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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

Maintaining friendships after a dementia diagnosis can spur feelings of joy and self-worth

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/colleen-whyte-1281976">Colleen Whyte</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/brock-university-1340">Brock University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/darla-fortune-1363967">Darla Fortune</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/concordia-university-1183">Concordia University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rebecca-genoe-1363968">Rebecca Genoe</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-regina-3498">University of Regina</a> What would our lives be like if we could no longer depend on our most cherished friendships? The people who know us best, who have been there through our ups and downs, and share a history with us? For many people living with dementia, this is a reality. Over 500,000 Canadians <a href="https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/what-dementia/dementia-numbers-canada">are currently living with dementia</a>, and a diagnosis often leads to <a href="https://www.alzscot.org/news/friendship-and-dementia">a loss of friendships</a> and social opportunities. The reactions of friends greatly affect the experience of someone living with dementia. When friends distance themselves because they don’t know what to say or presume they no longer know how to interact with their friend, a person with dementia can experience <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275353356_Friendships_for_People_Living_with_Dementia_in_Long-Term_Care">feelings of isolation and loneliness</a>. When people living with dementia can depend on their friends, they continue to enjoy meaningful leisure activities, experience <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afx186">feelings of joy and self-worth</a>, and see themselves as <a href="https://alzheimer.ca/en/take-action/become-dementia-friendly/meaningful-engagement-people-living-dementia">valued members of their social circles</a>. <a href="https://dementiaandfriendship.ca/">Our research</a> had us interview friends together, asking them to share tips and strategies for navigating dementia. We heard moving stories of deepened bonds of friendship, genuine acceptance and the joy of simply being together. <h2>Adapting to changes</h2> Our research allowed us to speak with people who shared a 70-year friendship and couldn’t imagine life without each other. We learned that for some, a neighbourhood walk together was an opportunity to say a quick hello and how a weekly trip to the pub enabled some friends to connect and re-connect in a familiar space. People living with dementia and their friends <a href="https://doi.org/10.1017/S0714980821000301">may adapt to changes</a> brought about by the diagnosis in several ways. For example, they may prioritize their friendship by setting aside time for regular phone calls and visits. They may alter the way they think about the friendship by being accepting of the changes. They may also use practical strategies, like providing reminders for plans, and offering additional support when spending time together. Friends of individuals living with dementia may seek ways to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1471301220980898">continue enjoying meaningful time together</a>. Sometimes this involves identifying activities that are comfortable and familiar. It may also involve providing direction and encouragement to support the continuation of enjoyable experiences, such as visiting a favourite restaurant. For some, additional comfort may come from hanging out as a group because there is extra support available if needed. <h2>Open and honest communication</h2> Open and honest communication is key to maintaining any friendship and becomes particularly important following a diagnosis of dementia. Yet, that may be the biggest challenge. Below are <a href="https://dementiaandfriendship.ca/">some questions that friends might find helpful</a> to ask over a cup of coffee, on a walk or in a quiet, shared moment: <ul> <li>What do you value about our friendship? Can I tell you what our friendship means to me?</li> <li>What is one thing I do that makes you laugh? Here’s something you do that makes me laugh…</li> <li>How can we make sure we maintain our friendship (i.e., talk on the phone, over the internet, go for coffee)? How often do you want to connect? How do we need to change our time together? What can stay the same?</li> <li>How can we support each other to continue enjoying the leisure activities that are meaningful to us?</li> <li>What are the best times and days to plan activities (i.e., morning, afternoon, weekday, weekend)? Are there exceptions?</li> <li>Do we need to schedule something in advance (need time to prepare, or get more rest the day before) or can we be spontaneous?</li> <li>Where do you feel safe and able to be yourself?</li> <li>When we are in public and you need me to step in for you, how will I know? What is “our” signal?</li> <li>What do I do if I notice you’re starting to make decisions that are not like you?</li> <li>Can I ask you these same questions in a few weeks?</li> </ul> The need for friendship <a href="https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-support/im-living-dementia/living-well-dementia/staying-socially-connected">does not diminish with age</a> and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/happiness-in-world/201312/the-true-meaning-friendship">friendships continue to deeply enrich our lives</a>. Given that a dementia diagnosis often puts individuals at an increased risk of social isolation, we must pay careful attention to understanding ways to ensure that friends remain engaged with their networks in personal and meaningful ways. The first step is to trust in the friendship and begin to explore how it can be sustained over time.<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/187038/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/colleen-whyte-1281976">Colleen Whyte</a>, Associate Professor in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/brock-university-1340">Brock University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/darla-fortune-1363967">Darla Fortune</a>, Associate Professor, Applied Human Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/concordia-university-1183">Concordia University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rebecca-genoe-1363968">Rebecca Genoe</a>, Professor, Kinesiology and Health Studies, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-regina-3498">University of Regina</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/maintaining-friendships-after-a-dementia-diagnosis-can-spur-feelings-of-joy-and-self-worth-187038">original article</a>.

Relationships

How to maintain a healthy gut microbiome in 2024

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rosie-young-1491751">Rosie Young</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/quadram-institute-5557">Quadram Institute</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mariam-gamal-el-din-1492103">Mariam Gamal El-Din</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/quadram-institute-5557">Quadram Institute</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/yang-yue-1391869">Yang Yue</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/quadram-institute-5557">Quadram Institute</a> We all know by now that the pillars of a healthy lifestyle are regular exercise, eating enough fruit and vegetables, a good night’s sleep and staying hydrated. All of these things also support the gut microbiome – all the microbes that live in your digestive system – but there are some extras to consider if you want to optimise your gut health. It’s widely accepted among those of us who study the gut microbiome that a healthy gut is one that contains a <a href="https://theconversation.com/diverse-gut-microbiomes-give-better-protection-against-harmful-bugs-now-we-know-why-219734">diverse range of microbes</a> and has an effective gut barrier (the lining between your intestine and bloodstream). Let’s look at diet first. It probably has the biggest influence on your gut health. Diets high in fibre, unsaturated fatty acids (found in fish and nuts), and polyphenols (chemicals found in plants) will <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/full/10.1146/annurev-physiol-031522-092054">promote a healthy gut</a>, while those high in saturated fats, additives (such as “E numbers”) and sugar can harm gut health. So avoid consuming a lot of ultra-processed foods. Emulsifiers, a common additive in ultra-processed foods, have been found to cause <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/15/3049">intestinal inflammation and a leaky gut</a>. The most common ones to look out for on packaging are lecithin, polysorbates (such as E433) and carrageenan. These additives are also common in protein supplements, whose popularity has steadily been increasing since the <a href="https://theconversation.com/decades-of-hype-turned-protein-into-a-superfood-and-spawned-a-multibillion-dollar-industry-163711#:%7E:text=Global%20retail%20sales%20of%20protein,around%20half%20of%20the%20market.">early 2000s</a>, especially among gym goers looking to bulk up. <h2>Prebiotics and probiotics</h2> It would be unreasonable and unrealistic to tell you to avoid foods with additives, but trying to limit consumption, while increasing your consumption of prebiotic and probiotic foods, could help protect your gut. Dietary fibre is a good example of a prebiotic, which is defined as a non-digestible food ingredient that can stimulate the growth of good bacteria <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41575-020-00375-4">in the colon</a>. As the main food source of your gut microbes, it is important to consume enough if you want your microbiome to flourish. Government guidelines suggest around 30g of fibre a day for adults and 15-25g for children. Most prebiotics come from plant foods, so getting a high diversity of plant products in your diet will keep your gut healthy. The latest recommendation is to include 30 plant species in your <a href="https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/msystems.00031-18">diet per week</a>. This may sound hard to achieve but bear in mind that both good-quality coffee and dark chocolate count. Probiotics, the live bacteria and yeasts themselves, can be easily consumed through fermented food products, drinks or supplements. Choosing a high-quality probiotic is important. While there is an increasing amount on the market in supplement, powder and tablet form, they can be expensive. Fermented foods can be just as effective, but a whole lot cheaper. Yoghurts, cheese, sauerkraut, kimchi and fermented soy products, such as tempeh and miso, are examples of fermented foods that not only support the healthy balance of your gut bacteria but provide a good source of fibres, vitamins and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5425481/">other nutrients</a>. To get the most benefit from these products, look for those in the fridge section labelled as containing “live cultures” or “live bacteria”, with minimal ingredients and no heating or pasteurisation processing. Aside from what you eat, how often you eat could also affect your gut health. Fasting can allow repair of the gut lining and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0966842X23000574?via%3Dihub#s0085">reduce inflammation</a>. <h2>Medication and the microbiome</h2> Medications can directly and indirectly affect our gut health. You may have heard that antibiotics are bad for your gut microbiome, especially those which are “broad spectrum” and will kill off not only harmful bacteria but beneficial ones too. This can be associated with <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/4/3074">gastrointestinal problems and decreased immunity</a>, especially after prolonged use. Of course, doctors do not prescribe antibiotics lightly, so it is important to take them as instructed. If you are concerned, discuss the potential effects on your gut health with your GP. Although you may not have much say over which medications you take, there are a few strategies to support your gut during and after medication. Staying healthy by prioritising good sleep and managing stress levels is also important, but increasing your intake of both <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-40553-x">prebiotics</a> and <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20499361231154443">probiotics</a> at this time may <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/4/3074">lessen the blow</a> of medication on your microbiome. It is always recommended you check with your doctor before introducing a probiotic supplement in the rare case that it may not be suitable alongside the treatment. Microbiome research is continuously shedding new light on the intricate connections between the microbes that live in our gut and our wellbeing. So watch this space. In the meantime, follow the above advice – it will help you maintain a healthy gut microbiome in 2024 and beyond. Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that guar and xantham gum are emulsifiers.<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/218744/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rosie-young-1491751">Rosie Young</a>, PhD Candidate, Gut Microbes in Health and Disease, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/quadram-institute-5557">Quadram Institute</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mariam-gamal-el-din-1492103">Mariam Gamal El-Din</a>, Visiting Postdoctoral Scientist, Food Microbiome Interactions, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/quadram-institute-5557">Quadram Institute</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/yang-yue-1391869">Yang Yue</a>, PhD Candidate in Plants, Food and Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/quadram-institute-5557">Quadram Institute</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/how-to-maintain-a-healthy-gut-microbiome-in-2024-218744">original article</a>.

Body

7 tips to maintain your herb garden

Whether you love to cook with fresh herbs or are just looking to add something new to your garden, starting your own herb garden is very rewarding. To start your garden off the right way, here are seven tips that will help your herb garden flourish. 1. Choose healthy herbs From the get go, when you purchase your herb you need to make sure it is in a healthy condition. Look for bright colours, no bugs, no eggs and plenty of foliage. Sickly looking herbs should be quarantined from all the other herbs to ensure they do not get infested. 2. Select the right environment If you’ve decided you want your herb garden in a certain area, make sure those herbs can live in that kind of lighting and soil condition. Planting rosemary in a humid area will cause it to die within weeks due to wet feet. The herbs that need to be in the sun will become pale and weak if they do not get enough light. If you don’t have a completely sunny or shady area, then plants your herbs in pots and move them accordingly. 3. Prune regularly All gardeners know that not pruning is a mistake that will detrimentally hinder the growth of your garden. If you don’t prune your herbs, they will only grow taller on a few stems. Lack of pruning will cause the leaves to age, dry and fall off. Make sure you regularly prune your herbs. 4. Don’t overcrowd When you purchase your herb, look at the height and width of the fully-grown plant. Growing too many herbs in the same vicinity will be a waste of time and money as the herbs won’t grow a healthy root system. Without a healthy root system, the herb will struggle to survive and thrive. 5. Stop flower growth When herbs grow flowers, it’s a sign that they are at the end of their life cycle. Once you see a flower forming, pinch off the entire thing to stop it from hindering the growth of the herb. If the herb is persistent then cut the entire stem off. 6. Fertilise and water Herbs need a water schedule in order for them to grow. Never wash out the leaves; pour the water on the soil. Mulch will assist in locking the moisture into the soil. A fertiliser is also important as it will boost much needed growth due to the herb being harvested multiple times in the growing season. 7. Watch what you spray Herbs should never be exposed to chemicals that will be harmful to those eating them. Even if a spray is safe for animal and pets you need to ensure that it says it is safe for edibles. Try using natural alternatives to chemical treatments such as natural fertilisers. Image credits: Getty Images

Home & Garden

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

Tips for making (and maintaining) friends in retirement

Before retiring, the workplace provides us with ample opportunity to make and develop new friendships. The simple act of being in the same place as a lot of other people, as well as the chances for interaction each day in the lunch room or in meetings means that friendships can easily develop over time. When retirement looms, the idea of losing the ready group of friends can be a little scary. It’s not likely that you will continue to see all of the people that you used to work with anymore. It’s easy to focus on your bank balance when thinking about retirement planning. But it’s also important to think about investing time in your friendships so that the important ones will survive the transition to retirement life. You can also plan ahead so that you will have the chance to develop new relationships with other people in your community. While you are still in the workplace, put steps in place to strengthen the friendships that you think could survive outside of the office. Start conversations that aren’t work focused – it could be about family, holidays, current events or sports. This way you will see if you have a real connection or whether your friendship is more site-specific. You could also start to meet outside of work, for lunch or for a bike ride on the weekends. It might even be joining a local sports group or hobby together. When you are officially retired, making new friends can take a little more effort. You will need to be prepared to put yourself out there and be open to new experiences to meet people. Now is the time to take up a new hobby like photography, study a course such as creative writing, and practice new skills like tennis. All of these will lead you to naturally meet others who have similar interests to you. Another great option is to get involved with volunteer or charity work were you might even be able to use the skills you have from your years of work. If you really want to throw yourself in the deep end you could even sign up to an organised tour group and go travelling. Spending time with people on a cruise or bus trip is a great way to find like minded people who appreciate art, culture, history – or just good coffee. Image: Shutterstock

Retirement Life

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

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

"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

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

Things you can do to create and maintain hope in a post-coronavirus world

Today is a far cry from what we hoped for and expected from 2020. After Australia’s disastrous summer of bushfires, the unprecedented upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic has seen serious social and economic effects for us individually and collectively. Many of us have felt <a href="https://www.apa.org/news/apa/2020/04/grief-covid-19">grief</a>. And with grief can emerge feelings of <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/love-and-sex-in-the-digital-age/202003/covid-19-and-the-grief-process">hopelessness and resignation</a>. We tend to lose hope when <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1207/S15327965PLI1304_01">we can’t see a pathway</a> to our goals. At a time like this, it’s important we rethink our goals to create and maintain hope. Why is hope important? Hope provides a <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0020872817706408">positive vision</a> for the future about what’s possible, motivating us to look forward. While it’s an optimistic state of mind, hope can emerge from distressing and even tragic situations. Research shows both <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF01173489">mental</a> and <a href="https://journals.lww.com/psychosomaticmedicine/Abstract/1996/03000/Hopelessness_and_Risk_of_Mortality_and_Incidence.3.aspx">physical</a> health deteriorate quickly when we don’t have hope. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/sltb.12273">Suicide</a> is closely correlated with <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1975-09735-001">feelings of hopelessness</a>. Conversely, people with high levels of hope have <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2005-03447-006">better physical and mental health</a>. A lot of us are probably feeling a lack of hope right now To have hope, it’s vital we feel a sense of <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books/about/The_Unheard_Cry_for_Meaning.html?id=kYfBJ84QCAYC&printsec=frontcover&source=kp_read_button&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false">meaning</a> in our lives. Particularly during a crisis, having meaning or purpose can protect our mental health. In recent months, two things that give our life meaning – work and connections with friends and family – might have been disrupted. And while necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32213329/">social distancing measures</a> have meant many of the things we looked forward to – from holidays to going to the theatre to simply having dinner at a restaurant – were off, in favour of staying at home. Coronavirus restrictions have had more serious consequences for vulnerable groups. For example, some victims of domestic violence lost the safe refuge normally found in <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/children-australia/article/responding-to-the-accumulation-of-adverse-childhood-experiences-in-the-wake-of-the-covid19-pandemic-implications-for-practice/89D6A4EADC30CDDA26BA52AC773E8286">school</a> or <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/workplace/no-longer-a-private-matter-employer-held-responsible-for-family-violence-20200605-p54zy1.html">the workplace</a>. Meanwhile, we’re now in a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jun/03/australia-enters-first-recession-in-29-years-after-blow-from-bushfires-and-coronavirus">recession</a>. Many people have lost their <a href="https://blog.grattan.edu.au/2020/05/job-losses-caused-by-covid-19-electorate-by-electorate/">jobs and businesses</a>, and <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-04/covid-recession-mortgage-stress-default-home-loans-jobkeeper/12318274">almost 1.5 million Australians</a> are experiencing mortgage stress. All of this brings uncertainty and throws our plans into jeopardy. Adjusting our goals To work through grief and hopelessness, we need to modify our goals to ensure they’re realistic within the “new normal”, and we have a clear pathway to achieving them. For example, you might have been saving for a big family trip. But now – due to financial challenges, or travel restrictions, or both – it will be more realistic to plan a holiday in a nearby caravan park. It’s important to focus not only on long-term hopes, but on the short term too. If we focus too much on the future, we can lose sight of what’s achievable and important to us now. We should ask ourselves, what can we reasonably do this week or next month within current restrictions? Things that are important to us – such as family, friends and career – are unlikely to change, but we may need to find new ways to connect with loved ones or feel accomplished in our jobs. For example, we might spend more time socialising using digital technologies rather than face-to-face. We can even think about setting goals daily. How can we do something to enact our values each day? This could be as simple as a kind gesture towards a loved one or work colleague. Navigating uncertainty Even as restrictions ease, we worry about the potential for <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32277876/">virus outbreaks</a>. Meanwhile, people in <a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3564702">financial trouble</a> won’t simply recover overnight, and may face added stress at the prospect of the government ending its support programs. And people who have experienced <a href="https://theconversation.com/new-study-shows-staggering-effect-of-coronavirus-pandemic-on-americas-mental-health-137944">mental health problems</a> during the pandemic will need ongoing support. Fear <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/0162-895X.00255">can get in the way</a> of identifying pathways to achieving our hopes. So to nurture hope we must recognise, acknowledge and address our fears. If this all feels like a lot, setting a goal such as going for walk during the day can give us space to reflect. Further, research shows engaging in <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1049731516674319">mindfulness meditation</a> and focusing on the present can reduce our stress and increase our sense of hope. Sharing hope Sharing your hopes <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0002716203262049">with trusted others</a> means you’re supported not only to dream of exciting things, but also to make these things happen. We’re actually programmed to share in each others’ hopes and dreams. <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0020872817706408">Vicarious hope</a> is the desire for something positive to happen to someone else. It switches our attention to how our actions might contribute to other people’s hopes as well as our own. “<a href="https://oxfordre.com/education/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780190264093.001.0001/acrefore-9780190264093-e-765">Hope interventions</a>”, whereby community and social services offer programs with the aim of improving people’s hope, can enhance <a href="https://oxfordre.com/education/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780190264093.001.0001/acrefore-9780190264093-e-765">well-being and reduce depression</a>. Despite the uncertainty associated with COVID-19, over recent months we’ve seen communities around the world generating hope. In Europe, people played music <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/14/solidarity-balcony-singing-spreads-across-italy-during-lockdown">on their balconies</a> and <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/clap-for-carers/2020/03/26/3d05eb9c-6f66-11ea-a156-0048b62cdb51_story.html">collectively applauded</a> health-care workers. Here in Australia, volunteers established <a href="https://www.skynews.com.au/details/_6146178000001">kindness armies</a> to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/news/coronavirus-united-neighbours-campaign-reaches-30000-vulnerable-australians/news-story/4c19bd5ba7a8664e5b2fded5704196d9">support vulnerable</a> members of the community. This speaks to a social world which feels an ongoing responsibility <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0725513616647574">to focus on hope</a>. Throughout <a href="https://www.wakefieldpress.com.au/files/extracts/Hope_extract.pdf">history</a>, hope has risen <a href="https://www.anu.edu.au/events/conflict-in-syria-finding-hope-among-the-ruins">from ruins</a>. Out of this pandemic, too, we can be hopeful and <a href="https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/154519/">even dream of a better world</a>.<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/140330/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/patrick-oleary-650519">Patrick O'Leary</a>, Professor and Director of Violence Research and Prevention Program, Griffith Criminology Institute and School of Human Services and Social Work, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/amy-young-990667">Amy Young</a>, Associate Lecturer, School of Human Services and Social Work, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jennifer-boddy-101576">Jennifer Boddy</a>, Associate Professor and Deputy Head of School (Learning and Teaching), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jianqiang-liang-1123576">Jianqiang Liang</a>, Lecturer (social work), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</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/feeling-hopeless-there-are-things-you-can-do-to-create-and-maintain-hope-in-a-post-coronavirus-world-140330">original article</a>.

Mind

How to maintain a slower pace of life after lockdown

Before lockdown, our lives were defined by speed. Rushing around, living life at rocket pace was the norm. Keeping up with work responsibilities, social obligations and the latest tech or fashion trends was a neverending feat. Only a privileged few <a href="https://hbr.org/2018/12/the-growing-business-of-helping-customers-slow-down">could afford to slow down</a>. But in lockdown, the pace of life slowed <a href="https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-how-the-pandemic-has-changed-our-perception-of-time-139240">dramatically overnight for everyone</a>. People literally stopped running to work. The office, gyms, pubs, clubs and restaurants closed. Global travel shut down. Staying at home became the new normal. People began playing board games and puzzles, gardening, baking and other analogue pursuits with their new found time. Now that we are gradually emerging from lockdown, one tentative step at a time, is it possible to hold on to the benefits of being slowed down, and not go back to our old rushed way of living? <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jcr/article-abstract/45/6/1142/4999270">Our research</a> shows that in order to experience the benefits of slowing down, people must decelerate in three ways. 1. Slowing down your body We call this embodied deceleration – when the body itself slows down. For example, when people walk or cycle as their primary forms of transportation, rather than taking the tube, train or bus. During lockdown, we have all had to stay close to our homes, and public transport has been for essential workers only. As we come out of lockdown, the city of London, for example, is expecting more people to continue walking and cycling rather than taking faster forms of transport, and is altering the built environment of the city to facilitate this. If possible, try to continue these slower forms of moving, as <a href="https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Resonance%3A+A+Sociology+of+Our+Relationship+to+the+World-p-9781509519927">they do not only provide</a> physical benefits. Moving at a slower pace allows for feeling a stronger connection between body and mind, which can gradually open up mental space for deep reflection. It is about getting into a mindset in which you have time to think, not just react. 2. Controlling your technology use You don’t need to give up technology entirely. This is about having control over technology, and also communicating more face-to-face. During lockdown, we have all relied on technology to a great extent – to do our work remotely as well as keep in touch with our loved ones. Yet technology has been used to rekindle vibrant and meaningful connections to those who are important to us. From Zoom happy hours with long lost friends to watching movies with a partner, technology has been used to reinforce close connections. Try to continue these practices as you emerge from lockdown. For example, keep up your involvement with the WhatsApp neighbourhood group, which checks in on vulnerable community members. This keeps you grounded in the local, and continues your use of technology to facilitate close, meaningful and long lasting, rather than superficial and short, relations with others. 3. Limiting your activities This is engaging in only a few activities per day and – crucially – reducing the amount of choices you make about buying things. During lockdown, when we were all confined to our homes, the only activities to be engaged in and choices to be made were where to set up our home office, what to eat for each meal, and where and when to take a walk. Now, as we begin to see others outside of our household, as restaurants and bars begin to open for takeaway and shops start to reopen, the amount of activities and things we can consume starts to rise. Try to remember the feeling of making your own food, and sharing it with your household, rather than running back to eating many meals out and on the go. As you emerge from lockdown, try to maintain practices like stopping work to eat your lunch in the middle of the day, and take tea breaks, preferably with others and outdoors when you can. There is much value to be gained from having the rhythm of your daily life be one which you can savour. In general, all three dimensions of slowing down speak to simplicity, authenticity and less materialism. Although many people desired these in their life pre-lockdown, it was hard to achieve them, as we felt there was no getting off the sped-up rollercoaster. Now, when we have all experienced the benefits of living a life which emphasises these values – the amount of things purchased during lockdown was quite small, and many people decluttered their homes – there is an incentive to hold on to this rather than rush back to our old, accelerated life. We are seeing societal changes which facilitate maintaining this new, slowed down rhythm. New Zealand is talking about <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/20/jacinda-ardern-flags-four-day-working-week-as-way-to-rebuild-new-zealand-after-covid-19">moving to a four-day work week</a>, for example, and Twitter <a href="https://blog.twitter.com/en_us/topics/company/2020/keeping-our-employees-and-partners-safe-during-coronavirus.html">says employees</a> can continue to work from home indefinitely. The current moment offers a unique opportunity to push back against the cult of speed and to continue life in this slower, more meaningful form. Written by Giana Eckhardt and Katharina C. Husemann. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-maintain-a-slower-pace-of-life-after-lockdown-140088">The Conversation.</a>

Retirement Life

“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

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.

Cruising

Quick tips to revive your lawn

If your lawn is invaded by moss and weeds, give it a quick renovation in autumn. With a few tricks up your sleeve, in spring your lawn will be as good as new and you’ll avoid a more time-consuming revamp. On a day when there’s no wind, apply a selective lawn weed killer and leave it to work for around 10 days (check all lawn products to make sure the one you use suits your lawn variety). Borrow or rent a dethatcher, choosing a power model for more than 100 square metres of lawn. Water the lawn to loosen the soil, then five days later go over it thoroughly lengthways and widthways with the dethatcher fitted with a catcher to eliminate moss. Scatter coated grass seeds in the bare areas and spread slow-release fertiliser granules, that gradually release their nitrogen, over the whole surface of the lawn. The repeated addition of lawn foods can result in soil becoming acidic, which favours weeds, so add lime to your lawn occasionally to reduce acidity and cut down on time spent weeding. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.handyman.net.au/quick-tips-revive-your-lawn">Handyman Australia</a>.

Home & Garden

5 steps to a green winter lawn

The backyard tends to get neglected in winter as cool weather keeps people indoors. When there’s less sun to produce chlorophyll, grass growth is slowed and the lawn colour fades. 1. Give it some air The lawn compacts when people or vehicles move over it regularly and wet soil is even more prone to this problem. Test by pushing in a garden fork, if it won’t go in far then the lawn needs aerating. FOR SMALL LAWNS Wiggle a fork into the soil across the entire area every 100mm, opening up the soil so oxygen and water can get to the roots. FOR BIG LAWNS aerate the soil by hiring a lawn corer, for about $85 for four hours, from <a href="http://www.kennards.com.au/">Kennards Hire</a>. 2. Check the pH Measure the acidity or alkalinity of the soil using a pH test kit, $13 from nurseries or hardware stores. The ideal level is between 6.5 and 7. Below 6.5 means soil is acidic and needs a handful of dolomite for every square metre followed by a good soaking. Above 7 means the soil is alkaline. 3. Feed the lawn Use a fertiliser spreader for even distribution of a slow-release lawn fertiliser such as Yates Lush Lawn Lifter. Also add a soil-wetting agent in preparation for warmer, drier weather. Always water lawns well after feeding as the fertiliser can burn the grass if it’s left on dry. TIP To avoid disease and rot from too much moisture, water in winter only after a long period without rain. 4. Cut for growth Mow the lawn every three to four weeks. Set the blade height to cut weeds and just the tip of the grass to leave a larger leaf surface area to capture sunlight, increasing the photosynthesis process. 5. Zap the weeds Weeds flourish in weakened winter grass so dig them out of small lawns with a trowel or garden fork. Spray larger areas with weed killer. Written by Jecca Blake. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.handyman.net.au/5-steps-green-winter-lawn">Handyman Australia</a>.

Home & Garden

6 tips for maintaining a healthy lawn at sea

Maintaining a healthy green lawn can be difficult enough on land, so we were really impressed when we discovered there was a cruise ship that maintains real grass onboard. The highest deck on the cruise ship, Celebrity Solstice, is covered in a lawn of luscious green grass. It is the only cruise ship in Australia to have real grass onboard. Can you imagine the challenges involved in trying to maintain a thriving lawn at sea? There’s wind, salt spray, humidity and climate changes to contend with. Not to mention the fact that the grass is not actually taking in root in the earth. Yes, there are problems aplenty but the crew at Celebrity Solstice seem to have it figured out. The ship employs two highly trained lawn keepers and an onboard Environment Manager who is tasked with overseeing grass maintenance, among other things. To keep the lawn in peak condition, the keepers monitor the area daily and undertake vigilant pest control practices. The grass is mowed to precisely 35mm, as often as every day where conditions are warmer and every three days in cooler climes, using a non-gas emitting cylinder mower or reel mower. The lawn is watered using automated sprinklers, sub-surface sprinklers, as well as old fashioned manual watering. Mineral and organic lawn care products feed and protect the grass, and of course deck chairs and high heels are discouraged. The lawn consists of Couch grass during the warmer months. In places like Alaska, where temperatures are much cooler, the Couch grass is overgrown with Rye grass seeds that germinate and provide green grass even in arctic conditions. The grass grows on a porous base made of lightweight calcium clay, crushed and blended together with sieved and washed volcanic pumice. Not only do these materials have nutritional benefits for the grass, the calcium clay and volcanic pumice provide great drainage after rain and when the area is irrigated. Staffers were really impressed with the quality of lawn care practiced at Celebrity Solstice so when Environment Manager Nick Asproudas offered to share his lawn care tips with us we jumped at the chance. Nicks says his tips for maintaining healthy grass can be easily applied to residential lawns. We agree. Nicks tips are in line with our own advice when it comes to keeping the lawn green and luscious. Here are Nick's tips. 6 Tips For Maintaining A Healthy Lawn At Sea Or At Home 1. Cut with care Never cut your grass too short – I suggest taking off no more than 10% of the leaf at one time because more than this can damage your grass. 2. Control weeds While herbicides are great for preventing weeds from spreading, it can take days before the chemicals kick in, not to mention the damage most do to the environment. So if you have a smaller backyard there is nothing better than good old fashioned manual weeding - it’s what we do on Celebrity Solstice’s lawn - just make sure the whole root is removed from the soil. 3. Fertilise A slow-release fertiliser is always best and won’t burn your grass. I recommend you fertilise every 6-8 weeks -just don’t forget to water your lawn after the application. 4. Water the lawn It’s vital to water your grass all year around, but it is especially important to do so during Australia's harsh summer months. Watering by hand is always best as sometimes sprinklers do not provide a sufficient amount of water. 5. Eliminate brown patches Firstly, check soil moisture levels using a soil probe. If you find your lawn soil is quite dry, water it manually or use an oscillating sprinkler. If it isn’t, brown patches are often caused by a disease. If this is the case, isolate the area so nobody steps on the grass and apply a fungicide to stop the disease from spreading. 6. Mow with purpose Change your mowing directions each time you mow your lawn to increase the density of your turf and reduce scalping. The round the clock technique works best, which involves changing your mowing pattern based on the numbers on an analogue clock. For example, one day you may mow from 12 to 6, another day from 9 to 3 and then another day from 2 to 8. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.handyman.net.au/6-tips-maintaining-healthy-lawn-sea">Handyman.net.au.</a>

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