Assoc Ed at AWW, dad of three, husband of one, lover of asian food, good books and fine wine
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Articles by Michael Sheather
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Australia’s Wombats
Australian wombats are among the world’s most fascinating and beautiful creatures. They’re unbelievably strong, surprisingly fast, famously stubborn—and yes, their bums are as hard as mild steel. They also hold the global title for the only animals that poop in cubes. Welcome to the delightfully eccentric universe of the wombat. Pull Quote: “I like big butts and I cannot lie—especially when they belong to a wombat.” Wombats don’t just dig holes—they engineer entire underground fortresses.
Science finds interface between skin and technology
Science can now print sensor technology directly onto human skin, making high tech applications more comfortable, flexible, and perhaps, one day, even fashionable. It might not quite meet the sci-fi definition of cyborg – science fiction’s term for a cybernetic-organism, or human-technological hybrid – but it’s possible to see where this latest technological leap might find a futuristic application.
Mysteries of the Desert
Mustatils are massive, ancient stone platforms sitting in the Arabian desert. Archaeologists are investigating who made them and why. Very few of you will have heard of a mustatil. It sounds a little like a variety of grape. Yet it is, in fact, the Arabic word for rectangle. However, this middle eastern word now has another meaning that may turn out to be of world importance.
Horticulturist Tammy Huynh's Top Indoor Plants To Cultivate Wellbeing At Home
Horticulturist Tammy Huynh of Leaf an Impression shares her top 5 easy-care plants for you to try growing at home. Finding balance in these uncertain times can be challenging. But by simply including plants in your home, you instantly instil a sense of calm. Plants in the home help fulfill our innate attraction to nature – a phenomenon known as biophilia – and can help with cultivating health and wellbeing.
The Shortest Rrecorded Event Is Precisely 247 Zeptoseconds
Scientists have managed for the first time to record an event that lasts just 247 zeptoseconds, the shortest observed duration of any event in human history. We didn’t even know what zeptoseconds were. It’s often said that life is short, and time is fast. Both those things are true in a relative sense. But when you talk about the time it takes for a single particle of light to pass through a hydrogen molecule – well, simply put, there’s never been anything faster or shorter.
Rock Art Provides Window To Prehistoric Past
Australian scientists have discovered and documented some of the world’s most stunning and important indigenous rock art in the most remote areas of northern Australia. They are known to the archaeological world as the Maliwawa images, a collection of prehistoric rock art paintings made by Australia’s ancient inhabitants, and they open a rare window on what life was like in one of the harshest and most demanding places on earth more than 7000 years ago.
How To Design Your Own Wellness Room
Let’s face it, life is hectic at the best of times. But with many of us enjoying our new hybrid lifestyles, one undeniable benefit is being able to spend more time at home. So it’s not surprising that the latest interior design trend is a move towards turning our homes into peaceful retreats. Embracing this trend, Luxo Living recently collaborated with interior designer Mariah Burton from Folk Studio to show us how to create a wellness space at home.
Bees Get A Buzz In The Darkness
It’s long been known that bees are the essential workers of the natural world, but a new study has revealed for the first time that some species of bees even work the night shift. Pollinating plants is not just an essential service for the world’s bees, it’s also a full-time job. And as hard working and dedicated as our bee populations are, up until now scientists believed that they did their creative, life-generating work during the daytime.
Gender Through Rose-coloured Glasses
This bird discovered in the woodlands of Pennsylvania is an example of a bird with two genders, a creature so rare that it is like “seeing a unicorn”. This is a rose-breasted grosbeak, a North American songbird that is commonly found in the woodland forests of Pennsylvania. While there are potentially hundreds of thousands of rose-breasted grosbeaks living in the wild, this particular bird is a one-in-a million. And that is because it is both male and female.
The Old and The Bold
They may not get the credit for being some of the greatest achievers. But some of the most inspiring go-getters are among our most elderly citizens. The Carousel discovers why age is sometimes no barrier at all…… Muriel Halstead knows all about finding the recipe for success. Muriel, a 96-year-old member of the much-admired Country Women’s Association (CWA) – a century-old social and charitable organisation for Australia’s isolated outback women – has always been a keen baker.
What A Bunch Of Turkey Feathers
Ancients kept warm with blankets made from turkey feathers Anyone who spends time in the outdoors, particularly in the depths of a North American winter, will tell you that the most important part of survival next to food and water is shelter and warmth. A team of anthropologists has discovered that ancient Pueblo Indians rugged up warm in blankets made from farmed turkey feathers.
Self-watering Soil Could Transform World Agriculture
Scientists have come up with a new type of soil that provides its own water, extracting moisture straight from the air. A new type of soil created by engineers at the University of Texas (UT) draws water from the air and distributes it to plants, essentially removing the need for rain in the germination and growing process of plants.
From Burns Survivor to Model: The Inspiring Story Of Brianna Creenaune
Burns survivor Brianna Creenaune shares her story. If you had told 16-year-old me that at 24 I’d be modelling as a burns survivor I honestly don’t know how I would have reacted. A quietly confident part of me though, thinks I would’ve said, “Oh hell yeah I knew it”. It was at 3am on January 3, 2016, when my entire world was flipped upside down. I was woken in a panic to my family’s house in Ipswich on fire. At 16, I had no idea what was going on just that I needed to get out.
Let's Celebrate The Trailblazers of Women's Football In Australia
We are all still celebrating the success of the Matilda’s but it’s time we pay homage to the trailblazers that helped them get there. Even Matilda’s Captain Sam Kerr acknowledged this week that it’s not what happens on the field, it’s what happens off the field. Here Liz Courtney interviews Helen Reid, one of the trailblazers of Women’s Football in Australia.
Up, Up And Away: Australian Women Launching Space Careers With Airbus
Five young Australian women are reaching for the stars as unprecedented investment in space exploration opens an astronomical array of career opportunities. The sky is the limit for three of Australia’s best and brightest young women engineers will soon take up internships in the UK where they will work on live international space missions.
How Women are Changing the Face of the Tech Industry
You’ve probably heard it before, but we’re going to say it once more: technology isn’t going anywhere. And because entrepreneurs worldwide know that, they’ve managed to create what seems like endless opportunities and business ventures in the tech space. If it isn’t a new physical tech product, it’s groundbreaking software. If it isn’t pioneering software, it’s a tech agency teaching people how to use various tech tools. And the list goes on and on.
Exclusive Interview: UK Secretary State For Transport Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP Supports Women In Tech
When Rt Hon Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP recently visited Australia, Women Love Tech was granted an exclusive interview with her at the British Consulate in Sydney and it was heartening to hear her talk with such passion about supporting women in tech. In fact, she strongly encouraged women to take up the opportunities available in technology and said there was never a better time to do so.
Stone & Chalk - Building A Career Pathway For Entrepreneurs And Startups
With a smaller population and a VC community which is fairly risk averse, it can be difficult to start up a new company here in Australia. The Stone & Chalk Group is a not-for-profit set up here with the vision to drive emerging tech innovation and build an entrepreneurial pathway. We interviewed Stone & Chalk’s Group CEO, Michael Bromley, asking him to tell us more about the organisation and the goals it has achieved.
Equifax A/NZ MD Melanie Cochrane Talks About Taking Risks, Leadership And Shares Her Career Highlights
As a successful 20-something marketing executive, Melanie Cochrane made a crucial decision. A colleague just finishing a stint in the London office of American Express asked if she would like to apply for a job as part of the head office marketing team in the Big Apple. Jumping from a small pond into a big, incredibly competitive lake like the head office of a global giant was both exhilarating and intimidating, and it had all the elements of a swim or sink proposition.
Location No Barrier - Meet 5 Female Tech Startups Shaking Things Up In Rural Australia Original
Tech startups are no longer restricted to concrete-jungle super cities and insular tech hubs (a COVID-19 silver lining perhaps?). Whilst metro centres continue to nurse lockdown-languishing hangovers, the sun is shining brightly for startups in rural Australia. Boasting lower overheads for rent and utilities and an ingrained appreciation for virtual meetings, silicon valleys outside the big smoke are a tree-lined no brainer.
Why It's A Good Idea To Consider A Career In Tech And AI Right Now
At the recent TechLeaders conference in the Blue Mountains, Angela Kim – Australia’s Ambassador for Women in AI and also the Director for Data Analytics & AI at Deloitte – talked about why it’s such a good time for women to consider a career in tech and Artificial Intelligence (AI) because: “…by 2030, 80% of all jobs will be either directly or partially based in AI.” Angela pointed out that this means it will be “mandatory” for most workers to be “data and tech literate.” She said:...
Natasha Chadwick
Natasha Chadwick, CEO and Founder of NewDirection Aged Care, is set to expand her ground-breaking, 21st century aged care concepts across the world. NewDirection Care (NDC) is a world-first aged care facility providing residents with a level of care unmatched in traditional aged care operations.
Why 2022 Is The Year For Women In Tech
Kara Smith, Managing Director of Talent Auckland and Bianca Jones, Managing Director of Talent Wellington share with us their recent tech industry insights. The new year is here, bringing a heap of possibilities, especially for women who are wanting to enter the tech world. With role models such as Melanie Perkins Co-founder and CEO of Canva, Angela Lam CIO of Shell Australia, and Rebecca Chenery who won CIO of the year in NZ, the future is bright.
Meet Rosie Thomas From (cyber) bullying organisation Project Rockit
Today on Safer Internet Day I’m reflecting on the evolution of online safety and how much it has changed over the last 12 years. In 2006, the (cyber) bullying organisation, PROJECT ROCKIT, I launched with my sister was just starting to take-off. We had just finished high school and could see the impacts (cyber)bullying was having on our peers – extinguishing their opportunities and smothering their development. We wanted to change that.
Threadicated CEO And Founder Danielle Johansen Interview
One idea to help people look better and feel great about themselves has transformed Danielle Johansen into a successful and highly energised fashion industry disrupter with the best intentions. Danielle Johansen, founder and CEO of the stellar personal styling company Threadicated, never imagined she might become a fashion industry disrupter. But it’s a description she’s happy more than happy to own.
5 Skills You Need for a Killer Startup Career in the IT Industry
The Australian IT startup industry is evolving at full tilt. IT has evolved from a stagnant niche into a lucrative entrepreneurial opportunity in less than a decade. According to statistics, Australia is the backbone of the Oceania startup landscape, with over 17.7 K tech startups. Therefore, if you plan to pursue an entrepreneurial career in IT, now is the right time. However, becoming a successful tech entrepreneur is not all about technical skills.
How Levi’s Is Raising the Bar on Sustainable Practices
Supermodel Hailey Bieber, daughter to one of Hollywood’s Baldwin brothers, makes her living strolling the catwalks of the world for high-end international fashion brands such Moschino, Dolce & Gabbana and Tommy Hilfiger. She gets to wear some of the hottest, coolest fashion labels on the planet. But what does Hailey, wife of rockstar Justin Bieber, wear when she’s off-duty? It’s a pair of Levi’s jeans.
Social Media Management Tips to Save Time And Improve Results
Whether you’re about to start your own business, you’re an up-and-coming influencer, or you’re simply using social media to let the world know about your work – these seemingly simple platforms can take entire chunks of your time to post amusing images, create engaging posts, and share your content at the right time.
How To Choose The right Speakers For Your Home
Music is arguably one of the most important things in life. It is a mood setter, a connector and an entertainer all round. Bringing exceptional sounding music into your home becomes a key focus for any host or homemaker. Whether you’re looking for a completely new sound system or simply upgrading your current situation, choosing the right speakers for your particular set up can be overwhelming with so many brands, categories and price points on the market.
Facebook Expands “Local Alerts” To Help Keep Us Safe
Facebook is expanding its “local alerts” feature to help governments, police and health authorities reach people in times of crisis and help keep communities safe. Local alerts is designed to help authorities transmit urgent information to the public during emergencies, such as coronavirus outbreaks and lockdowns, extreme weather events and missing person searches.
Here's What The Post-Pandemic Workplace Looks Like
By now, we’re all used to the WFH routines. The countless emails, Zoom calls, and flexible hours are all second nature. The work environment has been forced into change, and as we look forward to the long-awaited return to normality, some aspects just won’t be the same as the pre-pandemic workplace. A recent study has revealed some key changes that employees are expecting of their post-pandemic workplaces. Flexibility A huge part of working from home has been flexible working.
"The boys are my life": How Natalie Barr's sons are pressing for conversations about consent to become a family discussion
Raising boys has always been an important part of the Sunrise co-host's life. Jun 17, 2021 6:30am By Michael Sheather There are few more heart-warming experiences as a mother than that moment when your child returns the lessons they've learned at your side. Natalie Barr, the newly appointed co-host of market-leading TV morning show Sunrise encountered one of those moments on February 22 this year when she received a telephone call from her 19-year-old son, Lachlan.
Edwina Bartholomew Meets SIPORA's Jonathan Despinidic
After being diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of 13, Jonathan Despinidic was looking at a very short life expectancy of 11-13 years. Now, almost 20 years on, he’s still thriving and surviving. Jonathan is the co-founder of an exciting new round up shopping app called Sipora, which enables you to shop, save and spend all-in-one app. In effect, this useful app allows you to reduce your debt and turn pocket change into special purchases.
How covid affected the open source industry and more
As the life-changing events of March 2020 began to take place, and COVID-19 became a household name, I reflected on the state of the world and how things may be changed forever. With Instaclustr being a digital operation, our work processes were thankfully unaffected for the most part during the pandemic. The Open Source model is aimed at utilising the hive mind concept to share code and then build upon it to bring new levels of innovation – without having to meet in person.
Wood Look Nanoleaf Elements Allow You to Design Your Smart Lighting
Nanoleaf has released their wood look hexagon smart lights from their Elements range. These modular ambient lights were inspired by nature and designed to add a sleek aesthetic to your home. The lights are designed to look beautiful on and off. You can create your own design with the option to buy expansion packs.
Apple's New iOS 15 Upgrade Provides A Range Of New Features
Apple has released the latest version of its mobile operating system – iOS 15 – with upgrades to FaceTime, photos and messages. As well, there’s an increased emphasis on health and wellbeing. Apple announced the new changes at the World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) yesterday. The new iOS 15 operating system will be available this spring to all iPhone 6s and later models.
Women In Tech: Are We There Yet?
The obstacle course women still face in tech. The world’s technology sector is a place of originality, leadership, and innovation. It is responsible for helping to drive much of the global advances in science and medicine and industry helping to catapult the world toward immense technical and social change that will become one of the defining characteristics of the 21st century. Why, then, does technology have such a problem with women?
How Women Can Start Their Own Tech Businesses
It can’t have escaped your notice that there aren’t enough women in any field of technology. There are certainly attempts to address the serious — if not exactly surprising — issue of gender inequality, largely from female-led groups like Girls Who Code. However, it remains the case that too many women employed in tech industries find it an unwelcoming if not an outright toxic environment. One recent study found that 50% of women in tech abandon their careers by the age of 35.
It is our frontline of defence to protect users in the online world
Trust AI: It is our frontline of defence to protect users in the online world, reports Sacha Lazimi, Co-founder and CEO at Yubo. The average Aussie will spend up to 17 years of their life looking at their phones. Aussie Gen Z’s in particular average over 7 hours per day on up to 5 different social apps, so it’s safe to say their online and offline worlds are becoming entwined.
Have scientists 'cured' wrinkles?
To the delight of women everywhere, US scientists have announced that they've made a major breakthrough in the treatment of wrinkles. Jun 03, 2021 7:00am By Michael Sheather US skin scientists have succeeded in making the skin cells of senior citizens act like younger cells again, simply by adding more "filler" to the fibres around the cells. Skin cells sit in a loose scaffold of material known as an extracellular matrix, or ECM.
Smile And The World Smiles With You
If you’ve ever needed any proof that robots will be a permanent part of our future, then here it is. Researchers at Columbia University in the United States have developed an experimental prototype of the world’s first smiling robot. Yes, that’s right – a robot that will smile back at you.
6 DAYS LEFT: Aussie SMBs Can Apply Now For A Grant Worth More Than $200K
Amazon Launchpad, a program by Amazon Australia, is offering SMBs an opportunity to pitch for an Innovation Grant worth more than $200K each. The program is committed to helping Aussie startups and entrepreneurs bring innovative products to customers across the country and this year, to celebrate innovation as the economic recovery gathers pace, Amazon will provide five businesses with one of its Amazon Launchpad Innovation Grants.
Interview With IBM's Cyber Security Engineer Holly Wright
Holly Wright values the future’s endless possibilities. Not only is she an advocate for STEM, an innovative and growing approach to education that integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), but her stellar career as an IBM cyber security engineer is a clear expression of that philosophy. “My journey to cyber security is a little different to most people,” says Holly.
Working Towards Gender Diversity In The Tech Industry
When you’re talking with women who work in tech, nearly half of them will let you know they were intimidated by the unequal split between genders in the staff of the companies they work at – all part of Kaspersky’s recent Women in Tech report, Where are we now? Understanding the evolution of women in technology.
How Lifting Weights Strengthens Your Nervous System
Lifting weights at the gym might create bigger muscles but it may also hold the secret to better, more effective rehabilitation for the ill, the elderly and the disabled. Going to the gym and lifting weights is not only good for building muscles. It is also beneficial in helping to strengthen the nervous system, new research shows.
The Macchiato Makeover
The scientists have demonstrated that consuming caffeine (about 3 mg/kg or the equivalent of a strong coffee) half an hour before aerobic exercise significantly increases fat-burning Drinking a hot, strong cup of coffee about a half hour before you exercise will help burn fat, says sports scientists. Millions around the world start their day with a strong shot of coffee but a group of sports scientists now say that having a shot of joe a half hour before exercising will help your body burn fat.
The Elusive Land Of Nod
Sleep is as essential to human existence as water, food and oxygen. Yet most of us never get enough it. As Happy Ali’s Michael Sheather discovers, if we sleep better, we’ll also feel better, look better and make ourselves healthier into the bargain.
How Steve Irwin's death made the Irwin family "stronger"
In a rare and revealing interview, The Irwins tell Michael Sheather how the tragic loss of husband and father, Steve, still inspires their passion. Feb 22, 2021 12:00pm By Michael Sheather This story was first published in January 2019, it paints a beautiful picture of how the Irwin's have grown closer since Steve's passing - and now, they have even more to celebrate.
The Importance Of Recognising Women's Contributions To STEM
The textbooks at school will teach students about Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, and Thomas Edison, for their contributions to STEM. What the textbooks tend to neglect are the women who have equally been influential. And while the men in question are undoubtedly figureheads in these fields, WiT’s Vice President Marie Howarth urges us to acknowledge the successes and key inputs that women over the years have offered; one notable name being Ada Lovelace.
Searching For Diversity In SEO
Catherine McGarry – Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer from digital marketing service provider Localsearch addresses the growing diversity gap in SEO. Catherine McGarry – Executive Director from Localsearch talks about diversity in SEO Search engine optimisation (SEO), the practice of improving the quality and quantity of traffic to your website from organic search engine results, is an incredibly fast growing and constantly evolving area of the tech industry.
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