CEILING FANS ARE A WINNER IN HOME DESIGN
As homeowners design their spaces in Australia’s diverse climate, functional additions play a crucial role in enhancing comfort and livability.
With its varying temperatures and sunny days, Australia’s climate highlights the importance of practical elements that contribute to a more comfortable home environment.
Ceiling fans, for instance, offer both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits, particularly during warmer seasons. They provide a cost-effective and sustainable solution for keeping homes cool
and energy-efficient by promoting air circulation and reducing reliance on air conditioning. This not only enhances comfort but also contributes to lower energy costs and sustainability efforts.
Integrating sleek ceiling fans into Mid-Century Modern (MCM) aesthetics further enhances the functionality and appeal of the design, creating spaces that are not only visually pleasing but also conducive to comfortable living and climate control.
“As we design our homes to match Australia’s diverse climate, incorporating elements like ceiling fans is essential for
both comfort and style. Choosing the right fan not only improves air circulation and energy efficiency but also enhances the overall aesthetic of your space. A well-selected ceiling fan seamlessly blends into your home’s design, making it a practical and stylish addition to any room,” said Paul Butterworth, a Brisbane-based architect and expert on MCM design.
To complement this aesthetic, ceiling fans should embody these principles:
1. Sleek and simple: Opt for fans with minimalistic designs, clean lines, and a
streamlined appearance.
2. Organic shapes: Consider fans with organic and natural shapes to ensure it seamlessly fits into the MCM style.
3. Functional elegance: Ensure the fan provides both style and functionality.
“INCORPORATING ELEMENTS LIKE CEILING FANS IS ESSENTIAL FOR BOTH COMFORT AND STYLE”
The Fanco Eco Style ceiling fan is an excellent example of a design that complements the MCM aesthetic, particularly through its distinctive blade shape. The fan’s blades feature a unique silhouette reminiscent of the clean lines and geometric forms characteristic of mid-century design. With their subtle curvature and tapered ends, the blades evoke a sense of timeless elegance and sophistication. Perfect fans for Modern Australian homes When selecting a ceiling fan for this style, consider the following:
1. Natural materials: Choose fans with blades made from natural materials like timber, which harmonise with the use of wood and stone in Modern Australian interiors.
2. Indoor-outdoor flexibility: Fans that work both indoors and outdoors are ideal for homes that blend indoor and outdoor living areas.
3. Energy efficiency: Sustainability is a key aspect of Modern Australian design. Opt for energy-efficient fans that reduce power consumption while providing excellent airflow.
Visit www.fanco.com.au.
CONTACT AGENT FOR PRICE
2 2 1
OPEN FOR INSPECTION
Drop in to our office in the shopping centre during business hours or Sat/Sun 10am-2pm
CONTACT:
PRD Glenmore Park
Darren Latty • 0414 6204532 darren@prd.net.au
What is so great about this property?
Brand-new apartment in the newly opened retail precinct
Glenmore Village. We have a small selection of apartments available for sale where you can move in straight away. A world of shopping and dining options is right at your front door.
Who does this property suit?
We have had a wide range of buyers purchase in the development. Predominately down sizers
looking for a low maintenance lifestyle, first home buyers looking to get into the market, and more recently investors looking to capitalise on the excellent rent returns.
Tell us about the suburb the property is in?
Glenmore Village is located in the suburb of Glenmore Park in the region known as Mulgoa Rise and Highland Views. It is a blue ribbon location with a range of schools and parkland nearby.
If you are considering selling your operty, please contact Gizzelle Powell today for a con dential discussion and market appraisal
Ma rian’s Mana is a pre stig iou s maste r-plan ne d pre ci nct offer i ng prem iu m land lots and a rchite ct ural ly des ig ne d res idence s i n one of South-West S yd ney’s faste st-g rowi ng com mu nities.
PR ICES START FROM $554, 50 0
FE AT URES MANICURED GARDENS AND GREEN SPAC ES , ALL MAIN TA INED UNDER A CO MMUNIT Y TITLE SCHEME
WELL PO SITIONED NE AR THE RA PI DLY EX PA NDING OR AN PA RK TO WN CENTRE
Located near Oran Park ’s most popular amenities and shopping precinct, Marian’s Mana invites you to enjoy an addres s that blends nature with urban conveniences. It ’s a place you’ll want to call ho me.
*Artist impression
The Experts
IMAGE CREATION USING GENERATIVE AI TECH
You can get Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft CoPilot and Google Gemini to create complex high-definition pictures. These AI models can create stunning and unique images based on your descriptions, opening new doors for artists, designers, and anyone with a creative vision. This guide explores how to harness the power to bring your ideas to life.
The success of AI image generation is in your hands. Crafting clear and concise prompts is the key, as they act as instructions for the AI, outlining the desired content, style, and composition. Here are some tips to help you with this:
• Be specific: The more details you provide, the better the AI can understand your vision. Describe objects, characters, settings, colours, lighting, emotions –anything that contributes to the image.
• Use references: If you have a specific style or reference image in mind, include it in your prompt. This helps the AI understand the visual direction you’re aiming for.
• Experiment with language: Use adjectives, verbs, and descriptive phrases to create moods and atmospheres.
These AI tools can create a vast array of images, including:
• Realistic scenes: Landscapes, cityscapes,
interiors, historical settings – the possibilities are endless.
• Abstract concepts: Emotions, ideas, and data visualisations can be brought to life through abstract imagery.
• Stylised art: Generate images in the style
of famous painters, specific art movements, or even cartoons.
• Conceptual designs: Prototype product ideas, create mock-ups, or develop concept art for games and movies.
As an example, I asked each of the tools to generate an image of “a cat dressed as a burglar, sitting on a giraffe, wading through a river at sunset with palm trees along the river, a flock of flamingos in the distance, and a hippopotamus nearby.”
These models are designed to adapt to your needs.
They generated a selection of four unique images for me, and I was able to choose one and continue asking the tool to add modifications. They even make suggestions – one of mine was to add a monkey to one of the Palm trees. The process is user-friendly and flexible, allowing you to explore and experiment with your creative ideas. Most platforms have increased the limitations of using lifelike images of real people or characters. Of course, this raises issues around ethical considerations and copyright. And at least for now, any images you create cannot be copyrighted either.
So, jump on your favourite AI platform and ask it to generate some pictures. You will be amazed at the results.
HOW MASSAGE CAN HELP WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS The Experts
What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?
Let’s firstly explain some of the basic terms of the human body’s nervous system. Neurons are nerve cells that connect with one another throughout our body as a continuous network and is what consists of all our nerves.
Myelinated sheaths are basically an electrically insulating cover around most of our neurons that allows the nerve signals to transmit along the neurons efficiently and fast. The central nervous system (CNS) is referred to as just the brain and spinal cord that is situated in the centre of our nervous system and body.
Multiple sclerosis is believed to be an autoimmune condition as it involves abnormal activity from our own immune cells that attack and destroy the myelin sheath around our neurons in the central nervous system. Therefore, this damage means that the brain cannot communicate the signals with the rest of the body, leading
to a range of symptoms such as…
• Vision impairment, like double vision or loss of vision
• Fatigue
• Slurred speech
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Mental health issues like depression
• Numbness and tingling
• Muscle spasticity, which is described as painful involuntary muscle contractions and cramps
• Paralysis, typically in the legs, weakness and pain in legs upon walking, standing and getting up (although, all these movements can be almost impossible for some)
Everyone will experience a different course of symptoms and how the disease progresses.
Relevance to massage
Massage unfortunately cannot cure MS but research through multiple treatment trials on MS patients have shown its effectiveness in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Some benefits of massage for MS sufferers can be a decrease in muscle spasticity and tightness, improvement in joint range of motion, better sleep patterns and moods and a decrease in oedema (swelling), which can be common
symptoms and may have recently been diagnosed with it. If it is oedema that is the focus of the treatment, then gaining medical clearance from your doctor is advised, particularly, if the cause of the oedema is unknown or is a
amongst wheelchair bound individuals who have fluid retention in their legs and feet.
When massage may not be suitable for you
Massage is contraindicated in the acute phase of MS which is the early stages of the disease when you first experience the
result of another medical condition that is not well-managed or is under medical guidance.
Chronic fatigue is also a very common symptom of MS. The massage appointment must be scheduled when the client is feeling relatively good with their energy levels to avoid aggravating their symptoms.
IN THE MIRROR with Cassidy Pearce
The brand taking Australia by storm
If you’ve been on social media lately, or even just stepped foot in a Woolies, chances are you’ve heard of MCoBeauty.
MCoBeauty is a brand stocking everything from makeup to skincare and accessories, and is advertised as providing ‘luxe-for-less’. But, there’s a twist – many of their most popular products look startlingly similar to those of larger, more expensive brands.
In the last few months, the Aussie brand has well and truly taken the world by storm, recently launching in the US. But, are the dupes really as good as the originals, and are they worth purchasing?
About the brand
MCoBeauty was founded in 2016 by CEO Shelley Sullivan, 14 years after she created sister brand, ModelCo.
The brand first came into notoriety in 2019, when it was announced that they’d be one of the brand partners for
the second season of ‘Love Island Australia’, meaning influencers-to-be were seen sharing tutorials and reviews for the show and its social media channels. Sophie Monk, the show’s host, was also an MCoBeauty ambassador at the time.
But, in 2023, the brand entered another stratosphere with the release of its Flawless Glow – a tinted illuminating primer which was quickly dubbed a dupe for Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter due to the almost identical packaging.
What’s a dupe, and why are they so popular?
Short for duplicate, a ‘dupe’ in the beauty industry refers to an affordable product which is similar to a higher end one. Shoppers are
encouraged to purchase dupes instead of the original product in order to save money, or to try something comparable to a product that they may not have access to.
Previously, a dupe has almost exclusively referred to a product’s colour and formula, meaning they perform alike, and look pretty much the same when applied. However, MCo Beauty has taken this to another layer by replicating the packaging of these products almost exactly.
You might be wondering –how is this legal?
In a story published by the ABC last week, Sullivan sat down with the brand’s external lawyer to break down the extremely thorough production process that they go through to ensure that no trademarks in name, shape, colour, or otherwise are infringed.
Replicating the packaging, however, infers that the product inside must be just as good – but is it?
Is it worth your money?
Over the last few years, I’ve avoided shopping from MCoBeauty. Despite there being no issues with legality, something about the concept of duping other products really leaves a sour taste in my mouth. However, when faced with a 40 per cent off sale at Big W, I couldn’t resist.
A standout product for me so far is their Makeup Grip Primer – a dupe of the Milk Makeup
Hydro Grip Primer. Having tried the original, I can say that this one is actually stickier, and feels like it does do a good job at keeping your makeup on your face.
Some other brand highlights for me are the Miracle Flawless Pressed Powder, Miracle Flawless Setting Spray and Soft Matte Beauty Wand – three more Charlotte Tilbury dupes. Next on my wish list is the Peptide Lip Treatment, a dupe for my favourite lip balm by Summer Fridays.
Overall, I do find MCoBeauty’s philosophy and strategies to be incredibly interesting. Whilst I do think some of the products are good, I wouldn’t buy them full price (at that point, you may as well buy the more expensive version!). But, with regular sales popping up, I’d say there’s no harm in giving the brand a go.
UNDERSTANDING AND PREVENTING ATTACKS
Recently, there has been a notable rise in dog fights and attacks, leading to pets requiring urgent medical treatment. Witnessing your beloved pet being attacked by another dog is a harrowing experience. While the instinct to rush in and rescue your pet is strong, it’s crucial to remain calm and exercise caution to avoid escalating the situation or getting injured yourself.
Any dog can exhibit aggressive behaviour, especially if they feel threatened or cornered. This can stem from a current perceived threat or past experiences that have left them feeling uneasy. Remember, understanding a dog’s body language are key to preventing potential attacks.
Dogs rarely bite without warning. They often display clear signs before resorting to biting. These signs may include growling, snarling, snapping, baring teeth or lunging.
However, dogs may also exhibit signs of anxiety or nervousness
well before these aggressive behaviours manifest. Recognising these early signs can help prevent an escalation:
• Licking their lips or yawning
• Ears going backwards or flattened on their head
If you notice another dog showing signs of anxiety or aggression around your pet, the best course of action is to calmly and quickly walk away. Avoid getting too close to the dog, and if possible, put a visual barrier like a gate, fence, or
• Showing the whites of their eyes (often called “whale eye”)
• Turning their face away
• Trying to move or turn away from the other dog
• Standing crouched or walking low to the ground
car between the two dogs.
Witnessing a dog attack can be frightening, but it’s important to stay calm and focused. Here are some steps to take if you find yourself in this situation:
• Do not put your hands within reach of the fighting dogs.
Trying to separate them physically can result in severe injuries to yourself and further harm to your dog if the other dog hasn’t let go.
• Call your dog away. If your dog responds to commands, try calling them to you. The other dog’s owner should do the same.
• Report the incident to local animal services who can take appropriate action and may help prevent future incidents.
• Take your dog to a veterinarian. Even if the injuries seem minor, a professional examination is necessary. Bite wounds can cause significant damage beneath the skin and carry bacteria that could lead to infection.
For more information or assistance following a dog attack, contact Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027. Their experienced staff can provide medical care for your pet and offer advice on preventing future incidents.
Relax & Unwind
AQUARIUS
JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19 JOANNE MADELINE MOORE
Boho Astro bohoastro.com
@JoMadelineMoore
© Joanne Madeline Moore 2024
Aquarians are free spirits. And you could go missing in action this week, as Uranus and the Full Moon boost your tendency to detach or run away from difficult situations. Heading for the hills or escaping into a private fantasy seems appealing, but the current problems will still be waiting when you return. So you need to get the balance right between dealing with daily challenges when they occur, and retreating into your own quirky inner world.
TAURUS
APRIL 21 TO MAY 21
Bulls love to feel stable and comfy, and sudden changes can catapult you into a state of catatonia. This week the planetary patterns shake up your comfort zone – especially involving a planned trip, personal project or educational matter. Uranus urges you to banish boredom and take a smart calculated risk, as you stir things up via a brand-new goal or a local community connection. Sunday’s Full Moon also encourages you to be bold and adventurous.
LEO
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
The Capricorn Full Moon highlights your health zone so it’s a good week to try a detox diet or a disciplined new exercise routine. Mercury and Venus are both vamping through your sign, which boosts your Cat charisma and playful sense of fun. So it’s also a wonderful week to turn up the charm and call in a few old favours. However, too much happy hilarity (and no action) will just annoy others (who are doing all the work). So try to walk your talk.
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
It’s time for sensitive Scorpios to be clever, creative and communicative. But (courtesy of the Full Moon) it’s definitely not a good week to host a jolly neighbourhood reunion or bring up sensitive childhood issues with a sibling. The planets encourage you to let go of the past and stop worrying about the future. Focus on enjoying the here and now! Be inspired by music icon Carlos Santana (who was born on July 20), “The present is where everything begins.”
PISCES
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
This week a fortuitous power surge could inspire fabulous creative ideas and spiritual insights. But do you feel dismally disorganised? Is a lack of a daily routine letting you down? If you confuse fact with fantasy, then you could end up with a complicated mess on your hands. So do your best to keep your feet on the ground! It’s time to tune into the strong energy of Sunday’s Full Moon in earthy Capricorn, as you try a more grounded and disciplined approach.
GEMINI
22 TO JUNE 21
The Full Moon shines a spotlight on money, business, investments, taxes and joint finances so make sure they are all in working order. And the Sun makes a fabulous aspect with Uranus, so an innovative financial idea could really take flight. Mars and Jupiter are transiting through Gemini so be proactive about maintaining your sense of humour! Be inspired by comedian (and birthday great) Robin Williams, “Laughter can be many things – sometimes a medicine.”
VIRGO
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
You’ll feel compelled to connect with your inner world or help someone in need, as the planets highlight your spiritual, humanitarian and friendship zones. With Mars and Jupiter jumping through your career zone, decisive and dynamic action is required at work. So don’t waste your numerous talents with unproductive daydreaming that goes nowhere. If you worry and procrastinate, then promising opportunities and important connections will pass you by.
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
This week the shimmering Sun’s transiting through your dream zone, while Mars and Jupiter (your patron planet) are revving up your relationship zone. So dreams and partnerships are highlighted at the moment. It’s important to nurture and develop them – but don’t get the two confused! Iconic singer Linda Ronstadt (who turns 78 on Monday) reminds us, “The thing you have to be prepared for is that other people don’t always dream your dream.”
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
The week starts with a Mars/Uranus spark, that will rev you up in a positive, proactive way. So it’s the perfect time to explore and experiment in exciting new directions. Then the week ends with a Mars/Neptune link that encourages creative projects and spiritual pursuits. So it’s the ideal time to paint and pray, play music and meditate, sing and chant, practice yoga and dance up a storm. Sunday’s Full Moon pushes you to follow your professional dreams.
CANCER
Calling all Crabs … the Sun is transiting through your sign (until July 22) which boosts your creativity and your moodiness. There’s a Full Moon in your relationship zone on Sunday, so it’s time to look after loved ones and nurture your inner self via meditation, contemplation and relaxation. Your quote for the week is from actress Selena Gomez, “I’m such a Cancer. I feel everything so intensely, which is one of my favourite things about myself.”
Expect some tension as the Full Moon stirs up old grievances with a family member or a work colleague. If you sit back and let others make decisions, then you’ll just feel powerless. So strive to be more self-sufficient, as you use your natural diplomatic skills to help smooth troubled waters. Getting the ratio right between your public and private lives is an ongoing challenge. But if anyone can juggle complex commitments, it’s a well-balanced Libran!
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
On the weekend the feisty Full Moon lights up your sign. So relationship dramas are likely – unless you can slip out of fussy Capricorn control-freak mode and instead, try the gentle art of compromise. Other people are acting as a mirror, reflecting negative personal traits that you may be unaware of. Use these experiences to work on your weaknesses – and build on your natural strengths. As always, calm cooperation is the key to interpersonal harmony.
5.
6. Actress, ... Hepburn
7. Revise
8. Singer, ... Morrison
25. Conundrum 26. Gentle wave
29. Marine
32. Wined and dined
35. Decorative shrub pot
37. Hurt
38. Stowed
40. Rip-offs
41. Tiny cuts
42. Lop off 43. Ponds
44. Gives go-ahead to
47. Condemnation
51. Bistro
52. Oscar-winner, ... Bullock
53. Legislative body
54. Devoid (of)
58. Diva’s songs
59. Attila the ...
61. Filmmakers, Joel & ... Coen
63. Piano lever
64. Musical composition
65. Pamper
66. Choose
68. Baby’s disposable
71. Pigs
72. Crow
74. Pillage
76. Scolds persistently
78. Obsessive enthusiast
80. Type of lettuce
83. Screen on TV
number uniquely.
For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org
If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.
Word Search
Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally.
Theme: SNAKES
ANTIVENOM
BROAD HEAD
CAMOUFLAGE
COMMON
CONSTRICTOR
DANGEROUS
DISTINCTIVE
GRASSLANDS
LENGTH
MARKINGS
PREDATOR
RAINFORESTS
REPTILES
TERRITORY
TREES
VENOM
WOODLANDS
Last week’s solution
Trivia Quiz
Test your knowledge about the New South Wales Blues in our special trivia quiz this week...
1. In what year did the NSW Blues finally win their first State of Origin series?
2. Tim Sheens coached the Blues for a single Origin series. What year was it?
3. Based on win percentage, who is the most successful NSW Blues coach of all-time in the State of Origin arena?
4. In 2014, the Brad Fittler Medal for best NSW player was won jointly for the first time. One player was Jarryd Hayne, who was the other?
5. Nathan Cleary is one of two Penrith players to have won the Brad Fittler Medal, claiming it in 2020. Who is the other one?
. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.
