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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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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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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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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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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>

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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>

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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>

Family & Pets

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Grandfather changes to guilty plea in cruise ship toddler death

<p>A grandfather who allegedly dropped his 18-month-old granddaughter from the 11th floor of a cruise ship will change his plea to guilty, according to his lawyer.</p> <p>Salvatore “Sam” Anello, was charged with negligent homicide after Chloe Weigand fell from an open glass window on-board the Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas ship in July while it was docked at Puerto Rico.</p> <p>He and his family maintain that he is innocent, saying it was an accident as he wasn’t aware the window was open when he lifted the toddler up to bang on the glass – a game she enjoyed playing at home.</p> <p>But the family’s lawyer revealed on Wednesday that Mr Annello will now plead guilty to the charge so he can avoid spending time in prison.</p> <p>“This decision was an incredibly difficult one for Sam and the family, but because the plea agreement includes no jail time and no admission of facts, it was decided the plea deal is in the best interest of the family,” said Michael Winkleman in a statement.</p> <p>Speaking to the US<span> </span><em>TODAY<span> </span></em>show last year, Chloe’s parents, Kimberley and Alan Wiegand, said Mr Anello had been “very, very distraught” ever since her tragic passing.</p> <p>“You can barely look at him without crying, she was his best friend,” said Mr Wiegand.</p> <p>The family is now suing the cruise ship company, accusing them of negligence by allowing the window in the ship’s children’s play area to be open.</p> <p>“We still maintain this was a tragic, preventable accident that never would have occurred if Royal Caribbean followed the industry-standard window fall prevention codes that are designed for the singular purpose of preventing children from falling out of windows,” said Mr Winkleman.</p> <p>“I just remember screaming, ‘I thought there was glass, I thought there was glass’,” Mr Anello told CBS in November.</p> <p>“I still say it to myself. It’s just, I kind of relive it all the time and I just thought there was glass there. I don’t know what else to tell you.</p> <p>“It seems like it’s all not real. She’s such a beautiful little girl. Perfect little girl.”</p>

News

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"Stoic and strong": Weinstein's legal team responds to guilty verdict

<p>For decades, movie mogul Harvey Weinstein got whatever he wanted, when he wanted it.</p> <p>That included sex with Hollywood’s biggest names and those who aren’t as well known – even if that meant by force.</p> <p>But now, the tide has turned as the disgraced Oscar-winning producer was convicted today on two of five sexual assault charges, ending a high profile rape trial in New York.</p> <p>After five days of deliberation, a jury unanimously agreed that Weinstein was guilty of raping an aspiring actress in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and forcibly performing oral sex on another woman, TV and film production assistant Mimi Haleyi, in 2006.</p> <p>The 67-year-old was convicted of first degree sexual assault and third degree rape. He is facing up to 29 years in prison and will be sentenced on March 11.</p> <p>The first charge carries a sentence of 5-25 years behind bars with the second carrying a minimum probationary period and a maximum four year jail term.</p> <p>Speaking to<span> </span><em>news.com.au</em>, Weinstein’s lawyer Arthur Aidala said that his team will appeal the convictions which he said is “disappointing”.</p> <p>“Harvey was unbelievably stoic and strong and powerful,” said Mr Aidala.</p> <p>“The words he said over and over again to me is: ‘I’m innocent, I’m innocent, I’m innocent. How could this happen in America?”</p> <p>Donna Rutonna, lead defence lawyer told reporters outside court that “the fight is not over”.</p> <p>“Harvey is very strong. Harvey is unbelievably strong. He took it like a man,” she said.</p> <p><span>Meanwhile, a slew of global celebrities took to social media to express their heartfelt reactions to the verdict:</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Gratitude to the brave women who’ve testified and to the jury for seeing through the dirty tactics of the defense .we will change the laws in the future so that rape victims are heard and not discredited and so that it’s easier for people to report their rapes</p> — Rosanna Arquette🌎✌🏼 (@RoArquette) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoArquette/status/1231991023384973313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2020</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">off he goes to prison - where he belongs - over 80 women accused him of rape - imagine the total number? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HarveyWeinsteinGUILTY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HarveyWeinsteinGUILTY</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RAPIST?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RAPIST</a> and lets not forget <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/trumpSEXcrimes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#trumpSEXcrimes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/guilty?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#guilty</a></p> — ROSIE (@Rosie) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rosie/status/1231995057483452426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2020</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">For the women who testified in this case, and walked through traumatic hell, you did a public service to girls and women everywhere, thank you.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ConvictWeinstein?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ConvictWeinstein</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Guilty?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Guilty</a></p> — ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) <a href="https://twitter.com/AshleyJudd/status/1231995493888266242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2020</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">The beginning of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/justice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#justice</a>. More to come, my sisters. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/weinsteinguilty?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#weinsteinguilty</a></p> — Mira Sorvino (@MiraSorvino) <a href="https://twitter.com/MiraSorvino/status/1232000389664235525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2020</a></blockquote>

News

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Man who murdered son for insurance money found guilty of doing the same thing to wife

<p>A man who has been convicted of murdering his wife and son for insurance payouts has described their deaths as “bad luck”.</p> <p>Karl Holger Karlsen, 59, pleaded guilty in 2013 to murdering his son Levi Karlsen in New York and was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. According to court documents, Karlsen collected US$707,000 from Levi’s life insurance in 2008 after the 23-year-old’s body was found under a pickup truck in Karlsen’s garage in 2008.</p> <p>The conviction prompted Californian authorities to reopen investigation into the 1991 death of Karlsen’s wife Christina Alexander Karlsen.</p> <p>Last month, Karlsen was found guilty of first-degree murder by arson for intentionally setting fire to his family’s home in California, killing Christina. He collected <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/05/us/karl-karlsen-wife-insurance.html">US$215,000 in life insurance</a> that he had taken out on Christina less than three weeks before her death before relocating to New York with his three children, a court document stated.</p> <p>Karlsen faces a maximum life sentence without parole on his March 17 sentencing hearing.</p> <p>In an interview with NBC’s <em><a href="https://twitter.com/DatelineNBC/status/1233172460796645377">Dateline</a> </em>before his conviction, aired on Friday, reporter Andrea Canning asked Karlsen if it was “bad luck that they died”.</p> <p>“What would you call it? I’ve had many other things in my life that...I’ve had horses died, I’ve had a barn fire,” Karlsen said.</p> <p>“If I told you everything, you wouldn’t believe what’s happened to me.”</p> <p>Karlsen’s daughter Erin De Roche told ABC’s <em>20/20 </em>in 2013 that she and her late brother believed Karlsen “just stood there” and “didn’t make an effort” to save their mother during the 1991 fire.</p> <p>“We knew what he had done to our mother, and I knew what he did to my brother,” she said.</p>

Legal

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Prince William reveals Duchess Kate’s guilty reality TV pleasure

<p>The Duke of Cambridge has spilled the beans on the TV show that his wife, Kate Middleton, really enjoys watching as of late.</p> <p>He even admitted that he’s been roped into watching an episode or two.</p> <p>It’s the BBC show<span> </span>Strictly Come Dancing, which is the UK equivalent of<span> </span>Dancing With The Stars.</p> <p>It appears that Kate and her mother Carol Middleton really enjoy the show, at least according to the Duke.</p> <p>"I have watched the show [Strictly] a couple of times. Catherine is a huge fan and my mother-in-law loves it," he said, according to <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2019111380565/prince-william-reveals-kate-middleton-and-mum-carole-big-strictly-fans/" target="_blank" title="Hello!">Hello!</a></em> magazine.</p> <p>He spoke to<span> </span>Strictly<span> </span>judge Shirley Ballas and host Claudie Winkleman at a charity gala for Centrepoint and joked about why Winkleman never dances.</p> <p>"Why does Claudia never dance?!" William lamented to which she quickly replied: "I'm too creaky!"</p> <p>The revelation was made at Centrepoint's 50th Anniversary gala where his cousin Princess Beatrice attended in support of her cousin.</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/B42qo_Lnvoy/?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/B42qo_Lnvoy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Last night at our Gala we raised over £1 million for young people! We had incredible support from The Duke of Cambridge, @ritaora and @duranduran. Funds raised will support our programmes to help young people experiencing homelessness to find a home and a job. #ChangeTheStory</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/centrepointuk/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Centrepoint</a> (@centrepointuk) on Nov 14, 2019 at 9:25am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The Duke of Cambridge joined as a patron of Centrepoint in 2005 and the charity in the UK provides accommodation and support to homeless people aged 16 to 25. It was the first charity he took over from his mother, Princess Diana.</p>

TV

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Guilty about that afternoon nap? Don’t be – it’s good for you

<p>You may be familiar with that feeling of overwhelming sleepiness during the mid-afternoon. It’s common, occurs whether you’ve eaten lunch or not, and is caused by a natural<span> </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8795795">dip in alertness</a><span> </span>from about 1 to 3pm. So, if you find yourself fighting off sleep in the middle of the day and you’re somewhere where you can have a nap, then do it.</p> <p>Taking the time for a brief nap will<span> </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16796222">relieve the sleepiness</a><span> </span>almost immediately and improve alertness for several hours after waking. And there are many other benefits too.</p> <p><strong>Understanding why we nap</strong></p> <p>People nap for lots of reasons, some which are:</p> <ul> <li> <p>to catch up on lost sleep</p> </li> <li> <p>in anticipation of sleep loss to avoid feeling sleepy later on</p> </li> <li> <p>for enjoyment, boredom or to pass time.</p> </li> </ul> <p>Napping is relatively common. In fact, about 50% of us<span> </span><a href="http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0113666">report taking a nap</a><span> </span>at least once per week.</p> <p>Napping rates<span> </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=SIESTAS+AMONG+BRAZILIAN+NATIVE+TERENA+ADULTS++A+STUDY+OF+DAYTIME+NAPPING">are greater</a><span> </span>in countries like Greece, Brazil and Mexico that have a culture of<span> </span><em>siesta</em>, which incorporate “quiet time” in the early afternoon for people to go home for a nap. In such countries, up to 72% of people will nap as often as four times per week.</p> <p><strong>The perks of napping</strong></p> <p>Naps are not only beneficial because they make us feel less sleepy and more alert, but because they improve our<span> </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21075238">cognitive functioning</a>, reaction times, short-term memory and even our mood.</p> <p>Our research (not yet published) has found those who regularly nap report feeling more alert after a brief nap in the afternoon when compared to those who only nap occasionally.</p> <p>Another<span> </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16540232">research group</a><span> </span>found that motor learning, which is where brain pathways change in response to learning a new skill, was significantly greater following a brief afternoon nap for regular nappers when compared to non-nappers.</p> <p>In fact, the overall benefits of naps are similar to those experienced after<span> </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7792499">consuming caffeine</a>(or other stimulant medications) but without the side effects of caffeine dependence and possibly disrupted sleep at night time.</p> <p><strong>How long should a nap be?</strong></p> <p>The amount of time you spend napping really depends on the time you have available, how you want the nap to work for you, and your plans for the coming night. Generally speaking, the longer a nap is, the longer you will feel rejuvenated after waking.</p> <p>Long naps of one to two hours during the afternoon will mean you are less sleepy (and require less sleep) that night. This could mean it will take longer than usual to fall asleep.</p> <p>If you are planning to stay up later than usual, or if taking a little longer to fall asleep at bedtime is not bothersome, time your nap for about 1.5 hours. This is the length of a normal sleep cycle. You will experience deep sleep for about an hour or so followed by light sleep for the last half an hour.</p> <p>Waking up during light sleep will leave you feeling refreshed and alert. However, waking during deep sleep will not. If you sleep too long and miss the light sleep at the end of a nap, chances are you will wake up feeling sluggish and drowsy. If you do experience feeling drowsy after a nap, don’t worry – this feeling is temporary and will go away after a while.</p> <p>Another option is to have a brief “power” nap. Brief naps of 10-15 minutes can significantly improve alertness, cognitive performance and mood<span> </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12220317">almost immediately after waking</a>. The benefits typically last for a few hours.</p> <p>Power naps are great because you won’t experience any sluggish or drowsy feelings after waking. This is because you do not enter any deep sleep during this brief time.</p> <p>Research<span> </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10210616">suggests</a>, a brief,<span> </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10380949">early-to-mid-afternoon nap</a><span> </span>provides the greatest rejuvenation when compared to naps at any other time of the day. However, if you’re struggling to stay awake, a brief nap taken at any time can be help keep you alert.</p> <p><em>Written by Nicole Lovato. Republished with permission of <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/guilty-about-that-afternoon-nap-dont-be-its-good-for-you-89023" target="_blank">The Conversation.</a></em></p>

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