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Pierce Brosnan apologises after pleading guilty to Yellowstone offence

<p>While we've seen Pierce Brosnan tackle villainous masterminds and save the world countless times on screen, it seems he couldn't resist the allure of real-life adventure, landing himself in some hot water – quite literally.</p> <p>Brosnan, the incredibly suave actor who portrayed James Bond for a span of 10 years from 1994-2004, found himself in a rather sticky situation. No, he wasn't dodging bullets or defusing bombs; instead, he was caught red-handed... or rather, red-footed, for wandering off the beaten path in Yellowstone National Park.</p> <p>It appears that even the smoothest of spies can't resist the call of forbidden territory. Brosnan, on a casual visit to the park, decided to channel his inner explorer and took a detour into a thermal area, perhaps hoping to uncover the secret lair of a Bond villain hidden beneath the bubbling hot springs. Alas, all he found was trouble with the law.</p> <p>Despite his valiant efforts to evade capture, Brosnan was caught and fined $US500 – a small price to pay for a taste of real-life espionage. He was also ordered to make a donation to Yellowstone Forever, proving that even 007 isn't above the law of charitable contributions.</p> <p>In a move straight out of the Bond playbook, Brosnan took to social media to issue a public apology, demonstrating a level of humility rarely seen in secret agents. His heartfelt message, complete with the obligatory hashtag #StayOnThePath, garnered praise from fans around the globe, who were quick to forgive their silver-screen idol.</p> <p>"As an environmentalist I have the utmost respect for and love of our natural world," he wrote. "However, I made an impulsive mistake - one that I do not take lightly - when entering a thermal area covered in snow in Yellowstone National Park to take a photograph. I did not see a 'No Trespassing' sign posted that warned of danger nor did I hike in the immediate area. I deeply regret my transgression and offer my heartfelt apologies to all for trespassing in this sensitive area. Yellowstone and all our National Parks are to be cared for and preserved for all to enjoy. #StayOnThePath"</p> <p>The response from fans was immediate and overwhelming. "On behalf of America, I forgive you. Also, you were terrific as James Bond. Please reprise the role," wrote one respondent. </p> <p>"Integrity and sincerity always win….so does owning our mistakes. Many world leaders would do well to take a leaf from your book. Respect. 💛" wrote another.</p> <p>Yet, amidst the sea of supportive comments, one fan's suggestion stood out: a personal visit from Brosnan himself, to console those who have swooned over him since his Remington Steele days.</p> <p>"I think you should visit personally all the women who have been in love with you since they first saw you in Remington Steele… our husbands wouldn’t mind a visit and we would love to meet your beautiful wife as well… I think that would more than make up for your slight indiscretion! 😉"</p> <p>It seems Brosnan's charm knows no bounds, even extending to placating aggrieved spouses with the promise of a celebrity encounter.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4gjI90vK94/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4gjI90vK94/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Pierce Brosnan (@piercebrosnanofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>While Brosnan may have momentarily traded in his tuxedo for hiking boots, his legacy as one of Hollywood's most beloved leading men remains untarnished. From thwarting international criminals to navigating the perilous terrain of America's national parks, Brosnan proves that true adventure knows no limits – just remember to heed the warning signs and stay on the path.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Verdict delivered over fatal Rust shooting

<p>The armourer on the set of the film <em>Rust</em> has been charged with involuntary manslaughter over the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. </p> <p>Halyna Hutchins, who was 42 and a mother to a young son, died after being fatally shot by Alec Baldwin on the set of the Western movie in October 2021. </p> <p>Baldwin has repeatedly denied responsibility, insisting he did not pull the trigger.</p> <p>Now, armourer Hannah Gutierrez has been found guilty, with the jury hearing that Gutierrez, 26, had been ultimately responsible for the use of live rounds on set. </p> <p>Over a 10-day trial in New Mexico, the court heard how she had repeatedly failed to adhere to basic safety rules by leaving guns unattended on set, and allowing actors — including Baldwin — to wave the weapons around.</p> <p>“This is not a case where Hannah Gutierrez made one mistake and that one mistake was accidentally putting a live round into that gun,” prosecutor Kari Morrissey told the jury in her closing argument Wednesday.</p> <p>“This case is about constant, never-ending safety failures that resulted in the death of a human being and nearly killed another.” </p> <p>The judge remanded her in custody ahead of her sentencing, which is not expected before next month, as she faces up to 18 months’ prison.</p> <p>Despite Baldwin long claiming his innocence over the shooting, ballistics experts have dismissed the claim, saying the gun could not have discharged any other way.</p> <p>His own involuntary manslaughter trial is expected in July.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

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How mistaken identity can lead to wrongful convictions

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hayley-cullen-423538">Hayley Cullen</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/macquarie-university-1174">Macquarie University</a></em></p> <p>In March 1976, American Leonard Mack was convicted of sexual assault and holding two female victims at gunpoint. In September 2023, Mack’s wrongful conviction was finally overturned by a New York judge on his 72nd birthday with the help of the <a href="https://innocenceproject.org/news/hit-in-dna-database-proves-leonard-macks-innocence-after-47-years-of-wrongful-conviction/">Innocence Project</a>, an organisation that uses DNA evidence to prove factual innocence.</p> <p>Mack’s conviction took 47 years to overturn. He served seven-and-a-half of these years in a New York prison. His case is the <a href="https://innocenceproject.org/news/8-moving-moments-from-leonard-macks-historic-exoneration-after-47-years/">longest</a> in United States history to be overturned using DNA evidence.</p> <p>In June 2023, a similar historic moment occurred in Australia. Kathleen Folbigg was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jun/05/kathleen-folbigg-pardoned-after-20-years-in-jail-over-deaths-of-her-four-children">pardoned and released</a> after 20 years in prison for the murder and manslaughter of her four young children.</p> <p>Considered one of the <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/folbigg-release-would-make-chamberlain-case-pale-into-insignificance-20230307-p5cpya.html">worst miscarriages of justice</a> in Australian history, Folbigg’s release has sparked discussion over whether Australia needs a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jun/12/not-a-rare-case-kathleen-folbigg-pardon-sparks-calls-for-new-body-to-review-possible-wrongful-convictions">formalised body</a> to deal with post-conviction appeals.</p> <p>Mack and Folbigg are only two individuals on different sides of the world who have spent decades fighting to prove their innocence.</p> <p>Many others are still fighting. The prevalence of wrongful convictions is hard to determine. The <a href="https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/about.aspx">National Registry of Exonerations</a> in the United States has recorded 3,396 exonerations nation-wide since 1989.</p> <p>But data on official exonerations fail to capture the many individuals whose convictions are yet to be overturned.</p> <p>Estimates of the prevalence of wrongful convictions in the United States range from <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/08874034221106747?casa_token=DL_gPkxNcI8AAAAA:uI-en9junmLXXScDGthXAuC9JcLsxp5OF1J4QB1WdA2L2cZRcwRuwtxVmIMiKYbYaSDj_ji4EdPSLA">0.5 to 5%</a>. The exact prevalence in Australia is less clear but we do know <a href="https://search.informit.org/doi/pdf/10.3316/informit.801706351305383?casa_token=cpZBfZmh944AAAAA%3Ax_zYUlnogLjuDWl81jc38vmeOovzw44M171rP7G3ibNnU35rvWS0yeIO_Ad0eBa54nE54KxaKzIb3w4">71 cases of wrongful convictions</a> have been identified in Australia between 1922 to 2015.</p> <p>Some have argued there could be <a href="https://search.informit.org/doi/pdf/10.3316/informit.308199161216493">350 convictions per year</a> of individuals who are factually innocent in Australia.</p> <p>A witness mistakenly identifying an innocent suspect is common in many wrongful conviction cases.</p> <p>Eyewitness misidentification is the leading contributing factor in wrongful convictions overturned by the <a href="https://innocenceproject.org/exonerations-data/">Innocence Project</a>, present in 64% of their successful cases.</p> <p>In Australia, <a href="https://search.informit.org/doi/pdf/10.3316/informit.801706351305383?casa_token=cpZBfZmh944AAAAA%3Ax_zYUlnogLjuDWl81jc38vmeOovzw44M171rP7G3ibNnU35rvWS0yeIO_Ad0eBa54nE54KxaKzIb3w4">6%</a> of recorded wrongful convictions involved an eyewitness error.</p> <p>This may be an underestimate given many applications to innocence initiatives in Australia alleging wrongful conviction, such as the <a href="https://bohii.net/">Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative</a>, report <a href="https://bohii.net/blog/positiononestablishingccrcas">eyewitness evidence</a> as a potential contributing factor.</p> <p>In Mack’s case, two victims misidentified him as the perpetrator. These identifications proved to be instrumental in his wrongful conviction. How did the two victims get it wrong?</p> <h2>How problematic procedures influence eyewitnesses</h2> <p>Eyewitness identification evidence relies on witnesses to accurately remember criminal perpetrators. Several factors affect eyewitness memory accuracy. Features of the crime can impact memory, such as whether it was light or dark, or whether the perpetrator wore a disguise.</p> <p>Memory can also be affected by characteristics of the witness at the time of the crime, such as their stress or intoxication levels.</p> <p>These factors are present at the time of the crime and cannot be changed. What is perhaps more crucial is that eyewitness memory can also be affected by the procedures law enforcement use to collect identification evidence.</p> <p>In <a href="https://innocenceproject.org/news/hit-in-dna-database-proves-leonard-macks-innocence-after-47-years-of-wrongful-conviction/">Mack’s case</a>, there were serious problems with the procedures used to get the identifications from the victims. One of the victims made three separate identifications of Mack. Witnesses should only complete one identification procedure for each suspect, because the first identification will bias future identification attempts.</p> <p>For two of the identifications the victim made, she was only shown Mack by himself surrounded by police. Showing a lone suspect without any other lineup members may <a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-29406-3_2">increase mistaken identifications</a>, particularly when the context in which they are shown is highly suggestive.</p> <p>Seeing Mack in handcuffs and in the presence of police may have led the victim to identify him. Mack was the only person shown to the witness in these identification attempts, so the police officers organising the process knew he was the suspect.</p> <p>“Single-blind” administration of identification procedures – where the police officers organising the lineup know who the suspect is – increase the likelihood of <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2017-49224-002">mistaken identifications</a>.</p> <p>For the other identification this victim made, she picked Mack out of a photo lineup containing seven images. Mack’s photo was the only photo in the lineup that contained visible clothing and the year (1975) in the background. All members of a lineup must be matched and no one lineup member <a href="https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/lhb-lhb0000359.pdf">should stand out</a>, but Mack’s photo was distinct.</p> <p>With all these problematic practices combined, we can see how Mack was misidentified and convicted.</p> <p>In 2020, a team of eyewitness experts published <a href="https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/lhb-lhb0000359.pdf">nine evidence-based recommendations </a>for conducting identification procedures.</p> <p>These recommendations serve to reduce mistaken identifications and enhance accurate ones.</p> <p>The recommendations address the problematic practices in Mack’s case, but also include things like making sure there is sufficient evidence to place a suspect in a lineup, and giving appropriate instructions to witnesses during the procedure.</p> <p>Identification procedures should also be video recorded to identify any poor practices.</p> <p>While these recommendations will go a long way to reducing wrongful convictions resulting from faulty eyewitness identifications, they will only be effective if followed by police.</p> <p>The next step is ensuring these recommendations are embedded into everyday policing practice.<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/214844/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hayley-cullen-423538"><em>Hayley Cullen</em></a><em>, Lecturer, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/macquarie-university-1174">Macquarie University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>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-mistaken-identity-can-lead-to-wrongful-convictions-214844">original article</a>.</em></p>

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Sitcom star jailed for 30 years

<p><em>That ‘70s Show</em> star Danny Masterson has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for raping two women who were in the Church of Scientology with him in 2003. </p> <p>Masterson, 47, who was found guilty of raping victims Jen B and N Trout in his Hollywood home in June, received his sentence on Thursday, California time. </p> <p>The actor remained silent in court as he received 15 years for each count, which will be served consecutively. </p> <p>“One way or another you will have to come to terms with your prior actions, and their consequences,” Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedoe told Masterson,  according to the <em>New York Post</em>.</p> <p>The victims testified that they passed out after Materson gave them drinks, then he proceeded to violently rape them. </p> <p>Prosecutors claimed that Materson raped N Trout so violently that she threw up in her mouth. </p> <p>Prior to the sentencing, N Trout read out her victim statement, where she slammed the actor for his violent actions, but also forgave him and hoped that he would do better in prison. </p> <p>“You relish in hurting women. It is your addiction. It is without question your favourite thing to do,” she said, according to court reporter Meghann Cuniff.</p> <p>“Life is precious and fragile. Find your heart … Learn something. Read books. Listen to the brightness of nothing and get well. I forgive you." </p> <p>Jen B, on the other hand, reiterated the fact that there was no conspiracy to take down Materson or the Church of Scientology. </p> <p>This comes after the defence had previously argued that the sexual acts were consensual, accusing the women of co-ordinating their stories to discredit former Hollywood star.</p> <p>The victims also told the court that Scientology officials told them not to report the crime because Masterson was a high-ranking member of the church, and instead they were put through an ethics program. </p> <p>After an initial deadlock vote, the jury found Masterson guilty of two counts of rape, but could not reach a unanimous verdict on a third count alleging that the former star also assaulted his ex-girlfriend  Christina Bixler.</p> <p>However, he was not charged with any counts of drugging as there were no toxicology evidence to back up the women's statement, which will likely play a role in  Masterson’s plan to appeal the verdict.</p> <p>The Church of Scientology also released a statement, criticising the notion that they tried to silence the complaints, claiming that the women's testimony were “uniformly false”.</p> <p>“The Church has no policy prohibiting or discouraging members from reporting criminal conduct of anyone — Scientologists or not — to law enforcement,”</p> <p>“Quite the opposite, church policy explicitly demands Scientologists abide by all laws of the land.”</p> <p><em>Image: Lucy Nicholson - Pool/Getty Images</em></p>

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How many of these dirty habits are you guilty of?

<p>An infographic has revealed people’s strangest and most disgusting behaviour – and it’s certainly an eye-opener!</p> <p>A survey of 1,500 Americans and Europeans asked them to admit their most bizarre (like making strange noises when you’re alone) and unhygienic behaviour (like skipping showers for days) to the truly disgusting (like enjoying the odour of your own wind).</p> <p>While these strange and dirty habits are probably best kept to oneself, the truly surprising takeaway is just how common some of these habits actually are! </p> <p><img width="634" height="1063" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/09/27/20/44C90CAB00000578-4926508-image-a-34_1506539085178.jpg" alt="How odd: People confessed to eating boogers, smelling worn underwear, playing with their pubic hair, and skipping showers to build up a good stink" class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" id="i-6ccf2883e6e3758d"/></p> <p><img width="634" height="1721" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/09/27/20/44C90C9C00000578-4926508-image-a-33_1506539055033.jpg" class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" id="i-b5f0ad83b9b4849f"/></p> <p><img width="634" height="923" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/09/27/20/44C90CBA00000578-4926508-image-a-35_1506539101918.jpg" alt="Free-boobing: Nearly all American women (and most European women) surveyed said they take their bra off soon after arriving home" class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" id="i-4bc2fc5896e52837"/></p> <p><img width="634" height="797" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/09/27/20/44C90C9100000578-4926508-image-a-37_1506539107393.jpg" alt="Clean up: Most women also said they wash their bras at least once a week" class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" id="i-2640efee79d3a970"/></p> <p><img width="634" height="1119" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/09/27/20/44C90C7B00000578-4926508-image-a-38_1506539110089.jpg" alt="No surprise here: About half of the men polled admitted to playing with their balls" class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" id="i-1d9f4435a75a88b0"/></p> <p><em>Infographic credit: <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://onlinedoctor.superdrug.com/index.html" target="_blank">Superdrug Online Doctor</a></span> </strong></em></p>

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How many of these dirty spots in the home are you guilty of NOT cleaning?

<p>Just when you think you’ve got the house spick and span, along comes a list like this to keep you on your toes.</p> <p><strong>Ceiling fans</strong></p> <p>The tops of these can get dusty and grimy quickly, especially if they are anywhere near the kitchen. Get up there with a hot soapy cloth and give them a good wipe down.</p> <p><strong>TV remote</strong></p> <p>Dirty fingers can leave sticky marks on your remote, which should be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth. If you ever eat in front of the TV you can just imagine how dirty the remote must be.</p> <p><strong>Dustpan and brush</strong></p> <p>The products that clean up the mess need a wash now and then too. A soak in a bucket of hot water and bleach is a great way to clean these. Then allow to dry in the sun.</p> <p><strong>Yoga mat</strong></p> <p>All that Zen-sweat can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Give your yoga mat a clean regularly by taking it in the shower with you and rubbing it with soap or shower gel, then dry on the line. While you’re in the mood, pop your gym bag in the wash too.</p> <p><strong>Cloth bags</strong></p> <p>If you’re toting around your groceries in a cloth bag, little bits of food can start to accumulate in the bottom. Throw them in the washing machine regularly to keep them in good condition.</p> <p><strong>Tops of doors and picture rails</strong></p> <p>What you don’t see can easily be forgotten but the tops of doors and rails can quickly accumulate dust and grime. Get up there with a hot soapy cloth, followed by a buff with a dry clean cloth.</p> <p><strong>Bathroom door handle</strong></p> <p>We don’t need to go into too much detail as to why you need to clean this, but it is important that you do it.</p> <p><strong>Fridge seals and handle</strong></p> <p>The grime that gets in your seals can be easily removed with a hot soapy cloth. Remember to clean the handle regularly too – just think how many times you open the fridge when preparing food (with potentially sticky fingers).</p> <p><strong>Hairbrush</strong></p> <p>All that hair and dead skin accumulates quickly in a brush. Remove any hair and then use hot soapy water to soak your brushes. Allow them to dry in the sun.  </p> <p><strong>Sponges</strong></p> <p>It’s scary to think that the item you use to clean your whole kitchen could be harbouring some serious bacteria. You need to regularly clean your sponges and cloths by soaking them in the sink with a big glug of bleach in hot water.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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The verdict: Full fat versus low fat milk

<p>The idea of full low milk being healthier for us began circulating in the 1950s. It was shown that saturated fat increased blood cholesterol levels, with certain statistical evidence leading to the assumption it resulted in higher rates of heart disease and obesity.  </p> <p>This idea is not totally wrong. Full fat milk does indeed have a high saturated fat content, about 65 percent in fact.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.simoneaustin.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Simone Austin</a></strong></span>, accredited practising dietitian and spokesperson for the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://daa.asn.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dietitians Association of Australia</a></strong></span> addresses the claims that saturated fat should be avoided when it comes to weight management.</p> <p> “We are still recommending saturated fat should be kept to a minimum as there is still a link between saturated and plasma cholesterol levels, however full cream milk is only 4% total fat and is therefore not a high fat product, depending on quantity of course.”</p> <p>Health and nutrition coach and whole foods chef, Lee Holmes, believes that low-fat milk is a great option for those trying to lose weight.  Even though the fat is skimmed, the milk itself still contains an abundance of calcium and protein, and these are essential to weight loss.</p> <p>“Low-fat milk is better for overall weight control and maintenance as it only contains 0.15% fat as opposed to full-cream milk which contains 3.8% fat” she explains.</p> <p>The New Zealand Ministry of Health recommends enjoying mostly low and reduced fat milk and milk products, as it can reduce the total daily kilojoule intake to aid with weight management. This is generally believed to lead to weight loss and reduced risk of heart disease.</p> <p>However, Simone explains why it is not quite that straight forward. “Fat can give some feeling of satiety. If you are having less milk overall, and it is more filling to have full cream milk, then this might decrease overall volume of food consumed and therefore not be detrimental”.</p> <p>This approach is supported by recent research conducted by <a href="../%20http:/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26746178"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Swedish researchers</span></strong></a>, looking at the dairy consumption of a group of middle aged men. If found that those who ate full fat dairy products were less likely to become obese over a period of 12 years, compare with men who rarely ate high- fat diary.  This is because the weight-loss effect of reducing saturated fat depends on what replaces it in the diet, which is usually sugar and carbohydrates. Unfortunately, most of us are susceptible to consciously or unconsciously replacing a larger reduction in calories with something else.</p> <p>So, if you drink low-fat varieties of milk in order to reduce calorie intake, you must ensure you are not making up these calories elsewhere for this approach to be effective.</p> <p>However, in your quest for a slimmer waist line, it is important not to overlook other important health factors.</p> <p>Milk is a primary source of nutrients, and according to both Simone and the <strong><a href="http://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2032&amp;context=sspapers" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">ABS</span></a></strong>, most over-60s simply aren’t getting what they need.</p> <p>“In New Zealand the annual per capita consumption of milk has declined by 30% in the last 20 years, and 20% of the New Zealand population has an inadequate intake of calcium”.</p> <p>Simone stresses that simply aiming to meet serves is the priority. “Milk also provides a valuable source of protein and as we age our efficiency at using protein reduces, so we need to have a little more”.</p> <p>Lee Holmes echoes this, stating that ideally, people over 60 years of age should be having two to three glasses of cow’s milk daily to absorb the necessary amounts of calcium. If you don’t want to consume that much milk, are lactose intolerant or prefer to opt for non-cow’s milk (such as almond) you need to make these nutrients up elsewhere.</p> <p>“You may want to consider a quality, natural supplement to ensure you are giving your body all the nutrients it needs."</p> <p>So whether it be low-fat or full-fat, say cheers to milk and manage your weight loss in accordance with other health factors.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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15 fails we’re all guilty of when travelling

<p>Travelling doesn’t always go to plan. These might not happen every time you travel, but if you spend enough of your life on the road you will recognise all of them. They might not be fun at the time but, with enough distance, anything can become a funny story. Trust us.</p> <p><strong>1. You will spend more than you plan to.</strong></p> <p>Always. Even if you make a very comprehensive budget some unexpected expense will come up, either an emergency or that one of a kind souvenir you just had to buy. If you’re one of the very (very) few who never spends too much, please tell us your secret.</p> <p><strong>2. You will pack too much.</strong></p> <p>Pack your suitcase. Close the lid. Now open it again and take out half the things inside. Those extra pairs of shoes are not worth the pain of lugging a desperately heavy bag with you. Shops overseas sell shoes too. </p> <p><strong>3. You will lose something.</strong></p> <p>Be it a raincoat, your sunglasses or a very expensive camera, it’s going to happen to you at some point. This writer has a particular knack of donating phone chargers to hotel rooms. Always check the plugs. </p> <p><strong>4. You won’t be able to do everything.</strong></p> <p>And you don’t need to. Trying to cram every sight into your stay doesn’t make for a fun holiday. Pick the things you really want to do and then leave plenty of spare time for unplanned explorations. Often you discover the most rewarding things when you aren’t looking for them. </p> <p><strong>5. You will have to wait.</strong></p> <p>At immigration, at the boarding gate, at the bus stop, at the buffet, at the museum. It might be a few minutes, or several agonising hours. Breathe, smile and pull out your book. </p> <p><strong>6. You won’t be able to find the light switch.</strong></p> <p>Why do hotels feel the need to hide that one pesky light switch? After searching every wall, in every cupboard and behind every window, that final light is still shining merrily. Call the front desk and get it over with. </p> <p><strong>7. You will get lost.</strong></p> <p>Even in the day of Google maps and a GPS in every phone, you’re still going to look up at some point and have no idea where you are. As long as you don’t seem to be in danger (and you’re not going to miss your plane/bus/ship) just go with it. See point </p> <p><strong>8. You will encounter some rude people.</strong></p> <p>Whether they are locals or other travellers, at some point you’re going to run into someone who rubs you the wrong way. There are rude people all over the world, so there’s really no way to escape them. Let it go. You’re on holiday. </p> <p><strong>9. Your travel partner will bug you.</strong></p> <p>No matter how carefully you choose your travel buddy, there will be a point in the trip when you would happily ship them home in the cargo hold. Petty disputes will flair up over the itinerary, where to eat or who’s making you late. We can see the appeal of the solo trip… </p> <p><strong>10. You will need earplugs.</strong></p> <p>They are a little, squishy gift from God. A noisy plane, a snoring roommate or a late night party down the hall – earplugs can fix them all. </p> <p><strong>11. You will get sick.</strong></p> <p>This could range from a few sniffles in a cold London winter to an I-think-I’m-going-to-die stomach bug in India. Take your vitamins, stock the travelling medicine chest and be careful where you drink the water. </p> <p><strong>12. You will do something really stupid.</strong></p> <p>We have a theory that your brain cells also take a bit of a holiday when you travel, so you can be pretty confident that you’ll slip up at some point. You might lose your room key, get in the back of a dodgy taxi or get talked into a ridiculously expensive ‘genuine’ Turkish carpet. Laugh it off. </p> <p><strong>13. You don’t need all that fancy gear.</strong></p> <p>Specially designed, sweat wicking, zip off at the knees, multi-pocket, trekking pants? Unless you’re actually trekking in the Himalayas, then no. Even if you are they are probably a waste of money. </p> <p><strong>14. You will always find sand in your suitcase.</strong></p> <p>Even if you don’t go somewhere sandy. We don’t know why either. </p> <p><strong>15. You will never regret it.</strong></p> <p>Fact. No matter how many annoying, unfortunate or downright terrible things that happen to you on the road, you will never regret time spent travelling. It’s one of life’s truly great experiences and should be undertaken at every opportunity.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

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Kevin Spacey found not guilty of battery

<p dir="ltr"><em>Content warning: This article mentions child sexual abuse (CSA).</em></p> <p dir="ltr">A New York jury has found that Kevin Spacey isn’t liable for battery in a sexual abuse lawsuit brought against him by actor Anthony Rapp.</p> <p dir="ltr">The civil suit related to allegations from 1986, where Spacey allegedly picked Rapp up and briefly laid on top of him in a bed after a party.</p> <p dir="ltr">After deliberating for about an hour, the jury concluded that Rapp didn’t prove that Spacey “touched a sexual or intimate part” of him and the judge dismissed the case.</p> <p dir="ltr">Rapp, who was 14 at the time of the alleged incident, first publicly accused Spacey of sexual abuse in 2017.</p> <p dir="ltr">He alleged that Spacey, then 26, invited Rapp over to his home in Manhattan, where Spacey picked Rapp up, laid him down on a bed, grabbed his buttocks and pressed his groin into his hip.</p> <p dir="ltr">Rapp sued Spacy for $US 40 million ($NZ 70 million) in damages, and his claim of assault was dismissed by the judge before the trial started.</p> <p dir="ltr">The actor’s claim of intentional infliction of emotional distress was also dismissed after Rapp’s attorneys rested his case, meaning the jury only had to decide whether Spacey is ‘liable’ to damages for the claim of battery.</p> <p dir="ltr">Under New York law, battery is defined as touching another person without their consent and in a way that a reasonable person would find offensive.</p> <p dir="ltr">Rapp’s attorney Richard Steigman suggested in his closing statement that Spacey twisted his testimony during the trial to suit his defence, noting that Spacey apologised to Rapp when he first made the allegations.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Don't listen to what I said in real time. I'm defending a lawsuit now. Listen to me now. I've got it straightened out," Steigman said, mocking Spacey’s testimony that he regrets giving the statement in 2017 and was coerced by publicists to do it.</p> <p dir="ltr">Steigman also said Spacey’s testimony was rehearsed in comparison to Rapp’s and dismissed claims that Rapp came forward to out Spacey as gay.</p> <p dir="ltr">"When you're rehearsed, and a world class actor and you're following the script and following the testimony of someone else, you can take that stand and be perfectly polished," Steigman said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"When you're merely coming to court coming forward and telling the truth of your experience, especially one like this that's a little bit complicated."</p> <p dir="ltr">"The point of the story is not that Kevin Spacey is gay. It's that he sexually abused him when he was 14. That's what he's sharing with people, he's sharing his experience - nothing more, nothing less. Where's the proof that he said to any media outlet, you know, Kevin Spacey is gay, you really should run with this?"</p> <p dir="ltr">Jennifer Keller, Spacey’s attorney, said in her closing statement that Rapp “hitched his wagon” to the #MeToo movement when he came forward.</p> <p dir="ltr">"This isn't a team sport where you're either on the Me Too side, or you're on the other side," Keller told the jury.</p> <p dir="ltr">"This is a very different place. Our system requires evidence, proof, objective support for accusations provided to an impartial jury. However polarised as society may be today, it really should not have a place here."</p> <p dir="ltr">She also suggested that Rapp’s allegations were false and details taken from a scene from Broadway show Precious Sons, which Rapp performed with Ed Harris in 1986 at the time of the alleged incident.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We're here because Mr. Rapp has falsely alleged abuse that never occurred at a party that was never held in a room that did not exist," she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Keller concluded her remarks by asking the jury not to compromise their judgement by finding Spacey liable but only awarding Rapp a single dollar in damages.</p> <p dir="ltr">"You're here to be judges of the facts. Did it happen? It didn't happen. One penny is too much for something that did not happen,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And for Mr. Spacey this is not about the money. For Mr. Spacey, this is about the truth that day and he was falsely accused.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-70f1c0e0-7fff-c076-c863-5ae18e13d7f1"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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Chris Dawson tries to overturn guilty verdict ahead of tell-all interview

<p>Chris Dawson has lodged the paperwork to begin the process of overturning his guilty conviction for the murder of his wife Lynette 40 years ago.</p> <p>The 74-year-old has spent the last five weeks in Sydney's Silverwater Jail, as he awaits his sentencing day in court on November 11.</p> <p>Despite the high-profile case producing a guilty verdict, Dawson has always maintained his innocence over the disappearance of Lynette, whose body still hasn't been found.</p> <p>Sources told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11279117/Chris-Dawson-lodges-appeal-against-conviction-murdering-wife-Lynette-daughter-breaks-silence.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a> last month that Dawson's legal team had recently lodged a notice of intention to appeal with the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal.</p> <p><em>Nine News</em> also reported on Tuesday night the paperwork flagging Dawson's intention to appeal his conviction has now been formally submitted, as the network prepares to air an interview with one of his daughters.</p> <p>Shanelle Dawson is preparing to open up about growing up without her mother, along with the torment and confusion that arose form her disappearance in a tell-all interview with <em>60 Minutes</em>.</p> <p>Shanelle, who was just four years old when her mum Lynette vanished in 1982, said she was always told by her father that her mother left because she didn't love her and her other sisters.</p> <p>"I feel a lot of rage and anger towards him," Shanelle says in the <em>60 Minutes</em> preview.</p> <p>"It was manipulative and gaslighting us."</p> <p>"Whatever he said or threatened me kept me quiet for the next 40 years."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / 60 Minutes</em></p>

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Lynette Dawson's family responds to guilty verdict

<p dir="ltr">Lynette Dawson’s family have called for one final request from Chris Dawson after he was <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/stunning-chris-dawson-verdict-handed-down" target="_blank" rel="noopener">found guilty of murdering his wife</a> after she “disappeared” 40 years ago. </p> <p dir="ltr">Justice Ian Harrison found Chris Dawson guilty of Lynette’s murder - 40 years after she went missing from the family home in Sydney's Northern Beaches in January 1982.</p> <p dir="ltr">The trial, which gained worldwide traction thanks to the podcast Teacher’s Pet, saw the incredible decision handed down following a seven week trial and a marathon four hour ruling. </p> <p dir="ltr">Lynette’s brother, Greg Simms has said justice has finally been served after she was murdered by someone who loved her. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m a little emotional - after 40 years, my sister has been vindicated,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This verdict is for Lyn. Today her name has been cleared.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The court has found what we believed to be true for so many years: Chris Dawson took the life of our beloved Lyn back in 1982.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Unfortunately, Lynette’s parents and other brother passed away in the years following her murder, not knowing what would come out of the case. </p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Simms has since called on Dawson to do the right thing and reveal where he buried Lynette so she can finally rest in peace. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We would also love to remember those who loved Lyn who are not here to see this judgement,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She is still missing, we still need to bring her home.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We would ask Chris Dawson to find it in himself to finally do the decent thing and allow us to bring Lyn home to a peaceful rest, finally show her the dignity she deserves.”</p> <p dir="ltr">When the case reopened, Dawson requested a judge-only trial due to the popularity of the Teacher’s Pet podcast, stating that the jury would have their decisions impacted by it. </p> <p dir="ltr">This required Justice Harrison to outline the reasons behind his decision also saying that the prosecution had to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Lynette was dead, that Dawson had killed her with the possible involvement of assistance of others, and that he disposed of her body.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Supreme Court justice shared several findings to support his decision and weighed in on evidence presented during the trial, including ruling that Lynette had died on the date alleged by the prosecution and dismissing claims from Dawson that he contacted his wife as “lies”. </p> <p dir="ltr">Justice Harrison said it was “simply absurd” and defied “common sense” that Lynette would be in contact with the person “who was the reason for her departure” from her home.</p> <p dir="ltr">He also ruled that Lynette didn’t leave home voluntarily, with the prosecution providing multiple reasons that were “strongly persuasive” when considered together, including that she adored her children, hadn’t taken any clothing or personal items with her, was mentally stable, and was dependent on her husband to drive her everywhere.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Lynette Dawson is dead … she died on or about 8 January 1982 and she did not voluntarily abandon her home,” he told the court.</p> <p dir="ltr">Justice Harrison dismissed claims from the defence that Lynette was spotted after January 8.</p> <p dir="ltr">He found that Dawson told JC, “Lyn’s gone, she’s not coming back, come back to Sydney and help look after the kids and live with me”, when he picked her up from a camping trip at South West Rocks with friends between January 10 and 12.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, he said that he disagreed with claims that Dawson was motivated to kill his wife because of financial reasons, nor that he had in his mind that he would kill her when he left with JC.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That decision was made following their return and after the teen had left for South-West Rocks,” Justice Harrison said.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said that he was “satisfied” that Dawson resolved to kill Lynette while JC was camping.</p> <p dir="ltr">Following the verdict, Dawson was taken into custody, with his lawyer, Greg Walsh, telling Justice Harrison that Dawson would likely apply for bail before his sentencing hearing, a date for which hasn’t been set yet.</p>

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Stunning Chris Dawson verdict handed down

<p dir="ltr">Former rugby player Chris Dawson has been found guilty of murdering his wife, Lynette Dawson, 40 years after she disappeared.</p> <p dir="ltr">After a four-hour reading, Justice Ian Harrison delivered his verdict on Tuesday afternoon, bringing <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/finance/legal/chris-dawson-to-stand-trial-over-wife-s-murder" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the two-month trial</a> to an end.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Chris Dawson I find you guilty of the murder of Lynette Dawson,” he told the accused.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to <em><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2022/aug/30/australia-news-chris-dawson-covid-isolation-politics-anthony-albanese-skills-summit-tax-cuts#top-of-blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Guardian</a></em>, gasps were heard in the courtroom where Justice Harrison was delivering his verdict. The courtroom next door, where the trial was being live streamed, erupted into applause.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dawson was alleged to have killed his wife to be with the family’s teenage babysitter, referred to as JC.</p> <p dir="ltr">Lynette was last seen on January 8, 1982, after she spoke to her mother on the phone. Her body was never found.</p> <p dir="ltr">Since Dawson successfully applied for a judge-only trial - due mainly to the publicity generated around the case by the Teacher’s Pet podcast - Justice Harrison was required to outline the reasons behind his decision.</p> <p dir="ltr">Justice Harrison said the prosecution had to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Lynette was dead, that Dawson had killed her with the possible involvement of assistance of others, and that he disposed of her body.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Supreme Court justice shared several findings to support his decision and weighed in on evidence presented during the trial, including ruling that Lynette had died on the date alleged by the prosecution and dismissing claims from Dawson that he contacted his wife as “lies”. Justice Harrison said it was “simply absurd” and defied “common sense” that Lynette would be in contact with the person “who was the reason for her departure” from her home.</p> <p dir="ltr">He also ruled that Lynette didn’t leave home voluntarily, with the prosecution providing multiple reasons that were “strongly persuasive” when considered together, including that she adored her children, hadn’t taken any clothing or personal items with her, was mentally stable, and was dependent on her husband to drive her everywhere.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Lynette Dawson is dead … she died on or about 8 January 1982 and she did not voluntarily abandon her home,” he told the court.</p> <p dir="ltr">Justice Harrison <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/finance/legal/i-had-visual-contact-with-lyn-dawson-court-hears" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dismissed claims</a> from the defence that Lynette was spotted after January 8.</p> <p dir="ltr">He found that Dawson told JC, “Lyn’s gone, she’s not coming back, come back to Sydney and help look after the kids and live with me”, when he picked her up from a camping trip at South West Rocks with friends between January 10 and 12.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, he said that he disagreed with claims that Dawson was motivated to kill his wife because of financial reasons, nor that he had in his mind that he would kill her when he left with JC.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That decision was made following their return and after the teen had left for South-West Rocks,” Justice Harrison said.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said that he was “satisfied” that Dawson resolved to kill Lynette while JC was camping.</p> <p dir="ltr">Following the verdict, Dawson was taken into custody, with his lawyer, Greg Walsh, telling Justice Harrison that Dawson would likely apply for bail before his sentencing hearing, a date for which hasn’t been set yet.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-5d31a2e4-7fff-8a2d-e6b5-c92d3f2549ca"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: @poppymasselos (Twitter) / @Kangaroo_Court (Twitter)</em></p>

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Verdict reached in Depp versus Heard trial

<p>A verdict has been reached in the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard defamation trial in Virginia, USA.</p> <p>Coming out largely in Depp's favour, Heard must pay him a total of $US15 million ($20.8 million) in damages, the jury have decided.</p> <p>However, as a result of her counterclaims, the jury said Depp must pay Heard $US2 million ($2.78 million).</p> <p>The jury unanimously found that Depp was defamed by Heard's op-ed titled, "I spoke up against sexual violence – and faced our culture's wrath. That has to change".</p> <p>They found the op-ed was about Depp despite him not being named in the piece. An exert read: "Then two years ago, I became a public figure representing domestic abuse, and I felt the full force of our culture's wrath for women who speak out."</p> <p>The jury also agreed that Heard acted with malice and further stated that she also made a defamatory statement when she said, "I had the rare vantage point of seeing, in real time, how institutions protect men accused of abuse."</p> <p>The jury then addressed Heard's countersuit, and supported one of her claims of defamation. In total, Heard was found to have been defamatory to Depp in all three of his claims, but Depp was only found to be defamatory in one of Heard's three counterclaims.</p> <p>The verdict was read out in the Virginia courtroom about 3:20 pm on Wednesday (5:20 am on Thursday AEST) but prior, after they first reached a decision, the judge asked for them to leave the court and fill out a form. </p> <p>Heard was present in the courtroom, and showed little to no reaction as the verdict was read out. Depp was not present at the time of the verdict.</p> <p>Depp's awarded damages total to $US15 million (approx. $20.8 million), but are comprised of $US10 million (approx. $14 million) in compensatory damages and $US5 million (approx. $7 million) in punitive damages.</p> <p>Under state law in Virginia, however, the maximum amount of punitive damages that can be paid is $US350,000 (approx. $490,000), which means Depp's ultimate monetary award is $US10.35 million (approx. $14.4 million).</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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Doctor Strange star and husband found guilty of child abuse

<p><em><strong>Warning: This article contains graphic content that some readers may find distressing. </strong></em></p> <p>Zara Phythian, star of Marvel's latest movie <em>Doctor Strange</em>, has been arrested alongside her husband Victor Marke , with the pair now facing jail. </p> <p>The couple have been found guilty of sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl multiple times between 2005 and 2008. </p> <p>According to The Sun, Phythian plied the teen with rum before making her perform a sex act on her husband, which occurred once or twice a month until the teen was finally able to free herself. </p> <p>Jurors heard that the couple were working as martial arts experts at the time, and Marke had sex with the victim at least 20 times on different occasions. </p> <p>Marke, 59, branded the allegations “paedophile sh*t” when quizzed by officers after his arrest, Nottingham Crown Court was told.</p> <p>He said he was “really angry” to be accused, and told officers, “If you’re trying to say I’m a paedophile, I’m not.”</p> <p>Marke claimed he had consensual sex with the teen when she was 18 – something his wife only discovered during her police interview.</p> <p>Phythian, 38, told detectives she’d never had any form of sexual contact with the girl, calling it “bulls**t”.</p> <p>Upon discovering her husband had revealed he’d had sex with her accuser, she said she felt “confused”, adding that she’d “liked to have known about it”.</p> <p>The victim said she “would never have come forward” and planned to “die with my shame”, but as she recently became a mother, she said she felt she had “no option to speak my truth”.</p> <p>Despite denying all allegations of abuse, the couple were found unanimously guilty by the jury. </p> <p>Judge Mark Watson will decide later when the pair will be sentenced.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Wearing shoes in the house is just plain gross, says the verdict from scientists who study indoor contaminants

<p>You probably clean your shoes if you step in something muddy or disgusting (please pick up after your dog!). But when you get home, do you always de-shoe at the door?</p> <p>Plenty of Australians don’t. For many, what you <a href="https://sfamjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jam.13250">drag in on the bottom of your shoes</a> is the last thing on the mind as one gets home.</p> <p>We are environmental chemists who have spent a decade examining the indoor environment and the contaminants people are exposed to in their own homes. Although our examination of the indoor environment, via our <a href="https://www.360dustanalysis.com/">DustSafe program</a>, is far from complete, on the question of whether to shoe or de-shoe in the home, the science leans toward the latter. </p> <p>It is best to leave your filth outside the door.</p> <h2>What contaminants are in your home, and how did they get there?</h2> <p>People spend up to 90% of their time indoors, so the question of whether or not to wear shoes in the house is not a trivial one.</p> <p>The policy focus is typically on the outdoor environment for soil, air quality and environmental public health risks. However, there is growing regulatory interest in the question of <a href="https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/sites/default/files/resources/2021/Handbook-Indoor-Air-Quality.pdf">indoor</a> <a href="https://www.euro.who.int/en/media-centre/sections/press-releases/2021/new-who-global-air-quality-guidelines-aim-to-save-millions-of-lives-from-air-pollution">air quality</a>. </p> <p>The matter <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09603123.2018.1457141?journalCode=cije2">building up</a> inside your home includes not just dust and dirt from people and pets shedding hair and skin.</p> <p>About a third of it is <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/es9003735">from outside</a>, either blown in or <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/how-the-dust-in-your-home-may-affect-your-health/2019/07/19/9f716068-a351-11e9-bd56-eac6bb02d01d_story.html">tramped</a> in on those offensive shoe bottoms.</p> <p>Some of the microorganisms present on shoes and floors are <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/epidemiology-and-infection/article/mechanisms-for-floor-surfaces-or-environmental-ground-contamination-to-cause-human-infection-a-systematic-review/37BF6318BD1473C4918A23C843B25D05">drug-resistant pathogens</a>, including hospital-associated infectious agents (germs) that are very difficult to treat.</p> <p>Add in cancer-causing toxins from <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408444.2018.1528208">asphalt road residue</a> and endocrine-disrupting <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23273747.2016.1148803">lawn chemicals</a>, and you might view the filth on your shoes in a new light.</p> <h2>A roll-call of indoor nasties</h2> <p>Our work has involved the measurement and assessment of exposure to a range of harmful substances found inside homes including:</p> <ul> <li> <p><a href="https://www.newscientist.com/article/2231210-antibiotic-resistance-genes-can-be-passed-around-by-bacteria-in-dust/">antibiotic-resistant genes</a> (genes that make bacteria resistant to antibiotics)</p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.estlett.0c00587">disinfectant chemicals in the home environment</a></p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117064">microplastics</a></p> </li> <li> <p>the <a href="https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/11/5/e044833.citation-tools">perfluorinated chemicals</a> (also known as PFAS or “forever chemicals” because of their tendency to remain in the body and not break down) used ubiquitously in a multitude of industrial, domestic and food packaging products</p> </li> <li> <p><a href="http://hdl.handle.net/1959.14/1276977">radioactive elements</a>.</p> </li> </ul> <p>A strong focus of our work has involved assessing levels of <a href="https://theconversation.com/house-dust-from-35-countries-reveals-our-global-toxic-contaminant-exposure-and-health-risk-172499">potentially toxic metals (such as arsenic, cadmium and lead)</a> inside homes across <a href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.1c04494">35 nations (including Australia)</a>.</p> <p>These contaminants – and most importantly the dangerous neurotoxin lead – are odourless and colourless. So there is no way of knowing whether the dangers of lead exposure are only in your <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2021.106582">soils</a> or your <a href="https://www.abcb.gov.au/sites/default/files/resources/2020/Lead_in_Plumbing_Products_and_Materials.pdf">water pipes</a>, or if they are also on your <a href="https://theconversation.com/house-dust-from-35-countries-reveals-our-global-toxic-contaminant-exposure-and-health-risk-172499">living room floor</a>.</p> <p>The <a href="https://theconversation.com/house-dust-from-35-countries-reveals-our-global-toxic-contaminant-exposure-and-health-risk-172499">science</a> suggests a very strong connection between the lead inside your <a href="https://www.mapmyenvironment.com/">home and that in your yard soil</a>.</p> <p>The most likely reason for this connection is dirt blown in from your yard or trodden in on your shoes, and on the furry paws of your adorable pets. </p> <p>This connection speaks to the priority of making sure matter from your outdoor environment stays exactly there (we have tips <a href="https://www.360dustanalysis.com/pages/interpreting-your-results">here</a>).</p> <p>A recent Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/heres-why-ill-be-keeping-my-shoes-on-in-your-shoeless-home-11644503227">article</a> argued shoes in the home aren’t so bad. The author made the point that E. coli – dangerous bacteria that develop in the intestines of many mammals, including humans – is so widely distributed that it’s pretty much everywhere. So it should be no surprise it can be swabbed on shoe bottoms (96% of shoe bottoms, as the article pointed out). </p> <p>But let’s be clear. Although it’s nice to be scientific and stick with the term E. coli, this stuff is, put more simply, the bacteria associated with poo. </p> <p>Whether it is ours or Fido’s, it has the potential to make us very sick if we are exposed at high levels. And let’s face it – it is just plain gross.</p> <p>Why walk it around inside your house if you have a very simple alternative – to take your shoes off at the door?</p> <h2>On balance, shoeless wins</h2> <p>So are there disadvantages to having a shoe-free household? </p> <p>Beyond the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/feet-toes-broken-pain-covid/2021/01/11/470d2efa-4a05-11eb-a9f4-0e668b9772ba_story.html">occasional stubbed toe</a>, from an environmental health standpoint there aren’t many downsides to having a shoe-free house. Leaving your shoes at the entry mat also leaves potentially harmful pathogens there as well.</p> <p>We all know prevention is far better than treatment and taking shoes off at the door is a basic and easy prevention activity for many of us. </p> <p>Need shoes for foot support? Easy – just have some “indoor shoes” that never get worn outside.</p> <p>There remains the issue of the “sterile house syndrome,” which refers to increased rates of allergies among children. Some argue it’s related to overly sterile households.</p> <p>Indeed, some dirt is probably beneficial as <a href="https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(10)00907-3/fulltext">studies</a> have indicated it helps develop your immune system and reduce allergy risk.</p> <p>But there are better and less gross ways to do that than walking around inside with your filthy shoes on. Get outside, go for a bushwalk, enjoy the great outdoors. </p> <p>Just don’t bring the muckier parts of it inside to build up and contaminate our homes.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared in <a href="https://theconversation.com/wearing-shoes-in-the-house-is-just-plain-gross-the-verdict-from-scientists-who-study-indoor-contaminants-177542" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</em></p>

Home & Garden

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Digital toys for kids you don’t have to feel guilty about

<p>Guilt has perhaps always been part of selecting and giving gifts for children. However, in 2021, after two years of increased screen time for children thanks to COVID, parents may be experiencing even more uncertainty around what to buy.</p> <p>But what if the power of play could counter some of these fears?</p> <p>The <a href="https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/142/3/e20182058/38649/The-Power-of-Play-A-Pediatric-Role-in-Enhancing?autologincheck=redirected">importance of play</a> is well recognised. Play holds developmental <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuu59E97igU">power</a> to facilitate communication, increase personal strengths, foster emotional well-being and enhance social relationships.</p> <p>This can be true of digital gifts as well as more traditional presents. Here are some ideas for screen-based toys that are good for both a child’s development and easing parental guilt.</p> <h2>Screen time – is there such a thing as too much?</h2> <p>Firstly, let’s address the key concern many parents have: can too much screen time harm a child’s development? The answer lies in knowing and balancing the risks and benefits of screen time.</p> <p>A recent University of Colorado Boulder <a href="https://theconversation.com/kids-and-their-computers-several-hours-a-day-of-screen-time-is-ok-study-suggests-168022">study</a> of nine and ten year-olds found even when kids spend five hours a day on screens, “it doesn’t appear to be harmful”. The study also suggests screen time can improve social relationships.</p> <p>"While parents should make sure their children are using screens in appropriate ways, our early research suggests lengthy time on screen is not likely to yield dire consequences."</p> <p>Research also indicates the <a href="https://ijbnpa.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12966-019-0881-7">type of screen time</a> is important. This suggests active engagement (such as playing a game or doing an activity) may be beneficial, whereas prolonged periods of passive screen time (such as watching TV or YouTube) could be detrimental.</p> <p>There are <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240015128">international</a> and <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/physical-activity-and-exercise/physical-activity-and-exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians#summary-by-age">Australian</a> recommendations on how much screen time is suitable for children, which vary depending on age.</p> <p>Guidelines also advise negotiating clear boundaries for screen time, limiting sedentary screen time, and incorporating <a href="https://raisingchildren.net.au/preschoolers/play-learning/screen-time-healthy-screen-use/screen-time-physical-activity">physical activity</a> and <a href="https://raisingchildren.net.au/preschoolers/play-learning/screen-time-healthy-screen-use/shared-screen-time">social relationships</a>.</p> <p>For children, this may mean sharing a family device, having clear boundaries about usage and a parent supervising.</p> <p>Ultimately, screens are a part of modern life – children need to learn how to navigate them. Modelling <a href="https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/family-life/family-media-entertainment/parent-technology-use">healthy screen time</a> as well as selecting developmentally appropriate digital toys or platforms for play are two ways parents can assist children in developing a healthy relationship with screen time.</p> <h2>Digital toys across age groups</h2> <p><strong>Babies and toddlers</strong></p> <p>Video-chatting is <a href="https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/play-learning/media-technology/healthy-screen-time-0-2-years">the only</a> recommended form of screen time for babies and toddlers. Digital devices and apps may assist parents when used together with their baby or toddler, to maintain relationships with friends and family.</p> <p>Apps on a parent’s device, such as <a href="https://apps.apple.com/au/app/baby-karaoke/id426373998">Baby Karaoke</a> can help parents to <a href="https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/baby-karaoke">remember </a>and sing along to nursery rhymes and children’s songs. Joining together with your child in playful rhythm and rhyme time in the <a href="https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/first-1000-days">first 1,000 days</a> supports many aspects of brain development.</p> <p><strong>Pre-schoolers (3-5 years)</strong></p> <p>Screen time, when supervised by a parent and part of a balanced <a href="https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/play-learning/screen-time-media/healthy-screen-time-2-5-years">healthy</a> family lifestyle, can support children’s developing imagination, creativity, and storytelling.</p> <p>Apps and digital games like <a href="https://www.playosmo.com/en/">Osmo</a>, where players use objects in the real world to interact with the digital world on their device, can develop communication, social and problem-solving skills.</p> <p><strong>School-age (5-9 years)</strong></p> <p>Apps and digital games that support learning, social skills and creativity are <a href="https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/play-media-technology/media/good-apps-games-movies-school-age">recommended for school-age</a> children.</p> <p>App ideas include <a href="https://freeappsforme.com/stop-motion-apps/">Stop Motion</a>, where children use physical toys such as Lego minifigures or plasticine models to create short animated movies. <a href="https://khankids.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360004559231-Welcome-to-Khan-Academy-Kids">Khan Academy for Kids</a> allows children to read books, create and draw, solve puzzles and play games that promote social skills.</p> <p><strong>Pre-teens (9-12 years)</strong></p> <p>Pre-teens may be starting to conduct a significant part of their <a href="https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/entertainment-technology/digital-life/screen-time-social-life">social life</a> online. Supporting their developing sense of <a href="https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/entertainment-technology/digital-life/digital-citizenship">digital citizenship</a> is a crucial step and should be considered when choosing digital gifts.</p> <p>So, digital games that promote learning, hold positive messages, and allow for a sense of achievement are <a href="https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/entertainment-technology/gaming-gambling/video-games-apps">recommended for pre-teens</a>. As a parent of two pre-teens, Kate shares that two current favourite apps in her house are the drawing/art app <a href="https://procreate.art/">Procreate</a> and the meditation, ambient sounds and bedtime stories app <a href="https://www.calm.com/">Calm</a>.</p> <p>Other ideas include learning a new skill like a musical instrument with apps like <a href="https://www.joytunes.com/simply-piano">Simply Piano</a> or <a href="https://simplyguitar.joytunes.com/">Simply Guitar</a>. <a href="https://www.warnerbros.com/games-and-apps/heads">Heads Up!</a> allows you to play charades online, while popular video game <a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-reviews/minecraft">Minecraft</a> promotes creativity. Finally, work together as a family to remember, preserve and write family stories using <a href="https://storycorps.org/">Story Corps</a>.</p> <p><strong>Teenagers (13-18 years)</strong></p> <p>Screen time can be included in the <a href="https://raisingchildren.net.au/teens/entertainment-technology/screen-time-healthy-screen-use/healthy-screen-time-teens">healthy lifestyle</a> of teenagers. Digital activities that foster interests and hobbies, and enhance social connections are an important consideration for development, health, and well-being.</p> <p>As a parent of a teenager, Judi shares that the current favourite at her house is the virtual reality headset <a href="https://www.oculus.com/">Oculus Quest 2</a>, which enables social connection through <a href="https://hello.vrchat.com/">VRChat</a>, <a href="https://altvr.com/">Altspace</a> and meditation with <a href="https://www.tripp.com/">TRIPP</a> and <a href="https://www.oculus.com/experiences/quest/2616537008386430/">Nature Treks </a>.</p> <p>Other ideas include getting out in nature for a family treasure hunt adventure using <a href="https://www.geocaching.com/play">Geocaching </a>. Or host a trivia party with family or friends using <a href="https://www.sporcle.com/groups/topics/766d10e0f72b">Sporcle</a>. Games like <a href="https://www.spore.com/">Spore</a> allow players to design their own species by evolving microscopic organisms into their own creations.</p> <h2>What to bear in mind</h2> <p>If you’re doing your own searches, use terms like “creative apps for preschoolers” and use a review site like <a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/">Common Sense Media</a> to check your choice. And consider physically active screen time choices.</p> <p>Examples include the <a href="https://www.nintendo.com.au/nintendo-switch-family/switch">Nintendo Switch</a> that promote <a href="https://www.thegamer.com/10-games-like-ring-fit-adventure-on-the-nintendo-switch/">physical activity</a> such as dancing (<a href="https://www.ubisoft.com/en-au/game/just-dance/2022">Just Dance</a>) or real-life exercises, including jogging and yoga (<a href="https://www.nintendo.com.au/games/nintendo-switch/ring-fit-adventure">Ring Fit Adventure</a>).</p> <p>There is also virtual reality, which enables enjoyment, exploration and experiencing through multi-modes including movement (<a href="https://www.oculus.com/experiences/rift/1304877726278670/">Beat Saber</a>), art-making (<a href="https://www.oculus.com/experiences/quest/2322529091093901?ranking_trace=0_2322529091093901_QUESTSEARCH_85b10f4f-d9f3-44a1-b964-47c4da2e9cb8">Tilt Brush</a>), and immersive experiences (<a href="https://www.oculus.com/experiences/quest/2078376005587859?ranking_trace=0_2078376005587859_QUESTSEARCH_f4176e13-59ec-45c0-9b14-21117290e72b">Wander</a>).</p> <p>So, pause for a moment when considering digital gifts for children and ask yourself three things:</p> <p>1) Is there a physical component?</p> <p>2) Will this gift be used together within a relationship?</p> <p>3) What is the play value?</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/digital-toys-for-kids-you-dont-have-to-feel-guilty-about-172612">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>

Technology

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Mother pleads not guilty over bathtub death

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Melbourne media commentator will stand trial over the death of her daughter in a bathtub.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fiori Giovanni, 36, pleaded not guilty to the child homicide of Illen Bellinger in Southbank in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday, May 10.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The mother was then committed to stand trial in Victoria’s Supreme Court.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The court was told previously that she had been accused of negligence amounting to manslaughter after allegedly leaving her baby Illen unsupervised in the bath.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The court was also told Giovanni’s two-and-a-half year old son was in the bath at the same time but did not drown.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Giovanni, born in the African nation of Eritea, sought asylum in Europe before moving to Melbourne where she became a commentator, keynote speaker, and wrote a book about her experiences as a child soldier.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Giovanni is still on bail and will appear in the Supreme Court on May 26 for a directions hearing.</span></p> <p><strong>Image Credit: 7NEWS</strong></p>

Legal

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Royal thief pleads guilty to stealing 77 valuable items

<p>A Buckingham Palace employee has pleaded guilty to stealing a total of 77 items from the royal residence between 11 November 2019 and 7 August 2020.</p> <p>Adamo Canto, from North Yorkshire in the UK reportedly stole multiple items, including an official signed photo of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, a signed photo of the Duke of Sussex and a royal state banquet photo album of US President Donald Trump’s state visit.</p> <p>Some of the items were incredibly valuable, with an approximate worth of thousands of dollars in resale value.</p> <p>Other items stolen by the 37-year-old including a Companion of Bath medal belonging to Vice Admiral Master Tony Johnstone-Burt, who is the Master of the Household.</p> <p>The medal was sold on eBay for £350.</p> <p>The theft came to light when Vice Admiral Johnstone-Burt noticed his medal was missing as he was required to wear it for Trooping the Colour, the Queen’s birthday celebration, this year.</p> <p>"I discovered my Companion of Bath medal and box for sale," his court statement read. "It was up for sale for £500. However, it had been sold for £350."</p> <p>When Police searched his home they realised Canto had stolen the items as he was carrying out his cleaning duties, as due to the pandemic, he was allowed access to areas he normally would be barred from.</p> <p>In total, 77 items were taken including royal memorabilia stolen from the linen room, the Royal Collection ticket office, the Queen’s Gallery shop, the Duke of York’s storeroom as well as things belonging to staff members.</p> <p>The court heard Canto began selling off the stolen items on eBay and while they were being sold for "well under" their real value, he tallied up £7,741. The value of some of the items taken is thought to be between £10,000 and £100,000.</p> <p>Canto has now pleaded guilty and is out on conditional bail. He will be sentenced at a later date.</p>

Legal

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Man pleads not guilty to murder of newlywed daughter

<p><span>A Melbourne dad has pleaded not guilty in court to killing his newly-married daughter and her husband in a shooting on New Year’s Eve.</span><br /><br /><span>Osman Shaptafaj says he was mentally impaired when he allegedly shot Lindita and Veton Musai on the morning of December 31 in 2018, while they entered the Musai family home which they had been living in Yarraville.</span><br /><br /><span>His daughter Lindita, 25, died while still at the scene, and Veton, 29, died the next day in hospital.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7836091/15.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c4c74790ec7442ffa86c56ea18fd4031" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Lindita and Veton Musai</em><br /><br /><span>The loved-up couple had just returned from a trip away to celebrate their first wedding anniversary when they were allegedly shot from behind the front door.</span><br /><br /><span>Mr Shaptafaj was charged with two counts of murder but on Thursday pleaded not guilty due to mental health.</span><br /><br /><span>The father appeared by video link for a brief hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court.</span><br /><br /><span>Mr Shaptafaj is due to return to the Supreme Court for a directions hearing on May 29.</span><br /><br /><span>If you or anyone you know is suffering from depression, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyondblue on 1300 22 4636, or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.</span></p>

Legal

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​Matt Damon’s coronavirus secret: “We feel guilty”

<p><span>Matt Damon has admitted his oldest daughter had been diagnosed with coronavirus in New York City while he, his wife and three other children were quarantining in Ireland. </span><br /><br /><span>The 49-year-old actor admitted he had been shooting Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel when the country had begun to close down due to COVID-19 concerns. </span><br /><br /><span>He, along with wife Luciana Barroso, and children Isabella, 13, Gia, 12, and Stella, 9, stayed in Ireland while 20-year-old college student, Alexia, stayed stateside. </span><br /><br /><span>"She's in New York City and she had COVID really early on along with her roommates and got through it fine," Damon told Dublin radio station Spin 1038 in an interview shared Wednesday. </span><br /><br /></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAI57V_nDpF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAI57V_nDpF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Celebrity Kids ❤ (@_celebritykids_)</a> on May 13, 2020 at 12:05pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span> </span><br /><br /><span>"We'll reunite with her at the end of the month. But everybody's OK, obviously Lucy's mom and my mom – it's scary for that generation."</span><br /><br /><span>The star admitted that although filming has shut down for the time being, he and his family are well-equipped to deal with quarantine-life in a foreign country. </span><br /><br /><span>The kids have teachers there, because they were originally planning to miss about eight weeks of school while their dad worked. </span><br /><br /><span>"We've got what nobody else has, which is actual, live human beings teaching our kids," he said. "We feel guilty: We've got this kind of incredible setup in this place that's absolutely gorgeous."</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/99jR79uxke/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/99jR79uxke/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">gia isabella and stella damon</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/cutestlittles/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> cutest littles</a> (@cutestlittles) on Nov 11, 2015 at 2:44pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><br /><span>The actor also spoke on his role in Contagion, which is a film that has drawn comparison to the coronavirus pandemic. </span><br /><br /><span>Damon said he reflected on the movie with screenwriter Scott Burns and some of the real-life epidemiologists who consulted for the film.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqz4-kbBS16/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqz4-kbBS16/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by etalk (@etalkctv)</a> on Nov 30, 2018 at 8:13am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><br /><span>"Anybody who says you couldn't predict this – I mean, just look at 'Contagion,'" Damon said. </span><br /><br /><span>“Ten years ago, we made a movie just by talking to experts and asking them 'How would this look? And how would it go down?' So it's upsetting. </span><br /><br /><span>“The whole thing is tragic and sad... I think at least now, we know what to do and we won't look at people like they're crazy when they tell us to go sit at home and wash our hands and socially distance."</span></p>

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