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"Shame on you!" Robert De Niro's courtroom outburst

<p>Robert De Niro has lost his temper in court, as his former assistant accused him of being abusive. </p> <p>The Oscar-winning actor is being sued by Graham Chase Robinson, who worked as his assistant from 2008 until several months into 2019, for millions of dollars after claiming he was abusive when they worked together. </p> <p>Robinson, 41, seeks $US12 million (approximately AUD$18 million) in damages for emotional distress and harm to her reputation, that she claims has left her jobless and unable to recover from the trauma of working for De Niro.</p> <p>The jury is also considering evidence pertaining to a lawsuit De Niro filed against Robinson in which he claimed that she stole things from him, including five million points that could be used for airline flights.</p> <p>De Niro is countersuing his former employee, seeking the return of three years of Robinson's salary.</p> <p>Robinson's attorney Andrew Macurdy interrogated the actor over some of his questionable behaviour, including allegations that he spoke to Robinson while he was urinating, and claims that he called her a "b***h" to her face.</p> <p>De Niro admitted that while he "got angry" at his former assistant, he was "never abusive".</p> <p>Growing frustrated with the line of questioning, he exclaimed, "You got us all here for this?" </p> <p>Eventually, he angrily looked toward Robinson and shouted, "Shame on you, Chase Robinson!"</p> <p>De Niro was also asked by Macurdy if he he sued Robinson before she sued him because he wanted publicity.</p> <p>"It draws attention to me. It's the last thing I wanted to do," De Niro said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Legal

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Emotional scenes as NSW passes law on Voluntary Assisted Dying

<p dir="ltr">The NSW parliament has legalised voluntary assisted dying (VAD), with Thursday's historic vote meaning terminally ill people can now choose the timing of their death.</p> <p dir="ltr">NSW joins the rest of Australia’s states in making VAD legal with a final vote of 23 MPs in favour and 15 opposing.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-57b1d52d-7fff-87bc-6fab-77fde5fd183a">Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, who introduced the bill to parliament late last year, told members that the “entire diversity” of parliament were involved in passing the bill, with 28 co-sponsors from all parties - the highest number in Australian parliamentary history per <em><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/voluntary-assisted-dying-legalised-in-nsw-20220519-p5amo0.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sydney Mkorning Herald</a></em>.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">"We are celebrating this historic day"<br />"Compassion has won"<br />says Independent MP <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexGreenwich?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlexGreenwich</a>, flanked by the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill's co-sponsors and advocates.<br />It's been 20 years since the first attempt to pass a law like this in NSW. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nswpol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nswpol</a> <a href="https://t.co/8wNpjSEZP3">pic.twitter.com/8wNpjSEZP3</a></p> <p>— Sarah Navin (@SarahNavin) <a href="https://twitter.com/SarahNavin/status/1527131431163797505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“For those wondering what happened with the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill last night; the bill was debated till midnight and almost all amendments were dealt with,” Mr Greenwich explained on social media at 6am on Thursday morning.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There is one more amendment this morning to vote on and then a final vote in both the Upper and Lower House.”</p> <p dir="ltr">MPs debated nearly 100 amendments on Wednesday, with the sitting ending at midnight.</p> <p dir="ltr">The majority of amendments, including the push to allow aged care and residential homes to block VAD from occurring in their facilities, were voted down during the debate according to the <em><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-19/voluntary-assisted-dying-laws-pass/101079940" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">At midday, it was announced that the bill had passed the upper house.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e5a4c3c0-7fff-a6a1-f7fe-4002e71c7631"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The lower house then approved the bill approximately an hour later.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Proud to be sitting in the NSW parliament to watch the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill finally pass into law. This will make such a difference to the lives of so many, allowing people to choose to live the end of their lives as well as possible and to die with dignity. ✨❤️</p> <p>— Abigail Boyd (@AbigailBoydMLC) <a href="https://twitter.com/AbigailBoydMLC/status/1527120671498588161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Finance Minister Damien Tudehope, an opponent of the bill, told the upper house that it was a “dark day” for the state.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was a sad day because it was an opportunity for NSW to say ‘we can be better than this’,” Mr Tudehope said.</p> <p dir="ltr">He added that it would be judged by history as a “dreadful mistake”.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-7061fe4b-7fff-c2d4-1a70-0c7be574e249"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">However, advocate groups such as Go Gentle Australia and Dying with Dignity, as well as individual supporters of VAD, have welcomed the decision.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Voluntary assisted dying set to become law in NSW. Congratulations and thank you to all the advocates, especially those who fought for their right to die with dignity, and died waiting and the 28 MPs who co-signed the Bill, tabled by my MP, <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexGreenwich?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlexGreenwich</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/voluntaryassisteddying?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#voluntaryassisteddying</a></p> <p>— Kimberley Ramplin (@Kimbo_Ramplin) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kimbo_Ramplin/status/1527130066349481985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“VAD is now legal in NSW, the culmination of 50 years of advocacy. Congratulations to all involved,” Go Gentle Australia tweeted.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Congratulations to everyone involved in this campaign!” Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was part of the Working Group on Assisted Dying in NSW Parliament, which introduced the first bill. I’m proud to have played a role so that people can die with dignity.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Genuinely stoked,” Scott Phillips, the director of City Recital Hall, said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I have no idea if my old man would have taken the option, in his final days as he battled cancer.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-33a92312-7fff-da90-5db0-3ce7e371afd6"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“But I am so pleased that the choice will be available to others in NSW as a result of this bill.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">At long last. Choice &amp; dignity for terminally ill patients in NSW. Congrats to all who fought so courageously for this change. Now legalised in every State, the Federal Government need to stop blocking the NT &amp; ACT from debating this reform. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ausvotes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ausvotes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/auspol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#auspol</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nswpol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nswpol</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/vad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#vad</a> <a href="https://t.co/UAwfar1O4X">https://t.co/UAwfar1O4X</a></p> <p>— JillHennessyMP (@JillHennessyMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/JillHennessyMP/status/1527130639816093696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">According to <em><a href="https://twitter.com/10NewsFirstSyd/status/1527133466181005312" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 News First Sydney</a></em>, the bill allows for people to choose to end their life if they have suffering that can’t be relieved and are likely to die of a disease within six months, or within a year in the case of neurodegenerative disease. </p> <p dir="ltr">The news comes just days after Sara Wright, a nurse who has long advocated for VAD to be legalised, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/terminally-ill-nurse-caught-in-desperate-waiting-game" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spoke out</a> about waiting for the decision to be made while being “virtually paralysed” as a result of motor neuron disease - estimating she has months left to live.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I don’t think that I will live for more than another six to eight months, as my breathing capacity is reducing very fast and I do not wish to have a tracheostomy (an operation where a breathing hole is cut into the front of the neck and windpipe),” she told 7News.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I know that all my family, my parents, my brothers, my ex-husband are all in support of voluntary assisted dying and helping me relieve my suffering.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But none of us want to break the law or risk anyone being imprisoned if they helped me.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-4f1cf650-7fff-f54a-3901-698f66650fb4"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @DWDnsw (Twitter)</em></p>

Caring

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Man assisting elderly neighbour recounts terrifying stabbing

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Gold Coast man was stabbed in the chest while investigating an attempted break-in at his elderly neighbour’s home and had to keep himself alive, only to find out all of his vital organs were untouched.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">James Fletcher, 40, was in his Palm Beach home on Monday night when he heard a noise from the house next door.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After realising he could see his 92-year-old neighbour “rummaging around” outside with a torch, Mr Fletcher and his housemate went to check on him.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He’s an old boy and I know him, and I thought he might have had a fall or something,” he told </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-17/gold-coast-man-stabbed-helping-his-elderly-neighbour/100628806" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">ABC News</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When they got there, they found the couple walking around on broken glass and quickly took action.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We just took control and tried to look after them to get the glass out of their feet, get some shoes on and start cleaning up,” Mr Fletcher said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We were there for about 10 minutes and it wasn’t until I started cleaning the glass that I noticed that there was a paver that had been thrown through the window or through the door.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“So I was like OK, someone’s trying to break in here, you know, they [his neighbours] were a bit shocked and didn’t know exactly what happened either.”</span></p> <p><img style="width: 396px; height: 223px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845716/fletcher.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b05bf807f6064d3b940bc1d7c9ccdea8" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">James Fletcher (right) was stabbed by an unknown assailant when he came to check on his neighbour, Des Oatridge (left). Image: Channel Nine</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Once he saw the disturbed paver, the 40-year-old said he went outside to check on his own house, which was left open, and to pick up a first aid kit.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As he did so, a man called out asking whether he had heard the loud noise and if everyone was alright.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“And he walked towards me and as soon as he sort of walked past me, spun around and rammed a knife in my chest,” Mr Fletcher said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He said the 15-centimetre blade went through his rib cartilage before becoming lodged in his sternum.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’ll never forget that. Like, the ferocity and the anger and the intent that that was delivered with,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Initially he said he thought he had been punched, until his attacker attempted to pull the knife out.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This knife was embedded in my sternum, and he pulled the knife out but I came with it,” he continued.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“And then his hand slipped off and then I sort of reached for my chest, and then I had the knife in my hand, and then he saw that and ran.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mr Fletcher said he immediately realised he was in trouble, but knew what to do as a physiotherapist trained in trauma.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While his housemate and neighbours called an ambulance, Mr Fletcher laid down on the ground and compressed the wound.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I asked for a pillow and some towels to apply pressure to my wound and my job became hanging on,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“But I still didn’t know what was actually going on… I knew I had a big hole… and then the knife actually fell out of my chest when I went to sit up to get into the ambulance.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After arriving at the Gold Coast hospital, the surgeons waiting to treat Mr Fletcher discovered that the knife had missed all his vital organs in a “one in a million” moment.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It missed my lungs. It nicked my pericardium, which is the sac that contains my heart, but it didn’t touch my heart, missed my spleen and missed all the large vessels,” he said.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 396px; height: 415px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845715/fletcher1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/06558ccce0124625b2aae4033fd472ae" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Channel Nine</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mr Fletcher has since provided his statement to police officers, but there have been no arrests yet.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Despite his serious injury, Mr Fletcher said he hoped his attacker could access the help he needed.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This guy, I’m sure has a mental health condition. And I’m sure it’s unmanaged or he’s been unable to access resources. And he’s out there in the community. You know, he almost ruined two people’s lives,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After being discharged from hospital on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Fletcher returned to work on Wednesday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He said he had received plenty of support, but was unsure about how he will continue to feel about how “someone tried to kill me, and he was nearly successful”.</span></p>

Legal

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Is it illegal to assist a suicide?

<p>In the days before Christmas, Western Australia became the second state in Australia to legalise voluntary assisted dying.</p> <p>More than 180 hours were spent debating the legislation in parliament, but under the final laws, terminally ill adults in pain and likely to have less than six months to live – or one year if they have a neurodegenerative condition – will be able to take a drug to end their lives if approved by two medical practitioners.</p> <p>The scheme is expected to be implemented across the state in about 18 months’ time.</p> <p>Under the proposed laws, to be eligible a person would have to be terminally ill with a condition that is causing ‘intolerable suffering’ and is likely to cause death within six months, or 12 months for a neurodegenerative condition.</p> <p><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-12-05/wa-voluntary-euthanasia-law-passes-upper-house-vote/11771302">To access the regime, a person would have to make two verbal requests</a> and one written request and those written requests would have to be signed off by two doctors. Self-administration is the preferred method by which patients would facilitate their own deaths, but a patient can choose for a medical practitioner to administer the drug.</p> <p><strong>The laws in Western Australia and Victoria</strong></p> <p>The passing of the legislation means that Western Australia is the second state in Australia to make assisted dying lawful. In 2017, <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/dying-with-dignity-laws-passed-in-victoria/">Victoria passed voluntary euthanasia laws</a>.</p> <p>While Victoria is widely recognised as the first jurisdiction in Australia to legalise euthanasia, <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/northern-territory-and-act-fight-to-legalise-euthanasia/">in fact, the Northern Territory introduced laws as far back as 1995.</a></p> <p>But only four people were able to use the laws because after only two years of being in force, thanks to a small technicality in Federal law which allows the Federal government to overturn laws passed by the territories (but not the States), the Federal Government exercised this right and effectively voided the NT laws.</p> <p>Since then, both the Northern Territory and the ACT have been fighting to take back control and determine their own legislation.</p> <p><strong>In New South Wales</strong></p> <p>Around the same time as voluntary euthanasia became legal in Victoria, it was also debated in the New South Wales Parliament, but with no significant progress towards legislation being enacted. Tasmania too, has debated euthanasia legislation and failed to pass it.</p> <p>South Australia and Queensland, both initiated parliamentary inquiries into assisted dying earlier this year.</p> <p>However now that Western Australia has also passed legislation, there is now more impetus for all Australian jurisdictions to follow suit.</p> <p>Despite the fact that many people do feel compassionately about helping terminally ill people to avoid prolonged, painful deaths, as they might put down a much loved family pet as an act of kindness in circumstances where the pain / injuries/ illness seemed intolerable, assisted dying is a highly controversial issue and as progresses in medical science find more and more ways to keep us alive, it becomes an increasingly complex issue.</p> <p>Although it is usually a crime to assist euthanasia and suicide, prosecutions Australia-wide have been rare.</p> <p><strong>Assisting a suicide in New South Wales</strong></p> <p>Currently in New South Wales, both euthanasia and physician assisted suicide are criminal offences.</p> <p>A person found guilty of engaging in active voluntary euthanasia can be prosecuted for murder under <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/criminal/legislation/crimes-act/murder/">section 18 of the Crimes Act 1900</a>, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.</p> <p>A person may additionally or alternatively be prosecuted for aiding a suicide, which is an offence under <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/criminal/legislation/crimes-act/aiding-etc-suicide/">section 31C of the Crimes Act 1900</a> carrying a maximum penalty of ten years in prison.</p> <p>To establish the offence, the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant aided or abetted the suicide or attempted suicide of another person.</p> <p>Alternatively, a 5 year maximum penalty applies where the prosecution is able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that:</p> <p>1. The defendant incited or counselled another person to commit suicide, and</p> <p>2. The other person committed or attempted to commit suicide as a consequence.</p> <p>Around the world, assisted suicide is only currently legal in Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Switzerland, and a handful of US States.</p> <p><em>Written by Sonia Hickey and Ugur Nedim. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/the-offence-of-assisting-a-suicide/">Sydney Criminal Lawyers.</a></em></p>

Caring

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24 hours to evacuate: Aussie troops move in to assist families fleeing bushfires

<p>Residents are struggling on the South Coast of NSW a there’s no fuel, no food and no power. This is due to bushfires ravaging the area and the Australian Defence Force has been called in to help the affected areas.</p> <p>A fleet of ships and helicopters are making their way to coastal regions to supply and rescue residents that are trapped by the flames.</p> <p>There are currently 110 fires burning across NSW with over 50 yet to be contained, according to the<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://twitter.com/NSWRFS/status/1212444017251647489" target="_blank">NSW RFS</a></em>.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">At 5.30am there are 110 fires burning across NSW with over 50 yet to be contained. <br /><br />Firefighters will make the most of more favourable conditions today to protect properties before deteriorating conditions again this Saturday.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NSWRFS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NSWRFS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NSWFires?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NSWFires</a> <a href="https://t.co/vb3o55n8XU">pic.twitter.com/vb3o55n8XU</a></p> — NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSWRFS/status/1212444017251647489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">1 January 2020</a></blockquote> <p>With around 50,000 homes without power, major phone networks being down, and supermarkets closed, residents are struggling to obtain essentials such as food, fuel and water.</p> <p>NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons says that there will be a “huge effort” to get as many people out of the area before Saturday, as conditions are set to worsen.</p> <p>"It's an extreme challenge for firefighters," he said on<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.skynews.com.au/details/_6119081428001" target="_blank">Sky News</a></em>.</p> <p>RFS Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers agrees.</p> <p>“There is every potential that the conditions on Saturday will be as bad or worse than we saw yesterday (Tuesday),” he told<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/australian-troops-prepare-for-bushfire-emergency-evacuations-by-sea/live-coverage/cf3d149ec9bbb9b7eb808e663eec8a28" target="_blank">reporters</a><span> </span>in Sydney.</p> <p>“Crews are working hard to get some containment before Saturday but we are concerned about that fire because of its potential run into far western Sydney,” Mr Rogers said.</p> <p>With at least 1298 homes destroyed across the state and air quality continuing to worsen in the affected areas, firefighters are run ragged trying to stop NSW from burning.</p> <p>Thousands are fleeing the South Coast, with almost 30 road closures in the region. Live Traffic NSW has issued a warning for heavy traffic conditions as well as significant delays.</p>

News

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How to use Google Assistant on Android smartphones

<p><em><strong>Lisa Du is director of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://readytechgo.com.au/" target="_blank">ReadyTechGo</a></span>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology.</strong></em></p> <p>We speak about <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/technology/2016/12/how-to-use-siri-on-your-iphone-and-ipad/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Siri a lot – the virtual assistant available on Apple devices.</span></strong></a></p> <p>Now meet Google Assistant, available on Android. <br /> <br /> If you have used Android devices previously, you may have come across Google Now, a feature which pulls out relevant information to you (such as where you work, where you live, what time to leave home to arrive at your next location on time).</p> <p>Google assistant is available on Android devices running software versions Marshmallow or Nougat (If you're wondering why Google's operating systems are always named after candy/sweets, their spokesperson said: "Since these devices make our lives so sweet, each Android version is named after a dessert: Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, and Jelly Bean."). </p> <p><strong>How do I know if my phone has Google Assistant?</strong></p> <p>To check if your phone has Google Assistant, say <strong>"Ok Google", "Hey, Google"</strong>, or press-and-hold the home button.</p> <p>On Marshmallow or Nougat devices that have had the update, that long press will launch Google Assistant, popping up with a page asking how it can help, as pictured below (picture courtesy of pocket-lint.com)</p> <p><strong>What can Google Assistant do?</strong></p> <p>I'm a huge fan of Virtual Assistants.</p> <p>Google Assistant is designed to be conversational. Ask Google Assistant a question, and she will determine the context and audibly respond with the right information.</p> <p><strong>You can ask her things like:</strong></p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What's the weather tomorrow?</li> <li>Who sings this song?</li> <li>What is the phone number for Myer, Melbourne?</li> <li>How do I say "how are you?" in French?</li> </ul> <p><strong>Ask her to do things for you:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Send a message to Matt, and tell him I am running 15 minutes late</li> <li>Play my "Gym" Playlist on Spotify</li> <li>Call Grandma on speakerphone</li> <li>Give me directions to home</li> <li>Show me photos of Japan</li> </ul> <p><strong>Reminders:</strong></p> <p>I love this function!</p> <ul> <li>I say things like "Remind me to check the PO Box at 5pm"</li> <li>Remind me to check the oven in 20 minutes</li> </ul> <p>Check out Google Assistant, and let us know what you think of your new virtual assistant! </p>

Technology

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Why training an assistance puppy is so rewarding

<p><em><strong>Pip Jacobson was born and raised as a dairy farmer’s daughter on the remote King Island, in Bass Strait, and now resides with her husband in Queensland's sunshine. Having had farm and rescue dogs all her life, she fell upon a SmartPup fundraising event and became involved with the non-profit organisation in March 2016.  </strong></em> </p> <p>"Ugh, these better be tossed," I thought as I hoiked up my knickers with the long-handled BBQ tongs, unable to bend with my newly fractured hip screaming blasphemy as I barely lifted my left foot from the floor. "Amazing how ingenious one can become," was my second thought as the tongs did their magic and my dressing progressed. Just three days prior I'd raced through the kitchen yelling at my foster pup to "LEAVE IT! LEAVE IT! " as an aggressive brown snake made its mad mission to corner her in the smallest area of the garden.</p> <p>Christmas 2016 proved to be our quietest one yet. Not that it was planned that way – in fact we were expecting a very special guest called Shine – who was coming with the intention of displaying a few manners to my little foster pup Chilli who was being over-friendly, and needing to learn the etiquette of “meeting other dogs”. Actually, Chilli took on a roll much bigger than was expected of her by caring for my needs instead!!    </p> <p><img width="419" height="559" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34203/tired-baby_419x559.jpg" alt="Tired Baby" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/>                                                                                        </p> <p>Both Chilli, and Shine are SmartPups – assistance dogs for children. As it turned out Chilli finished her training with an added bonus... learning to keep her feet away from a wheelchair's wheels, and crutches! She graduated with flying colours.</p> <p>Chilli arrived in March 2016 as a wee soft nine-week-old cute Labrador – the kind of canine I'd never owned... not that I would ever own Chilli as a foster. It had taken me 12 months to decide whether I was cut out to help socialise and home-train these special puppies, knowing that there would be a doomsday when she went off to her forever family – her new owner being an autistic child, or one that suffered from diabetes or seizures. Chilli quickly proved her nose 'knows'; such a 'snifter' she focused on getting as much knowledge as she could from her nasal sensory gift, she was destined to become a seizure response assistance dog. I am proud to say that only this week she was placed in her new home as exactly that!</p> <p>My overnight stay in hospital was, at least, enlightening. As I lay in the Observation Ward willing my mind away from left hip howling, a very thoughtful young 'lady' hurling obscenities and abuse in 360 degrees proved to be both scary, and entertaining! Knowing that I couldn't exactly run if I had to, I was relieved to realise that she had six burly security guards around her and her cries of "I don't feel safe! I don't feel safe" resonated very clearly in my ears.</p> <p>"I'm with you, babe!" And I hadn't even sampled ice, I merely had a hip in fragments. This sent an urgent message to my bladder so I hailed a passing nurse (no call bell on my bedframe) and suggested help to get me to the Ladies. "Too busy," she breathlessly panted as she reefed aside my privacy curtain, and flung in a commode chair. Tentatively I eventually managed to board this thing, but failed to realise that the potty had slipped backwards, it too trying to escape tidal waves of shouting. So there I was with a left hip hollering and a right foot reeking of urine with a huge puddle between me and safety. An avalanche of abuse quickly swept me back to my spot, hurty hip ignored and dripping foot dripping while I vainly tried to throw fleeing tissues into the offending pee-pool. Release the next morning didn't come soon enough.</p> <p><img width="381" height="510" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34205/img_0771_381x510.jpg" alt="IMG_0771 (1)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Chilli wasn't home when I arrived back from hospital. She was back at the training centre and I was mortified. Knowing that I only had six weeks left before she was to be placed with her forever family, I pleaded with the trainers, stating that my recovery would be twice as quick if I had this special dog with me. Yes, they agreed and sent her back, along with a wheelchair and the command "WATCH IT". Chilli learned very quickly to keep her toes away from those huge wheels, and not only did she walk sedately beside me, she walked slowly and gently next to me once I mastered the crutches – without ever having been taught. She had her one year birthday two weeks after my fall. She had mastered her seizure detection work plus wheelchair experience!</p> <p>Chilli and I attended the regular Saturday training session in the New Year – me of course, skiting that a dedicated foster parent takes all kinds of spills to accompany the thrills for this SmartPup training! The Foster Families Saturday get togethers had become the highlight of our week – we encouraged our puppies to be calm and not distracted by other dogs, skateboards, balls, prams, motorbikes, runners; anything that may cause an assistant dog tethered to a child to break their focus from their "work".  We'd sit and gossip and the puppies learned to sit and be patient. Then we would have puppy-play time – these amazing dogs earned their play time where we encouraged them to run free and be themselves, playing and sharing toys, bones and water bowls. The joys to see a pack of ten or so dogs tumbling and frolicking after being so well behaved was our laughter-fix for the week.</p> <p><img width="387" height="518" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34206/1_387x518.jpg" alt="1 (165)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>My decision to commit to fostering a SmartPup took 12 months, my yo-yo-ing as to whether I could hand back a puppy that I'd seen grow and develop, and of course love to bits. Last Monday I handed her lead to her brilliant trainer – we were at the airport, and my time with Chilli was on its tail end. My tears were pushed to the depths as I knew Chilli would pick up on my feelings. Her trainer took one last loo-stop before boarding and I could see Chilli, sitting next to me, search for her trainers return… I knew then, that this little pocket rocket Labrador had placed her trust in her trainer and I was content knowing that Chilli would board that flight feeling safe and secure. My time with my beautiful puppy/toddler/newly graduated Assistance Dog was done.</p> <p>There is a beautiful child suffering seizures who now has Chilli's dedication. How wonderful is that?</p> <p>P.S I received news recently that Chilli alerted her new family to an oncoming seizure that their young boy was about to have – so they took immediate action. She was placed only two weeks ago. My heart is humbled by this amazing dog. I just had to share that!</p> <p><em><strong>For more information about SmartPups Autism Assistance Dogs, please visit their <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.smartpups.org.au/" target="_blank">website</a>.</span></strong></em></p>

Family & Pets

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How to get a personal assistant on Mac

<p><em><strong>Lisa Du is director of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.readytechgo.com.au/" target="_blank">ReadyTechGo</a></span>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology.</strong></em></p> <p>If you own an iPhone or iPad, you've most likely heard of Siri, and maybe even used its functions. For those of you who haven't yet interacted with this feature, allow me to introduce you to your new personal assistant! Siri allows you to utilise a number of features on your Apple device with ease and convenience, by simply holding down your home button, and asking. With the recent release of the new software for your Mac - Mac OS Sierra - you can now have Siri on your computer, also.</p> <p><strong>How do I access Siri on my Mac?</strong></p> <p>Firstly, it is important to ensure that your computer can update to Mac OS Sierra. Apple has compiled a clear, useful page here that will tell you whether or not your Mac can support the new software, and you can find it <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201475" target="_blank" title="here">here</a></strong></span>. If your computer can support the new software, follow <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://support.apple.com/macos/sierra" target="_blank" title="these steps">these steps</a></strong></span> to upgrade to Mac OS Sierra.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="496" height="180" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34120/personal-assistant-on-mac-image-1_496x180.jpg" alt="Personal Assistant On Mac Image 1"/></p> <p>Once running Mac OS Sierra, you will notice the Siri icon in the top right corner of your screen, next to your Spotlight magnifying glass icon. Click on the icon, and you can start using Siri straight away.</p> <p><strong>Where do I start?</strong></p> <p>You can ask Siri a multitude of questions, exactly as you would expect to be able to ask on your iPhone or iPad. It is important to bear in mind that Siri relies on an internet connection to function, so if you are using your laptop outside of a wifi network, Siri may not work.</p> <p>If you would like an idea of the best things to use Siri for, you can click the small question mark that appears in the Siri window, or even say, <strong>"Siri, what can I ask you?"</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="500" height="863" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34121/personal-assistant-on-mac-image-2_500x863.jpg" alt="Personal Assistant On Mac Image 2"/></p> <ul> <li>Perhaps you want Siri to assist you writing an email? eg. "Siri, send an email to Tom, telling him I loved my Christmas gift."</li> <li>Is there a song you're dying to hear? eg. "Siri, play Frank Sinatra."</li> <li>Perhaps you want to find some information? eg. "Siri, search the internet for information on Melbourne."</li> </ul> <p>Apple is constantly developing Siri's abilities, meaning that as you continue to utilise the feature, the more useful and intelligent it will become.</p> <p><em><strong>Over60 has partnered with ReadyTechGo, a technology service for seniors, to provide you with FREE tech lessons in Melbourne over the next month. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://catch-ups.oversixty.com.au/" target="_blank">Register your interest today.</a></span></strong></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/technology/2017/02/how-to-completely-erase-your-smartphone/"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>How to completely erase your smartphone</strong></span></em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/technology/2017/01/rise-of-grandtechies/"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The rise of the “grandtechies”</strong></span></em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/technology/2017/01/pat-pascoe-loves-learning-about-tech/"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>90-year-old nanna loves learning about tech</strong></span></em></a></p>

Technology

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Comfort dogs sent to assist victims of Orlando massacre

<p>A group of eleven golden retrievers are on their way to Orlando to help comfort victims of the horrific shooting on the weekend, which killed 50 (including gunman Omar Mateen) and injured 53.</p> <p>The therapy dogs are part of the Lutheran Church Charities’ K-9 Comfort Dogs program and have come together from 7 states in the US to offer their services to the survivors.</p> <p>President of the Lutheran Church Charities Tim Hetzner believes the pooches will be a huge help in the aftermath of such a trauma. “They’re like a furry counsel,” he tells the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/lutheran-church-charities-comfort-dogs-orlando-tragedy_us_57602521e4b053d433065896?section=australia" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Huffington Post</span></strong></a>. “They’re not judgmental and they’re good listeners, which is good because talking is an important part of healing process. It allows people to process what happened.”</p> <p>After starting the program in 2008, the dogs have been an essential source of comfort in tragedies such as the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and the Boston Marathon bombing of 2013. There are now more than 100 dogs in the organisation. “We go where we’re invited and we don’t charge the people we serve,” Hetzner adds.</p> <p>It’s no mean feat to become a comfort dog, however. Each pup has to undergo between 12 and 14 months of professional training from the age of just 8 weeks old. “Our dogs have to be able to relate with all age groups and stay calm in all circumstances,” Hetzner explains. He believes golden retrievers are the perfect breed for the job as they’re naturally loving and gentle. “Also, because of their fur, they leave a little of themselves with everyone they meet.”</p> <p>Tell us in the comments below, how has your four-legged friend comforted you in a time of need?</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/06/orlando-shooting-survivor-writes-powerful-open-letter-to-omar-mateen/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Orlando shooting survivor pens powerful open letter to gunman</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/06/world-comes-together-after-the-orlando-shooting-horror/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>The world comes together after the Orlando shooting horror</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/health/body/2016/04/dog-dental-assistant-helps-calm-patients/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Dog dental assistant helps calm patients</strong></em></span></a></p>

News

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Sony to launch hands-free personal assistant

<p>In the age of wearable tech, Sony is one of many companies striving to make our everyday life more like a sci-fi movie.</p> <p>Not only do we now have Google glasses and hover boards, but now the entertainment company has announced plans to release a hearing Bluetooth device.</p> <p>Sony’s next-generation ultra-miniature Bluetooth modules, currently under development, will fit into small, inexpensive, user-controlled headsets “without the need for any other processor.” Essentially, it will be like wearing your smartphone in your ear.</p> <p>According to the company, it is to act a virtual assistant of sorts. The device will respond to verbal commands, allowing the user to place calls, dictate messages, perform web searches and navigation tasks–all while operating hands-free.</p> <p>Watch the video above to get a glimpse of how the product will work. Tell us in the comments, would you get one?</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/health/hearing/2016/02/scientists-close-to-curing-partial-deafness/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Scientists are close to curing partial deafness</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="/health/hearing/2016/03/airborne-ultrasound-could-be-harmful/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Airborne ultrasound could be harmful</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/health/hearing/2016/02/apps-for-people-with-hearing-loss/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Revolutionary apps for people with hearing loss</span></strong></em></a></p>

Hearing

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Dog dental assistant helps calm patients

<p>A dental surgery in the US has employed a special helper to comfort those who experience anxiety during visits to the dentist – a 6-year-old golden retriever named JoJo!</p> <p>JoJo, a trained comfort dog, was a first responder to survivors of the horrific Sandy Hook massacre in 2012. Today, she works every week at the Paediatric Dentistry of Northbrook in Illinois, calming children during their dental appointments.</p> <p>According to her handler, Lynne Ryan, “JoJo had to be trained to get used to all the different noises in a dental office, like the sound of the drill and the suction,” she explains. “But now, she gets up on the chair and reclines on children’s laps.”</p> <p>Clearly the beloved pooch has made a big difference to anxious children. Staff member Veronica Renteria says JoJo helps the children take their minds off the situation and makes the appointment run faster and more effectively. “When Jo Jo comes in with them and sits in the chair, they’re comforted. They can just sit and pet her as they’re getting their teeth cleaned. She’s does a great job with them,” she told <a href="https://www.thedodo.com/dentist-office-hires-comfort-dog-1700145805.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Dodo</span></strong></a>. “She loves coming in. She’s very well trained and knows what she’s doing. We all benefit from her so much.”</p> <p><em>Image: Paediatric Dentistry of Northbrook / Facebook</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/04/blind-dog-has-sight-restored/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Blind dog has his sight restored</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/04/dancing-dog-shows-off-his-moves/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Dancing dog shows off his moves</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/04/grandpa-and-dog-go-viral/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">90-year-old grandpa’s photos with new dog will warm your heart</span></strong></em></a></p>

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