17 minute read
Weekender Living
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BOHO ASTRO - JOANNE MADELINE MOORE
Daily posts at www.bohoastro.com | twitter @JoMadelineMoore | © Joanne Madeline Moore 2022
AQUARIUS
JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19
With Mercury, Venus, Mars and Saturn all visiting your sign, your progressive ideas and unpredictable antics could upset some people. But that’s life when you’re a free-wheeling Aquarius! So your motto is from this week’s birthday great, Cat in the Hat writer Dr Seuss, “Why fi t in when you were born to stand out?” For extra creative inspiration, look to avant-garde Aquarian role-models like Mozart, Bob Marley, Yoko Ono, Oprah Winfrey and Harry Styles.
Geminis are clever communicators but are you confi dent enough for big time success? With seven planets activating your career and aspirations zones, a golden opportunity is waiting in the wings but you must grab it when it appears or it will pass you by. So stop over-thinking and start doing! Saturn also challenges you to be physically organised and mentally disciplined, as you make plans to improve your tertiary qualifi cations or update your skills.
It’s a wonderful week to entertain at home with a special meal, as the planets stimulate your family and friendship zones. Convivial conversation is a bonus. Being of service to others (with kindness, compassion and style) also brings much joy and satisfaction. Plus take the time to savour and enjoy the simple things in your everyday life … like a kiss from a child or a walk in the park. But avoid making a rash comment (in person or online) that you later regret.
Th e stars bless creative projects, boost intuition, and help you get lost in a fabulous fantasy novel or a favourite romantic movie. With the Sun, Moon, Jupiter and Neptune visiting your sign, you’re certainly keen to please others. But avoid the temptation to be an indecisive doormat and say ‘yes’ to everyone and everything. You may fi nd you’ve bitten off more than you can comfortably chew! Confi dence is high on the weekend so make the most of it.
Th is week, bossy Mars links up with intense Pluto in your relationship zone. So avoid using emotional manipulation to coerce people into doing what you think they should be doing. Step back and let others make their own choices (and their own mistakes). Attached Crabs – Th ursday and Friday favour making a profound emotional connection. Singles – give superfi cial suitors the fl ick. Look for a long-term lover who has passion, depth and staying power.
Expect some drama at Casa Scorpio this week as the Venus/Mars/Pluto conjunctions increase your magnetism – and your tendency to brooding, obsessive behaviour. You’ve got the power to inspire others and transform your own life. So do your best to fi nd appropriate ways to let off steam and choose positive and challenging projects to channel your intense energy into. Otherwise you’ll just drive family, friends and colleagues crazy.
On Th ursday, your ruler Mars pairs up with powerful Pluto. So expect an intense time at work (and possibly a disagreement) with a boss, colleague, client or customer. On Saturday, the buoyant Sun/Jupiter conjunction encourages you to dream a big dream and fi nd a way to make it happen. Th en Mars connects with Venus on Sunday when you’ll feel more peaceful, romantic and/or creative. Whatever happens, try to relax and feel the love Rams!
Have you been feeling like a tired and listless Leo? Th is week – with Jupiter and Uranus both activating your ruler the Sun – you’ll feel your mojo, motivation and Lion’s roar returning! So fi nd a challenging project to direct your energy into. Venus and Mars also encourage you to be much more proactive and diplomatic with others. A sunny smile and an encouraging comment will get you a lot further than feisty fi reworks and theatrical foot-stamping!
Are you ready for a wild ride? Th is week you’re prone to fi ery pronouncements and extravagant exuberance as you overpromise, overspend or overextend. Enthusiasm is high but don’t jump to hasty conclusions and pass on incorrect information. Get the facts straight, otherwise embarrassing mix-ups are likely (especially involving fi nances). So do your best to divert excess energy into a challenging project that is ambitious and adventurous but also realistic.
Th e Sun, Uranus and Mars rev up your motivation and boost your Bullish bravado but you could also feel rushed or unsettled this week. Cool down and calm down! Aim to do plenty of physical activity, so you can channel your restless energy in pleasant and productive ways. But being overly proprietorial about a person or possession will only lead to a fraction too much friction on Friday. So strive to be less obsessive about what you own and whom you love.
Th is week the planets could generate a lucky opportunity involving a partnership, joint venture, sporting activity or creative project. So get your ideas out there (in person and online) as you inform and entertain others with your marvellous mercurial mind. A major relationship (whether romantic or platonic) could also go through a metamorphosis, as you both air your grievances in a respectful way and work through a problem that’s been holding you back.
Th e more intently you micro-manage relationships this week, the more family, friends or colleagues will distance themselves from you. And if you are too bossy with an Aries, Taurus or Scorpio, then an explosive power struggle is likely. You’re brimming over with information and ideas and are keen to teach or instruct others. But don’t assume you have all the answers. Smart-aleck hubris will just put others off . So strive to be much more inclusive and consultative.
PISCES
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
ARIES
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
TAURUS
APRIL 21 TO MAY 21
GEMINI
MAY 22 TO JUNE 21
CANCER
JUNE 22 TO JULY 22
LEO
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
VIRGO
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
LIBRA
SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
WITH DAVID NORRIS NORTEC IT • 9894 9514
Flubot explained, and how to tell if it has already infected your phone
Lately, many of us have been experiencing a substantial increase in the number of text messages we have received. Many of them are notifications of deliveries reportedly from reputable delivery companies like Australia Post or DHL, along with a link to click to track delivery. They could also be messages about an unopened voicemail again with the link that leads to a page that looks like Telstra or Optus. The message could be related to anything as the scam evolves, but there is always a link to click. The ACCC has reported that more than 230 people a day fall victim to Flubot.
The messages are sent by malware named Flubot, which primarily infects Android phones via SMS messages. After clicking on the link, you are taken to a legitimate-looking website and prompted to download a piece of malware. Once installed, it can read your text messages, send text messages, access your contacts and even make phone calls. It will also send your contact list to its control centre, and these numbers will be added to the SMS spam list. Worryingly it allows hackers access to all the content on your phone, including banking details, usernames and passwords, if you access them while infected.
How can you tell if you are infected? This is tricky as there is very little evidence on your phone. Some warning signs could be receiving phone calls from people following up a text from you or your phone provider following you up about the number of SMS messages you are sending. Some versions of Flubot also install an app titled Voicemail. The icon is a blue cassette in a yellow envelope.
If you have been infected, you need to do a few things. 1. Go to the Google Play store and download any Antimalware/Antivirus software. Over 100 products in the store will detect and remove Flubot.
Choose one of the more prominent brand names with a five-star review.
These include Malwarebytes, Avast,
Kaspersky, ESET, Norton Sophos and
Bitdefender. 2. If an infection is found, allow the antivirus product to clean your phone. 3. You should then reset passwords for any applications used on your phone. 4. If you have any other concerns contact an IT Savvy friend or your local IT company. WITH JULIE SHELDRAKE • NEPEAN AQUATIC CENTRE & EVA BORY’S SWIM SCHOOL • 4730 8900
The right time to start swimming lessons and the benefits it brings
There are so many decisions to make in our child’s lives, and so many activities to choose from, but despite the time and energy put into discussing the pros and cons of each via social media, parenting forums and discussions with friends, it’s not usually a matter of life and death. Except in the case of when to start baby’s swimming lessons.
Drowning remains the number one cause of accidental death in Australian children under the age of five. Which is why the answer to “when to learn to swim” is clear cut – as soon as possible after six months of age. Supervision and barriers are important layers of protection that should always be in place, but the sooner your child can submerge in the water, turn around and get to the side and pull themselves out of the pool, the safer they will be.
Babies are not born with a fear of the water, in fact they are surrounded by water as they grow. It is much easier to introduce them to the water and practice water familiarisation with a young baby. Kids Alive have some great videos on their KidsAliveDoThe5 YouTube channel demonstrating shower and bath time water familiarisation techniques to safely enjoy with your baby from birth. Early introduction to lessons usually results in the baby taking to the water easily – but even in the face of occasional resistance learning to swim is not a skill that we can ignore or delay teaching if the child doesn’t take to the water immediately – it is far too important a skill in Australia not to persevere. Leaning to swim is in their best interests. A child will not be traumatised by swimming lessons. They (and you) may well be traumatised by a near drowning incident, or worse.
Often swimming lessons are the child’s first structured activity, and when graduating from Water Babies around two years of age the child often is ready to begin lessons without a parent in the water with them – a little bit of independence! This is a perfect age for children to begin to learn to listen and respond to instructions from the teacher, sit still, wait their turn, etc.
Lots of children thrive at this time as they become a big boy or girl, but some can become unsettled during this transition phase, so patience and perseverance are the all important ingredients at this time – as is remaining happy and positive but resolute in the face of any resistance.
WITH FELICITY SPENCER-DAVEY • ONE POINT HEALTH • 4732 5188
Massage makes a huge diff erence
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has found that approximately 50 per cent of adults worldwide suffer from headache disorders.
So, what is a headache disorder?
One of the most common nervous system disorders, headache disorders include migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches, as well as those caused by secondary factors including medication overuse.
Headache disorders can affect people of all ages, races, medical and social backgrounds, and can have serious effects on a person’s social and professional life. From decreased productivity and inability to concentrate, to taking stretches of time off work, and from having to bail on a social event, to avoiding them completely just in case a headache shows up.
How can massage help?
Massage can be effective in fighting headaches in multiple ways. Many headaches are caused by tension in the neck and shoulders, so the first step is often massaging these areas to release the muscles and help them relax.
Trigger point therapy, stretching, and myofascial release can all be effective in these areas.
The increase of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, post massage reduce stress and anxiety which can help reduce the severity and lingering effects of the headache.
How can you help yourself?
One of the first things we speak to clients about is often their posture. Whether at a desk, or standing, in jobs that require lots or little movement, it is so easy to become focused on the task and forget to take care of your body. Remind yourself to sit up regularly, shake your shoulders out, or other body parts that have been stationary for too long. Spend some time each day doing stretches, particularly for shoulders and neck. And don’t be afraid to seek help early, when first symptoms start.
THE OVOLO WOOLLOOMOOLOO HOTEL
Words: Scott McRae | More Info: www.thetravellingguy.com
Who doesn’t like surprises, right?
As I find myself maturing in years I do find it that my life surprises are certainly becoming less frequent, so it was immensely refreshing to come across an accommodation location that was so ‘out of the box’ as the one that I uncovered on a recent trip to Sydney town, that I was beaming with delight.
Even though the hotel I speak of is somewhat hidden, encased inside one of the most historic buildings on the shores of the magnificent Sydney Harbour, it is certainly one that boasts a very visible and obvious vibe once you step into its welcoming entrance.
The Ovolo Woolloomooloo is entrenched inside the historic splendour of the longest timbered-piled wharf in the world. A now Heritage Listed edifice that for many years served Sydneysiders under many varied guises, including being the exit point for our once booming wool exports.
It has also served as the step off point for many of our soldiers heading off to defend our shores and the arrival point for many a “Ten Pound Pom” and migrant from Europe.
Nowadays, she shines as a diverse mix of celebrated architecture, artistic flair and five-star fun! All throughout the hotel you are saluted by cheeky mottos, groovy nooks to hang out in and a loud and proud sentiment that almost becomes intoxicating.
The rooms at Ovolo Woolloomooloo are a mash of eclecticism, funk, comfort, art and vitality. Certainly not your ‘cookie cutter’ type that you may have experienced in some of the larger chain brands.
General Manager Kieron Hunt so exquisitely describes his hotel as “loud and proud” and he is spot on the money.
Watching Kieron interact with his staff gave me a total understanding of why the venue has the warm, accepting and welcoming feel it does. I believe every staff member actually wants to be there and are all on the same page.
Ovolo Woolloomooloo is also the hotel that just keeps on giving, with an array of inclusions that seem endless.
With Finger Wharf housing many brilliant external restaurants including, Otto, Kinsley’s and China Doll, you will certainly be spoilt for choice, but if you have ever had the desire to experience the world of plant-based dining then you are in for a real treat with Ovolo housing Alibi Bar and Kitchen.
Seriously, this zone of the hotel is a hip hangout and I don’t care what age you are! Creative cocktails by name and essence. An extensive and charismatic wine list with a wine for all comers and occasions. Never really being a trumpeter of the vegan way of life, I was somewhat apprehensive when it came to my dining experience.
Alibi is under the design of worldrenowned plant-based chef Matthew Kenny and helmed by Head Chef Kevin Voon and Executive Chef Tom Liang, and with the food philosophy of clean food to never fail to deliver on taste... it certainly did not. My dining experience was certainly unexpected and absolutely delicious. Head’s up, don’t miss out on the Fable Dumplings! Oh my, they were music to my taste buds.
Trust me on this my friends, when you make a visit to Ovolo Woolloomooloo, you will experience a hotel that is breaking rules and setting the bar, and I believe you will want to add another night to your stay.
Oh, and ask to see Kieron Hunt, the GM as he loves to welcome new faces and will probably give you a cuddle as well!
Don’t miss...
The marvellous music tracks that echo throughout the hotel proper, you won’t be able to stop yourself singing along.
Right on your doorstep is the magnificent Botanic Gardens and the wonderful Art Gallery of NSW. Oh and of course our majestic Sydney Harbour.
Scott McRae is The Travelling Guy, for more stories and travel videos, visit www. thetravellingguy.com.
Book two nights or more at Ovolo Woolloomooloo and receive 15% OFF our Best Flexible Rate
WITH DR ERIN SHORT • GREENCROSS COREEN AVENUE • 4731 3055
Getting a puppy used to the kids
Last week we started discussing children and dogs and the signs to look for that indicate a dog is feeling uncomfortable around children. This week we will discuss preparing puppies for children and how to raise a puppy that interacts well with kids.
To accomplish a good relationship between pets and children, there should be frequent positive interactions for the young pup to meet children during its early months of life. Puppies are most social and receptive to learning up to 16 weeks of age; the experiences and interactions they have during this time can make a lifelong impression. This means that if a young child accidentally hurts a young puppy, the puppy may be scared or act inappropriately towards children all its life. Ongoing positive experiences between children and puppies are essential to maintain healthy social relationships.
Puppies should be introduced to children when they are calm, and treats should be used to facilitate introductions; this allows the puppy to build a positive association with children. Positive interactions at a young age help prevent the development of fear, avoidance behaviour and aggression when the pet becomes older.
All family members should make a point of gently and positively handling the puppy in ways that a child might touch it. This may mean that you give the puppy treats while touching the tail, ears, body as well as during grooming, nail trimming and teeth brushing. This will allow the puppy to become used to handling and not become fearful. Any type of physical punishment, threats with the hand or forceful interactions should be avoided. Pets must learn that the human hand is friendly and not to be feared; if pets associate hand movement with threats or discomfort, they can bite when a child moves a hand towards them as they may associate it with a previous negative interaction.
Puppy Preschool classes that encourage family attendance can be a great way for puppies to interact with other dogs, people and children in a controlled environment. However, it is important that puppies are not overwhelmed so they do not develop fear or avoidance behaviour towards other animals or people.
Puppy preschool classes are operational again at Greencross Vets Coreen Ave with special COVID requirements in place. Phone us on 4731 3055.
