pools, you’ll be looking to reserve a sun lounger – often a topic of contention on many holidays, both onboard and on land. “To stop guests unfairly chair hogging, a term that has been coined for the act of reserving prime spots by the pool with towels and other belongings while the chairs remain empty for hours, Carnival Cruises has implemented a strict policy. “The rules that are enforced by shipboard team members, state that if belongings are left unattended for longer than around half an hour to reserve chairs, the items shall be removed.” Carnival cruises implemented the new ryle as a way to stamp out selfish hogging.

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