Europe
Escorted tours with a difference
Unique tours designed for you
Albatross European tours have been designed
specifically for you the Australian and New
Zealand traveller. We understand that you want
more from an escorted tour than a few hurried,
all-too-brief visits and long drives on a coach.
Smaller groups
With our smaller group sizes you will enjoy a
more intimate touring experience, staying in
charming, character hotels and dining in
delightful local restaurants larger groups simply
cannot use.
Longer stays
You will enjoy a much more sensible touring pace
with 2, 3, 4 and even 5 night stays in each
captivating city or region.There are no one night
stops,apart from the first or last night of the tour.
A L B A T R O S S T O U R S , C O M E S H A R E
More sightseeing time
Our tours are packed with numerous included
sightseeing excursions and extras, but we still
ensure you have quality time to relax and savour
your surroundings.
Genuinely inclusive
Our tours represent exceptional value for money
and include all of those excursions,visits,sightsee-
ing tours and feature dinners. We even include
end-of-tour tips to the tour manager and driver.
Unique European Tours
For more information visit albatrosstours.com.au
or call 1300 135 015 to request our 2014 brochure.
Lic No TAG 1374_ATG0581
O U R L O V E O F E U R O P E
 JA N UA RY 2 0 1 4

Contents On the cover !

real diet, real people ! 38

By changing one bad diet or exercise habit a
week, a group of office workers transform their lives
50 The most perfect
present awkward
A dolls house thats fit for
a queen; plus a Sherlock
MoMents!
Holmes short story l The key to handling
tricky interactions
56 My New Years with grace
resolution
Love, laughter and an 66
appreciation of family l

60 Quick study:
!
5 big 116
drones
Spies in the sky or a canny new ideas
COVER: THINKSTOCK

delivery service for disaster Seen in a new

relief and pizza?
way, how small
74 Peculiar practice irritants lead to
A bear with a sore tooth; not better science
your average dental surgery
1
Contents
110 82 Happy times
Favourite holiday memories
shared by RD readers

88 Close to death
The diagnosis was uncertain
and the doctor only had one
chance l

ArAb world 98 Prostate cancer

What life is really like in the Middle East New treatments plus how four
men are dealing with it l

For the
love oF
dAniel
Mark and Jackie Barden try to find solace after losing
144
their seven-year-old son in a shocking shooting l

98

88 50
144 56 11
110
110

This
months
magazine 38
18
brings you stories
and ideas from all over

2 Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
 32 PaGe
SUBScRiBER s2 TRA
X
C
R
T
featur E
ON TAILS
DE
NT?
Youll find Y

BOnUS E O
YOURs8GE 6 Fto diY on
LOCK EE PA facYbook
O UN OW! S s16 look twicY
T T EN
N
WA BSCRIB s20 thY aWt of WYpaiW
s26 sinkholY
SU

Regulars 11 HERE
& nOw
4 lYttYW fWom thY editoW Koreas Tower
5 HavY YoPW say Letters Infinity will
11 HYWY & now l vanish before
18 My stoWy In a moment l your eyes
22 PowYW of Good
Saving Bono
25 evYWyday KitchYn EvERyday
29 HYalthsmaWt kitcHEn
Medical news you can use Rustling up packed
36 look Good lunches
81 Who MadY that? Dental floss
97 fat soPnds
Words heavy with meaning
137 digYst YssYntials: 25
Digestive health
141 smaWt animals HUMOUR
153 in & oPt 54 laPghtYW
164 PPzzlYs 86 all in a days
166 tWivia & WoWd PowYW woWk
The worlds 108 lifYs
best-loved likY that
magazine
3
Editors Letter
I
t started as a casual conversation on my holiday. My sister was
wearing a gadget around her neck that kept track of her activity
levels throughout the day and then uploaded details to her phone
or computer. A great way to keep motivated, she said. Want one
for your birthday?
Thats how it started just a simple little blue wristband, and then
one for my husband. And, before we knew, it was getting very, very
competitive. Who could beat 10,000 steps a day? Could we get to
70,000 a week? And who was tops in our group? It even told tales
when we were on opposite sides of the world: you can walk or not
but you certainly cant hide.
Thats how I came to be pounding the streets well after dark last
week to get my total up, and why Ive taken to setting my alarm half
an hour earlier so I can fit in 4000 steps before work.
It took a small gadget to get us moving. Why did it work? Because it
happened to be just the right thing at the right time and it was fun. No
expensive gym memberships, no sweaty classes. Just simple activity
we could fit in our day and a neat little app that synced with
our phones.
Is there one little thing that set you on the road to
healthier habits?
This month as we introduce our revised
ChangeOne Diet and Fitness programme, weve
had plenty of volunteers around our office Sue carne y photogr aphed by tim bauer
beaming with new-found energy and satisfaction
(page 38). If theres a common call, its that you
can makeover your life and make it last if you
tackle one little thing at a time.
Now theres a New Years resolution we
can all keep!

4 Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
 HaveyourSay
LETTERS FROM OUR READERS

Leave it clean
A s an avid backpacker and
nature lover, I have known
about Mount Everests pollution
issues for many years (The Mess at
the Top of the World, November
2013). I can understand when a
climber has a serious emergency
and is forced to leave something
behind, but much of the garbage is
inexcusable. If you need an oxygen
tank to get to the top, perhaps you Climbers leave
were not meant to climb the litter and cause
mountain. Seung Kim sanitation
problems
Egging us on
A fter Readers Digest reported
some time ago that eggs are
a valuable source of minerals and
vitamins, I happily continued eating November issue. His three great tips
them despite some bad press. Now, for life are: to put up with things;
photo: Subin thakuri/utmoSt adventure trekking

medical research has further refuse to put up with things; be able

unscrambled the misconception
that eggs raise cholesterol and
reports they are, instead, loaded
with important nutrients. Thank
you, Readers Digest, for publishing
articles with up-to-date research that
supersedes old rules (When Doctors
Dont Know Best, November). We
are all beneficiaries. Eulalie Holman
Knowing the difference
I enjoyed Sydney J. Harriss filler
item titled Life Lesson in the
to distinguish between the first
two. The more I thought about it,
the more it reminded me of the
Serenity Prayer (adopted by
Alcoholics Anonymous) on what we
must accept, what can we change,
and the wisdom to know the
difference. P e t e r Fo p p , West beach, Sa
Letting go with grace
M ary Catherine Fish made a
decision of acceptance when
her husband was diagnosed with
5
 Write to us and WIN!
If youre moved or provoked by any
article, tell us. This month Peter Fopp wins
an Urban Rituelle home fragrance prize
pack. Next months best letter
will win a Uniden DoorGuard
digital wireless and portable
intercom, valued at $149.95.
The DoorGuard UWG400
also captures still photos,
keeping track of visitors and
deliveries when no-one is at
home.
a brain tumour (Letting Go,
October). I felt the enduring love she
had for her husband. I absolutely
admire the courage, acceptance and
wisdom she demonstrates. It would
have been easy for her to be full of
self pity, however she chose to make
the most of the time left with her
husband. K a t F a n k h a u s e, Evandale, Tas
WIN!
Caption contest
Come up with the funniest
caption for the above photo and
you could win $100. To enter, visit
readersdigest.com.au/contests.
6 Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
For digital extras or to subscribe, visit
readersdigest.com.au/magazine
Contribute
Anecdotes and jokes
$50 - $100
Whats made you laugh
recently? A funny sign? A colleagues
behaviour? Send in your real-life
gem for Lifes Like That or All in a
Days Work. Got a joke? Send it in for
Laughter is the Best Medicine!
Smart Animals
Up to $100
Send us a tale about the antics
of unique pets or wildlife in up
to 300 words.
Power of Good
Up to $150
Acts of generosity can change
lives or just give you that warm,
fuzzy feeling. Share your moments
in 100500 words.
My Story $500
Do you have an inspiring or
life-changing tale to tell? Submissions
must be true, unpublished, original
and 8001000 words see website
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Letters to the editor and
reader submissions
Online Follow the Contribute link
at readersdigest.com.au
Email editor@readersdigest.
com.au
Mail Submissions Department,
GPO Box 3799 Sydney, NSW 2001
PHOTO: THINKSTOCK
We may edit letters and use them in all media.
For terms and conditions, go to readersdigest.com.au/
terms-and-conditions
Readers Digest is printed on
PEFC-certified paper. This provides
an assurance that the paper is produced from
sustainably managed forest and controlled
sources.
 The first step to relaxing
on your holiday is with
Travel Insurance
made simple
Great Deals for Seniors,
cover for less than $5 a day#
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# Based on a 60-69 year old traveling Worldwide for up to five weeks, Plan E Standard with an excess of $200.*For travellers under 80 years of age. Conditions and exclusions apply including no cover for claims
arising from or associated with pre-existing medical conditions except listed conditions. Fast Cover Pty Ltd ABN 98 143 196 098 AR No. 381399 is an authorised representative of AGA Assistance Australia
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Terms, conditions, limits & exclusions apply. You should consider the Product Disclosure Statement available from www.fastcover.com.au to decide if this product is right for you.
 Volume 184
No. 1103
January 2014

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief Sue Carney Design Director John Yates

Managing Editor Louise Waterson Chief Subeditor & Production
Editor Donyale Harrison Deputy Chief Subeditor Melanie Egan
Designer Luke Temby Photo Editor Judith Love Humour Editor
Greg Barton Subeditors Tom Guise; Hannah Hempenstall Editorial
Coordinator Lora Storey Editorial Assistant Sally McMullen
Contributing Editors Hazel Flynn; Helen Sandstrom; Helen Signy
Licking my neck out PRODUCTION & MARKETING Production Manager Balaji Parthsarathy
We asked you to think up a Marketing Director Jason Workman Circulation Marketing Manager
Matthew Kind Business Development and Partnerships Manager
funny caption for this photo. Vincent Ho
ADVERTISING Group Advertising Director, Asia Paciac Sheron White
Advertising Manager Lela Richmond-Johnson Account Managers
Just bring your ice-cream a little NSW Darlene Delaney; Aynaz Fathi Senior Account Manager VIC
closer... We n d y H a r t w i g Steve Carberry Account Manager QLD Cristian Arratia Group
Advertising Marketing Manager, Asia Paciac Elspeth Baker
Advertising and Marketing Coordinator Kate Williamson
I am the next Gene Simmons, Rock PUBLISHED BY READERS DIGEST (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD
Managing Director/Publisher Walter Beyleveldt
n Roll! Matthew Thompson, Director Lance Christie
Kangaroo Pt, QPd
READERS DIGEST ASSOCIATION, INC (USA)
President and Chief Executive Officer Robert E. Guth
I poked it out, and the wind Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, International Brian Kennedy
Editor-in-Chief, International Magazines Raimo Moysa
changed ! Readers Digest is published in 17 languages
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ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
Phone 02 9018 6273/03 8844 5542; Fax 02 9018 7290
Lickety-split! Me redy th Hayes -Bell Email rdadvertising@readersdigest.com.au

Mum was right. Make one aunny Customer inquiries

aace when the wind changes. Online Check your account, pay a bill, change
Ron Gray
your address and shop at myshoptoday.com.au.
Phone 1300 300 030 Fax 02 9018 7160
OK, OK, you lick airst, but then its Email customerserbice@readersdigest.com.au
Mail Readers Digest (Australia) Pty Ltd,
my turn. Areatha Dickson
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MOvING? Please notiay us oa your change oa address
Sometimes its hard aor me to hold six weeks beaore you mobe.
my tongue. Mar yke Ciorovich MAIL PRefeReNCe We balue you as a customer and trust that you enjoy
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closer Im thirsty. Diane Firth
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PHoTo: THINKsTocK

has adopted the Privacy Standards of the Australian Press Council.

I dont see why they always get me
to lick the rooa! Mark Church

Congratulations to PRINTED BY TImEs PRINTERs PTE lTD, 16 Tuas avENuE 5, sINgaPoRE 639340, FoR THE
PRoPRIEToRs, REaDERs DIgEsT (ausTRalIa) PTY lTD, 80 BaY sTREET, ulTImo, NsW 2007.
Wendy Hartwig. REPRoDucTIoN BY sINNoTT BRos mEDIa 2014 REaDERs DIgEsT (ausTRalIa) PTY lTD
(aBN 81000565471). all RIgHTs REsERvED THRougHouT THE WoRlD. REPRoDucTIoN IN
aNY maNNER IN WHolE oR PaRT IN ENglIsH oR oTHER laNguagEs PRoHIBITED

8 Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
 ))) ))

the Fairy Wren

announce each
hour with a REAL Every hour a
BIRD CALL! sculptural fairy
wren appears!

O ne of Natures most precious gems, the beloved Fairy

Wren, is waiting to bring a smile to your face every
hour of the day in the Fairy Wren Cuckoo Clock.
Adorned with the beloved Fairy Wren art of Joy Scherger,
these precious jewels invite you to share the wonders of
their sun-kissed world. Every hour, a sculptural fairy
wren appears just as a REAL BIRD CALL fills the air
with its soothing, melodic charm!
Value for money and your satisfaction
is guaranteed!
Act now to acquire your clock for only five interest-free
instalments of $49.99. Thats just $249.95, plus $19.99
postage and handling, backed by our world-famous, 365-day
money back guarantee. To reserve your clock, send no
money now. Just return the coupon or go online today! Requires 1 AA battery
and 2 D batteries
For quickest delivery, order online: (not included). Sound
may be turned off.
www.bradford.com.au/fairywren 403-JIN13.01
2014 The Bradford Exchange Ltd.
Quoting promotion code: 71321 A.B.N. 13 003 159 617

PAY NOTHING NOW Please select your preferred reservation option:

THE BRADFORD EXCHANGE 1. MAIL no stamp required, to:
Please Respond Promptly The Bradford Exchange,
YES! Please reserve the Fairy Wren Cuckoo Clock for me as described
in this advertisement. This Cuckoo Clock is available for five instalments of Reply Paid 86369 Parramatta
$49.99, a total of $249.95, plus $19.99 postage and handling. I understand I NSW 2124
need pay nothing now.

Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms First Name:

or 2. FAX to: (02) 9841 3399 24hrs 7
3. ONLINE at www.bradford.com.au/fairywren
or
Surname: quoting promotion code: 71321 ;
Address: Please allow up to 10 business days for delivery. All sales subject to product
availability and reservation acceptance. Credit criteria may apply. From time to time,
we may allow carefully screened companies to contact you. If you would prefer not to
Postcode:
receive such offers, please tick this box.

Phone: (optional) Email: (optional)

 J A N U A R Y

For
Real!
hijacking
a pacemaker
Dick Cheney has revealed that in 2007,
when he was US vice-president, he
had the wireless facility in his
Implanted Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD)
Similar to a pacemaker, disabled. It was done in order to
an ICD uses electrical pulses to eliminate the possibility of a remote
help control life-threatening attack, or hijacking by terrorists or
heart arrhythmias computer hackers.
Whether by coincidence or not, the
Credible threat? TV series homeland last year featured
just such an attack on a US vice-
president. Computer security experts
say they have been able to remotely
control a defibrillator under lab
conditions, within touching distance,
on a defibrillator that wasnt
implanted. In the real world it is an
almost infinitely small risk, as one
cardiologist told the New York Times.
The wireless facility of an ICD
Ticker tampering: exists to transmit data back to the
Dick Cheney turned patients doctor, giving early warning
off the wireless of malfunction, and to allow the
P H OTO S : g e T T y i m a g e S

function of his device device to be reprogrammed without

in case a terrorist surgery, but this will only work in the
tried to send his heart office of the treating doctor after the
a fatal shock devices electronic signatures have
matched.

11
 How Does That Work?

Emergency phone alerts

Over the past 12 months, public authorities
!
FLOOD ANE! in Australia, the US and the Netherlands have utilised
HURRIC mobile phone technology to issue mass emergency
BUSHFIRE! warnings and updates which appear as text messages.
EVACUATE! In these countries they are now a standard part of
WARNING! the communications arsenal for warnings about
approaching bushfires or floods or imminent
blizzards (in some US jurisdictions they have even
been used for missing children alerts).
Other countries, including earthquake-prone Chile
and Japan, are still developing their systems. Unlike
an opt-in system (say, your favourite pizza shop
text-messaging a promotional offer) which is
dependent on a database of phone numbers, mass
emergency alerts are transmitted to all the
devices within the reach of phone towers in the
relevant area. This means that if youre a
resident who is elsewhere that day, you wont
get the alert, but if youre travelling through
the area, you will. The message is beamed
out for all; no registering or tracking is
P H OTO S : T H i n k S T O c k ; m i r a n d a k e r r / i n S T a g r a m
done on phones that receive the messages.

Instassistants: Social
Still taking your own selfies? How #hoipolloi. If youre Vocab
a star whose personal-brand marketing relies on
visually documenting every move on social media, youre likely
to have an instassistant. This vital member of the entourage
has a phone-camera ever at the ready to capture each pout, twirl
or carefully set-up candid moment. Singer Rihanna and model
Miranda Kerr (left, now also accused of Photoshopping her pics)
are among those whose selfies feature the tell-tale sign: both their
hands in the shot, indicating that someone else was behind the lens.
12 Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
 You Be
Now you see me! The
Judge

Superpower
tower appears
invisible
A US firm is constructing a world-
first in South Korea: an invisible Now you dont!
building. Tower Infinity in Seouls Yongsan
International Business District will be 450m The interiors
high but, according to GDS Architects, it wont will resemble a
be a blot on the landscape. In fact, unless you spaceship
look closely you might miss it entirely.
The faade features a system of cameras
and LED displays that capture images from
one side of the building and project them
onto the other. Stand far enough in front of
the tower and instead of seeing it, youll see
whatever is behind it, giving the illusion of
empty space in that spot.
GDSs rationale is that the tower subtly
demonstrates Koreas rising position in the
world by establishing its most powerful
presence through diminishing its presence.
Profound or non-zen-sical? You decide.
PHOTO: GDS ArcHiTecTS

14 Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4


f }}} }
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[ ] +
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.d.

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 Everything
Old

Friend as a verb
It wasnt Facebook that invented the use of friend
as a verb in fact it dates back to the 1400s and is
in the Oxford English Dictionary with the meaning
to make friends or to help someone out. A 1698
example of it in use is, Reports came that the king
would friend Lauderdale.
And what might seem like an even more
ungainly neologism, unfriend, has a
similarly long lineage. It appeared as far
back as Thomas Fullers 1659 book The
Appeal of Injured Innocence, I hope, Sir,
that we are not mutually un-friended by
this difference which hath happened
betwixt us.

Smart
Thinking
Light-up slippers
This is a forehead-smackingly simple
invention; why on earth didnt someone
think of it sooner? The idea is simple: weight
sensors mean that as soon as you stand up
wearing the slipper, the light in the toe
comes on. The power is supplied by
P H O T O :T H i n k s T O c k

replaceable lithium batteries.

Elegant they arent, but with this much
Inspector Gadget appeal, who cares?

16 Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
Monks blowing horns in a monastery in Ladakh. To know more, visit www.incredibleindia.org
or contact India Tourism Sydney on (02) 9221 9555, email info@indiatourism.com.au
Inamoment
Lifeguard Pete Thomas found his years of training
suddenly condensed into a few crucial minutes
T hree years ago, on a lovely
sunny day in Auckland,
New Zealand, my wife
and I decided to take our two kids
swimming in the local hot springs.
After 30 minutes of packing the car
and another 45 of driving, we finally
got to our destination.
While I was paying our entry fee
in the office, a man came running in,
completely out of breath. Theres a
kid, he said frantically. He drowned!
Hes dead! Call the ambulance!
Get help!
I turned and ran towards the pool.
A crowd had gathered as shocked
children were being ushered away
by their parents. In the middle of the
confusion lay a small, limp, lifeless
child with his father kneeling at his
head, frantically calling his name.
A lifeguard was at his side and the
boys mother was pacing up and
down as a friend tried to comfort
her. The boys lips and extremities
had started to turn various shades of
blue and purple. Bystanders stood
18
looking helpless. Then my ten
years of beach lifeguard training
kicked in.
Has anyone checked the
airway? I called out.
Huh? came the lifeguards
reply.
Airway, we gotta check that its
clear. What was the boy doing?
Someone from the crowd spoke.
He was eating a sausage
Opening the four-year-olds mouth
I saw the end of a sausage lodged in
his throat. I hooked it with my
finger and pulled it out.
What have you guys tried?
I asked.
We did CPR and breathing
said the agitated lifeguard, who was
now showing signs of shock himself.
Realising that their efforts could
PHOTO: geT T y images
have blown more food down into
Pete Thomas is 41 and lives in New Zealands
Waikato region on a lifestyle block with his
wife and three kids. A self-employed business
consultant, he enjoys writing, fishing, music
and relaxing outdoors.
Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4

the boys airway, I knew time was
running out.
We have to clear this kids air
passage. Can you do the Heimlich
manoeuvre?
Without answering, the lifeguard
hauled the boy to his chest and
crunched into his ribs a couple
of times.
The lifeguard then laid the boy
back on the ground and I checked
his mouth again. As I hooked and
pulled on another piece of sausage,
the childs body convulsed slightly
and he vomited. I was pleased to see
a return of some bodily functions,
but the boy was still turning
increasingly blue and lifeless.
Again the lifeguard blew deep into
the boys mouth,
but there was still
no inflation of the
chest, so he heaved
the little boy
inwards like a sack
of spuds to see if
another Heimlich
might help. By now,
the boys body had
turned very blue
and I saw his
mother walking
away, howling,
before sitting down
in complete shock.
You have to save
my son, the boys father begged,
looking at the lifeguard and myself.
Yep, I replied, but I had no idea if
we would be able to. This was the
worst situation I had ever seen.
I handed the father his sons limp
wrist and asked him to keep check
of his pulse. Really I just wanted to
distract him from the horror of what
he was witnessing.
Keep an eye on his pulse, it might
be a little weak, I said to him. I had
no pulse at the neck, so the father
was probably registering nothing.
CPR? I asked.
Yeah, weve done heaps, the
lifeguard answered, but I cant do
any more
19
 Youre all he has right now,
I said.
The lifeguard looked exhausted,
but he started another round of CPR.
This time the boys lungs expanded.
At last!
By now a large group of onlookers
were barking various commands, but
we continued to keep the boys
blood circulating. The lifeguard
continued with the compressions
and breathing. Over and over he
went through the cycle while I
monitored the boys pulse and
watched for any signs of life.
Then, after what seemed like a
lifetime, the little boy took a small
breath and I felt a pulse in his neck.
Stop! I called out. Startled, the
boys mother and father looked at
me. Im sure they thought we were
ending our efforts and pronouncing
their son dead.
Hes breathing a bit now,
I explained. The boys chest
movement was very shallow, but
I had no pulse at the
neck, so the father
was probably
registering nothing
when I moved his fathers hand to
his sons neck, he finally smiled
a little with relief.
Then his boys eyes opened, his
throat moved and his jaw clenched.
The rest of the sausage came out
with a bit of blood and some fluid
before a reassuringly loud, deep
breath.
I wanna get out, the boy said in
his little voice before bursting into
tears.
Those four words were just what
wed been longing to hear.
Do you have a tale to tell? Well pay $500
for any original and unpublished story
we print. See page 6 for details or go to
readersdigest.com.au/contribute.

TH AT LOV I NG FEELI NG
Online dating is big business, but for those whose needs are a little
more niche, the internet comes to the rescue with these sites
l Clown Dating: Everybody loves a clown let a clown love you.
l Sea Captain Date: Find your first mate.
l The Ugly Bug Ball: Dating for the aesthetically average.
l Nerd Passions: Boldly eschewing the shackles of conventional
popularity

20 Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
 How much do you value your ability to travel
independently? It is of course one of the most
treasured of freedoms. Yet mobility problems can
make getting around our beautiful countryside
and overseas difficult if not impossible.
For people such as some stroke victims, those
with severe asthma or breathing problems, MS,
Parkinsons disease, MD, arthritis even people
who can no longer hold a drivers license a
mobility scooter can be life-changing.
A compact and very light electric mobility
scooter known as the TravelScoot is designed
for those who have walking difficulties but are
otherwise still mobile. This battery-powered
machine is fun, safe and easy to drive, and it
delivers precious independence.
It can be on standby wherever you go, giving
you the freedom to cope with planes, cruises, bus
trips, site seeing, markets, shopping, medical
appointments, shows and more to explore the
world independently and with dignity.
The TravelScoot folds and unfolds as quickly
and easily as an umbrella to tuck into your car
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OUT AND ABOUT, SCOOTER STYLE

The TravelScoot hums quietly along footpaths
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Enjoy your freedom. Yes you can!

Walking a problem? TravelScoot could be your answer!

See the demonstration video at www.travelscoot.com.au
For more information call 1300 282 300 or email your phone
number and location to travelscoot@bigpond.com
ThePowerofGood
Readers share their stories of small acts of kindness
that make a big difference

Saving
Bono
Submitted by
Stephanie Lane-Johnston

N apoleon Bonaparte was

our beloved Samoyeds
registered name but,
as devoted U2 fans, we called
him Bono for short. One day,
Stephanies
when I was 30 weeks pregnant,
baby boy
I bundled Bono into the car to
and Bono
take him for a shampoo at the
local vets. My three-year-old
son came along for the ride.
As we got out of the car,
we saw an American pit bull
terrier crossing the road
towards us. A dog catcher was
chasing it, but, too late the
dog started attacking Bono.
The drama escalated as the dog couple, passing by, put my child
grabbed Bonos side. Panicking, I in their car to keep him protected.
screamed at the dog catcher, Get The dog catcher was having
him off, get him off! All I could little luck securing the pit bull.
imagine was that Bono was going to A man driving by valiantly stopped
be killed and my toddler was in and tried to get the pit bull off
danger but, luckily, a kind elderly Bono with a shovel from his trailer.
22 Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
 FEEL-GOOD
STORIES
Share yours
and win
ee up to $150 l
s
page 6 ai t s
f or de
Eventually, he succeeded, the pit bull
was caught and I took Bono into our
vet with blood pouring out of him.
Seeing our usually noisy, playful
dog so silent was highly distressing.
He was shaved to assess his injuries
and prepare for surgery. Later, we
were able to joke about it and call
him Shaun the sheep but on that
day he looked very pitiful.
The vet and nurses worked very
hard to restore Bono to health and
he returned to his usual boisterous
self and lived a full life. He was
a much loved part of our family, now
greatly missed by our children.
Ten years later, I still think of that
day and feel anxious, knowing that
if the pit bull had attacked my son
p h oto : co u r t e s y o f s t ep h a n i e l a n e-j o h n s to n
instead of Bono, my child would not
have stood a chance.
What I remember most about the
ordeal, however, is the strangers
who helped and not just the elderly
couple and the man with the shovel.
I found out later that a lady rang the
vet and offered assistance with my
bills. Somebody else called the
police, and the vet clinic staff did
such a good job of looking after
Bono. I am so grateful to all these
angels of mercy who helped this
terrible day end happily.
Facebook friends
Our readers tell us
about an act of kindness
theyve witnessed
recently
Cathy Native Cain A friend of mine
shares her washer and dryer with
someone who was previously using
coin-operated machines. That person is
facing financial difficulties so this kind
gesture has helped her save money.
Karen Fusco My son has shown nothing
but kindness to me since we lost my
husband and his father a couple of
months ago. He travels 380km every third
week to help me look after my home and
tend to my eight acres of land. He does
this as well as look after his wife and son
and his own yard. He has been my rock
and I am so proud of him.
Ysa Alimagno A nervous girl was having
a difficult time with her report
presentation in my class when her friend
stood up and defended her, explaining
that she had been busy with other
subjects and so wasnt able to prepare
adequately. I thought his act of kindness
showed the sincerity of their friendship.
Rabiya Shakeel When my mother and
I greeted a security guard at the park, she
replied, You are the only two people who
have greeted me since this morning.
Like us on Facebook to read and
share your own kindness stories.
Facebook.com/readersdigestaustralia
23
 Make the CHANGE for yourself...
ONE thing at a time!
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Delicious, nutritious recipes
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Everyday activities that
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SAY YES And so much more!
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ONLINE: www.readersdigestdirect.com.au/changeone
 EverydayKitchen
Kathryn Elliott on making better food choices

How to get
ahead of
the lunch
pack

Taking a packed lunch from home can be a good idea when youre trying to
eat well. But if youre packing your lunch bag full of sweet treats, packaged snacks
and soft drinks, then its not going to be a healthier choice. Here are three pointers.

1 Decide on a formula and dont

deviate. For example, every lunch
might include a savoury item, at least one
keep ingredients separate and fresh.
A supply of different-sized ziplock bags
is also useful for keeping dry ingredients
cup of salad or vegetables plus a piece of away from damp ones.
fruit. These staples are easy to adapt
through the seasons: salad can be
replaced with soup on cold days, for
3 Vary your lunches by having last
nights leftovers one day and a
sandwich or salad the next. Or make
example. As part of your formula, limit any
smaller changes, like using brown rice,
high-kilojoule treats to once a fortnight.
different kinds of bread, or rolls and
photo: thinkstock

2 Invest in proper packaging.

Theres nothing more likely to make
me give in and buy takeaway than a soggy
packed lunch. I like snap-close containers
with lots of compartments, so you can
wraps. If youre the sort of person who
likes a routine, then have a weekly
schedule: Monday is leftovers day,
Tuesday is sandwich day and so on. Youll
get a broader mix of nutrients, too.
25
Which is better
low fat or low kilojoule?
If youre trying to maintain a healthy weight then choosing low kilojoule
is, in most cases, the better strategy. Not so long ago low fat was a
mantra, but we now know that fat is an important part of a healthy diet.
Choosing foods that contain some fat can keep you fuller for longer, as
fat takes more time to digest and seems to stabilise blood sugar levels.
Plus, many low-fat foods are not low in kilojoules.

Making your own muesli

T he combination of grains, nuts, seeds and dried
fruit in muesli provides a wealth of
nutrients. However, many supermarket
brands are laden with fat and sugar. To
avoid this, try making your own but
dont panic, natural muesli is simple to
make. Here is my base recipe:
6 cups rolled oats or other grains
2 cups puffed grains
2 cups seeds, eg pepitas or
sunflower seeds
1 cup nuts
3 cups dried fruit chop up
larger pieces of fruit
1 tbsp (in total) spices, eg mixed Healthy
spice, cinnamon or nutmeg option to
1 cup ground flaxseeds or LSA make at
photos: thinkstock

(linseed, sunflower seed and almond mix) home

Mix the ingredients together and then store in an airtight container. For
most people a one-quarter cup of this muesli is the serving size. If youre
tall or do lots of exercise, then a bit more is OK.

26 Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
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 [ [[
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 HealthSmart
be prepared

STAYING COOL
IN THE HEAT
Heatwaves are increasingly common across
our region, but many people dont realise
how dangerous they are. During the
Northeast Asia heatwave last year over 750
deaths were attributed directly to the
weather. According to Dr Liz Hanna of
Australias Climate and Health Alliance,
heat is the leading cause of weather-
related death in that country. FAst FACt:
Everyone working or playing The highest
outdoors is at risk of overheating on incidence of sport-
very hot days, she says. People caring related heat illness
for the elderly or small children should occurs in fun runs of
10km or longer.
also be aware of their higher risk of
dehydration. Here are five tips for
keeping healthy in the heat.

On very hot days

l Give caffeine and
alcohol a miss. They are
diuretics and can dehydrate
your body.
l Keep up the H2O. Drink
2-3 litres a day, even if you
PHOTO: THinksTOck
l Ease up on the products increase body
exercise. Avoid activity heat and fluid loss. Opt for
during the hottest part of salad and fruits which
the day. And watch the contain water.
humidity levels: your body l Check in on older
has a harder time cooling adults. Many take pills

do not feel thirsty. If your off when sweat cant that can dehydrate the
fluid intake is limited for evaporate. body. Encourage them to
medical reasons, check l Avoid heavy-protein drink water and keep the
with your doctor. foods. Meat and dairy air conditioning on.

29
HealthSmart
CANCER CHECK

Melanoma: men,
watch your backs
Melanoma may develop anywhere on your skin,
but up to 40% of melanomas in men occur on the
back, says dermatologist Dr Phillip Artemi. Men aged
over 45 years run the biggest risk of developing
this type of cancer, and without help from a
partner, friend or doctor, it can be difficult to Get
spot. Dr Artemi urges everyone to check someone
themselves from head to toe, for instance, to check your
back and other
at the beginning of each season. parts of your body
A mole or freckle changing in size, shape that you cant
or colour, or a sore that just wont heal, check yourself
should be checked by your GP, says Artemi.
The earlier the melanoma is detected the
better, because the thicker it is, the greater the
risk of spread through blood vessels and lymphatics
to other parts of the body. The risk of spread of
a melanoma less than 0.75mm thick is less than
5%, but this jumps to 40-50% for melanomas
4mm deep.

Hands-free phones still

distract drivers, study finds
Think using a hands-free mobile phone while driving
is safer? Sorry to burst your babble bubble. Canadian
researchers tested participants driving abilities on
a special MRI machine tricked out with a steering
wheel and brake and accelerator pedal. They learned
that when a person is talking on a hands-free phone,
blood flow decreases to the area of the brain
PHOTOs: THiNKsTOCK

controlling vision. This may explain why multitasking

compromises a drivers safety.
The researchers suspect that any attention-
stealing task, such as listening to the GPS or radio,
would have a similar effect.
30 Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
 You may be acidic!
Acid has been shown to
contribute to many diseases.
Reduce acid with Eko Crystals
Eko Crystals is full of alkaline minerals
which helps to neutralise acid in
the body. Add Eko Crystals to your
water daily to see the difference...
Eko Duo Pack
Four Months Supply $69.95
(+p&h $9.95) Pack contains 60 sachets,
lasts for 120 days. Plus FREE magazine.
Normally $139.90
AS SEEN
ON TV
WWW.EKOHEALTH.COM.AU | PH 1300 887 994
Testimonial From A
Remedial Therapist
I am sending you
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Karin
in your Eko Crystals.
I was introduced to them a couple of
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I have had osteoarthritis for 40 years and
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plus I have calcification in my feet, hands,
neck and back; my hips and spine are fit
for a wheelchair according to the doctors.
However, I still work full-time and intend
to keep working, but some days the pain
is terrible. I am not a lover of drugs so I
use natural ways to ease my discomfort.
Then I started drinking Eko Crystals and I
feel better than I have for ten years. I am a
remedial therapist, so I know all the tricks,
but I was not winning the pain war with
my body. I saw a chiropractor in January
who refused to touch me due to my bad
condition and said my only option might
be an orthopedic surgeon. I did not realise
how acid impacted the body although I
fully understood about balance I just never
joined the two. My hair is not breaking, my
nails are not ridged, I have more energy
and I am sleeping better, plus I have lost
six kilos and I have done nothing but drink
the water. I am sure I have found my answer
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HealthSmart
Bee pollen:
its brood food
Weve been stealing from
bees for centuries
everything from their honey,
to royal jelly, beeswax,
propolis and bee pollen. This
last mixture, often called bee
bread, is a blend of flower
pollen carried back to the
hive on the bodies of foraging
bees, mixed with a little
nectar and bee saliva and
packed into the brood cells
ready for each newly laid egg.
Bee pollen is typically 55%
carbohydrate and 35%
protein. Naturopaths tout it
is as an energy enhancing
superfood, though the
scientific jury is still out on
many of the claims made.
Some people are sensitive
to bee pollen. Avoid it if you
suffer from bee or pollen
allergies. Its also not
recommended for pregnant
or breastfeeding women, or
people taking blood thinners.
Bees thrive on
pollen
N u tr iti o N
When is a
kilojoule not
a kilojoule?
The worlds top nutrition experts say the kilojoule in,
kilojoule out philosophy is oversimplified and
inadequate. Quality of kilojoules determines the
quantity your body burns or stores, says Dr Robert
PHotos: tHiNkstock
Lustig, author of the book Fat Chance: Beating the
Odds Against Sugar, Processed Foods, Obesity and
Disease. He shares these fascinating examples of how
kilojoule quality affects your weight and health:
1. Fibre This delays the absorption of kilojoules.
For example, when you eat a 670kJ portion of
almonds, you absorb only 545 because some
kilojoules are delivered to your intestine,
where your gut bacteria burn them for
their own energy source.
2. Protein Your body uses up to
twice as much energy to metabolise
protein as it does to process
carbohydrate. Protein also satisfies
hunger pangs more than carbs do.
3. Carbs Starches (like potatoes)
contain mainly glucose, which every
cell in your body uses for energy.
Fructose added to confectionery
and most processed foods is
metabolised in your liver as fat,
which drives chronic diseases such
as diabetes.

Are you still taking
Fish Oil?
For your brain, eyes, heart and general
good health, move over Fish Oil, stand
aside Krill Oil - theres a new Omega-3
in town, and its hotter than hot for
all things good for your body - hello
Calamari Oil
Calamari Oil is now available in Australia.
Calamari Oil is recognised globally as a
powerful source of Omega-3, and particularly
for its powerful source of the bodys preferred
Omega-3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
Omega-3 pioneer Dr Jorn Dyerberg who has
spent the past 40 years researching the benefits
of Omega-3 says The content of Omega-3
DHA in our organs is higher than that of EPA,
consequently the dietary needs for DHA exceed
that of EPA. Calamari Oil offers a favourable
DHA/EPA ratio that ensures fulfilling of
DHA needs.
UP TO 6X MORE OMEGA-3
DHA THAN KRILL OIL
The mountain of data behind Calamari Oil is
impressive. With 4 times more Omega-3 DHA
than Fish Oil, and 6 times more Omega-3 DHA
than Krill Oil, Calamari Oil has more Omega-3
(EPA + DHA) than Fish and Krill Oil combined.
BRAIN-FRIENDLY DHA
CALAMARI OIL
Our brains and eyes are like Omega-3 DHA
storing facilities. Up to 97% of the Omega-3
fats in our brains is DHA, and theres a clinically
proven link between DHA levels with cognition,
memory, brain function and thinking skills,
from conception, childhood, adulthood and the
elderly. Just as significantly low DHA levels are
associated with cognitive decline. Observational
studies indicate that DHA can help slow age-
related cognitive decline. The Framington Heart
study showed that people with the highest
levels of plasma DHA had a 47% reduction of
developing dementia, and were less likely to
develop Alzheimers disease*.
*Plasma phosphatidylcholine docosahexaenoic acid content and risk of dementia and Alzheimer disease:
The Framingham Heart Study. Arch Neurol 2006 63:1545-50
ADVERTISING PROMOTION
COMPARE CALAMARI OIL
WITH FISH & KRILL OIL
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20,000 CLINICAL STUDIES
CANT BE WRONG!
With an avalanche of 20,000 + clinical studies
supporting Omega-3 health benefits, research
in recent years has increasingly focused on the
role DHA plays in optimal health. While age-
related mental decline has been a core focus
of DHA research, eye health has also been
extensively studied, particularly the link between
DHA and age-related macular degeneration.
Cardiovascular disease has also been studied,
and now The Australian Heart Foundation
recommends 500mg of combined DHA &
EPA daily.
CALAMARI OIL - WHO SHOULD
TAKE IT
If you are currently taking fish oil or krill oil or
you want to promote general all round good
health and heart health as well as protect your
brain and eyes, then Calamari Oil with more
Omega-3 than fish and krill oil combined, and
the strongest source of Omega-3 DHA is for
you. There are a number of brands now selling
Calamari Oil, and its available in Pharmacies
and supermarkets around Australia.
HealthSmart
Medical mood boosters
Beat the blues
with a brain
ultrasound
The same tool that lets
pregnant women see their
unborn babies may help
your mind relax. Ten
minutes after researchers
used transcranial
ultrasound (TUS) for
15 seconds on the temples
of chronic pain patients,
the volunteers reported
feeling less pain compared
with a placebo.
Structures called
microtubules in all brain
neurons vibrate in the
ultrasound range, and help
mediate mood and
consciousness, said study
leader Dr Stuart Hameroff.
The researchers plan to
test a portable ultrasound
headset next.
Source: Stuart Hamerof, departments
of anaesthesiology and psychology and
Centre for Consciousness Studies,
University of Arizona
34
by REgInA nUzzO
Personalise
depression
treatment
Some people respond
better to talk therapy;
others respond better to
drugs. In a recent study,
researchers took brain
scans of depressed
patients, then assigned half
to therapy and half to the
drug escitalopram.
Three months later, they
found that those with more
activity in the insula a part
of the brain linked to
emotion and decision-
making improved after
meds but not therapy.
Those with lower insula
activity fared better with
therapy over meds. If other
studies confirm the
findings, brain scans might
help tailor treatment.
Source: Helen Mayberg, professor of
psychiatry, neurology, and radiology,
Emory University School of Medicine
update
Toss low
self-esteem
in the trash
Treat negative thoughts
like old newspaper at the
bottom of the birdcage.
When students were
asked to write bad
thoughts about their body
and then toss the paper in
a garbage bin, they were
later more positive about
their body image than
those who hadnt
discarded them.
When they tucked
positive thoughts about
a healthy diet into their
pocket, they were more
likely to want to follow
i l l u s t r at i o n s : J u d e B u f f u m
that diet later than those
who threw such thoughts
away. How you treat your
thoughts affects your
behaviour.
Source: Richard Petty, professor of
psychology, Ohio State University
Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
 TM

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LookGood
Elisabeth King on more serious skin conditions

Notseeingred
S un exposure, hot weather and humidity can all
aggravate rosacea in both men and women.
Theres no specific treatment for the widespread
condition, estimated to affect 45 million people
worldwide, which causes skin redness, prickling
sensations and hyper-reactivity.
Many skincare companies are developing
products to soothe the symptoms some
work, some have little effect. A recent
study, published in the Journal of Drugs in
Dermatology, found that La Roche-Posay
Rosaliac AR Intense ($35.95) is
effective in reducing visible Help is
available to
redness and discomfort. The minimise
hypoallergenic serum contains rosacea: speak
plant extract ambophenol, to a doctor or
neurosensine, which is a dermatologist
peptide, and thermal spring
water.

prEtty brown EyEs

Brown is the worlds most dominant eye
colour. But using black liner can look
severe or ageing. Switch to a deep blue
shadow and navy eyeliner for a younger,
more animated look by day (above) and
brown eyeliner for more intensity after
dark (below).
36 re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
 Let us
spray
Theres an army of hair 50% of the adult population worldwide,
styling products
available but few are publicity. Also known as chicken skin,
as popular as good old
hair spray. One of the
original multi-benefit
products, hair spray
does double duty as
a brow gel sprayed onto
a brow brush or
toothbrush. Static cling
can be a problem when
the air is dry. If your skirt
or dress starts clinging
to your legs, spritz a
little hair spray on the
areas that are bunching
from about 25cm away.
And pen marks on
clothing can be
removed by spraying
photos: Get t y imaGes; thinkstock
the stain with hair spray
before washing.
Smooth the bumps
For a skin condition that affects 40% to
keratosis pilaris (KP) doesnt get much
the telltale roughened red bumps are most
common on the back and sides of the
upper arms.
The bumps are formed by an excess
production of keratin, a natural protein in
the skin, which entraps hair
follicles in the pores.
Theres no permanent
solution but make the
skin smoother by using a
body lotion high in
glycolic or lactic
acid or urea.
Partingways
Seeing visible root regrowth is deflating, especially
if you have coloured your hair to hide your grey.
Hair doesnt go grey evenly and some women
experience more on one side than the other.
Over time, parting your hair in the
same place can also make
re-growth more obvious, more
quickly. In between colourings,
switch your part to the other
side, or hide grey or dark roots
with a jagged, messy-looking
parting.
37
Natalie:
I love food. I Kerryne: Im a
need help to lifelong dieter
stick to a diet. with type 2
diabetes. Help!

Melanie:
Barbara: Meredyth: My weakness
I really want How do I set a is portion
to feel and Maria: My
better example weights crept control.
be healthier. for my two up since I
daughters? got married
last year.

38
diet
Jess: Show
me a healthy Bronwyn:
lifestyle I can Good nutrition?
Make it easy, Geng: Three
stick with. litres of cola
please.
a day? Thats
me. I know its
not healthy.

Yvonne: If Ayleenne:
I eat better, my Ive lost weight
kids will pick up before but
better habits. it always
comes back.

p h otog ra phe d by ti m b aue r

Change?
39
 Remember that last miracle diet you
tried? It started out with huge promise.
Ill lose three, five ten kilos, you
vowed, as you blithely tossed aside all
your bad old ways. Hmmmm a few
months down the track, how did that
work out for you? Thought so.
When we go on a diet,
most of us have great expectations.
We plan to lose 15kg, drop two dress
sizes, commit to a couple of hours of
exercise every day and well do that
by going cold turkey from day one.
What happens, inevitably, is that
its tough and the results we see arent
as grand as wed hoped. If were really
resolute we might lose a couple of
kilos, and a few weeks later we might
still be making it to the gym a couple
of times a week but sooner or later
were wrestling with an unpleasant
sense of failure. It all seems too damn
hard. And thats the cue for giving up.
thE WorLd-WidE bEstsELLEr
nEW Edition
the diet and
fitness plan
the readers dLgest 12-week program
that wLll change your lLfe forever
40
Before you know it youve stacked on
the weight again and often its more
than you lost. Sound familiar?
We can stick to an unnaturally
harsh regime for only so long. More
than 100 scientific studies confirm
that self-control is a finite resource,
which eventually runs out.
By contrast, when you ease yourself
into new and better habits, the change
is usually more sustainable. Gradual
shifts in behaviour give you time and
energy to get comfortable in your
new routine, and even to celebrate
each victory as you go along.
This is the reasoning behind the
ChangeOne programme developed
by Readers Digest and now one of the
New edition out
now. To order your worlds most successful and widely
copyfor$39.99,call used weight loss and fitness plans.
1300 550 001, and It shows you how to swap a single
quote ChangeOne.
Or go to readers
unhealthy habit for a healthier one,
a week at a time, for 12 weeks. Says our
digestdirect.com. nutritionist and Everyday Kitchen
au/changeone columnist Kathryn Elliott: You
develop new skills and take the time to
Re a d e r s D i g e s t 01/14

ChangeOne
is about learning
new habits.
Eager volunteers, 12 weeks, kilos to lose
and better habits to learn what could
be simpler? Readers Digest put the
word out for a bunch of people to try
ChangeOne, and then watched what
happened as they journeyed through
the programme. Some wanted to drop
a dress size, others had serious health
concerns such as diabetes, or had tried
for many years to shed kilos, without
long-term success.
Over the weeks, our nutritionist
Kathryn Elliott encouraged the group
to meet up, discuss their progress and
to swap tips.
figure out what really works for you.
At the end of the 12 weeks or longer
if you want to take it at your own
pace and nail each change before
you move on youll be in a great
position to continue these
behaviours for a lifetime.
Readers Digest launches a new
edition of the ChangeOne Diet and
Fitness Plan this month. But first we
road-tested it on some willing vol-
unteers for some real-life stories of
real people wanting real results.
Week 1.
Breakfast
The first week of the ChangeOne
programme is all about enjoying a good
breakfast that sets you up for healthy
eating throughout the day. People who
skip this meal tend to make poor food
choices as they get hungry mid-morning.
l You cant become a new person
overnight. Small steps can form
lifelong healthy habits.
Week 2.
Lunch
Even with a good breakfast, your
energy levels will be waning by
lunchtime so its essential to top up
with a healthy meal. In Week 2 the
programme walks you through picking
simple and nutritious lunch choices
that are under 1500kJ.
l Focus on how much, rather than
what you eat. Nothing is off limits
but portions really matter.
Week 3.
Snacks
With breakfast and lunch under control.
its easier to concentrate on introducing
regular, planned, nutritious snacks that
reduce hunger pangs and stop the urge
to binge on chocolate at 4pm.
l Dont let yourself feel deprived.
Learn to recognise the physical
feeling of real hunger and identify
the cues that prompt your comfort
or emotional eating.
41

Ayleenne
wanted
simple
tactics
Better
planning
Ayleenne embarked on ChangeOne
not to lose a lot of weight but to build
healthier habits into her day: Just to
know the right foods and to develop
a better attitude to exercise.
She used what she learned on the
programme to sail through a series
of family celebrations, preparing
meals for her family and eating out,
and she lost three kilos. She also
doubled the amount of exercise she
packs into a day. Now I have a plan
in place. I think ahead.
42
food
Our eating decisions are driven by
reward circuits in the middle of the
brain harking back to a time when we
needed to seek out food to survive.
The rational part of the brain
developed much later. Thats why,
when it comes to choosing a bar of
chocolate over a bracing walk, youre
more than likely to end up with the
chocolate. ChangeOne aims to make
healthy food choices automatic.
Kathryn was prepared for the ma-
jority of volunteers at the start being
Kxated on losing kilos. Goals ranged
from I want to be my slimmest ever
to Im in if its easy. Says Kathryn:
Its no surprise that those who
signed up expecting a magic wand
dropped out pretty early. Success at
anything requires a level of commit-
ment. So its probably best not to start
a diet if your heart isnt really in it
youre almost certain to fail, and that
doesnt bode well for the next time.
Our 11 stalwarts were those who
cheered on the idea that ChangeOne
is about making slow and cumulative
changes for lifelong improvement in
their health. Two of the participants,
Meredyth and Yvonne, felt it was
important to teach their young
children good nutrition by being
good role models themselves.
Geng, the brave lone male volun-
teer, who confessed to a craving for
around three litres of soft drink a day
admitted his knowledge of good nu-
trition was very patchy but wanted to
change. Says Kathryn, I wasnt sur-
prised we had such a difKcult time
Re a d e r s d i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
 trying to fnd male volunteers to
meet up and talk about their
experiences. Men are generally not
comfortable getting together for
weight loss groups. But if its some-
thing they can do at home alone or
together with a partner, they will get
results. ChangeOne can do that.
Week One was full of excitement,
weigh-ins and positive commitment
to goals, if a little trepidation. Week
Two was marked by quite a bit of
impatience. You hope to see a lot of
quick results, says Natalie, so it
takes quite a bit of time to realise that
getting the basics right really matters.
Once I realised that, it was a light
bulb moment.
By Week Three our group were
swapping tips, and growing in conf-
dence. As well as eating better, they
felt a mood boost from more activity.
ChangeOne advice
is realistic.
Losing 200-500
grams a weeP, and
p h o t o : ( K At h ry n E l l I o t t ) d A m I A n B E n n E t t
some weePs not
losing anything, is
normal, says
kathryn.
Week 4.
Dinner
With dinner, portion sizes are the keI and
careful planning is important even
though healthI choices can usuallI be
prepared quicklI. Adapt Iour favourite
recipes to contain the right quantities, or
source new ideas from the book.
l Slow down, relax and enjoy tasty
meals with your family. By doing so,
youll actually eat less.
Week 5.
eating out
If Iou eat out onlI verI occasionallI, then
eat and enjoI. But if its a regular part of
Iour life, Ioull need to pre-plan and learn
how to manage the pitfalls of a menu.
l As the customer, remember youre in
charge. AsP for extra vegetables, the
dressing on the side, or for food to be
grilled not fried. Order a starter, not
a main, or have a starter and a salad.
Week 6.
WeePends and
celebrations
Food and alcohol are a major part of most
celebrations so Iou need to know how
to handle the temptations.
l Pace yourself and have a plan. SPip
the chips and dips so you can have
birthday caPe later. Watch the alcohol.
And maPe time for more exercise to
counter the extra Pilojoules.
43
 KERRynE
and MaRIa
aimed for at
least 10,000
steps a day
The walkiEg
group
Kerryne, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, had
been struggling with her weight for as long
as she could remember. Maria realised the
main exercise she had been getting recently
involved walking from the car to her front
door. Determined to make a difference, they
started a lunchtime walking group with
colleagues. When one had a willpower
failure, the others would rally them. The
daily walk was the kickstart to exercise at
other times of the day, too, and their goal of
10,000 steps a day soon looked easy. Says
Kerryne, If I missed the lunchtime walk, Id
walk around the block when I got home.
44
EXERCISE
ChangeOne advocates a natural
approach to exercise: have a stroll
in the park on a sunny day, take
the stairs rather than the lift, dig
in the sand with the kids. Being
active should not be about pain
it should be about pleasure.
Our volunteers began by work-
ing out how much exercise they
actually did. We gave each of
them a basic pedometer, got them
to write down their weekly move-
ments, and to think about whats
stopping them from getting more
active. For many, time was the
excuse, followed by motivation.
Kathryn explained they should
aim for a brisk, 20- to 30-minute
walk every day. To start, spend
at least two hours every week
outdoors. Even if youre not exer-
cising, just spend time in the
fresh air. Its hard then not to feel
more invigorated, more alive.
Muscles are
better thaE fat
From your mid-30s, your muscles
lose size and strength. Since muscle
tissue burns more kilojoules than
fat, this has a direct impact on how
much you can eat: every ten years
youll lose about 1.9kg of muscle, so
youll need to eat 620kJ less a day.
Its one of the reasons we gain kilos
as we age. Strength training builds
muscle, boosts metabolism, and sets
you up for a healthier future.
Re a d e r s d i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
 With several of our volun-
teers admitting to joining gyms
in the past and then giving up
on expensive memberships,
they cheered heartedly at the
ChangeOne mantra: Tradi-
tional ftness is for ftness
fanatics only For most of us
its beyond useless. It hurts, its
boring and time-consuming.
Instead the principles of
ChangeOne were becoming
familiar: start slowly, surround
yourself with support, avoid
boredom, celebrate success.
One volunteer had a modest
goal: being able to walk to the
top of a hill without getting so
out of breath. Plenty wanted to
feel less sluggish.
ChangeOne made it so
simple for all our volunteers to
fnd something they could do,
says Kathryn. And it quickly
showed on their overall mood
and glowing faces.
MorT action!
Heres what our volunteers
came up with to build more
activity into their day:
Dont sTnd an Tmail to a
collTaguT gTt up and walk
ovTr. Walk dont drive, and
take the long way round every
time. Put away Tach piTcT of
clothing aftTr you iron it.
Need the bathroom? Climb the
stairs to the one on the next
level.
Week 7.
Fix your kitchTn
Make things easier by removing
temptation. If theres no ice-cream and the
cookie jar is empty, itll be that much easier
to resist when youre at a low ebb. Be
ruthless and throw out devilish foods you
know you want to avoid.
l ThT singlT most important changT
you can makT is lTarning to shop
smart. MakT a list and stick to it.
Week 8.
IdTntify thT troublT
spots
Focus on the areas youre struggling with
and spend this week finding ways to get over
or around stumbling blocks. Its also time to
reassess your goals. Are you being realistic?
l YourT wTll on your way for lifTlong
changT to improvT your hTalth. If your
TnTrgy is at a low Tbb, makT a list of thT
bTnTfits youvT alrTady sTTn on
ChangTOnT. CTlTbratT whats working.
Week 9.
DT-strTss
Stress can rob you of the energy you need to
stay focused and motivated. If the pressure
gets fierce enough you may be tempted to
say I cant do this and give up your best
intentions to stick to a healthier diet.
l Go Tasy on yoursTlf. SomT changTs
arT simplTr for you than othTrs. ZTro
in on thosT with a big pay-off and
concTntratT on turning thTm into habits.
45
 Natalie
discovered her
food tastes
the
changed] star pupil
Natalie had some weight to lose.
But she seriously worried whether
her bad habits were too ingrained
and her willpower not strong
enough. Support was vital. At
work, if I was raiding the vending
machine, people would give me an
evil look, she says.
During the 12 weeks, as she saw
results from her effort, Natalie
surprised herself. Shed order hot
chips, eat a couple, then realise
they werent really satisfying. She
started walking and reading the
labels on bought lunches. To her
delight, she shed 7kg, dropped a
dress size, and has the glow of
someone who is excited and
proud of what she has achieved.
Im surprised how easy it was as
the weeks progressed, she says.

What we learned
+ ChangeOne takes get to celebrate more + Nothing is off limits.
effort and commitment, victories. Think of food as a
but that doesnt mean it + Find people around pleasure, just not too
has to be hard work. you wholl support and much too often.
+ A lot of small steps in share your progress. + Slow down and savour
the right direction really + Make it fun, social or meals. Its too easy to
add up. competitive whatever eat without realising.
+ Whats easy for one keeps it interesting. + Diet and fitness are SO
person might not be + You should expect much easier when you
easy for another. setbacks so dont beat start to feel in control.
+ Its easier to tackle one yourself up for being + Feeling great is the
thing at a time and you human. Pick yourself up. best motivation.

46 Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
THe FUTURe
Through the ups and downs of the 12
weeks, some pulled out, some lost
weight, while others changed their
lives in ways theyd never imagined.
Those who started a walking group
are still heading out most days. And
ofAce snacks are now mostly healthier
than cake, chocolate or chips.
At home, exercise has increased,
portion sizes have dropped, and
better food choices have become
ingrained. Everyone feels great that
theyve kicked one bad habit or more.
The future looks bright.
The only way
you will fail is if
you decide
youve failed. In
the future, Teep
the ChangeOne
focus in your
head. Little steps
have set you in
the right
direction you
will get there.
Week 10.
Real superfoods
Certain foods have super powers to
trick you into feeling full; they dont
make you gain weight and they fine-
tune your metabolism.
l ChecT these healthy foods are
regular items on your menu: water,
eggs, nuts, salad, seafood, soup,
cereal, chicTen, yoghurt and beans.
Week 11.
keeping on tracT
If youve slimmed down before, you
know the real trick is maintaining
weight loss. Sadly thats where most
diet plans falter. To counter weight
creeping back, keep an eye on how
your clothes are fitting, how you feel,
how much exercise youre getting and
whats on the menu.
l If you find yourself slipping,
diagnose the problem and get
bacT on tracT by changing just one
thing every weeT. It worTs.
Week 12.
ChangeOne for life
Write a list of the positive changes
youve made. Put a star beside the
changes that have had the biggest
impact on how you look and feel.
l Youve done something really
remarTable. Youve redirected
your life. Thats truly worth
celebrating. Well done.
47
THEOUTCOMES
Natalie: My whole Melanie: I learnt I
attitude towards Kerryne: I lost a can say No to my
eating has changed. dress size. Now if cravings. I eat
Now I can look at I dont exercise more healthily and
foods I used to love during the day, Im sure my mood
and say Not worth when I get home has improved.
it! Thats powerful. I want to go for a
walk.

Barbara: Being
able to visualise Maria: I get up and
portion sizes has go for a walk in the
totally changed Meredyth: morning and thats
the way I think I weighed myself 6000 steps before
about food. on Friday and that the days really
stopped me from started. I feel so
overeating at the much better.
weekend.

Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
Jess: Call this a
diet? I dont feel
like Im missing
out. I really enjoy
food again.
Geng: I cut down
Bronwyn: on my cola I
I havent had a big realised I dont
bowl of pasta in have to ban it.
ages. And I dont Now I actually
miss it one bit. enjoy it more!

Yvonne: I feel Im
turning over a new
leaf. Changing a
little bit at a time
brings a whole lot of
health benefits in
Ayleenne: the long run.
Now the kids are
eating the snacks
I want them to eat,
and my pantry
looks good.
Minute world: the
extraordinary
Queen Marys
Dolls House
 The mosT
perfecT
presenT
A huge sense of scale
by h a z e l f ly n n
A
ny little person will tell
you that a dolls house
can only be properly
played with if there are
diminutive occupants to
be clomped up and down the stairs and
posed in the kitchen. But the Queen
Marys Dolls House, which can justly
claim to be the worlds most remark-
able, has not a single doll among its
more than 1000 miniature objects.
There is a minuscule lawnmower that
really cuts grass, a Lilliputian theatre
complete with revolving stage, and a
magazine of genuine cartridges for the
teeny-tiny shotguns. But no dolls.
Thats because this dolls house, now
on permanent display in Englands
Windsor Castle, wasnt made to be
played with after all, its recipient was
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
long past her nursery days when it was
given to her, aged not six but 56.
Instead, the 1.5m-high, 2.6m-wide
creation, which sits atop its own plinth
and weighs in at 4.5 tonnes, was
intended to showcase the very best of
British craftsmanship while also
giving the queen (wife of George V
and grandmother of Queen Elizabeth
II) a place to display the miniatures
she collected.
The four-storey building was
designed and overseen by architect Sir
Edwin Lutyens, working on a 1:12 ratio
a very different scale than he had
used when designing New Delhi. The
no-expenses-spared attention to detail
is phenomenal. The kitchen floor is
2500 tiny pieces of oak slotted
together. The minute cigarettes were
produced by the Alfred Dunhill
company using the kings preferred
tobacco blend. The cellar is fully
stocked with bottles, each containing
a thimbleful of vintage wine or spirits.
The lights turn on, there is hot and
cold running water, the toilets flush
and the lifts work. Two large drawers
pull out at the bottom of the structure,
the one in front revealing an exquisite
garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll,
complete with manicured hedges and
a lucky snail, and the one at the back
holding a garage with a Daimler and a
Silver Ghost Rolls-Royce.
The whole thing took three years to
construct and went on show at the
1924 British Empire Exhibition. In a
letter passed on to the more than 1500
people whose work went into the
Dolls House, Queen Mary described
it as the most perfect present that
anyone could receive.
Once the exhibition period had
ended, the Queen was free to explore
it room by room a full appreciation
How Watson
Learned the Trick
By SI R A RT H U R Con A n D oy l e ( 1 9 22)
W atson had been watching
his companion intently
ever since he had sat down
to the breakfast table. Holmes hap-
pened to look up and catch his eye.
Well, Watson, what are you
thinking about? he asked.
About you.
Me?
Yes, Holmes. I was thinking how
superficial are these tricks of yours,
and how wonderful it is that the
public should continue to show
interest in them.
I quite agree, said Holmes. In
fact, I have a recollection that I have
myself made a similar remark.
Your methods, said Watson
of each of the 750 original artworks
would have taken months including
the library, where the scaled-down
books contain special works from
authors such as Rudyard Kipling,
Thomas Hardy and W. Somerset
Maugham. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
inscribed the blank volume he had
been sent with a bespoke short story.
How Watson Learned the Trick is the
briefest of all his Sherlock Holmes
stories, and we present it here for you
to enjoy without needing to resort to
a magnifying glass.
severely, are really easily acquired.
No doubt, Holmes answered with
a smile. Perhaps you will yourself
give an example of this method of
reasoning.
With pleasure, said Watson. I am
able to say that you were greatly
preoccupied when you got up this
morning.
Excellent! said Holmes. How
could you possibly know that?
Because you are usually a very tidy
man and yet you have forgotten to
shave.
Dear me! How very clever! said
Holmes. I had no idea, Watson, that
you were so apt a pupil. Has your
eagle eye detected anything more?

Many of the books
were written or
illustrated by
authors of the day
Yes, Holmes. You have a client
named Barlow, and you have not been
successful with his case.
Dear me, how could you know
that?
I saw the name outside his
envelope. When you opened it you
gave a groan and thrust it into your
pocket with a frown on your face.
Admirable! You are indeed
observant. Any other points?
I fear, Holmes, that you have taken
p h o t o S : ( D o Y L E ) G E t t Y I M A G E S ; p R E S S A S S o C I At I o N
to financial speculation.
How could you tell that, Watson?
You opened the paper, turned to
the financial page, and gave a loud
exclamation of interest.
Well, that is very clever of you,
Watson. Any more?
Yes, Holmes, you have put on your
black coat, instead of your dressing
gown, which proves that you are
expecting some important visitor at
once.
Anything more?
I have no doubt that I could find
To watch a video with more
images of the dolls house,
visit Readers Digest Magazine
online, see page 6
other points, Holmes, but I only give
you these few, in order to show you
that there are other people in the
world who can be as clever as you.
And some not so clever, said
Holmes. I admit that they are few,
but I am afraid, my dear Watson, that
I must count you among them.
What do you mean, Holmes?
Well, my dear fellow, I fear your
deductions have not been so happy as
I should have wished.
You mean that I was mistaken.
Just a little that way, I fear. Let us
take the points in their order: I did not
shave because I have sent my razor to
be sharpened. I put on my coat
because I have, worse luck, an early
meeting with my dentist. His name is
Barlow, and the letter was to confirm
the appointment. The cricket page is
beside the financial one, and I turned
to it to find if Surrey was holding its
own against Kent. But go on, Watson,
go on! Its a very superficial trick, and
no doubt you will soon acquire it. n
Laughteristhebestmedicine

Ive been glamped!

Punished
High Toms wife was delighted when
he told her hed finally secured
comedy a job in the local
I quit my job at the bowling alley.
helium factory. Ten pin?
I refuse to be spoken she asked.
to in that tone. Nope,
Photos: thInkstock

C om e d i a n replied Tom.
S t e w a r t F r a n ci s
I think its
permanent.

Submitted by Roy Berry

54 Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
Defaced
Whenever I see a man with a
beard, a moustache and glasses,
I think, Now theres a man who has
taken every precaution to avoid
people doodling on photographs
of him. C o m e dian Carey Marx

On reflection
I dont think cops should wear
mirrored sunglasses. The whole
time that the guy was chewing
me out, all I could think was,
I should really cut my hair.
C om e d i a n Bo nn ie McFar lan e
Pair-annoy-ya
Yesterday my mother asked me
to hand out the invitations for my
brothers surprise birthday party.
Thats when I realised he was
her favourite twin.
Su b mitted by Terry Sa ngster

Rise and shine

this morning, the
strangest thing happened.
I got out of bed and
started walking
around the flat
making small talk with Never trust a
various pieces of mathematician w
furniture.
turns out that
a graph. Theyre ith
Id pressed the plotting somethin
g.
schmooze button. Seen on the interne
t
C om e d ian Jo e Co r n is h

55
 Love, laughter and a little boys silly
game. I wanted the same for my family
By stphaN e C al M eyN

three-year-old isaban made for a chair at the other end of the dining room,
I L L U S T R AT I O N : Y V E T T E V A N D E N B O O G A A R D

in front of the hearth. He stood still for a moment, eyes half-closed. Then he
clambered astride it, gripping the back between his legs.
A beechwood fire crackled in the hearth, throwing golden spears of light
across the room. Against the red stone floor and walls of honey-coloured pine,
Isabans shirt was a flash of white. Overhead, a solid beam in dark oak seemed
to be watching over the child.
He climbed up on the seat, hands clutching the chair back. Then, striving
to keep his perch stable, he brought his right foot round the back of the chair.
Isaban risked overbalancing and taking a nasty bump, but he didnt seem
worried about that. He had our attention and we all wondered what he
was doing.
57
Winter finally arrived after a rainy
month of December. Villars-sur-
Fontenais, a village of 160 souls in the
Swiss Jura Mountains, savoured the
snow with delight. As a youngster, I
always spent some of my school
holidays there on Jacob Lehmanns
farm.
That winter I was 17. Jacob, I
believe, loved me as though I were his
son but also his younger brother.
There were 13 years between us. My
interest in the farm helped him to look
more kindly on city folk, he told me;
for my part, I always looked forward
to my visits. Who, at that age, hasnt
sometimes felt more at home with
other people than in their own family?
The family was preparing a good
dinner to mark New Years Eve. It was
mostly Jacobs wife Marie who was
busy with this, along with their
children. Nine-year-old Nathalie had
set the table. Her brothers Mriol and
Sem, five and four, had lit the candles.
Standing near the door to the veran-
dah, grandfather Japhet, 58, watched
his small world through the half-
closed eyes of a contented patriarch.
Jacob clung too much to his role as a
grouch to enter completely into the
traditional ritual.
Marie and Jacob loved each other
with a love that Ive sought all my life
to recreate. I often watched them
surreptitiously: he with his bushy red
beard and penetrating gaze; Marie,
eyes sparkling with cheerfulness and
Stphane Calmeyn is the editor-in-chief of
Readers Digest in France.
58
unshakeable confidence in the future.
They had built a house reflecting their
personalities. Their Biblical
forenames did not make them
churchgoers, but they respected their
fellow human beings and nature,
which they farmed organically. The
modest size of their farm sheltered
them from need yet insulated them
from opulence.
On that New Years Eve day,
December 31, 1977, it wasnt the food
that left the most memorable impres-
sion. Our small tribe bonded close
around a game you wont find in any
toy store.
While we were still at the table,
focused on pudding, Isaban remained
on the chair. Whats he up to? Marie
asked, poised to intervene. We all
tried to fathom the aim of his manoeu-
vre. This suddenly became plain when
Isaban screwed up his blue-grey eyes
in serious concentration he was
trying to get around the chair without
setting a foot on the floor.
Isaban made a final attempt before
climbing off, intimidated by suddenly
having all eyes on him.
Very quickly someone pulled the
chair into the middle of the room so
that it was ready for a new contender.
Nathalie launched in. Seldom has
such a ridiculous challenge been seen,
seldom has such joyful laughter been
heard. Of course, balance and weight
distribution were crucial to prevent
the chair toppling backwards. Bent
forward, her stomach on the chair
back and her bottom pointing
skywards, Nathalie attempted an
Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
impossible balancing act. Her broth-
ers encircled her, bent double with
laughter.
Bring your head down, come on,
lower, advised Sem. Stretch out
your legs and lift your bottom, teased
Mriol. The little girl was huffing and
giggling at the same time.
Mriol took his turn at the chal-
lenge, then Sem. Legs hugging both
sides of the chair back, hands gripping
the legs, he would have won the dare
if he hadnt tumbled off at the last
moment. Lacking inventiveness, I
adopted the same technique with no
more success than he had.
I5 keepi5g with regio5al tra9itio5,
neighbours visited each other to
exchange New Year greetings. Thus
it was when Marcel arrived a little
after 11pm, he saw Jacob straddling a
chair in front of his whole family, his
head pressed against the back as
though it were a pillow, in what
looked like an act of surrender.
Rendered speechless, Marcel wasnt
given time to make sense of what he
saw. Within seconds the children
were chanting his name as though
spurring on a sportsman. More used
to tractor driving than acrobatics,
Marcel squatted on the chair, his
repeated, Well, well! Goodness me!
adding to the general hilarity.
We needed all our powers of
persuasion for grandfather Japhet to
have a go. He went to the centre of
our little gathering and sat down on
the chair. He smiled at us. Then he
opened wide his long arms. It was as
though he was about to sweep us all
into his embrace. In the silence that
followed we all seemed to feel the
warmth of his hug. Japhet had always
been a master at expressing himself
without words. Human beings invent
many different ways to show that they
appreciate living together.
Although no-one succeeded in
mastering the chair that evening, the
fun we had trying and Japhets arms
opened wide tell the whole story of
that New Years Eve. This was our
world, and it was full of laughter, fun,
hard work and love.
And although I know my own
children at some point in their young
lives might also feel more at home
with another family, this is the kind
of world I try to offer them now, 36
years later. n
59
 Whats in a name?
The term drone first appeared around the time of World War II, when
pilotless aircraft were used as airborne training targets for gun crews.
These targets had black stripes around the tail of the fuselage that
made them look like bees the males of which are drones.
60 Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
 ThERE aRE
DRONES
ThaT Spy
Drones, or unmanned aerial
vehicles (UAVs) as the US military
likes to call them, are aircraft that
dont have a pilot on board. Instead
theyre flown via satellite
remote control or they follow
pre-programmed mission paths,
at specific orbits, altitudes and
speed limits. As the pilot could be
anywhere in the world, drones are
able to carry out jobs that are too
dangerous or difficult for aircraft
manned by humans.
>> The industry is predicted to be worth
THINKSTOCK , (SUSHI) REUTERS/ PIC TURE MEDIA

...aND ThERE upwards of US$80 billion by 2025.

PHOTOS: (DRONE) GET T Y IMAGES; (BEE)

aRE DRONES >> Some countries have drone regulations

ThaT DONT
Drones are also being used for very
peaceful activities, from disaster
relief to weather monitoring,
forestry and crops surveying,
measuring wildlife numbers and
even delivering vital medications
and filming scenes for TV shows
and movies.
Delivery by
drone: a London
susSi cSTin
offers flying fisS
and others are in the process of drafting
them. In Australia, for example, drones
are not permitted above 122m without
approval from the Civil Aviation Safety
Authority (CASA).
>> Its expected that 7500 commercial
drones will be operating in the US within
the next five years.
>> 65,000 to 70,000 people
are employed by the US Air Force to
process all the data collected by drones.
>> A military drone system can cost
more than US$15 million.
>> Retailers sell drones (pictured above)
that anyone can use for a few
Sundred dollTrs.
61
Controversy
and fear
are they watching over
us or violating our
privacy? the debate
is underway
CollateRal Damage
How precisely drones are
programmed or flown depends
on their operators. In battle, that
a Code
means there can be unintended Pink peace
victims. activist
PRivaCy ConCeRns protests
the use oP
Some drone watchdogs, including
military
the US-based Electronic Privacy drones
Information Centre, argue that we
need tougher legislation to protect
civilians from the exploitation by
drones, and have raised questions of governments use of
footage gathered by this aerial surveillance. Meanwhile, in Australia, animal rights
activists have angered farmers by using drones to buzz private farms, checking
livestock conditions are meeting published standards.
DRones anD the PaPaRazzi
Celebrities in the US have clashed with paparazzi over using drones to take photos, claiming
it is a threat to personal privacy and security. As a result, the Californian senate approved a
bill last year to prohibit private citizens using drones to invade the privacy of others.

e-
DRone Town considers drone hunts
PHOTOS: GET T Y IMAGES; (REMOTE)

fRe Residents of Deer Trail, a small town in Colorado, US, may

zone soon be ofered $25 licences to be able to shoot down
unwelcome drones. They Uy in town, they get shot down,
said Phillip Steel, the Deer Trail resident who drafted the
ordinance as a symbolic gesture against a surveillance society.
THINKSTOCK

While the town was due to vote on the ordinance at the time of
going to press, air authorities were quick to point out that shooting a
drone out of the sky was dangerous and possibly illegal.
Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
ASSiSTANcE
fRoM AbovE
Racing lifA-saving
AquipCAnt or
CAdication to patiAnts

thA Royal Canadian mountAd PolicA used

a DTaganflyeT X4-ES dTone with heat-sensing
equipment to help locate a man who had
become lost following a caT accident in
inaccessible teTTain at night.
RAsAarchArs in LancashiTe, UK, have fitted
UAVs with a cameTa that can Telay Teal-time
images to web useTs anywheTe in the woTld,
enlisting thousands of shaTp eyes to help find
Supply drop: missing mountaineeTs. The AeToSee pToject
an unCannAd hopes cTowd-souTcing seaTch-and-Tescue
K-mAX
missions will help save pTecious time and
hAlicoptAr is
dAployAd in minimise wasted TesouTces.
rACotA and On call GeTman company Height Tech has
hostilA arAas in designed a dTone to deliveT a defibTillatoT to
Afghanistan fiTst-aideTs helping heaTt attack victims, located
via smaTtphone.

timeline World War I World War II >>

Elmer Ambrose Sperry The US Navy planned to
AmeriEan Eo-inventor of target German positions
the gyrosEopiE Eompass with refitted bombers
pioneered the use of guided by remote Eontrol.
unmanned biplanes, Real pilots were still
laden with TNT, to be needed to take the plane to
Eatapulted as air Eruising altitude, before
torpedoes over enemy paraEhuting out. Many of
positions. the test planes Erashed.
63
 Is it a bird?
Where pilots Is it a plane?
fear to tread Making Times 2011 list of
the top 50 inventions was
>> Monitoring disaster zones: a prototype for a tiny drone
During the nuclear disaster at disguised as a hummingbird.
Japans Fukushima Power The spy drone, which
Plant, a 7.5kg robot called the a contractor to the
Honeywell T-Hawk (left) few US Defence Advanced
reconnaissance missions in Research Projects Agency
areas with radiation levels too spent five years and
dangerous for humans. $4 million developing,
>> Hurricane hunting: measures just 16cm and
Hover-and- Researchers at Oklahoma State weighs less than 20g (thats
stare University are currently using less than an AA battery). The
capability drones to monitor how storms sneaky little critter can fly at
evolve, by flying the robots directly speeds up to
into the eye of the weather cell. 18km/h.
>> 3D mapping: Using drones to scan landscapes
boosts the accuracy and detail of maps.
>>Maximising agricultural crops: In Japan, where
farm land is often very steep, farmers have used
drones with mounted cameras for over 20 years to
decide where pesticides, water and other
resources are needed most.
>> Real-estate photography: Instead of hiring
a photographer to go up in a helicopter for that
all-important aerial shot, get a drone to do it.

>> 1950s mid-1960s 1970s to 1980s

The US and USSR UAVs were widely Israel pioneered much of the
P H OTO S : (CO P T ER) FOX ; ( B I R D)
A E R O V I R O N M E N T; ( W I L D L I F E )

began deploying used for technology used today. In

C O N S E R VAT I O N D R O N E S . O R G

cruise missiles, surveillance 1982, during the Bekaa Valley

which are basically missions during the conflict, Israel used a fleet of
drone weapons Vietnam War. UAVs to trick the Syrians into
that can be guided activating their radars. Israeli
to a target many bombers then swooped in to
kilometres away. destroy most of the Syrian
missile sites.
64
 Fun things and
conservation
sTUDYIng EnDAngERED Wildlife
OcieLtiOtO oL
spECIEs such as Sumatran orangutans the iOlaLd of
from above the treetops. Researchers are sumatra, iL
also working on drones to track poachers, ILdoLeOia,
such as those of rhino in uOiLg a droLe
South Africa.
WHALE TEXTBOOK DELIVERY to the
doorsteps of university students in Sydney
WATCHIng off
may start rolling out in March of this year.
the coast of Australia.
Scientists use drones to AT spORTIng EVEnTs in Australia,
monitor sperm whale the FoxKopter drone has become famous for
behaviour. its aerial vision, capturing sports action from
rugby and cricket to surfing competitions. n
qUEnCHIng THIRsT in Limpopo,
South Africa. Revellers at the Oppikoppi Copter camera:
Music Festival (above left) could moveO iL aLy
order a cold beer via an app on their directioL
smartphone. A drone was then sent
to their GPS position to drop the beer
by parachute from 15m up.
DOmInOs pIzzA in the US is
reportedly testing pizza delivery by drone.

2001 2013
The CIA tested an Hollywood began
armed drone for lobbying the Obama
the first time as
2002 administration to allow
a result of the The first US killing by a drone filmmakers to use drones
September 11 outside a battlefield occurred for aerial shots. National
terrorist attacks. when six alleged terrorists in Geographic reported that
Yemen were killed in their drones were used by at
vehicle by a UAV controlled least 50 countries.
from Tampa, Florida.
65
66 Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
 The
Science
awkward
Of
Moments
Thekeytohandling How to:
interactionswith Get an honest
grace:anticipating answer
Youre buying a used car, moving into
theotherpersons awhich
new apartment, or determining
doctor should treat your
pointofview cancer. These are times when you
(oftenbeforethey need to get directly to the core of an
important issue.
Asking general questions elicits little
knowitthemselves) valuable information and may even
yield deceptive responses, says Julia
Minson, a visiting scholar in decision
sciences at the University of Pennsyl-
By Mary Loftus vania in the US. The best bet, says
l from Psychology Today Minson, is to ask probing questions
67

that presume there are problems.
Lets say someone is selling a used
iPod. An example of a general question
is What can you tell me about it?.
A positive-assumption question is
There arent any problems with it,
right? But a negative-assumption
question, such as What problems
have you had with it?, will get the
most honest response, found Minson
and her colleagues.
In a study that set up a fake sales
interaction, 87% of the sellers alerted
the buyer to problems when asked a
negative-assumption question versus
68
59% of those responding to
a positive-assumption
query and 10% of those re-
sponding to a general one.
When you want the
unvarnished truth, you
have to ask for it: what
mechanical problems does
this car have? What are the
worst parts of this job?
How many people with my
kind of illness have been
successfully treated? What
are their relapse rates?
Your questions should
communicate that you
assume there will be
difficulties and drawbacks
and that you want to know
about them.
How to:
Frame
criticism
No-one likes being told he is doing
something wrong, which means that
even constructive criticism is
usually received with defensiveness.
Thats why Denver psychologist
Susan Heitler one of the founders of
poweroftwomarriage.com, a website
all PHOTOS: geTTy imageS
focused on building communication
skills recommends feedback that
skips the complaining and goes
straight to the explaining.
For instance, while cooking, dont
say to your husband, Thats not the
way to saut. It will dry out the pota-
toes. Instead, offer helpful advice
Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
such as My grandmother taught me Rock) and powerful leaders (former
three tips for keeping sauted potatoes British Prime Minister Gordon Brown)
soft and yummy: start cop to being shy when
your potatoes and on- theyre not performing
ions in a hot skillet,
keep adding small
Who Knew? or giving speeches.
(At a dinner party,
amounts of butter,
Critical you want to sit next to
and keep stirring until corrections me, Rocks wife, Ma-
the onions are trans- Criticism makes or breaks laak Compton-Rock,
lucent. relationships. Criticism is once said.) Theyre in
For parents, the the most significant factor good company: 40% of
in a childs perception of
same approach applies the population falls
his relationship with his
to homework and into that category, says
parent. As for adults, Jill
chores. Choose Hooley, a psychologist at Bernardo Carducci,
encouraging state- Harvard, and John director of the Shyness
ments over stern Teasdale, a psychologist Research Institute at
commands, and say now at Cambridge in the Indiana University
what youd prefer UK, found in one Southeast in the US.
your child do rather influential study that the Carducci considers
than what she has not best predictor of relapse small talk the corner-
done or has done for married adults with stone of civility
incorrectly. Say Id depression is their because it paves the
love to see your play- response to the question way for bigger conver-
room cleaned up by How critical is your sations. His pocket
this weekend so you spouse of you? Patients guide to social
and your friends can who relapsed rated their discourse, How to Talk
spouses as significantly
have fun there to Anyone Anytime
more critical than did
instead of This place Anywhere About Any-
patients who remained
is a mess! What have well. In any relationship, thing, suggests you
you been doing? You its crucial to criticise seek out a prop (like a
havent picked up one without demeaning or wineglass) or act as a
thing. No-one is humiliating. host by introducing
coming over this people to each other.
weekend until this Here are his four
room is spotless. cardinal rules for easier conversation.
1) Be nice but not necessarily
How to: brilliant.
2) Keep your opening lines simple,
Thrive at a party and think about your introduction
Its hard to believe, but even the beforehand (your name and a little
worlds most brazen comedians (Chris information about yourself that might
69
serve as conversation kindling later). ponent (accept or reject) and a content
3) Join conversations that are component (agree or disagree). The
already in progress by recipient is confronted
elaborating on the with a dilemma
topic of discussion or Who Knew? how to respond
introducing new
topics, perhaps from
Gratitude simultaneously to both:
I must agree with the
current events.
gaffes speaker and thank him
4) End by saying, Compliments can show for the gift of a compli-
Theres someone a range of social ment while avoiding
ineptitude. In one study,
I have to speak with, self-praise.
clumsy responses to
but it was really nice Contrary to con-
I like your sweater
meeting you. included praise ventional wisdom,
Dont make the upgrades (Yes, it really women arent worse
mistake of staying on brings out the blue in than men at accept-
one subject for too my eyes), intrusive ing compliments. It
long. Its called small questions (Do you is the gender of the
talk for a reason. Think really think so? Do you compliment giver
conversational hors want to borrow it?), that most influences
doeuvres, with each and disagreement (Its the response. Women
topic sampled and itchy, I hate it). and men are both
savoured. more likely to accept
a compliment coming
How to: from a man than from a woman. When
a man says, Nice scarf, a woman is
Accept a more likely to respond affirmatively:
compliment Thanks. My sister knitted it for me.
But when one woman tells another,
When asked, nearly everyone says the Thats a beautiful sweater, the
proper response to a compliment is recipient is likely to demur or deflect:
Thank you. But when actually given It was on sale, and they didnt even
a compliment, only a third of people have the colour I wanted. Such
accept it so simply and smoothly, a response, intended to make the
found the late Robert Herbert, a complimenter feel that the recipient
linguist at Binghamton University in isnt overly proud, only makes her feel
New York who wrote the influential awkward or invalidated instead. Better
if prosaically titled Sex-based differ- to make a relevant, related comment
ences in compliment behaviour. like Thanks. Its my favourite too.
The difficulty lies in the fact that And nothing tops smiling, look-
every compliment (What a nice ing the complimenter in the eye, and
sweater!) has two levels: a gift com- simply saying, Thank you.
70 Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
How to:
Apologise
Sorry, my mistake. It wont
happen again. Please
forgive me. If such words
come easily to you, youre
lucky. Most of us have to
steel ourselves to apolo-
gise, sometimes because
it feels as if we were fully
justified in our offending
behaviour, other times
because it is so
humiliating to admit
that we werent.
It turns out that the
Who Knew?
words you utter when Sexism
apologising are less of sorry
important than the Women do apologise
act of apologising more than men but not
itself. Social psychol- for the reasons you
ogist Steven Scher of think, say social
Eastern Illinois psychologists Karina
Schumann and Michael
University in the US
Ross of the University
has identified the five
of Waterloo, in Ontario.
main elements of Our findings suggest
apologies: that men apologise less 4) A promise of for-
1) A simple expres- frequently than women bearance: I promise
sion of regret: Im not because their egos nothing like this will
sorry, I apologise, are more fragile but happen again.
or Excuse me. because they have a 5) An offer of repair:
2) An explanation higher threshold for What can I do to make
or account of the what constitutes it up to you?
cause that brought offensive behaviour. Employing any of
about the violation: these strategies is better
I forgot to call you than using none, Scher
the other day with the information. has found, and the effects can be
3) An expression of the speakers additive the more components you
responsibility for the offence: What include in the apology, the better.
I did was wrong. Perhaps most important, make it
71
genuine insincere apol-
ogies can be worse than
none at all, found psy-
chologist Jeanne Zech-
meister and colleagues at
Chicagos Loyola Univer-
sity.

How to:
Dole out
praise
Kind words can be
powerful motivators
but only if you praise the
right things. Praising
someones ability to work
hard is more effective
than gushing about how
brilliant she is. Research
shows that kids who are
praised for their intelli-
gence do not try as hard
on future tasks.
Being praised for
effort or other aspects of performance performed better the next day if they
directly under your control leads to had been praised at the end of the
resilience, while being praised for be- previous day, say Japanese researchers.
ing smart or for other innate abilities To the brain, receiving a compliment
can lead to feelings of helplessness or is as much a social reward as being
self-doubt when a setback occurs, given money.
says psychologist Heidi Grant Halvor-
son, associate director of the Motiva-
tion Science Centre at Columbia Uni- How to:
versity. Persuade others
How praise is delivered counts as The polarised political climate that
much as what gets praised. Praise exists in much of the world at the
should be specific and sincere and moment might suggest that no-one
given generously, especially at the can be persuaded by anything; every-
office. Workers asked to learn a task one has already made up his or her
72 Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
mind. But if that Figure out what you
were true, there want, and then go
would be no Who Knew? about getting it.
salesmen, lawyers, Peer power Never debate
or therapists. In Never discount the influential the undebatable,
fact, each day, many effect of comparing people he says. Instead,
of us have to per- with their fellows, says Robert focus on goals.
suade people to buy Cialdini, an Arizona State Control the mood
University psychologist turned
into something they of the discussion
consultant who wrote
might not otherwise with volume, tone,
Influence: The Psychology of
consider. Persuasion. He cites an energy stories. Watch for
When you want company that placed monthly persuadable mo-
to change some- hangers on office doors so ments. And most
ones mood, mind, that employees could important, be
or willingness to compare how much energy agreeable express
act, dont ask each one used and the similarities and
yourself, How can I process reduced overall usage shared values; show
win this argument? by 3.5%. Its not peer pressure people that you
Instead, ask, How as much as social evidence, have their best
can I win agreement says rhetoric expert Jay interests, as well as
w i t h o u t a n g e r? Heinrichs. Evolutionarily, its your own, at heart.
advises rhetoric ex- proven smart to do what (Youd say, You
pert Jay Heinrichs, those around us in similar may not agree with
situations have done.
author of Thank _______, but do
You for Arguing: you really want
What Aristotle, someone else
Lincoln, and Homer Simpson Can deciding what we can and cant do in
Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion. our private lives?) n
2013 by MaRy LoFtuS. Psychology Today (MaRch/apRiL 2013), pSychoLoGytoDay.coM

harsh sentences
A winner from the annual Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest for intentionally
bad first lines to unpublished novels.
Tucked in a dim corner of the Ample Bounty Bar & Grille, Alice welcomed
the fervent touch of the mysterious strangers experienced hands because
she had not been this close with a man in an achingly long time and, quivering
breathlessly, began to think that this could be the beginning of something
real, something forever, and not just a one-time encounter with a good
Samaritan who was skilled at the Heimlich manoeuvre. Ma rk Wisnew sk i

73
Alexander the
elephants tusk
was one of Peter
Kerteszs most
challenging
operations

74
 This heavyweight dental
team knows all about
tusks and fangs as well as
molars and fillings

A Very
PeculiAr
PrActice
tex t An d P h oto g rA P h s by dAV i d hi ggs
When Alexander, a four-and-a-
half-ton Asian elephant, broke
a tusk in 2002, staff at Mnster
zoo, Germany, knew who to
call. Arriving at the zoo,
London-based dentist Dr Peter
Kertesz found his patient wary
and restless. A 2.5cm hole in
his right tusk was plain to see
and the sensitive pulp cavity
was infected. The elephant
would have been in agony.
Alexander paced back and
forth in his indoor compound,
watching nervously as Peter
75
and his assistants set up their equip-
ment for the next days operation. His
caution was understandable. Dental
operations on heavyweight patients
like him can require industrial grinders
powered by the sort of compressors
workmen use to dig up roads, and drill
bits that may be 10cm wide and more
than 60cm long.
Next morning, a vet darted Alexander
with a powerful tranquilliser and
keepers threw ropes around him. It
was vital that he collapsed onto his
left side so Peter could reach his
damaged tusk. But some 15 minutes
later, a rope broke and disaster
Alexander fell to his right.
Peter was faced with an almost
impossible problem how to operate
on a tusk that was jammed between
the floor and the head of an
unconscious elephant who couldnt
be turned over in such a tight space.
Luckily, Peter could reach the tip
of the infected tusk and cut it away
with an electrical saw, exposing the
pulp cavity. But when he probed
inside, litres of pus drained out. The
tusk, he realised, needed to be
removed. An operation that, as far as
Peter knew, had never been performed
on an elephant lying on its wrong side.
Still, over the next two and a half
hours, the dentist, lying on his side in
the straw, with almost no room for
manoeuvre and watchful always not to
injure Alexander, worked away with a
lever and giant chain wrench to force
the tusk out.
It was sheer concentrated stress,
76
remembers Peter. Youve got to get
the job done and youve only got
limited time. You cant come back
tomorrow or next week to finish it.
By 1pm, however, the tusk was gone
and, over the next few weeks,
Alexander made a complete recovery.
But Peter was used to such
pioneering dentistry. For the 69-year-
old has spent the last 28 years operating
on the mouths of some of the most
exotic creatures in the world from
tiny marmosets weighing less than a
pack of butter, to lions, tigers and a
ten-ton killer whale.
His life started very differently,
however. Born in Budapest, his
childhood was haunted by the horrors
of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, as
rebels battled the communist
government. Peter still recalls the
moment when, as a 12-year-old, a
revolutionary pointed a machine gun
at him. There was a shout Stop, or
Ill shoot, he says. I just jumped back
into the doorway. People were getting
killed for no reason at all.
He and his parents fled to London
in 1957 with nothing. But Peters
father, a heating engineer back in
Hungary, found work as a travelling
salesman and gradually the family
built a new life.
Inspired by such dedication in the
face of adversity, Peter learned
English, applied himself at school and
eventually qualified as a dentist. For
eight years, he worked with patients
in London. Then, in 1985, a local vet
called him with a query.
Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4

Some of Peters tools you home in London,
wouldnt want them in your meanwhile, he was still
mouth!
Could you come over
and give me a hand with
a cat that needs a dental
operation? The vet had
neither the equipment
nor the training to cope
alone, but the improvised
operation went well
despite using instruments
intended for humans.
With animal dentists thin
on the ground, word
spread of Peters talents
and, shortly after, he
performed his first zoo
operation, on a tiger at
Windsor Safari Park.
Soon, keepers around the
world were calling him
to tend to an increasing
array of exotic creatures
and Peter began to
specialise in zoo animals,
learning on the job how
to tailor treatment to the
various species. Back
dealing with human
patients.

He has spent 28 Often the work has been arduous. At

a zoo in Moscow in 2003, Peter had
years operating to operate on nine walruses in three
days. One session started at 8am and
on some of the didnt finish until 4am the following
most exotic morning, he says. I was catnapping
between each case. No toilet break for
creatures in five hours. But you only get tired
when you stop. Youre totally
the world focused.
77
 Peter inspects
the teeth of
Mitsos the
bear
It was dangerous too. We had to
operate on a dolphin at the bottom of
its pool in six inches of sea water.
Usually, dolphins are moved onto dry
land, but this zoo didnt want to. The
mains cable for the equipment had to
be laid through the salt water. I was
scared. I really thought we were going
to be killed. Since then, Ive got
battery-powered equipment for
dolphin surgery!
Anaesthetising wild animals is also
fraught with risk. Many animals lose
Ive never been
bitten by a wild
animal only
by humans
the ability to control their body
temperature when put under,
particularly if they have a lot of thick
fur and insulating fat, and can
succumb to overheating. Gorillas,
meanwhile, are notoriously sensitive
to anaesthetic and can have a reaction
similar to that of a human infant.
About eight years ago we had one
that died on recovery, says Peter.
I cried my eyes out. I thought it was
my fault I was ready to give up.
Then the post-mortem showed that it
had major heart problems.
Because of the risks to the patient,
many vets prefer to minimise
anaesthetic, juggling the dose to last
just long enough to get the job done.
Its not unusual for an animal to
begin to wake up, says Peter. Ive
had lions and tigers licking my hand.
Once, a bear got up and started
Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
 walking round the room. But Ive endangered species such as Sumatran
never been bitten by a wild animal tigers, snow leopards and pandas.
only by humans. Weve seen animals that havent
mated for many years that couldnt
Operations are rarely easy. Often an stop after having their teeth sorted
animals teeth have evolved specifically out, he explains. A healthy mouth
not to be easily pulled out. The roots gives you an appetite for more than
of a gorillas molars are hooked and just eating!
curved outwards, making Some of Peters most
conventional extraction the number of satisfying cases have
almost impossible. A bears each of these involved abused wild
canine roots can be up to species that peter animals. For several years,
has operated on
7.5cm long and each tooth starting in 1994, Peter
may take up to 40 minutes worked with a charity in
to remove. Indeed, with northern Greece, treating
large animals, tooth rescued dancing bears
extraction is often more prior to their release back
like excavation. To ensure 100 elephants into the mountains. To
that no root is left behind make them more docile
to cause infection, and less likely to injure
surrounding jawbone has their Romani owners,
to be carefully ground 150 lions many animals had had
away, usually with a their teeth smashed or
pneumatic die grinder, snapped. Some had injuries
until the entire length of from gnawing on the
the tooth is exposed. 60 gorillas chains that held them
For this and other captive. They faced a
procedures, which differ lifetime of brain-numbing
slightly from creature to agony as the stumps
creature, Peter has 40 walruses became infected, making it
amassed nearly a ton of extremely difficult for
specialist surgical equipment, costing them to eat, and they often died of
more than 80,000. Elephant blood poisoning and related diseases.
I L L U S T R AT I O N : i S T O c k p h O T O

operations often require a 5 horsepower In a remote clinic converted from

drill, more than enough power to drive a pigsty, Peter sweated for hours on
a small boat, while Peter has super- each of the 2.4m beasts, grinding
tough hand files custom-made in down diseased teeth, packing cavities
Switzerland at 2000 each. with collagen and suturing gums.
Though he charges a fee, he sees his But outside the clinic, bears treated
work as essentially conservation by Peter the previous year were fully
o r i e n t a t e d , a n d o f t e n t r e a t s recovered and playing energetically as
79
 Dr Peter Kertesz
For more photos of animal holds a 7.5cm
dentistry, visit Readers diseased
Digest Magazine online, bear tooth
see page 6

they awaited release. It was a joy to
see, says Peter. The behaviour of
even the most aggressive dramatically
improved hardly surprising, given
the misery they had suffered.
In the last year, Peter has operated at
zoos in Turkey, Belgium, Egypt, Spain,
Ireland and Britain. But hes still a
conventional dentist running a private
practice in Londons Mayfair, and
more than 80% of his regular patients
are human, who he treats at his
surgery from Monday to Thursday.
You have to be immersed in
dentistry all day, every day to do
animal work, he points out. One week
you could be working in a field in the
UK soaked to the skin and freezing
cold, the next under a baking hot sun
in Egypt. You need experience to make
clinical decisions with the minimal
amount of diagnostic equipment.
But doesnt he find humans a bit
boring after working with wild
animals? Not at all. Its a pleasure
I can communicate with them. There
are very high highs with the zoo work,
but very low lows. Its not fun, but its
necessary. !

I M MORTA L ON E -LI N ER S
l Old accountants never die; they just lose their balance.
l Old daredevils never die, they just get discouraged.
l Old lawyers never die; they just lose their appeal.

80 Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
 WMoMadeTMat?
DentaKfKoss
By PAGAN KENNEDy

It remains one of the simplest ways

photos: shut terstock; toothpick courtesy bonham s

to ward off tooth decay

I n the early 1800s, a pioneering

American dentist, Levi Spear
Parmly, urged patients to clean
between their teeth with silk thread a
technique that could protect the gum
line and prevent tooth decay. Back then,
silk thread came in unwieldy spools
and had to be cut into lengths with a
knife. Worse, using it required you to
put your fingers into your mouth.
People just didnt get it, says
Dr Scott Swank, curator of the US
National Museum of Dentistry. In an
era during which rotting molars
were the norm, he says, people
expected their teeth to fall out.
Then in the 1870s, Asahel
Shurtleff helped to civilise floss
when he patented the first dispenser: a
bobbin of thread with a U-shaped
prong that worked like a tiny metal
hand, guiding floss between the teeth.
It anticipated the portable floss holders
we use today.
Designers have since given us
bubble-gum-flavoured floss, Gore-Tex
strands and tooth-shaped dispensers
all in an attempt to make flossing
seem fun or at least not too difficult.
Recent studies have revealed that
flossing might be one of the simplest
ways to ward off tooth decay. Yet,
Swank says: People still dont care.
Two centuries on, flossing remains the
quintessential thing that we forget
and hate to do. !

A FlASh oF GolD Victorians loved their toothVicks. after dinner,

a gentleman would Vroduce a leather case, reach into its velvet-lined interior,
withdraw his gold Vick and begin grooming. english writer charles Dickens
owned a gold and ivory toothVick engraved with his initials; it retracted into its
own handle like a tiny sVyglass. Flossing might have been more effective, but
how could it comVete with the flash of the toothVick?
Dickenss tootMpick (at Keft) recentKy soKd at an auction in tMe US for $9150
From THE NEW YORK TIMES (oct 21, 12) 2012 by the neW york times co., neW york

81
ReadeR Competition This month we are
proud to announce

Happy the release of

Australia:
A Celebration,

Times
a commemorative
book published by
Readers Digest.
For details, go to

GreaT readersdigest.com.au

memories
We invited our readers to send us their favourite
holiday snaps photos that capture best the simple
joys of holidaying in the great outdoors. Here are
our ten winners

SheppaRton, ViC,
eaRly 1900S
The Australian bush picnic
has a timeless appeal:
a camp fire, a leisurely yarn
and sandwiches washed
down with billy tea.
This occasion was a
family picnic in the early
1900s. My great-
grandfather is sitting on
the Shell box, with his
brothers and sisters.
Jacqui Cody, Lake
illawarra, NsW
Quobba Station,
Carnarvon, Wa, 1979
The people in this photograph are my
in-laws. The fish is a blue bone and it
weighed in at 11kg.
Sue Hill, Geilston Bay, Tas

Camping in a ForESt,
gErmanY
I was on my big OE (overseas
experience) and was visiting Berlin.
Straight after this photo was taken
we accidently pitched our tent over
an ants nest!
Juliet Buckler, Carlton North, Vic

QuEEnSCliFF bEaCh, viC, 2013

My daughter loves to explore the rock pools
scattered along the beach, collecting shells,
rocks, feathers and other treasures in her
net, and using them to decorate sandcastles.
Heidi Holley, Sunshine, Vic
83
 PalM beaCh,
nSW, 1959-60
Today, Palm Beach is an
exclusive ocean-side
suburb, but it wasnt
always that way. We
used to caravan there in
the days when you could
leave your van on-site. We
used to water ski in front
of the caravan park.
Kathryn Cocker,
Kanahooka, NSW

Gibb RiveR
Road, Wa, 2007
This former stock route
runs for 660km through
the Kimberley outback.
The boys are doing a
star jump. Wed planned
to do the trip in about
four days but we enjoyed
it so much we took six
extra days!
Kaylene Lay,
Stratford, Vic

MuRRay-SunSet
national PaRk,
viC, 2010
We bushwalked around Lake
Crosbie and our kids collected
rock salt from the dry lake bed.
That night we made damper
using some of the rock salt and
toasted marshmallows around
the camp fire.
Miriam Blaker,
Hurtsbridge, Vic
84 Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
Barn hill station,
Broome, Wa, 2002
Happy caravanners doing what come
naturally. We had all just pushed the previous
van through. The best element of this photo
is the humour and the unseen driver.
Ron Keily, Cranbourne East, Vic

narraWong holiday park,

Vic, 2012
How did you get hooked on fishing? The two boys
are my son Diesel (left) and his cousin Blair. Im
not sure if the boys caught any fish that day!
Robyn Harvey, Arnaud, Vic

ulVerstone,tas,
christmas day,1962
The tent in the background
was my grandfathers army tent
from WWII, and it stunk of
diesel but we didnt mind.
Stewart Duncan,
St Leonards, Tas

85
Allinadays work
Less than OFFICE
scientific HUMOUR
Share it and
win cash
These brave medical scientists

se
ep

ls
i
have opened up about their age ta
6 f or de
problematic methodology
using the Twitter hashtag
#overlyhonestmethods:
n Blood samples were
spun at 1500rpm because the
centrifuge made a scary noise
at higher speeds.
n Incubation lasted three days because
thats how long the undergrad forgot the experiment in the fridge.
n The sample was biased because the plants were growing on a
thornbush, and I didnt want to stick my hand in too far.
n Case study location was determined by the availability of free
lodging from researchers partner.
n We tested the theory on undergraduates because they are cheap
and available.

Its a living
I have always believed that writing
phoTos: ThInksTock

advertisements is the second most

profitable form of writing. The
first, of course, is ransom notes.
Ph il ip Dusenberry,
quoted in Eric Clark, The Want Makers: Inside the World of Advertising
 8!#?
Booked
%#?!!!!
My neighbour, a police officer, Classic over-share
pulled someone over for texting To register her child for our
while driving. The driver was school, a mother filled out a
having none of it. number of forms. For the
I was question Language spoken
not texting! at home? shed answered:
she insisted Generally good language,
unless I get mad.
indignantly. I was Su b mitted by Pa tric ia Dra k e
on Facebook.
S u bm i t t e d by B ren da Mo rales
Blonde ambition
I was recently denied a job
Not a hoppy life because the guy interviewing
me said that I was an illiterate
Driving my three-year-old blonde who used fake words.
daughter to daycare before work, The words I used were
I noticed several plethora and viable.
rabbits lying dead on From the internet
the side of the road.
I quickly sped past,
hoping she wouldnt In quick timere I used to
spot them. No such One of my co-workers whe
and when
luck. work was in the reserve forces,
bos s placed
Mummy, what was he was deployed abroad, the
this sticky note on his doo r:
that?
Some wood must have
fallen from a truck, I
fibbed.
Oh, she said. Is
that what killed all
those rabbits?
d by
Su b mitted b y S u bm it te
ang
Tamm y Maas Jo yc e H u

87
Together since
high school: Ron
and Cari MacLean
MiNutes
FroM
death
Theyd been a couple for
28 years. But if the ER doctor
couldnt figure out what was
wrong with Cari, these might be
their last moments together

By Nicholas huNe-BrowN
photographed By raiNa+wilsoN
R
Ron MacLean was out on the ice when
the firefighter-paramedics entered
the arena. It was a Tuesday evening
in October 2012, and the Canadian
sports presenter was wrapping up an
amateur league ice hockey game.
Instantly Rons mind flashed to team-
mates whod had health problems in
the past. Oh, God, he thought as he
skated towards the bench. Thats
when he noticed players pointing in
his direction. The firefighters who
had just answered an emergency call
at Rons home told him his wife,
Cari, had been taken by ambulance to
the Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial
Hospital. You should get there
immediately, they said.
Ron wheeled out of the arena lot,
nearly smashing into a car backing out
of its spot. He knew Cari hadnt been
feeling well, and he was trying to stay
calm. The couple live in Oakville, an
affluent suburb west of Toronto. They
had been together since 1978, when
Ron, in Grade 12, became smitten with
the Grade 10 girl who, he later real-
ised, looked like Jennifer Beals from
Flashdance. He began seeking Cari out
at school and at parties, and he timed
his trips to a local ice-cream shop so
hed run into her on her way home
from basketball practice. Eventually,
he won her over.
He had rushed to Oakville-Trafalgar
once before. One day in 1990, his
three-month-pregnant wife called him
to say she was having serious abdom-
inal pain. By the time he got there, Cari
had lost the child. The couple was
devastated. They tried again, and then
90
again, but at a certain point it became
clear they werent meant to be parents.
For 28 years, theyd had only each other.
Now he feared the worst.
Cari plays hockey and runs marathons.
When she couldnt keep up with her
running group in September 2012, she
chalked it up to age and lack of condi-
tioning. Shed turned 50 and had spent
a leisurely few months neglecting to
train. Perhaps she had a cold. Any of
these things could explain the shortness
of breath, the unfamiliar weakness.
On Monday October 8, Cari felt a
cramp in her calf the same sensation
shed had that April, after a flight to
Vietnam. On Tuesday evening, with
the cramp no better, she texted a
friend to say she was going to skip
hockey. After Ron left for work, she
went upstairs and ran a bath to try to
loosen her calf. Thats when, over-
come by nausea, she started vomiting.
She managed to pull herself out of the
tub and looked in the mirror. She was
shocked: her face, drenched in sweat,
was white as soap.
From her ensuite bathroom, Cari
looked over at her bed, a few metres
away. She couldnt imagine summon-
ing the strength to make it that far.
She gathered some towels and made
a makeshift bed on the floor. She lay
down and curled into the foetal
position. Then she heard a voice.
No, it said. Get up, get dressed, call
an ambulance. She felt hypnotised.
Everything in her body wanted to lie
down, but the voice kept insisting,
Get up, get up.
Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
 Cari pulled on what clothing she
could and crawled on all fours, taking
the stairs step by agonising step.
When she finally reached the phone
and called, the operator asked if the
patient was still breathing. Im the
patient, Cari answered weakly. Im
in trouble. Dr Mangesh
Inamdar
Mangesh Inamdar was in the middle
of his eight-hour shift when the
nurses called him to the ER. A youth-
ful 42-year-old, Inamdar possesses
the love of adrenaline that marks so
many emergency doctors. When he
graduated from medical school, his
plan was to become a radiologist,
someone who pored over X-rays and
MRIs in a quiet room. During his
residency, however, he found himself the circulation system and blocks the
drifting over to the intensive care blood vessels in the lung. It isnt pretty,
unit, moonlighting there despite a full and death comes quickly. Many never
workload. Maybe it was the variety make it to the ER they die at home
of cases he got to work on or the or in the ambulance. In fact, in his
satisfaction of seeing swift results or 14 years as an emergency physician,
the immediacy of life-or-death Inamdar had never seen anyone
situations, but he kept coming back. survive.
When the paramedics wheeled in But as Inamdar continued to
Cari, her pulse was almost non- investigate, he began to have doubts.
existent. Most worrying was her Because a pulmonary embolism starts
blood pressure. For a woman her age, as a clot in the leg, usually a patient
it should have been 120 systolic. Caris will have a swollen calf. Caris calves,
was 60. The blood pressure suggested however, were perfectly symmetrical.
a few possibilities: ruptured aorta, Another telltale sign is troubled
internal bleeding, fluid around the breathing, but Cari told him she didnt
heart, septic shock or a major heart feel any pain in her lungs. She had felt
attack. The possibility that Inamdar shortness of breath, but shed also had
Photo: Jami Li

kept coming back to, however, was a
massive pulmonary embolism.
This occurs when a blood clot,
generally in the calf, works its way up
sniffles and had been vomiting
symptoms that pointed toward a virus.
Inamdar was confused. A CT scan
could reveal the truth, but Cari was
91
so unstable that he couldnt risk bring-
ing her out of the ER. Low oxygen
levels were another sign of massive
pulmonary embolism. The most
accurate reading is done with a small
oxygen monitor attached to a patients
fingertip, but Cari was wearing gel
nails that were impossible to remove
without soaking them in acetone for 15
minutes. Because she had no
perceptible pulse, they couldnt draw
blood from her wrist to test for oxygen,
so Inamdar went with Plan C, attach-
ing an oxygen monitor to her earlobe.
The results were astonishing. While
oxygen levels for someone as fit as
Cari could exceed 99%, the earlobe
is going to die, Inamdar says. I think
all of the nurses in that room felt the
same thing. Because weve all seen the
look of death.
When Ron arrived, his wife appeared
weak and seemed to have countless
needles in both arms connected to
the IV lines. When she leaned over to
vomit in a bedpan, the needles came
out and Ron could only watch help-
lessly as the nurses reinserted them.
But despite all this, Ron was oddly
heartened. Cari looked pale, yes, but
she wasnt showing obvious signs of
trauma. Standing in his jeans and
baseball cap, among the beeping ma-

If caRI dIdnt have a pulmonaRy embolIsm, If It Wa s

InteRnal bleedIng, she Would bleed out If hIs
hunch Wa s RIght, the thRomboly tIc could save heR.
If he Wa s WRong, It Would kIll heR

monitor was telling Inamdar that Cari
was at just 30%. The result was
basically incompatible with life.
Inamdar didnt know what to think.
Cari had been there for ten minutes
and was conscious as the nurses
rushed around her, adjusting her IVs
and checking her vitals. The reading
was so low it could have been an error
earlobe monitors are notoriously
unreliable for gauging oxygen levels.
But if it wasnt an error, then
Cari would suffer respiratory arrest
at any moment. I remember thinking,
I dont have a diagnosis and this lady
92
chines and the bustling nurses, he felt
a sense of calm. It seemed to me that
everything we needed was right
there, he says. When Inamdar fired
off questions, he answered as quickly
and accurately as possible. It was like
doing a live hockey broadcast, he
thought. Do your part and then get out
of the way to let the experts do their
jobs. Every once in a while, he would
reach out and touch his wifes arm.
Youre doing great, he told her.
Things are going great.
Then things started to get worse.
Cari had now been in the hospital for
Re a d e r s d i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
20 minutes and began to shake wildly.
Inamdar knew that 70% of patients
who die from pulmonary embolisms
die within the first hour following the
onset of symptoms. If that was what
she was fighting, he needed to act.
The treatment for a pulmonary
embolism is a thrombolytic a drug
that dissolves blood clots and would,
with a bit of luck, clear the pathway
to the lungs. But if Cari didnt have a
pulmonary embolism and was actually
suffering from some sort of internal
bleeding, she would bleed out, and
Inamdar and the nurses would be
helpless to stop it. If his hunch was
right, the thrombolytic could save her.
If he was wrong, it would kill her.
Inamdar conducted an ultrasound,
desperately searching for new infor-
mation. Cari didnt have any blood in
her belly, which ruled out internal
bleeding. He looked more closely at
her heart. Caris right ventricle
seemed to be larger than her left ven-
tricle, a sign of pulmonary embolism.
It was the nudge he needed. Were
giving her the thrombolytic, he said.
While the nurses rushed to prepare,
he hustled to the computer. Treating
pulmonary embolism is rare enough
that the protocol is still somewhat
experimental. So while Cari lay dying
on the bed, Inamdar took the unusual
step of typing thrombolytic, massive
pulmonary embolism into Google.
He scanned some medical studies and
came up with a plan: rather than give
her the medication in small doses, as
some studies suggested, he would give
it to her all at once. The small-doses
!
Warning SignS
Each year, hundreds of
thousands of people worldwide
are hospitalised for pulmonary
embolism (PE) a blockage of a
lung artery caused by a blood
clot that has travelled from
another part of the body, usually
the legs. The larger the clot, the
greater the danger, with roughly
10% of cases ending in death.
Risk of PE increases if you have
cancer, are overweight, are
pregnant, take birth control pills
or have recently had surgery.
Small PE
SymPtomS
Unexplained calf swelling,
laboured or pained breathing
(caused by dead lung tissue),
coughed-up blood.
action
Go to an emergency ward. If
caught in time, a small PE can be
treated with blood thinners.
largE PE
SymPtomS
Sudden light-headedness,
shortness of breath, weakness,
loss of colour, intense sweating.
action
Call an ambulance. Any delay
may prove fatal.
93

Safe flying
Long-haul flights (four hours
or more) can trigger the for-
mation of blood clots, known
as deep vein thrombosis, the
condition that precedes a
pulmonary embolism. Heres
how to avoid them.
While on the plane, a few
minutes of low-intensity
activity every two hours will
boost circulation. Consider a
quick walk up and down the
aisle, or a simple flex-and-point
exercise with your toes.
Taking aspirin a half-hour
before boarding can help thin
the blood. Check with your
doctor first.
Stay hydrated. Drink fluids
regularly during your flight and
go easy on the booze.
Watch your calves in the
months following the trip. Any
swelling could be the telltale
sign of a clot.
94
method meant administering the
medication over a period of two hours.
I did not have two hours, says
Inamdar. Once he started the treat-
ment, there was no turning back.
Ron didnt know what a pulmonary
embolism was and had no idea what
it did to a healthy body. But as
Inamdar gave the order, Ron realised
the situation was far graver than he
had imagined. He watched Inamdar
bring his nurses together. It was
almost like a huddle when the game
is tied and the teams are about to head
into overtime, Ron says. He said,
Sheila, what is your drug, what is
your dosage and what order are you
administering in? Then he did it to
the next nurse, and then the next.
The nurses gave Cari the drugs
through her IVs. Shed now been in
the ER for 40 minutes, and everyone
waited, watching her bedside monitor.
Ron didnt know what to look for, so
he and Cari locked gazes. Both under-
stood that this might be the last time
they would stare into each others
eyes. The machines beeped, and Caris
vital signs flashed across the screen.
Finally, one of the nurses smiled.
This is good, the nurse said. Caris
blood pressure was moving up. Her
oxygen levels were rising. She was
coming back.
Later that evening, when Cari was
stable and Inamdar was certain shed
escaped the worst, she finally got her
CT scan. It showed a big clot in her
artery and many smaller clots in her
lungs. It was enough to piece together
R9 a d 9 r s D i g 9 s t 0 1 / 1 4
Cari and ron still talk
about what happened,
inCluding one
Cardiologist who said
he did what ? when he
read inamdars notes
on her Chart
a theory about what had happened.
Inamdar explained that blood had
clotted inside a vein in her calf during
her flight to Vietnam in April. Altitude,
dehydration and cramped conditions,
lead up to 5% of air travellers to end
up with clots. It broke off and slowly
worked its way into her lungs, causing
her breathing troubles. As Ron and
Cari studied the scan, Inamdar didnt
need to say what all of them now
knew: she had been minutes away
from death.
For the next few months, Cari slowly
came to terms with the enormity of
what had happened to her. As she
recovered, a certain anxiety remained.
She found herself reluctant to return
to running. The idea of feeling that
way again constricted chest, lungs
aching for breath was too frighten-
ing, and so she put it aside.
But finally, with much encourage-
ment from Ron, she laced up her shoes
again. It was spring, and the crabapple
trees were in bloom. As Cari jogged
through her neighbourhood, past the
lawns and houses shed seen for years,
everything suddenly looked new.
The clichs about near-death
experiences are true, she says. I
look at things differently now. I feel
like Ive become very small and big
at the same time. Small in the sense
that this is what lifes all about right
now, right at this moment. But at the
same time, I have this appreciation
for how much bigger everything is.
Our lives are just specks, just tempo-
rary. You hear that all the time, but I
have a better appreciation of that.
The couple still talk about that
October evening going back and
forth over the details. Cari likes
retelling how she overheard the
cardiologist on the morning shift
looking at her chart. He did what?
he said, incredulous when he learned
about Inamdars decision.
Ron prefers to describe the
moment Inamdar made the gutsy call:
His arms were folded and his feet
were at 9 oclock and noon. It was a
stance of desperate resignation. He
knew he was taking a risk, but felt he
had no options. He was the first star
of the night. !

Back i n the USSR

This year marks a quarter of a century since the series of revolutions that
marked the end of the Soviet Union. Heres three peoples take on why it fell
Communism doesnt work because people like to own stuf.
Frank Zappa
You cant get good Chinese takeout in China and Cuban cigars are
rationed in Cuba. Thats all you need to know about Communism.
P.J. ORourke
Communism is like one big phone company. Lenny Bruce

96 Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
 Why some words
Sound Heavy
T o understand why terms like
butterscotch and bread pudding
sound particularly rich and
heavy, researchers at New York Uni-
versity asked for test subjects opin-
ions of the hypothetical ice cream
Ravours frish and frosh. Without ever
having tasted either, people rated
the frosh ice cream as smoother and
creamier than the frish. Why?
Because of what linguists call sound
symbolism, in which vowel sounds
generated in different areas of the
mouth inRuence our perception.
P H O T O : T r a v i s r aT H b O n e
In many languages, front vowels
(like e and i) indicate small, light
things (like little or itsy-bitsy), while
back vowels (o and u) convey big
things (like humungous and gargan-
tuan). According to a theory called
the Frequency Code, front vowels
have a higher pitch, and we have
learned to associate them with small
things. This theory may even relate
to the origins of human language: for
example, people interacted with lions
and connected their lower-pitched
sounds with bigger size, while animals
like birds convey smallness.
Today it seems as though fat and
skinny words have found their way
into our fridges and pantries. Stanford
University linguistics professor, Dan
Jurafsky, looked at the way manufac-
turers named their flavours and
discovered that decadent titles such
as rocky road, cookie dough and
almond fudge use back vowels.
Meanwhile, cracker brands a lighter,
thinner food have mostly front-
vowel names such as Ryvita, Jatz
Cheez-It and Ritz.
Straighttalk
about
prostate
cancer
We share four mens stories,
and give you the latest in
treatment options
by an i ta b a rt h olom e w

98
 Dr Dominique
photo: Michel labelle

Huets side
effects from
surgery are
continually
improving

99
I
magine this. Now that youre a
man around 50, your doctor has
started to include a prostate
examination as part of your annual
physical, and has encouraged you to
have a prostate-screening test. Your
results show a high prostate-specific
antigen (PSA) score, indicating there
might be cancerous tumours present.
(For more about PSA scores, see box
on page 105.) Chances are your doctor
will recommend you have a biopsy.
You have just entered the often
bewildering and confusing world of
prostate cancer.
If a fast-growing cancer is detected
during your biopsy, it may require im-
mediate treatment. But many prostate
cancers are so slow growing that
theyll never do you any real harm.
Men especially older men are more
likely to die of some other cause frst.
Whats more, treating prostate cancer
often comes with serious side effects
including impotence and incontinence.
Even though your biopsy shows that
you have a slow-growing, non-lethal
tumour, that might not be the final
word. Prostate biopsies sample tissue
somewhat blindly, and the procedure
may have failed to locate a more
aggressive, potentially lethal tumour.
Your doctor might recommend annual
biopsies, well into the future.
Do you opt for further biopsies, get
immediate treatment or continue
monitoring with active surveillance
involving regular hospital tests? Like
the estimated 20,000 men in Australia
diagnosed each year with prostate
cancer, you must choose between the
100
chance of life-altering effects from
treatment and potential loss of life
from under-detection and under-
treatment. Men need to talk through
the options with their doctors and
their partners and make choices based
on how aggressive the cancer is, how
far its spread and their own personal
situation.
Here, we present information about
current treatments available overseas
and in Australia and some good
news that might even solve the over-
treatment/under-detection dilemma.
ActIve SurveIllAnce
If diagnosed with a slow-growing
cancer, you might be offered this
option. Active surveillance involves
follow-up PSA tests, physical examina-
tions and biopsies over the years, but
not treatment unless the cancer
is found to have spread or gets
upgraded to a higher Gleason score
(see box on page 105).
HIGH-DeFInItIOn ScAnS
In the last few years, a new diagnostic
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY HELEN SANDSTROM
tool called multiparametric magnetic
resonance imaging (MP-MRI) has
become available in Australia. It
allows physicians to get detailed
images, for the first time, of prostate
cancer where it is, how large it is
and, most important, whether its
likely to be lethal.
Professor Mark Frydenberg, a
spokesperson for the Urological
Society of Australia and New Zealand,
says the use of prostatic MP-MRIs is
still experimental, but is already being
re a d e r s D i g e s D 0 1 / 1 4
 I decided to monitor my PSA levels
N nine years ago, when I was 61, my PSA levels indicated I was at risk for prostate
cancer, says Toimi Eronen, a former hard-working truck salesman from Finland.
After a biopsy, I was diagnosed with two areas of cancer, each the size of a pinhead.
I saw my brother fight prostate cancer that spread to his bones with treatments
toimi eronen, 70:
slow-growing
:an:er
recommended in major centres as a
way of guiding biopsies to increase
their accuracy. For example, the
PHOTO : juHO kuvA
imaging can tell doctors which
direction to approach the biopsy so
they can get the best sample. Its a
way of individualising how we do the
biopsy, he says.
and medication; I did not
want to go through the
same. I decided to have
regular PSA screenings,
and even when my PSA
level rose to 14 at its
highest, I stuck with my
decision. I would remind
myself that Ive seen a lot
of life already. I had no
regrets.
Then in December
2011 my PSA levels
which can fluctuate had
decreased significantly;
and they were down
again at my latest
screening in January.
My urologist has said
that because it was such a
slow-growing cancer,
I really have nothing to
worry about. I was very
pleased to hear this. I will
continue with annual
testing.
Prostatectomy and
robotic surgery
If a cancer is aggressive, surgical
removal of the prostate gland, known
as a radical prostatectomy, is the
standard of care. Traditionally,
prostatectomy has been performed as
open surgery: an incision is made in
101
the abdomen and the gland removed.
Robotic prostatectomy, in which
tiny incisions are made in the
abdominal wall, and robotics with a
3D camera inserted, may be overtaking
open surgery abroad. The surgeon
views the surgical site on a monitor
and manipulates the tiny robot arms
and miniature surgical tools remotely
to remove the prostate gland.
Frydenberg says robotic surgery
A support group helped me
W
When I was just 63 years old, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. My doctor
recommended surgery, says Paul Seiler, from Neuhofen, Germany.
My wife and I decided this was the best way to go. So, in 2004 I had my prostate
removed; the cancer was gone but other problems persisted. I was incontinent, and
Paul Seiler, 71:
Talk openly
with others
102
doesnt lead to a huge improvement on
the length of stay in hospital, and it has
similar outcomes to traditional
surgery. You should be reassured that
no matter which way you choose you
can expect an equivalent outcome as
long as its done by a competent
surgeon, he says.
In terms of post-surgical side effects
men are most concerned about, such
as erectile dysfunction or urinary
didnt know how to deal with
it. I loved hiking and biking
but I could no longer do
these things. I was
embarrassed and ashamed. I
became very depressed.
Although it was
recommended that I have
further treatment, I decided
not to. I joined a prostate
cancer support group and
I found that the opportunity
to talk openly with others
who had been through the
same thing was the best
therapy for me.
Today, I enjoy my new
life. I am still incontinent but I
photo: heinz heiss
have learned to live with it. I
participate in the support
group and even encourage
others with prostate
cancer.
Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
 problems, there does not seem to be a
difference between the two types of
surgery. Currently post-surgical
techniques to regain erectile function
are showing good results, Frydenberg
says. The risk of permanent urinary
incontinence is much lower, he adds.
Focal therapy
Until now, treatment has focused on
destroying the entire prostate gland to
kill the cancer. But what if a
lumpectomy, similar to what can be
done for breast cancer patients, was
an option? This is where MP-MRI
might make all the difference. If new
imaging techniques can accurately
point to where the tumour is, it might
be possible to freeze out just the area
which harbours the potentially lethal
cancer.
Although in theory this might mean
fewer side effects, the effectiveness of
focal therapy is still uncertain, warns
Frydenberg. Focal therapy probably
will also have some side effects but
this hasnt been clearly documented
yet. People still should view it with a
degree of caution.
radiation
Among the treatments for controlling
prostate cancer is external beam
radiotherapy (EBRT). Its good for
men who cant withstand anaesthesia.
photo: Michel labelle
Brachytherapy, another radiation
treatment, involves implanting
radioactive seeds into the prostate. Its
not suitable for men with Gleason 8
cancers or greater due to the high
failure rate.
My side effects
have improved
I
i was 60 when in October 2011 my
PSA level started climbing, says
Dr Dominque Huet, from Paris,
France. I am an endocrinologist, and
I knew what this could mean, so
I didnt wait long before having a
biopsy. The 2cm nodule was
cancerous, and it was not the only
cancer found.
I decided to have the whole
prostate removed, which left me
incontinent and impotent. The
worst was the incontinence.
However, my surgeon said it would
be resolved within a few months,
and he was right.
Now the impotence is improving
too. I hope soon that I wont need
any more injections and Ill be able to
use only Viagra.
dr dominque
hueF, 62:
prosFaFe
removed
103
I
Facing the problems as a couple
Jef from Belgium: It was during bi-annual blood tests for my diabetes that the
endocrinologist found an elevated PSA reading. This was six years ago. I was 56 years
old. If nobody had noticed, I probably wouldnt be here today.
After a biopsy, I was immediately operated on to have my prostate removed, but
the tumour had spread to surrounding tissue so the nerves could not be saved.
Linda: After a three-month recovery period and several sessions of physical
therapy, my husband was declared
impotent and incontinent. This
was a difficult period.
Jef: Then I was fitted with an
artificial urethral sphincter that
allows me to adjust the flow of
urine. It is much, much better but I
can still have problems.
Linda: We have learned to live
with his impotence. But we are
confronted daily with the
inconvenience of incontinence.
Our motto? Seize the day. What
we cant do today, well do
tomorrow.
Jef: Yes, I am happy to be alive
and live each day as it comes. We
are still able to have a lot of fun. Jef Denis, 63, and
And I am cancer-free. I am not linda loggNe, 60:
complaining. seize tNe daJ

NEW Drug thErapy Institute of Cancer Research in

Two drugs abiraterone acetate (listed
on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
in August 2013) and enzalutamide
(approved by the US FDA in 2012 and
London, who helped develop the
drugs, is now conducting studies to
see whether giving the drug earlier
may reduce mortality rates. The
photo: goffe struiksma

in Europe last year) made headlines
when studies found they extended life
in end-stage prostate cancer.
Enzalutamide is being submitted for
regulatory approval here.
Dr Johann de Bono, professor of
experimental cancer medicine at The
next step will be to combine the two
drugs to see if they deliver a one-two
punch against prostate cancer.
ultrasouND WavEs
Promoted as a new, minimally
invasive outpatient procedure to treat
re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
PSA tests and Gleason scores
A PSA blood test scrWWns for prostatW-spWcific antigWn (PSA), a substancW
sWcrWtWd by thW prostatW. A PSA scorW abovW thrWW, dWpWnding on your agW and
risk factors, might prompt a doctor to do furthWr tWsting. HighWr scorWs dont
nWcWssarily mWan malignancy. I sWW patiWnts with PSAs of Wight to tWn who dont
havW cancWr, says Dr David PWnson, profWssor of urologic surgWry at VandWrbilt
UnivWrsity in NashvillW. ThWy just havW big prostatWs.
In a prostatW biopsy, tissuW samplWs arW takWn from thW prostatW. If cancWr is
found, its givWn a GlWason scorW, thW bWst prWdictor of whWthWr thW disWasW will
bWhavW aggrWssivWly.
ThW morW abnormal-looking thW cWlls, thW highWr thW GlWason scorW. With a
GlWason six thW lowWst and most common scorW cWlls diffWr only slightly
from normal. A GlWason six cancWr that is confinWd to thW prostatW is probably
growing so slowly as to nWvWr nWWd trWatmWnt. With a GlWason scorW of sWvWn or
highWr, youll typically bW advisWd to undWrgo a procWdurW to rWmovW or dWstroy
thW prostatW gland.
For help to assess risk, visit prostatecancer-riskcalculator.com. For information and
support groups, go to prostate.org.au. Always consult a health professional.

prostate cancer, high-intensity focused

puzzle answers See PAGe 164
ultrasound (HIFU) eliminates cancer
cells with sound waves rather than The shape of things
B. each linW contains onW circlW, onW squarW and onW
radiation. Ultrasound waves heat the trianglW. each linW contains a yWllow star, a whitW star
precisely targeted cancerous tissue to and no star. each linW contains a rWd symbol, a pink
symbol and an orangW symbol. ThW missing symbol
90C, destroying it in seconds, while must bW a rWd circlW containing a yWllow star.
limiting the side effects.
If its found to control prostate Symbol solution
8 + 5 + 11 4 = 6 or 8 + 5 - 11 + 4 = 6
cancer long-term, and be safe, it
could change treatment. Colour angles
RWd, pink and yWllow.
Those are big ifs, however. Experts each group of four
are split in their opinions of HIFU and trianglWs contains
onW of Wach of thW
many are sceptical. colours.
While theres much that experts
dont know yet, with recent advances, Card shark
men have more and better options. OnW possiblW
solution is shown.
Given the range of new treatment and
diagnostic possibilities, men and Hidden meaning
A. ThWrWs a lot of it
t hei r pa r tners should educate about
themselves as thoroughly as possible B. Bags undWr thW
before deciding on the course they WyWs
C. ArcadWs
will take. n
105
 The
The Great Tweet-off Tango
Wielding their keyboards with
surgical precision, these female
of life
LAdIeS
edITIoN comedians make it look so easy: A friend who
teaches the
>> Before you marry a person you should first Argentine tango
make them use a computer with slow internet recently took on
to see who they truly are. two new
W h i t ney Cu mm in gs (@WhBtneycummBngs)
students, a
>> The space colony industry is not keeping pace couple in their
with how urgently I need to send some people 80s. They loved
there. Sam an tha Be e (@iamsamBee)
the classes.
>> I downloaded Ambient Coffee Shop track. After a few
Just low talking, dish clanking, and one lady weeks one of
yelling, Finn. Look at Mummy. FINN. You want them said to the
a scone? Chris tin e Nan gle (@nanglBsh)
teachers, Do
>> Its insensitive of Brad Pitt to have The you think well
Rachel haircut.

Photos: thinkstock; getty images

Je n K irkman (@JenkBr@man) live long enough
>> I bet most braille on public signs says: How to get good at
did you know this was here?Kelly O xfo r d (@kellyoxford) this?
Submitted by
Mervyn
Happy Birthday, Ch ivers

dr Seuss! Your
books are better
than some juice.
Something
something
something Bruce.
Im not great with
rhymes. Caboose.
E lle n D eGen er es (@
theellenshow)
From the
1944
archives
Lifes little comforts
have come a long way
in the past 70 years,
as this letter from
April 1944 illustrates:
A logger, fresh from the
big woods, was watching
a shop assistant open
a package of gaily
coloured mens pyjamas.
Whats them? he
asked.
Pyjamas.
Pyjamas, echoed
the logger. What are
they for?
Why, you wear them
nights, the shop
assistant explained.
Want to buy a pair?
Nothing doing, said
the logger. I dont go
anywhere nights except
to bed.
S ub m i t t e d by R o y a l Bro wn
APR
Hey, self-deceiver
I moved to Australia from the
UK 53 years ago, but still pride
myself on being able to
diferentiate between the many
diferent English accents. That
was until the other day, when
I came home and found a
message on my phone.
I cant understand a word shes saying,
I complained to my husband.
He started laughing, before saying,
Thats you, you silly fool.
Submitted by Norma Ka w a k
Its been fun
Im not the easiest guy to get along with.
So when our anniversary rolled around, I wanted
my wife to know how much I appreciated her
tolerating me for the past 20 years. I ordered
flowers and told the florist to enclose a card that
read, Thanks for putting up with me so long.
When my wife got the delivery, she called
me at work. Where are you going? she asked.
What do you mean? I said.
She read the card aloud as the
florist had written
it: Thanks for
putting up with
me. So long.
Submitted by
George A rnol d
107
ADVERTISING PROMOTION

Dr Catherine Hamlin AC, surrounded by her patients at the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital which
she co-founded with her late husband Reg in 1974. Photo courtesy Lucy Perry.

AFRICAN QUEEN
Australian obstetrician Dr Catherine Hamlin has been rebuilding
shattered lives in Africa for more than half a century.

H er work, treating poor Ethiopian

women and girls with obstetric
fistula and training local midwives to
prevent these horrific childbirth injuries,
has earned her a nomination for the
Nobel Prize, a Companion of the Order
of Australia and a place on the official
list of Australian Living Legends. Just
recently she was named as one of the
100 Women of Influence in the Global
category. She is a woman doing it with
passion who has changed hundreds of
thousands of lives.
When Catherine and her late
husband Reg (also an obstetrician)
first arrived in Ethiopia in 1959, neither
had ever seen obstetric fistula outside
a textbook, so rare were they in
Her work treating poor
Ethiopian women with
obstetric fistula and training
midwives to prevent these
injuries has earned her a
nomination for the Nobel
Prize, a Companion of
the Order of Australia
and a place on the list of
Australian Living Legends.
Australia. The frequency with which
the condition occurred in Ethiopia
convinced both doctors that they
needed to devote the rest of their
lives to helping some of the most
marginalised women in the world.
Obstructed labour is faced by five
per cent of women no matter where
they live. In rural Ethiopia, these women
have no medical help and labour for
days before suffering catastrophic
internal injuries. The pressure of the
babys head against the pelvic bone
damages the bladder and sometimes
the rectum as well. The baby usually
dies. These injuries inflict a lifetime
of shame, misery and permanent
incontinence, long after the loss of
their baby.
In developed countries like Australia,
obstructed labour is handled swiftly with
an emergency Caesarean in a clean,
safe theatre with a 24/7 medical team.
Do it with passion: Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in
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can shop for a cause, including this tote bag
featuring the organisations ethos. Shop online
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Obstetric fistula can be cured with
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a standard fistula operation to restore
a womans dignity. Dr Hamlin is 90
years old, continues to operate and
play an active role in the work of the
hospital, which now includes a network
of six hospitals and a midwifery school.
Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia (Australia) raises
funds for this work with its headquarters
in Sydney and a thriving retail shop.
You can change the lives of these
Ethiopian mothers by shopping online
or making a donation. A $50 donation
will pay for long-term physiotherapy for
one patient. A monthly $50 donation will
cure one womans suffering each year.
Visit hamlin.org.au !
So whats life really liAe in...

The Arab
world?
by Jo h n M c h u g o A n D D i A n A DA R k e

Re a d e r s D i D e s t 0 1 / 1 4
 yes, there are wars, extremist groups
and human-rights abuses. But to
understand these 22 countries
properly, you need to go behind
the stereotypes. Heres how...
1
S y r i a S m e m b e r S h i p i S c u r r e n T Ly S u S p e n d e d b e c a u S e o f T h e c i v i L w a r .
Many nations, but the
P H O T O : A F P/ G E T T Y I M A G E S . * T h e L e a g u e o f a r a b S TaT e S h a S 2 2 m e m b e r S .
wordsremainthesame
Despite all the conflict
in the region, the 22*
Arab countries across the Middle
East and North Africa have a close
collective identity, thanks largely to
the unifying power of language.
Spoken dialects may be very
different from state to state, but
written Arabic is exactly the same
no matter where you are because of
the influence of that most important
Muslim text, the Quran.
Ironically, given some of the
nations uneasy relationship with
Israel, Arabic is a Semitic language
like Hebrew, and the alphabets are
very similar although Arabic is
written in joined-up writing.
Arabic is a vast and sophisticated
language and learning its grammar
and syntax is tricky for foreigners.
For instance, Amman, the
Jordanian capital, and Oman, the
country, sound very different but
are spelt in exactly the same way.
The average English-speaking
tabloid reader is said to have a
working vocabulary of 3000 words,
while their Arab equivalents have
10,000, a testimony to the
expressiveness of their language.
Arabic lends itself comfortably to
poetry and persuasive rhetoric: a
public speaker, such as a politician
111
or prayer leader, can sway crowds many of
whom will be illiterate in a very powerful
way. Saddam Hussein and Colonel Gaddafi
were particularly adept at this.
Arabs often use colourful proverbs, complete
3 A pRouD
people
The call of the
crowds during the
Arab Spring was for
with rhymes and subtle plays on words, as part karamah, dignity, and pride
of everyday speech. More than 4000 have been and honour are very important
recorded in one small Levantine village alone. to Arabs. But their effects are
The translations dont do them justice, but both positive and negative.
heres a brief selection of Middle Eastern Rates of theft, rape and
favourites: assault are traditionally lower
in Arab societies than in the
>> Destiny caresses the few and West, partly because of severe
molests the many. punishments, but also because
no-one wants to shame their
>> He who takes a donkey up a minaret family.
However, this intense
must bring it down again. concept of honour can also
lead to feuds between clans
>> If you are patient in a moment of and nations that last for
anger, you will escape a hundred days of generations. The civil war in
Syria and disorder in Iraq, for
sorrow. example, risk shredding
communities with revenge
>> For the birds that cannot soar, God killings for years to come.
has provided low branches.
Who hAs seen tomoRRoW?

2 As this popular Arab saying suggests,

time is most definitely not money in the
Middle East. While that can be very
frustrating if you need to get lots done
during a short visit, it can also help you relax and
unwind.
Patience, the key to happiness, is a virtue prized
above all others, and you will need to cultivate it in
yourself if youre to do business successfully.
Conveying impatience will bring an instant loss of
respect in a region where personal relationships are
felt to be far more important than how long it takes
to complete a deal.
112 Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
 4
A guest is A guest,
even if he stAys All
winter And summer
Arab hospitality is rightly
legendary and both of us
have experienced it. In 1974,
John walked the mountains
of Syria as a penniless
student planning to camp.
Instead, every night local
villagers insisted he stay
with them. One mother
even burst into tears at the
thought of what his mother
5 someones wAtching me
Superstitions are very much part of the
culture. The commonest is the evil eye, a concept
must be suffering in his going back to Roman times, where a particular
absence. malevolent look is thought to bring misfortune
So strong is the tradition of to the person at whom its directed. People
honouring guests that your hang ceramic eye talismans in their homes,
host may feel obliged to give cars and offices to dispel evil.
you anything of theirs that Its thought that gazing at
youve praised. Staying with something in admiration may
a Bedouin tribe as a student, accidentally cause harm too.
PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES; JEFF ROTMAN/ALAMY

Diana said she liked their
white baby camel. When
a feast was served later, the
camel was nowhere to be
seen.
Admittedly, this tradition
is now under severe
strain from war
refugees in countries
whose resources are
already stretched.
This is why the Evil Eye is often
portrayed as blue, because
foreigners are more likely to
have blue eyes and to have a habit of staring.
Another good luck charm (see left) is the so-called
Hand of Fatima the prophet Muhammads daughter
often used as a door knocker to protect the
house and its occupants. Belief in jinn
(genies) is also common they are
mentioned in the Quran. These invisible
spirits can be good or evil.

113
 6 chilDRen welcome heRe
Arabs adore kids and one of the first things youll be
asked is how many you have. The more the better, so
if you dont have any, be prepared for pitying looks
and questions as to why.
Parents often go out late to restaurants with quite
small children, wholl be expected to amuse
themselves and eat the same as everyone else. Adults,
especially mothers, are very physically affectionate to
youngsters and the idea of leaving them behind with
a babysitter is thought alien and almost barbaric.

7 sheeps eyes anD belching

There have been some
amusing Western mis-
understandings of Arab etiquette. For
a start, its not true that its polite to
show youve enjoyed a meal by
burping. The reason for this myth is
probably that the Arabic word shabat
can sound a bit like a belch. In fact, it
means I have had enough, a courteous
way of declining a further helping.
And sheeps eye is not a typical Arab
delicacy. The origin of this belief is
said to be a British diplomat invited to
dinner by a tribal sheik. The sheik
showed him the eye of the sheep he
was about to serve so that his guest
would know the meat was fresh.
Thinking he was being offered a prized
treat, the diplomat ate it out of
politeness. The courteous sheik didnt
want to correct and embarrass the Brit,
so he ate the other eye himself.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

 Youth explosion
The Arab Spring was
triggered not just by the
oppression of

8 despotic regimes,
but also by a
demographic time
bomb.
More than half of the 350
million people in the
22 Arab League countries many young Arabs have had government censorship.
are under 25, and youth access to education. The challenge for
unemployment statistics Theyre technologically governments who want to
are extremely high. Under- literate and use YouTube, maintain the current political
occupied young people are Twitter and Facebook as order is to give youngsters
always good candidates for means of communication meaningful roles in innovative,
starting revolutions, and that are (for now) beyond job-creating new areas.

9 the power
behind the veil
Arab culture and Islam
encourage the
segregation of the sexes
praYing for rain
As the population and
urbanisation both grow,
the Arab world
to an extent probably
greater than has ever
been the case in the
West, but that does not
is experiencing
an accelerating
water shortage
that could
10
cause future wars. Rivers
mean women are
such as the Nile, Tigris and
without influence. In Euphrates are not
the Middle East, more inexhaustible and droughts
women than men now graduate from universities have always afflicted many
and women can drive in all Arab states except areas where agriculture is
Saudi Arabia. In most Arabic-speaking countries, reliant on rainfall.
women dont take their husbands surname on Technology such as
marriage but keep their own and they often desalination, the discovery
control the finances in the home. of subterranean rivers and
the unlocking of fossil water
John McHugo is an author, lawyer and Arabic linguist whos
resources may come to the
lived in the Middle East for more than 20 years. His book rescue, but it is likely to be
A Concise History of the Arabs is out now. His wife Diana a close call. !
Darke has written guide books on Syria, Jordan, Tunisia, the
UAE and Oman.
115
Focusing on the seemingly trivial has led five
scientists to create world-changing ideas.
From menial to magnificent, heres how
from Mental Floss
Flies in flight
How the art of fy swatting
will make soldiers safer
nyo n e wh os w i e l d e d
A a rolled-up newspaper to
combat a housefly knows
just how evasive the bug can
be. Flies always seem to know where
youre coming from and how to
get away.
Flies are incredibly good at what
they do, says Michael Dickinson, a
professor of biology at the University
of Washington. To study the insects
in action, Dickinson coaxed flies
through a tube that opened onto a tiny
platform. Over this stage, a disc
loomed, ready to flatten the flies from
various directions front, side, and
back while a high-speed camera
filmed the insects reactions to the
impending attack.
After running hundreds of bugs
through his machine, Dickinson
discovered something interesting.
Within 300 milliseconds of a potential
pounding, the flies prepared with
postural adjustments. If the swat
approached head-on, the fly would
shift its middle pair of legs forward
propelling it backwards and away
from danger once it launched into the
air. When the swat came from the
rear, the fly would shift its middle
legs backwards to jump forward. Flies
may lay eggs in dog droppings, but
these insects are also graceful,
delicate ballerinas.
Dickinsons interest in housefly
swatting goes beyond keeping his
office pest-free. His research is helping
others build elegant micro-robots that
can mimic the creatures agility and
flight patterns. The US military, too,
is interested in Dickinsons work. It
hopes to use findings like his to build
drone planes with better reaction
times, which could reduce the need for
pilot-driven planes and keep soldiers
out of harms way.
As for Dickinson, it should be noted
that he doesnt hate flies. In fact, he
goes out of his way to avoid killing
them: I get annoyed when someone
brushes a fly away, since Im usually
looking at it, watching it groom and
move its little head.
Jud y Dutton
It all starts
with algae
A compound found in
coral reefs may protect us
against damaging UV rays
S
lathering on sticky sunscreen
is nobodys idea of a day at
the beach, but its worth
doing. Thousands of people
around the world die of skin cancers
each year, and ultraviolet (UV) light
exposure is a major factor in their
development. While most of us know
to use sunscreen, we dont always do
a good job of applying it.
Paul Long, a pharmaceutical expert
at Kings College London, wants to
solve the problem with a long-lasting
sunscreen pill. To vanquish those
streaky creams and greasy sprays,
Long has found an unlikely ally in
coral. He led a team that analysed
coral samples from the Great Barrier
Reef and it turns out coral is more
than just snorkelling scenery. Its also
a compact marine animal that can do
what tanning addicts cannot: endure
blistering UV rays without negative
health effects.
The secret, Long says, lies in algae
that live within the coral. They make
a compound that is transported to the
coral and modified into a sunscreen
that protects the entire reef. But this
compound doesnt just protect the
coral colonies. When fish feast on the
reef, the UV-blocking compounds get
passed up the food chain.
So how likely is it that a compound
that works for fish will work for
humans as well? Its absolutely
conceivable, Long says. If our
studies confirm the results we are
expecting, we will be able to develop
a sunscreen [tablet] with the broadest
spectrum of protection.
Longs team is closer than you
think. By copying corals genetic code
and inserting it into bacteria in the
lab, Long has manufactured large
quantities of amino acids with sun-
blocking powers. The next steps will
include testing its toxicology and
efficacy on human skin.
Long believes the compound could
PHOTOS: Dan Saelinger/Trunk arcHive (5)
a lso have broader (a nd more
surprising) applications, such as
h e lpi n g to fe e d t h e wo rld .
Theoretically, the amino acids could
be used to protect crops planted in
sun-drenched regions where intense
sunlight makes farming difficult. But
the f irst step may be ma king
swimming more pleasant no more
getting out of the water every two
hours to grease up.
Ka th erine La id l a w
 Addinganextralayer
An innovative idea could take the sting out of Band-Aids
ipping off a Band-Aid is so headlines in 2008 with a surgical

R unpleasant, its proverbial.

But for certain patients, its
also dangerous. Premature
newborns and the elderly have
delicate skin, and yanking away
b a n d a ge t h a t m i m i c ke d t h e
microscopic scales on gecko feet. The
sticky surface allowed bandages to
hold fast in tricky areas, including the
wet tissues of the heart and lungs.
bandages and medical tape can lead Even better, the biodegradable sealant
to serious irritation, injuries, and disintegrates over time, meaning that
even permanent scarring. In fact, unlike with sutures or traditional
each year, medical adhesives cause medical tape, doctors never have to
an estimated 1.5 million injuries in the go back in to remove it. If Karps pain-
US alone. free bandages pan out as well as his
This is a problem that all neonatal e a rl i e r b re a k t h ro u g h , f u t u re
doctors and nurses are aware of, says generations of patients will need a
Jeffrey Karp, a professor at Harvard new metaphor for getting something
Medical School. They are desperately over with quickly.
awaiting new adhesives that firmly Lia na A gh a ja nia n
secure devices to skin without
damage. Thats why Karp and his lab
are working on an innovation to make
bandage removal less eventful.
Traditional medical tape is simply
an adhesive affixed to a backing, but
Karps invention features a unique
middle layer. This extra layer takes
the brunt of the stress of removing
the tape (instead of the adhesive one
that attaches to skin), which
minimises damage.
When its time to pull away the
bandage, it pops right off. All thats
left is a small amount of residue that Pain-free
can be covered with baby powder or Band-Aids and
simply rolled off the skin. plasters will go
Karps tape isnt his only innovation easy on the skin
in adhesive technology he made
119
 Fend of mozzies
The laws of pest attraction could prevent malaria and more
osquitoes ruin countless
M picnics every year, but
around the world, the
whine of these
bloodsucking beasts isnt just irritating
it heralds an epic health problem.
More than a million people die each
year from the spread of mosquito-
borne diseases like malaria, dengue
fever and yellow fever. Attempts to
control mosquito populations via
insecticides like DDT have had
ruinous side effects for nature and
possibly human health. Neurobiologist
Leslie B. Vosshall has a different
solution. I believe the key to
controlling mosquito behaviour is to
better understand how they sense us,
she says.
At their Rockefeller University lab,
Vosshall and her colleagues are
studying the chemical sensory
processes by which mosquitoes
choose hosts. How do they sense heat,
120
humidity, carbon dioxide and body
odour? What makes some people more
attractive to a mosquito than others?
To study how mosquitoes assess body
odour, Vosshall and her teammates
might wear nylon stockings on their
arms and refrain from showering for
24 hours to create sample smells.
Then comes the hard part. They
insert their limbs into the insects den
to study how mosquitoes land, bite,
and feed, and then they document how
these behaviours change depending on
both the mosquitoes genetics and the
particular traits of the scientists skin.
This can mean getting anywhere from
one bite to a whopping 400, depending
on the experiment. Vosshall and her
team have also begun to study how
genetics contributes to mosquitoes
choice of a host. With a bit of tinkering,
shes even created a breed that seems
to be unable to sense carbon dioxide,
an important trigger for the insects.
By using genetics to make mutant
mosquitoes, we can document exactly
how and why this cue acts to make
mosquitoes hunt humans, she says.
Many of her labs proposed solutions
sound simple enough, including
bracelets that carry long-lasting
repellents or traps that can reduce
populations, but the breakthroughs
may save millions of lives in the
developing world and a lot of itching
everywhere else. L. A .
Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
Tying up
knot theory
Untangled headphones
might stamp out infections

ver pull your iPod out of your

E pocket only to find your

earbuds hopelessly knotted?
Every time physicist Robert
Matthews of Englands Aston
University examines a tangled cord,
it reminds him of something smaller
and more important. Despite its
apparently trivial nature, spontaneous
knotting is of great significance in
polymer chemistry and molecular
biology, he says.
For instance, each cell in our bodies
contains up to 2m of DNA. If those
genetic cords tangle, the results can be
devastating to the cells health.
Matthews became entangled in all of
this when he unknotted a cord for the
umpteenth time and recalled a
mathematical proof published in the
late 1980s that showed that the risk of
knots grows rapidly with the length of
cord. If the two ends were joined in a
loop, he realised, it would shorten the
length of the cord and eliminate the
free ends, whose movement leads to
knots in the first place.
In 2010, to test his loop conjecture,
he embarked on the Great British
Knot Experiment, enlisting kids to put
pieces of string some of which were
2013 BY MENTAL FLOSS (MAY 2013, VOL. 12, ISSUE 3), MENTALFLOSS.COM
looped (with ends clipped together to
form a tiny circle), others unlooped
in boxes, jumble them around, and
report the results. Matthews found
that looped string formed knots one
tenth as often as unlooped string of the
same length. Uniting the ends of your
earbud cables with, say, a hairband
will keep knotting to a minimum.
Matthewss discovery may have a
much bigger impact. If pharmacologists
can influence the formation of
microscopic loops in DNA and viruses,
a breakthrough in fighting cancer and
infections could follow. In the
meantime, start using a hair thingy and
say hello to blessedly tangle-free
headphones. J. D.

121
ADVERTISING PROMOTION

2014 SUMMER
HOLIDAY GUIDE
TV and the internet have made foreign cultures, concepts, languages and
places more easily accessible than ever before. But even though you can
learn about some of the most exotic and intriguing parts of the world without
leaving home, it will never be the same as actually travelling!

O ver the following pages, we open

your senses to the sights, sounds
and experiences of some of the most
unique holiday destinations around the
world, plus some key travel tips to help
you make the most of your holiday.
PACKING
There are three essential things
to consider when packing for any
holiday the weather, the local culture
and any activities youre planning.
Your travel agent should be able to
provide you with some information
on these essential details, but its
also worthwhile visiting the relevant
countrys official website.
If youre planning to bring back a
lot of souvenirs, speak to your airline
to see if you can prepay for excess
baggage or book an extra bag before
you head home. This will work out
substantially cheaper than trying to
pay these costs at the airport.
MONEY
Many banks will automatically
cancel your cards if they see them
being used out of your home country,
unless theyve been advised otherwise
so make sure you call your bank with
details of your trip before you jet off
overseas.
LOOKING AFTER YOUR
HEALTH
Certain countries have rigid
vaccination requirements for getting
in. Your local doctor will be able to
advise which vaccinations youll need.
Its best to do this 4-6 weeks before
leaving, as certain vaccinations need
to be taken in multiple doses over an
extended period of time.
Travel insurance is essential, even
if youre only away for a short time. If
the worst should happen and you do
end up in a hospital, a massive bill isnt
going to help you feel any better!
 BOOKING ACCOMMODATION
One of the most important
parts of organising a holiday is
planning where youll stay. Book at
least a month in advance to ensure
that youll be able to stay in your
preferred accommodation. Though
you may need to arrange impromptu
accommodation for short-term
periods, such as when youre moving
between two different cities or
countries, booking well in advance is
generally the preferable option and
its also a good idea to check out
review sites to find places that come
recommended by genuine travellers.
TRAVEL SMART WITH
SMARTRAVELLER
Before you head off on your big
travel adventure, register at
www.smartraveller.gov.au. This
free government service enables you
to lodge your travel plans with the
Australian government, so that you
or your relatives can be contacted in
case of emergency.
GET TO KNOW WHERE
YOURE GOING
Before you take off, its a good idea
to familiarise yourself with any local
customs and learn a few local words,
like hello, goodbye and thank you.
Getting to know the local people and
immersing yourself in the culture can
be one of the most enjoyable elements
of overseas travel.
And last but not least
HAVE FUN!
Holidays are meant to be fun
so make sure you take plenty of time
to enjoy yourself.
Planning a big trip can be stressful,
but dont let that overshadow the trip
itself. Happy travelling! !
MACAU PROMOTION

THE YEAR OF THE

HORSE IN MACAU
As the first new moon of the year rises, Macau bursts into a festival of
colour and fireworks to celebrate Chinese New Year.

S tarting with the new moon on

January 31, Macau welcomes in
the New Year with a party that lasts
for two weeks. The whole region
moves into festive mode, with flowers
bedecking the Chinese and Portuguese
architecture and fireworks filling the air.
Get in early for the Lunar New Year
Fair at Tap Seac Square it ends on
the new moon night. Its a perfect
family excursion with all your year-end
shopping from flowers to auspicious
gifts and food delicacies in one place.
Highlights of the celebrations include
the official Parade. The floats leave the
Macao Science Centre, to wend down
Av. Dr Sun Yat Sen before finishing with
breathtaking cultural performances at
Praa do Lago Sai Van. At 10pm, the
sky will be coloured by fireworks.
If you need extra luck, the God of
Fortune will be appearing alongside a
giant dragon and lion dancers. Youll
find them parading around central
locations including the Ruins of St
Paul in the morning before the dragon
parades on through the heart of the
region, with helpers distributing Lai-Si
and souvenirs.
So put on some red and gold and
head to Macau for a New Year youll
never forget! !

For more information on visiting Macau during Chinese New Year, visit
www.macautourism.gov.mo
ADVERTISING PROMOTION
WHAT KIND OF TRAVEL
STORIES DO YOU WANT?
Too often, travellers end up encountering challenges and difficulties that
could be easily avoided. With a bit of preparation and prudent practices on
your trip, your holiday can be just how you dreamed it would be.
S mart Australian Senior travellers
enjoy memorable experiences for
all the right reasons. Follow these tips
to avoid some of the most common
mishaps and mayhem that can mess
up your holiday.
Check your passport has at least
six months validity from your planned
date of return to your country, and
any visa requirements.
Visit your doctor and dentist for a
general check-up before you leave.
Have your doctor print a list of all your
current medications, their generic
names, dosages and frequency
taken. Print a spare copy and keep
it separate from your main luggage.
Ring your mobile phone company
and turn off global roaming and data
on your phone before you leave.
Overseas roaming charges are
extremely expensive. Pick up a local
SIM card at your destination to make
cheap local calls and lower cost
international calls.
Photocopy documents including
your passport, travel insurance
policy, travellers cheques, visas and
credit cards. Carry a copy with you,
separate from your main luggage and
leave a copy with a family member or
friend at home.
Use reputable transport companies
such as taxis, rental cars. Avoid
unmetered taxis.
Prevent deep vein thrombosis by
doing arm, leg and foot stretching
exercises when you are seated.
When possible, get up and walk
up and down the aisles. Wear
compression stockings to increase
blood flow in your lower legs.
Download the Australian Seniors
Insurance Agency 50 Travel Tips
for Seniors at www.seniors.com.au/
ebook !
 COVER
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www.seniors.com.au/readers link must be used to save 15% online, else the standard 10%
online discount applies. ACE Insurance Limited ABN 23 001 642 020, AFSL No. 23 9687 (ACE)
is the insurer of this product while Australian Seniors Insurance Agency AR No. 270983
(Seniors) is the promoter. Any advice provided by ACE and Seniors is general only and does
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before deciding if the product is right for you or call 13 76 76.
* Conditions apply, may vary depending on cover required.
ADVERTISING PROMOTION

EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISES

WITH TRAVELMARVEL
Cruise into the heart of Europe, with unforgettable cities
and sights an easy stroll from your mooring.

L ittle compares to the romance

of a European holiday. And now
you can discover the beauty of cities
such as Budapest, Amsterdam and
Regensburg from the serenity of a
floating hotel. No more airports and
train stations, instead, glide down
rivers past centuries of history, docking
at timeless destinations where life-
changing experiences await.
While the experience of European
cruising is priceless, a Travelmarvel
voyage represents exceptional value.
And as part of the globally recognised
APT Group with over 19 years cruising
experience, you can be certain you
will receive premium service. Airport
transfers bring you directly to your
ship and friendly Tour Director who will
welcome you and explain everything
you need to know about your trip. Each
To book your European escape, contact your local travel agent or call
Travelmarvel on 1300 214 938, www.travelmarvel.com.au
day is planned with your needs in mind
and balances sightseeing and leisure
time. From the superb onboard meals
to the small group shore excursions
with local guides, everything will flow
seamlessly as you experience luxury
every step of the way.
With Travelmarvels unique Insider
Experiences and Small Group
Excursions youll gain an unparalleled
understanding of the cultures and
traditions of each destination. Whether
youre lunching at the Eiffel Tower,
cruising through Budapest at twilight,
or enjoying a beer tasting at a Cologne
brewery, Travelmarvel are certain to
provide you with the opportunity to truly
immerse yourself in each location.
So let Travelmarvel immerse you in
the heart and soul of Europe and be
spellbound every step of the way. !
 EUROPE RIVER CRUISING

EXCEPTIONAL VALUE INCLUSIONS

All-weather French Balconies enjoy unimpeded
views through your oor-to-ceiling glass door
Champagne breakfasts, lunch, afternoon tea
and four-course dinners
Wine, beer and soft drink with lunch and dinner
throughout your cruise
Entertainment and free Wi-Fi
EUTCRPP21
Airport transfers, all tipping and port charges
European Gems
Dedicated Cruise Director and Local Guides Prague to Paris
Small Group Shore Excursions 21 DAYS FROM $9,490*
FLY FREE*
PER PERSON, TWIN SHARE

CALL 1300 214 938

Or see your local travel agent
www.travelmarvel.com.au Member of the
APT family

*Conditions apply. Prices are per person (PP), twin share and include port charges. Prices are correct as at 28 Nov. 2013, but may fluctuate due to changes in surcharges, fees, taxes or exchange rates.
A limited number of Earlybird Specials are available on selected itineraries. Offers may be withdrawn at anytime. Earlybird Specials cannot be combined with any other offer. Flights must be booked by
Travelmarvel. A non-refundable deposit of $3,000 pp is due within 7 days of booking. Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure. Price based on EUTCRPP21 24 Oct. 2014 departure in a Category B
cabin. Deposits are considered as a guarantee of the invoiced flight arrangements and once deposit is received, flights will be ticketed. Once air tickets are issued, airline amendment and/or cancellation fees
apply and, in some cases, are non-refundable. EUROPE FLY FREE: Valid until 31 Jan. 2014 unless sold out prior. Includes air taxes to the value of $900 pp. Offer is available on all river cruises departing
in Mar. and Oct. 2014, all cruise holidays of 21 days or longer when departing from Apr. to Sept. 2014, and cruise holidays of 16 days or longer in France. Flights are in economy class with Singapore Airlines
or an airline of Travelmarvels choice, and are subject to availability of booking class. Once class sold out surcharges apply. Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd ABN 44 004 684 619 Lic. No. 30112 TM1139
ADVERTISING PROMOTION

EXPLORE ITALYS DEEP SOUTH AND

SICILY WITH ALBATROSS TOURS
From Rome to Palermo this Italian-Sicilian adventure will
take your breath away

W ith 18 days to take in the sights,

this sensational Italian tour
explores the best of Italys deep south
vibrant plants and tiled roofs known as
trulli, the likes of which youll never
see in Australia!
before heading across to the magical From Puglia youll meander down
island of Sicily. the Gravina ravine to Matera, stopping
Winding south from Rome, youll for two nights in the amazing Sassi
experience the sights, sounds and caves; possibly one of the first human
smells of Italys southernmost delights settlements in Italy. With two, three,
in a first-class touring coach complete and even four night stops, you will
with an experienced tour manager. enjoy excursions to extraordinary
Spend five glorious nights exploring places such as the white city of
the regions of Puglia and Matera - Ostuni, a cable car ride and 4WD
the heel and ankle of Italy - before journey to the top of the phenomenal
crossing to the glorious island of Sicily Mount Etna, a trip to the Valley of the
for a further 12 days. Alberobellos Temples in Agrigento and a cruise
azure-blue skies and winding cobbled to Cape San Vito, plus marvel at
streets lined with terracotta pots is Sefestas romantic temples.
sure to leave a lasting impression. For This incredible excursion includes
three nights youll stay in the beautiful 17-nights accommodation and daily
whitewashed buildings adorned with breakfast. !
Albatross tours depart regularly from 25 April and 17 October 2014.
For bookings and enquiries contact Albatross Tours on 1300 135 015 or
visit www.albatrosstours.com.au.
 Italian tours with a difference

The ItalianGrande 18 days

The Dolomites

Lake Maggiore
Lake Como
4 2 CASTELBRANDO
Lake Garda
STRESA
Milan

With small group sizes up to only 30

travellers and 2, 3, 4 and even 5 night stops 5
MONTECATINI TERME

you get more time to relax and savour Tuscany

the superb places you visit. Designed 2 SPOLETO

Umbria

specifically for Australians and New

1 ROME
Zealanders,all Albatross tours are genuinely The Mediterranean Sea
ITALY

inclusive, even your end of tour tips are Bay of Naples

3 MAIORI
included with NO additional 'on tour' costs.

Tour Inclusions Italy, the Deep South & Sicily 18 days

1
All sightseeing, excursions and ROME Adriatic Sea

entrances as per the itinerary ITALY

Castel del Monte
ALBEROBELLO
Hotel accommodation with porterage Puglia
3
MATERA 2

Fully escorted experienced tour

manager Gulf of Taranto

First class air-conditioned tour coach

Breakfast daily and most dinners Mediterranean Sea
Calabria
Lic No TAG 1374_ATG0580

Personal audio system on tour

Ionian Sea

End of tour tips 2 PALERMO

3 MARSALA 4 TAORMINA
Enna

To request our Europe 2014 2 Piazza Armerina

AGRIGENTO SICILY
brochure call 1300 135 015 or visit
www.albatrosstours.com.au
COME SHARE OUR LOVE OF EUROPE
ADVERTISING PROMOTION

LETS TALK ABOUT

MENOPAUSE

Menopause is a natural part of a womans menstrual cycle that marks the

end of her child-bearing years. Though many women look forward to it as
a positive new stage, the physical changes that take place often leave her
oestrogen levels in a flux.

F luctuating oestrogen levels can

cause a wide variety of symptoms.
The degree to which women
experience them varies they can
range from being a minor nuisance, to
being quite debilitating. Some of the
more common symptoms associated
with menopause include:
hot flushes
night sweats
disrupted sleep
memory difficulties
hair loss/abnormal hair growth
weight gain
decreased energy levels
anxiety
vaginal dryness
Fortunately, the effects of menopause
are treatable. With some, such as anxiety,
all that may be necessary is sharing
your thoughts and feelings with a close
friend or counsellor.
Other symptoms may require medical
assistance. Most treatments intended
to alleviate symptoms of menopause
use oestrogen, or produce oestrogen-
like effects. Hormone Replacement
Therapy (HRT) is one of the best-known
options. It is often encouraged for
women who have undergone early
menopause (ie aged under 45), or as
a result of a hysterectomy or surgical
removal of the ovaries, etc), to help
avoid loss of bone density due to
lowered oestrogen levels.
However, HRT is not suitable for
ADVERTISING PROMOTION
everyone. It is not usually recommended
for women who have experienced
breast cancer, or for those with a health
condition such as diabetes. There are
a variety of non-hormonal medications,
including topical creams and herbal
supplements available to help manage
the various symptoms of menopause.
One popular ingredient in
menopause-related products is
black cohosh, a herb native to North
America and often used in traditional
Native American medicine for a variety
of ailments. However, when selecting
a black cohosh-based supplement
its important for women to carefully
Symptoms associated with menopause may also be indicative of a number of other health conditions. If you suspect
that you may be beginning menopause, you should speak to your doctor as soon as possible, to address the effects
efficiently.
investigate the product before purchasing.
Just as all coffee and all chardonnay
arent the same, not all black cohosh is
the same. With herbal medicine, some
products are well-made and have been
tested in studies, but theres no way
for consumers to tell the difference,
said Dr John Eden, associate professor
of reproductive endocrinology at
the University of New South Wales,
speaking to the Sydney Morning
Herald in September of last year.
A 2013 review published in the
medical journal Evidence-Based
Complementary and Alternative
Medicine (eCAM) assessed a number
of black cohosh products. The studys
findings indicated that only registered
medicinal black cohosh products were
able to show evidence of reducing
menopausal symptoms so before
utilising black cohosh-based products,
make sure you speak to your doctor or
pharmacist to find out which product is
likely to be most effective for you.
Your doctor will be able to provide
more detailed information on which
treatment is best for you and it
may be necessary to try a number
of different products, before you
settle on one.
Menopause can be a challenging
time, but its good to remember that
its also the beginning of a new and
rewarding chapter of life. Hot flushes
may come and go, but a positive
attitude to The Change will help
see you through! !
Menopause...
You dont have to put up with it!

Imagine
feeling cooler?

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1. Lipovac M et al, Gynecological Endocrinology, (2011),1-5. *Results from various clinical trials on red clover show individual responses may vary. Many women may
2. Hidalgo L et al, Gynecological Endocrinology, Nov 2005; 21(5): 257-264. notice a difference in symptoms within 3 to 8 weeks of daily usage.

3. Tice J.A. et al, JAMA. 2003; 290 (2):207-214. These studies were not conducted with Promensil, but with a different product containing red clover extract.
4. Promensil Double Strength contains 80mg of standardised red clover
isoavones. Data on le.
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 essentials

Gut sense
Improve your digestion with these easy tips
Gastric super foods
Ginger Renowned for its flavour, ginger improves gut
health by accelerating the movement of food through to
the stomach, according to a 2013 study conducted by the
University of Maryland Medical Centre.
Liquorice This plant protects the oesophagus by
boosting mucin production. This slimy protein substance,
found in saliva, forms a protective barrier against stomach acid.
Yoghurt is full of healthy bacteria, or probiotics, that will help
to balance the microflora in your gut and replenish the health
of the colon.

Chew on this
Chewing gum after a
meal can stimulate saliva
production and lower
the creation of stomach
acid, enabling you to
3
Quit puffing
Cigarette smoking reduces the
pressure between the stomach
and oesophagus, causing acid
reflux, and is linked to
inflammatory bowel conditions,

2
digest your meal before
heart burn or indigestion
have time to take hold.
stomach ulcers and many
cancers, according to the
Gastroenterological Society
of Australia.

FACT: One in five Australian adults suffer from irritable bowel

syndrome (IBS) at some point in their lives. The main trigger is stress.

137
 essentials Gut sense
WATER BALANCE
Foods To Drinking hot water and herbal teas is
Avoid a great way to detoxify the body and
ChGllG AlthCugh Gt may improve digestive health, according to

5
tGckle the tastebuds, experts. Drinking eight glasses of water
chGllG can GrrGtate the a day can help to improve the stomach pH.
CesCphagus and lead tC However, avoid drinking large amounts
heartburn. of fluid 30 minutes before a meal as it can
AlcChCl can GnFame yCur dilute the stomach enzymes, making it
CesCphagus and stCmach difficult for your body to break down
lGnGng, causGng food and absorb nutrients.
Gnterference Cf nCrmal
nutrGent absCrptGCn.

6
AcGdGc fCCds GncludGng calm down

4
the lGkes Cf tCmatCes, Stress can aGect the enteric nervous system,
cGtrus fruGts and vGnegar causing bloating, constipation or diarrhoea,
are knCwn tC trGgger says the Gastroenterological Society of
Australia. Stress may also aggravate peptic
heartburn.
ulcers or IBS.

Get physical
Regular exercise will help strengthen the abdomen and intestinal
muscles and help push digestive contents through your body. Just
20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise every day can improve digestion
and reduce the risk of constipation. Brisk walking, bike riding and

7
swimming are all great ways to do this. Given that stress can trigger
IBS, yoga is a great way to keep active whilst reducing your anxiety
levels. Sit-ups can also prevent you feeling bloated or gassy as they
strengthen the abdominal muscles. Aim to do one set of 8-12 sit-ups
and increase the number, as you feel stronger. If you suffer from
bowel problems, pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen your
muscles and improve digestive flow.

138 Re a d e r s d G g e s t 0 1 / 1 4

A toilet seat that
changed my life
Barbara Nash simply dreaded going to the
toilet, the combination of arthritis and a
bad back made what is a simple thing for
most people almost impossible for her.
Usually she had to have a shower afer
going to the toilet; it was a secret she kept
to herself for years.
Her doctor had said a Bidet would solve her
problem but the cost for installation and
space required for the traditional stand-
alone Bidet to be installed in her home was
just too expensive.
Barbara says her luck changed when visiting
her friend Norma in the next suburb. While
she was there she had to go to the toilet - a
thing she dreaded most while she was out.
Well she was amazed by what was on her
friends toilet! She asked Norma what it
was and Norma explained that she had a
COWAY Bidet toilet seat installed only a
few weeks ago by Te BIDET SHOP. Te
chap was so nice and helpful; he had the
Bidet installed in a jiWy.
She went on to say, it has a heated seat and
soT closing lid but the best thing is, once
I have fnished going to the LOO I simply
press the wash button on the remote control
and the Bidet cleans me with a stream of
warm water, the in-built fan then dries me
oW with warm air and I havent used toilet
paper since. Its the best thing since sliced
bread!
Well Barbara hesitantly went in to the toilet
and used the COWAY Bidet, she pressed the
large button on the remote control and she
was clean. She cried tears of joy and relief
now that her toileting problems were solved.
She rang Te BIDET SHOP straight
away and ordered one. Tey installed it
later that week. Since then Barbara has
introduced 4 of her other friends to this
life changing machine. She said I just
didnt know how many other people
out there were having trouble going
to the toilet. My advice to everyone is
get a COWAY Bidet put on your toilet,
I did and it changed my life.
For more information call Te BIDET
SHOP on FREECALL 1800 243 387.
* Conditions apply
SmartAnimals
protect their families
both sides of the fence
W
our backyard.
hen I was 13, I had a dog
called Newton. He was a
mix between kelpie and
dingo, and spent most of his time in
He was constantly at the glass
sliding doors, pining to go outside;
most often because he could see
magpies perched proudly on our tall
fence. We would try to ignore him
until his whining turned into growls,
then wed let him out.
As soon as the door opened he
was out like a shot, sprinting crazily
for the fence, barking until the birds
flew off. Of course Newton couldnt
hurt a fly; he was simply showing off
I l l u s t r at I o n : b e n s a n d e r s
his bravery by being able to frighten
the birds.
Late one afternoon in the summer
holidays, as I was heading outside to
feed him, I stopped short at the
door. There he was, lounging in the
garden surrounded by magpies.
141
SmartAnimals
One of them hopped closer and
Newton stretched, barely paying any
notice to the small bird.
When I opened the door, he
looked over at me and panicked,
barking at the birds until they flew
out of the garden.
One step ahead
W hen my son, Levi, was born
he suffered an injury which
slowed his muscle growth. Doctors
warned me he might never walk.
Levi loved cats, so, to encourage
him to move, I bought a black kitten
we named Jinx. They became
friends and Levi would wriggle
around the house chasing her.
A few years later, Jinx had kittens
and Levi wriggled after them, too.
One afternoon, one of the other
children didnt shut the front door
properly and Levi wriggled outside
without anyone noticing. In those
few brief moments, he could have
seriously injured himself had it not
been for Jinx and two of her kittens.
They lay on the top step, as if on
guard, preventing him from falling.
Needless to say, they got treats
that night, and the bond between
Jinx and Levi is still going strong.
N a r e n e R u ss e ll, Mowbray, Tas
You could earn up to $100 by telling us about the antics of unique pets or wildlife.
See page 6 or visit readersdigest.com.au/contribute for details.
142
I caught him many times after
that, sitting with the birds, not
paying them any notice, until he
realised that someone was watching.
He just wanted to show me that
he was brave and could protect me.
Talis Joh nson, Toowoomba, Qld
Mismatched brood
M y daughter, Kellie, moved
out of town and bought
some hens. After two clutches of
eggs, there were enough chickens,
but one, Betty, was a clucky hen.
As an experiment, Kellie wanted
to see if Betty would sit on a duck
egg. She did, and miraculously it
hatched. She put another egg in
and Betty hatched that as well.
Kellie named the first duck
Minstrel, and the second Jemima.
Later, a neighbour gave Kellie
some guineafowl, but they were
too small for the big chicken pen,
so Kellie wondered if Betty would
help out. Sure enough, she adopted
them, along with her ducks.
They are one big, happy family.
One of the guineafowl rides on
Minstrels back, who doesnt mind
at all. Betty takes her brood for
daily walks, none the wiser.
Gai l Morris, Maryborough, Qld
Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
ADVERTISING PROMOTION
144
The Bardens hugging
their daughter at the
school bus stop

145
O
n December 14, 2012,
a 20-year-old man armed
with a semi-automatic
rifle and two handguns
shot his way into an
elementary school.
He coldly killed 20 first-graders and speaking at rallies, and grieving on
six staff members at Sandy Hook national TV. When none of that
Elementary School in Newtown, worked, they had walked the halls of
Connecticut, before taking his own Congress and beseeched lawmakers
life. The horrific crime renewed the to look at pictures of their son: his
debate about gun control in the auburn hair curling at the ears, his
United States. Presented here is one front teeth sacrificed to a soccer
familys fight to reduce the gun collision.
violence that claimed their son, and Almost six months now, and so little
their experience in the frustrating had gotten through. So maybe a
world of American politics. Mothers Day card.

photo, previous page: the Washington Post/ get t y images

The families of Sandy Hook
Elementary were collaborating on a
Mothers Day card, which would be
mailed to hundreds of politicians
across the US. Maybe if Mark Barden
could find the most arresting photo of
his seven-year-old son Daniel, people
would be compelled to act.
Our purpose now is to force people
to remember, Mark said, so down he
went into the basement of his
Newtown home to sift through 1700
photos of the family they had been.
The Bardens had already tried to
change Americas gun laws by meeting
with President Barack Obama,
From the WashiNgtoN post (JuNe 8, 13), 2013 By the WashiNgtoN post Co., WashiNgtoNpost.Com
Mark turned on his computer. He
had been sitting in the same chair on
December 14, when he received an
automated call to parents about a Code
Red alert [emergency warning], and
much of the basement had been
preserved in that moment. Nobody had
touched the table-top football game,
because Daniel had been the last to
play. His books and toy trains sat in
their familiar piles, gathering dust.
Daniels face stared back at Mark on
the computer screen. Daniel blowing
out seven candles on a birthday cake
in September. Daniel dressed as an elf
for Halloween. Daniel carrying

146 Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
cookies to the neighbours house in a
video taken a week before his death.
Bye, Dad, he was saying.
It sometimes felt to Mark in these
moments like his grief was still
deepening. Scariest of all, he was
starting to forget little things about
Daniel, so he had started a journal to
log memories before they disappeared.
Im always one minute farther away
from my life with Daniel, he had
written one day. The gulf keeps
getting bigger.
He brought four photos to Jackie
upstairs in the living room. She looked
at one that showed Daniel at four, his
freckled arms wrapped around her
When the vote f?iled, m?rk w?s unmoored.
so wh?t does ?ll of this ?dd up to now?
Bec?use if it ?mounted to nothing ?t ?ll,
what was the logic, the order,
the meaning of their broken lives?
neck and his face buried into hers. She
gasped. She touched her neck. It
physically hurts, she said, reaching
for Mark.
There were 26 victims in all, which
meant 26 families left adrift, grasping
for a way to continue on. Some found
it in church. Others found it in the
spiritual medium that contacted
victims families on Facebook, offer-
ing to connect them with the other
side. Some started nonprofit founda-
tions in their childs name or escaped
back into jobs or installed blackout
curtains for privacy.
What the Bardens chose to believe
in was cause and effect, order and
logic. Americas mental health system
was broken, but they could fix it. Gun
culture was extreme, but they could
moderate it. Less than a week after
Daniels death, Mark and Jackie met
with a start-up advocacy organisation
called Sandy Hook Promise and
offered to help.
They learned about the pro-gun
National Rifle Association (NRA) and
technological advances in gun safety.
The governor of Connecticut sent
them drafts of new gun control
legislation. T hey t ravel led to
Washington with photographs of
Daniel to discuss a bill requiring
universal background checks on gun
purchases. When the measure came
up for a vote in April, all four Bardens
watched from the Senate gallery: the
father, a professional jazz guitarist
who rarely played anymore; the wife,
an elementary school teacher who
couldnt imagine stepping back into
a classroom; the eldest son, 13,
fiddling with a Rubiks Cube; the
daughter, 11, suddenly afraid of big
147
cities, loud noises, darkness, and
strangers.
When the vote failed, Mark was
unmoored. So what does all of this
add up to now? he had asked a White
House employee. Because if it
amounted to nothing at all, what was
the logic, the order, the meaning of
their broken lives?
What was the meaning of the anger
he felt lately while shopping, hoping
a gun nut would recognise and
approach him, so he had an excuse to
shout back?
What was the meaning of the
endless tributes? A song performed in
concert for Daniel because he liked
music. A 5km race for Daniel because
he liked to run. The boxes of gifts
from strangers: magnets bearing
Daniels picture, paintings of him,
wood carvings, and T-shirts.
And what was the meaning of their
new nighttime routine? All four of
them crammed into one room, Jackie
up every few hours, Mark hoping
Daniel might come to him in a dream,
even though he never did.
And then it was morning. Into the
kitchen came the son, James, ready for
the 6.20 bus to junior high. How are
you today? Jackie asked him. Pretty
good, he said, which was mostly true.
But sometimes Jackie watched him
while he played soccer alone in the
yard, where he had always played with
Daniel. She thought he looked lost.
Want to talk about it with someone?
she had asked. I guess, he had said,
so now he was seeing a counsellor.
148
Next down the stairs came the
daughter, Natalie. Just getting her to
class each morning had become a
battle, because her newfound fear
made her reluctant to leave home.
Im sick, she said now, rubbing her
eyes.
Probably just allergies, Mark said.
Youll be fine.
I should stay home, she said.
How many times do we have to
have this conversation? Jackie said.
I dont want to go.
Please stop it, Jackie said.
She started to cry, and then Natalie
started to cry. Im sorry, she said.
Mark wrapped her into a hug, tearing
up now, too. All three of them sat
down for breakfast and then walked
together to the bus stop. Love you,
Natalie told them, settling in a window
seat next to a friend. Mark and Jackie
walked back to the house. They sat,
sipping coffee in silence.
The worst hour of the day was from
7.30 to 8.30am, when Daniel had been
alone with them waiting for his bus.
One particular morning, the Bardens
saw their next-door neighbour on the
sidewalk and invited her in for coffee.
She was a mother of three, including
a second-grade girl who had been one
of Daniels best friends.
Are you sure? the neighbour
asked.
It will be good, Jackie said. Weve
been trying to talk more about Daniel.
So the neighbour came inside and
started to tell stories they all knew.
About how her daughter and Daniel
Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4

had shared so many secrets, games
they played for hours and refused to
tell anyone else about.
Then she started telling another
story, one the Bardens had never
heard before. Her young daughter had
lost her glasses while scrambling to
hide in her classroom during the
chaos of the shooting. Later that night,
the mother had tried to tell her about
Daniel. But her daughter had screamed
not to say his name. She had sat by the
window in her room and looked
across to Daniels room, as she always
did, and she had sobbed because she
couldnt see it without her glasses.
Oh God, Jackie said. Its too all 15 of them huddled, and somewhere
much. Please stop.
photo: Getty ImaGes
Im sorry, the neighbour said. I,
I ... I shouldnt have.
Its OK, Mark said, but now his
mind was back inside the school that
morning. Jackies imagination walked
Daniel to the door of his classroom and
Mark shows pictures of Daniel
at a US Senate committee
hearing in May last year
no farther. She wanted to protect
herself from the details. Mark,
however, felt compelled to know. One
morning he had gone to the school,
and law enforcement officers had
walked him through the attack, all
four minutes and 154 rounds. Because
of that Mark could precisely picture
the shooter, with his Bushmaster rifle,
his earplugs and his olive green vest,
firing six holes into the glass front
door. He could hear the shooters
footsteps as he walked into Daniels
classroom. He could see the substitute
teacher scrambling to move the
children into the corner. He could see
in that pile he could see Daniel.
Mark could see himself that
morning, too, rushing out of the
house, knowing only that shots had
been fired at Sandy Hook and parents
would be reunited with their children
at the firehouse. Jackie had started
149
 Mark speaks
at the White
House in
April last
year, in
support of
proposed
gun control
legislation
driving from work, calling and texting
him. Do you have him? DO YOU We will never forget.
HAVE HIM YET? A priest had said
20 children were dead, and Mark had
imagined Daniel escaping in the
woods behind the school.
Then the governor was in front of
them, and he was saying, No more
survivors.
Now the neighbour looked at the
clock in the kitchen and saw it was
almost 8.30, time to walk her daughter
to the bus. I have to go, she said,
hugging the Bardens, leaving them at
the kitchen table. Jackie poured more
coffee. Mark checked his phone
messages. Jackie got the mail and
brought it into the living room. Mark
opened a package that contained a
150
To watch an interview with
Mark and Jackie Barden, visit
Readers Digest Magazine
online, see page 6
Sherpa blanket and a note that read:
The school bus came. The school
bus went.
A few days later, Mark and Jackie
decided to go to Delaware. Gun laws
had stalled in Washington, and the
best remaining chance was to build
momentum state by state.
In Delaware that meant House Bill
58. It proposed to make it illegal to
p h o t o : A S S o C I At E D p R E S S
possess high-capacity magazines of
ten bullets or more unless you only
possessed those magazines at your
house, or on private property, or at a
shooting range, or if you were carrying
a high-capacity magazine separately
from a firearm, or if you belonged to
Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
:
law enforcement, the military or a
firearms dealer. First-time violators
would face a $75 fine. Like a traffic
ticket, Mark told Jackie.
Mark and Jackie travelled with a
group that included a public relations
specialist, the director of Sandy Hook
Promise and the parents of two other
victims: Nicole Hockley, mother of
Dylan; and Nelba Marquez-Greene,
mother of Ana.
At the legislative building an aide to
Governor Jack Markell explained that
the parents mission was to give their
childrens photos to anyone who would
take them. He said a last-minute
opportunity had arisen for the parents
to be recognised during a moment of
silence on the House floor. We just
want every one of these lawmakers to
see you. We want them to feel your loss
and understand whats at stake.
They were led to seats in the House
chamber, where a lawmaker recited the
Pledge of Allegiance. Today we have
some special guests, she said, and 41
lawmakers turned to look. Will our
guests please stand? she said, and the
parents stood. Please come up here,
she said, and they did that, too. The
room went quiet as she began reading
the names of their dead children.
Mark tried to pick out the three
lawmakers who already had refused to
meet with the Newtown parents. Could
he barge into their offices? Wait at their
cars? Jackie counted the seconds in her
head, believing she was holding it
together until a lawmaker handed her
a box of tissues.
The moment ended. The parents sat
152
back in their chairs.
How was it, they wondered, that
government could stall for months on an
issue like gun control? Polls showed that
a majority of Delaware residents
favoured a ban on high-capacity
magazines. Ninety per cent of
Americans wanted universal
background checks. But in the months
since the shooting in Newtown, only a
handful of states had managed to pass
stricter laws.
Before the parents left Delaware,
they had a news conference with the
governor in his office.
The governor finished his
introduction and a reporter raised his
hand to ask a question. This one is for
the parents, he said. How would a
high-capacity ban prevent something
like the carnage at Sandy Hook?
Carnage? Mark squeezed Jackies
hand. She stared down at the floor.
Please know, this is not about gun
control but gun responsibility, he said,
as the governor nodded in affirmation.
Mark never lost his temper. He
always made eye contact. He spoke in
anecdotes that were moving and
hopeful. But sometimes the story he
really wanted to share was the
unpolished one, about what it was like
in his house on another unbearable
morning, when the school bus came,
and the school bus went. n
The gun debate continues in the US.
In 2013, while tougher restrictions were
passed in some 21 states, the rights of
gun owners were expanded in other
states in almost equal measure.
Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
 j a n u a r y

The lowdown on...
Showrunners: behind the TV you love
What: In the mid-1950s,
a contentious new term
began to appear: auteur.
Originating in new Wave
cinema analysis (its French
for author), it asserted that
its the director who gives a
film its artistic shape. after
decades seeing movie stars
and studios as the driving
forces, auteur theory
caused ructions, though its
an idea we take for granted
these days (think Martin
Scorsese). now TV is home
Doctor Who (above)
to the new auteurs.
Who: Theyre known as
showrunners, although
youll never see them listed
this way in the credits,
where they are executive
producers. They are
generally writers and
although theyre unlikely to
have written every episode
of the series seen as
theirs, they created it (or
re-created it) and set its
tone. Examples include
Breaking Bads Vince
Running the
show: behind actor
Peter Capaldis
is writer-producer
Steven Moffat
Gilligan, Doctor Whos
Steven Moffat and russell T.
Davies, and Tina Fey, who
not only writes and
executive-produces
30 Rock, she stars in it, too.
Why: although it takes
many talented people to
make great TV (Mad Mens
costume department, The
Sopranoss extras casting, as
examples), the very best has
an instantly recognisable
signature the mark of the
showrunner. H . F.

Must-see movies Book looks

Meryl Streep and young Sophie Nlisse Training the lens on Provence; Joanna
turn in Oscar-worthy performances 154 Trollope updates Jane Austen 156
 In&OuIMovies Out
thIs
mOnth

auguJI:
OJage counIy
For a study of a dysfunctional
family that gathers for the funeral of its
suicidal patriarch (Sam Shepard), this
packs an extraordinary number of
laughs. Based on a Pulitzer-winning play
by Tracy Letts, its blistering dialogue is
delivered by a formidable cast
under director John Wells Star turn:
a stellar cast
(The Company Men). Meryl
vies in this
Streep is tipped for her fourth dark comedy
Oscar as an acid-tongued
widow, tearing into her scarred
daughters (Julia Roberts, Juliette
Lewis and Julianne Nicholson) with
pill-fuelled fury. Ewan McGregor,
Dermot Mulroney and Benedict
stage tO
Cumberbatch provide impeccable screen
support. G. H.

Treasuring
words:
the Book thief
Its Germany 1938 and young Liesel is on a train to new foster parents
Sophie when Death steals away her brother. At his burial, she pockets a book
Nlisse
from the gravediggers bonfire and, its via the book and others she is
to steal or borrow as the world is dragged into the vortex of Nazi
violence that she finds strength and solace. Adapted from the
best-seller by Australian maDkuJ ZuJak, The Book Thief is epic and
beguiling. sophie nliJJe charms as the wide-eyed Liesel under
Papas (geoffDey ruJh) gentle and principled nurturing. emily
WaIJon is the stern but secretly kind Mama; and Ben sBhneIzeD, the
a fragile Jewish boarder Max. Its a beautifully crafted modern fairytale,
Dram
made more poignant with a rousing score by John WilliamJ. S. C.

154 re a d e D J D i g e J I 0 1 / 1 4
The troubled life Fantasy to
reality: Ben
of Walter Mitty Stiller is both
star and director
Ben Stiller direMts himself in The
Secret Life of Walter Mitty, based
on the 1939 James Thurber short
story about an ordinary man who
daydreams of extraordinary, heroiM
deeds, filmed in 1947 with Danny
Kaye. The new version has had a
bumpy ride:
>> Jim Carrey was slated to star in a
1994 remake produced by Samuel
Goldwyn Jr., son of the producer of the
1947 film adaptation.
>> Owen Wilson had taken over as lead
contender in 2005 .
>> Mike Myers was attached to star in
2007 after Wilson withdrew with
creative differences. coMeDy
DRAMA
>> Sacha Baron Cohen was offered the
lead early in 2010.
>> Johnny Depp was rumoured to be in
the running for the role later that year.
>> Ben Stiller finally landed it in 2011,
and in 2012 was appointed director. G. H .

The Railway Man WAR

MeMoiR
This deeply felt drama is based on the autobiography of
eriM Lomax who was captured in Singapore and forced to
work on the Thai-Burma Railway. Three decades after the
war, Lomax (colin Firth, left) marries Patti (NiMole
Kidman, also left) who realises how traumatised he still
is by the torture inflicted by one Japanese officer in
particular. Lomax seeks out the man, intent on revenge,
but something much more profound happens. H. F.

155
In&OutBooks MInI
bOOk
exceRpts

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BY JANELLE MCCULLOCH (PLUM, $49.99) Coasts of blue:
its very Nice
indeed!

nOn-FIctIOn:
... The name of the game was survival: the POWs made it
their business to familiarise themselves with each guards
personality in order to know who they could bribe and who
they could not. Starving and underpaid, the German guards
and staff feared and despised their Kommandant in equal
measure.
THE REAL GREAT ESCAPE: THE STORY OF THE FIRST WORLD WARS
MOST DARING MASS BREAKOUT BY JACQUELINE COOK (VINTAGE, $34.95)
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cOnteMpORARY FIctIOn:
... never in her wildest imaginings had it oHHurred to her
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delusional shed been. With a horribly siHO feeling she
remembered emmas warning. Dont be so sure youre the
only one. If he Han do it to me he Han do it to you. Did that
mean emma had Onown he was already involved with
kirsten bonner?
THE TRUTH ABOUT YOU BY SUSAN LEWIS (CENTURY, $32.95)

Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
It isnt
in&out by:
stealing any Hazel Flynn (ed), Glynis Horning
more than
popULAr
Shakespeare science/
basing all of his seLF-HeLp:
... Executive
plays on other attention holds
plays or historical events the key to
self-management.
was stealing. This power to
direct our focus
US author Hugh Howey, whose best- into one thing and
selling self-published sci-fi novel Wool ignore others lets
led to a six-figure publishing deal and us bring to mind our waistline when we
sequels Shift and Dust, on why he spot those quarts of Cheesecake
encourages his fans to not just write Brownie ice cream in the freezer. The
fan-fiction but charge for it, too. small choice point harbours the core of
willpower, the essence of self-
regulation.
FOCUS: THE HIDDEN DRIVER OF
EXCELLENCE BY DANIEL GOLEMAN
(BLOOMSBURY, $29.99)

AUsten reiMAGineD:
... The car, Elinor thought, gingerly
pushing the gears about before she
started the engine, was hardly going
E-book success to impress Margaret. It was, if
story: Hugh anything, more dilapidated than
Howey Eds best, really, not to think about
Ed and had been sprayed a colour
which was very
nearly orange. It
made her visible
in a way that was
anathema to her,
but it was a car.
SENSE & SENSIBILITY
BY JOANNA TROLLOPE
(HARPERCOLLINS,
$29.99)

157
For classifieds bookings contact Darlene Delaney on (02) 9018 6257 or email darlene.delaney@rd.com
Living & lifestyle promotional directory

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Puzzles
Challenge yourself by solving these puzzles and mind
stretchers, then check your answers on page 105
A

The shape of things

Which shape in the right-hand box will fit the pattern and correctly fill the space
indicated by the question mark ?

8 ? 5 ? 11? 4 = 6
Symbol solution
Replace the question marks with mathematical symbols to produce the correct
answer. Only plus, minus, multiplication and division signs are permitted. Perform
calculations in strict left to right order. Can you find two possible solutions?

164 Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
 A.

Colour
angles
What three __ __ __ __ __ __
coloured triangles __ __ __ __ __ __
will complete this __ __ __ __ __ __ __
pattern? Solutions
on page 105 B.

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
__ __ __ __ __ __ __

C.

__ __ __ __ __ __ __
Card shark
Can you place all 16 court cards (Jacks, Queens, Kings Hidden meaning
and Aces) so that every row contains exactly one Identify the common
card of every denomination and suit? words or phrases above.

165
Trivia
1. What does the A stand for in
these acronyms: CIA, SARS, AD?
3 points
2. Humans share 50% of their
DNA with what foodstuff
beginning with B? 1 point
3. What word beginning with C
is both an animal and a type of
machinery? 1 point
4. Which fictional siblings whose
surname begins with D were
Heubert, Deuteronomy and Louis
better known as? 1 point
5. What French word beginning with E 8. What are these two animals
means boredom and listlessness? 1 point beginning with I? 2 points
6. The Brannock Device is used to
measure what body part starting with F? 9. Name three of the five countries in
1 point Africa whose name begins with G. 3 points
10. Synchronous diaphragmatic flutters
7. What country, beginning are better known by what term beginning
with K, has this flag? And with H? 1 point
what continent is it part of? 11. When Jack and Jill went up the hill
2 points hunting water, who fell down first? 1 point
12. Fulminology is the study of what
phenomenon beginning with L? 1 point
13. Chevron, horseshoe and pencil are all
types of what beginning with M? 1 point
14. What sport beginning with N includes
the playing positions goalkeeper, wing
attack and centre? 1 point
photos: thinkstock

15-20 Gold medal 9-14 Silver medal 5-8 Bronze medal 0-4 Wooden spoon
Guinea-Bissau. 10. Hiccups. 11. Jack. 12. Lightning. 13. Moustache. 14. Netball.
nephews). 5. Ennui. 6. Feet. 7. Kyrgyzstan; Asia. 8. Impala, Irish Setter. 9. Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea,
(Anno Domini). 2. Banana. 3. Crane or Caterpillar. 4. Huey, Dewey and Louie Duck (Donald Ducks
Answers: 1. Agency (Central Intelligence Agency), Acute (Severe Acute Respiratory System), Anno

166 i g. ea sut 0071//01 4

r e a d e r sRdeiagdeesrt.sc oDm 9
 Word Power
Jam session
Why do we love music so? Is it a primal thing?
Are we tuning into the vibrations of the
universe? Whatever the reason, humans are
driven to create new sounds, new instruments
to play them on, and new words to describe
them all. How many of these do you know?
1. beatboxing v. 7. plectrum n.
A: competition between A: voice box. B: wide
two male singers. B: art range of musical styles.
of imitating musical C: small implement for
instruments with your plucking guitar.
mouth, lips and tongue. 8. grime n. 12. gamelan n. A: small
C: very fast drumming. A: dust-covered guitar. Peruvian guitar-like
2. pavane n. A: heavy B: aggressive style instrument. B: the
woodwind instrument. of music influenced visual waveform of
B: slow and stately by hip hop. C: sad sound. C: a set of
dance. C: African flute. country song. Indonesian instruments
3. bodhran n. 9. harmonium n. played as an orchestra.
A: Scottish dance tune. A: pleasant mix of 13. pipa n. A: Chinese
B: folksinging duo. chords. B: keyboard lute. B: Scottish wind
C: Irish drum. instrument resembling instrument. C: Mexican
4. zarzuela n. a small organ. C: large brass instrument.
A: Mexican marimba church choir. 14. tessitura n.
B y M a r k a B l e y ; I l l u s t r at I o n s : l u c M e l a n s o n

band. B: comedic 10. diapason n. A: female whistler.

Spanish opera. A: tool to clean B: main range of a
C: pan-pipe trio. clarinets. B: extra vocal or instrumental
5. sackbut n. member of string part. C: leading lady in
A: Renaissance-era quartet. C: burst of Italian opera.
trombone. B: musical melodious sound. 15. sampling v.
equipment bag. 11. barrelhouse n. A: singing in a higher-
C: out-of-tune violin. A: 1920s country music. than-usual voice.
6. pibroch n. A: dirge B: jargon for recording B: recording a new
played on bagpipes. studio. C: lively style sound. C: reworking a
B: simple hymn sung in of jazz played on a snatch of recorded
unison. C: Polish cello. piano. music into a new piece.

167
Word Power
Answers 8. grime [B] aggressive
1. beatboxing style of music
[B] art of imitating influenced by hip
musical instruments hop. My kids love
with your mouth, lips grime but detest
and tongue. Beatboxing the Beatles.
astounds with the complex 9. harmonium
array of sounds one person can [B] keyboard instrument
generate. resembling a small organ.
2. pavane [B] slow and stately My grandmother played
dance. A pavane brings to mind the harmonium every
lords and ladies at the royal court. Sunday at church.
3. bodhran [C] Irish drum. 10. diapason [C] burst of melodious
The bodhrans spritely rhythm sound. In the last verse of a rousing
complements the high-pitched hymn, my father always threw in
sounds of the fiddle and flute. a diapason.
4. zarzuela [B] comedic Spanish 11. barrelhouse [C] lively style of
opera. Watching a zarzuela with a jazz played on a piano. There are
raucous audience is a joy! still a few clubs tucked away
5. sackbut [A] Renaissance-era downtown where you can enjoy
trombone. Sixteenth-century traditional barrelhouse.
European paintings show people 12. gamelan [C] a set of Indonesian
playing the sackbut alongside other instruments played as an orchestra.
instruments, such as the shawm. Out in the courtyard the gamelan
6. pibroch [A] dirge played on musicians started to play.
bagpipes. You need 13. pipa [A] Chinese lute. The pipa
not be from is fiendishly difficult to master.
How Scotland to be 14. tessitura [B] main range of
did you do? moved by a a vocal or instrumental part.
5 and below stirring pibroch. Although the song began and ended
A good attempt 7. plectrum [C] on middle C, its tessitura was mostly
6-10
small implement a challenging octave higher.
Youre starting to
impress us here
for plucking guitar. 15. sampling [C] reworking a
11-15 Try different snatch of recorded music into a new
A word-power plectrums to find piece. Sampling is a skill every DJ
wizard! your sound. should have.

168 Re a d e r s D i g e s t 0 1 / 1 4
SYDNEY NYE
FirEworkS
The Sydney New Years Eve
Bridge Efect was unveiled
in an explosion of sound and
colour on 31 December, and
the Royal Australian Mint
has partnered with the
City of Sydney to produce
a stunning holographic
silver proof coin to keep
the experience alive.

Always remember how

you rang in the New Year.
Secure yours today!

RAMSNYE1403

Coin pictured is a representation only. For the fnal reveal, please visit our website.

1300 652 020