#brisbane 1 challenger

[stateofsport211]

Brisbane 1 Ch F: Tristan Schoolkate [5] def. Marek Gengel 7-6(3), 7-6(4) Match Stats

📸 ATP official website

M. Gengel had some fair chances midway through the second set as T. Schoolkate almost slipped, but the latter's point construction had it in both sets' breakers as it overwhelmed the former's second serves. Interestingly, both players had equal break points (6), only converting 1 of them in one of the break exchanges, but none of them was able to consolidate the situation as they tried to deal with each other's aggression.

Furthermore, T. Schoolkate also had more stable service games than the unseeded Czech. Scoring overwhelmingly 19 aces than M. Gengel's 7, the Australian fifth seed won 83% of his first serve points, 6% more than M. Gengel, which helped him going through the most pressing moments. However, despite taking risks due to his 5 double faults, T. Schoolkate still won 9% more of his second serve points with 42% than T. Schoolkate's 33%, which did not help the Czech relieve the pressure on his serves.

This marked T. Schoolkate's second career Challenger title, propelling his rank to 139 live by the end of this tournament. Both of them will partake in this week's Brisbane 2 Challenger, where T. Schoolkate will face wild card Jason Kubler in the first round, while M. Gengel will face Charles Broom to begin his campaign. The former match, especially, could be very eventful at best, with their point construction under pressure being tested. That could be fun!

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

New SpaceTime out Wednesday

SpaceTime 20250101 Series 28 Episode 1

Webb confirms Hubble tension challenging cosmic theory

New observations from the Webb Space Telescope suggest that a new feature in the universe—not a flaw in telescope measurements—may be behind the decade-long mystery of why the universe is expanding faster today than it did in its infancy billions of years ago.

How liquids could carve out gullies on the airless asteroid Vesta

Pocked with craters, the surfaces of many celestial bodies in our solar system provide clear evidence of a 4.6-billion-year battering by meteoroids and other space debris.

Tracking New Year’s day on Mars

While the Earth’s southern hemisphere enjoys a warm sun kissed summer on New Years day – often spent surfing or relaxing on golden sands at the beach -- it’s northern hemisphere experiences another cold winter.

The Science Report

New study shows teen smoking causes lasting damage to heart muscles and their function.

Scientists are calling for urgent action to protect the endangered Parma Wallaby.

New study shows that artificial intelligence may be able to identify people based on their walk.

Alex on Tech the biggest tech flops of 2024

SpaceTime covers the latest news in astronomy & space sciences.

The show is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through Apple Podcasts (itunes), Stitcher, Google Podcast, Pocketcasts, SoundCloud, Bitez.com, YouTube, your favourite podcast download provider, and from www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com

SpaceTime is also broadcast through the National Science Foundation on Science Zone Radio and on both i-heart Radio and Tune-In Radio.

SpaceTime daily news blog: http://spacetimewithstuartgary.tumblr.com/

SpaceTime facebook: www.facebook.com/spacetimewithstuartgary

SpaceTime Instagram @spacetimewithstuartgary

SpaceTime twitter feed @stuartgary

SpaceTime YouTube: @SpaceTimewithStuartGary

SpaceTime -- A brief history

SpaceTime is Australia’s most popular and respected astronomy and space science news program – averaging over two million downloads every year. We’re also number five in the United States.  The show reports on the latest stories and discoveries making news in astronomy, space flight, and science.  SpaceTime features weekly interviews with leading Australian scientists about their research.  The show began life in 1995 as ‘StarStuff’ on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC) NewsRadio network.  Award winning investigative reporter Stuart Gary created the program during more than fifteen years as NewsRadio’s evening anchor and Science Editor.  Gary’s always loved science. He studied astronomy at university and was invited to undertake a PHD in astrophysics, but instead focused on his career in journalism and radio broadcasting. Gary’s radio career stretches back some 34 years including 26 at the ABC. He worked as an announcer and music DJ in commercial radio, before becoming a journalist and eventually joining ABC News and Current Affairs. He was part of the team that set up ABC NewsRadio and became one of its first on air presenters. When asked to put his science background to use, Gary developed StarStuff which he wrote, produced and hosted, consistently achieving 9 per cent of the national Australian radio audience based on the ABC’s Nielsen ratings survey figures for the five major Australian metro markets: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.  The StarStuff podcast was published on line by ABC Science -- achieving over 1.3 million downloads annually.  However, after some 20 years, the show finally wrapped up in December 2015 following ABC funding cuts, and a redirection of available finances to increase sports and horse racing coverage.  Rather than continue with the ABC, Gary resigned so that he could keep the show going independently.  StarStuff was rebranded as “SpaceTime”, with the first episode being broadcast in February 2016.  Over the years, SpaceTime has grown, more than doubling its former ABC audience numbers and expanding to include new segments such as the Science Report -- which provides a wrap of general science news, weekly skeptical science features, special reports looking at the latest computer and technology news, and Skywatch – which provides a monthly guide to the night skies. The show is published three times weekly (every Monday, Wednesday and Friday) and available from the United States National Science Foundation on Science Zone Radio, and through both i-heart Radio and Tune-In Radio.

[attacksustaindecay]

Yumeno Garden

Oct. 1, 2024

Yumeno Garden by Last Dinosaurs

Rating: 10/10

Best Track: Forget About

Worst Track: N/A

This time, we’re throwing it back to 2018 – not quite back to the time of the last dinosaurs, but definitely a fantastic year for one of my favorite bands. This is one of my all-time favorite records (a limited re-pressing of the vinyl was also announced which is a big deal for me) and I’m so excited to share it with you.

This indie rock band from Brisbane, Australia’s name was inspired by the song “Last Dinosaur” by Japanese rock band The Pillows. Admittedly, I have not listened to this song yet but trust me - it is on my never-ending to do list. This album is the band’s third release and notably was entirely self-produced! What could have been a risky choice really paid off. The songs all exist within the same sonic realm without becoming repetitive. It’s full of infectious riffs, quirky synths, and is truly such a joy to listen to!

I’m extremely impressed by the carefully crafted lyrics. Take the song “Happy” for example. What could have been a song plagued with cliches is instead an earnest and poignant work of art. “Sense” is another example – an incredibly nuanced song about past love. It was challenging to pick my favorite track on the album, but I chose “Forget About” because of the chorus. Of all the songs on the album that chorus sticks with me long after the album finishes and I’ll catch myself singing it to myself hours later.

This is a front to back, no skips album and I really hope you enjoy it as much as I do! I would also highly recommend you check out their single “FMU”, their debut album “In A Million Years”, and their most recent release “KYORYU”.  <3

[blurban-form]

Bluey’s School (Glasshouse School) (1/?)

Bluey’s school is quite interesting; aspects of it will be covered in a few posts because there’s a lot to talk about.

We’ll start with a topic we’ve previously mentioned in this Tumblr: location.

Unlike conventional elementary schools for young children, the specialized school Bluey attends (more on this in a future post) is not close by to Bluey’s home. It doesn’t seem to be near any of Bluey’s classmates homes either: it is located in a rural area, and doesn’t appear to have transit service. (Australia doesn’t have dedicated yellow school buses like in North America, but transit agencies do set up children-only dedicated routes when it is practical.)

The small size and rural location of the school Bluey and her friends attend means everyone has to be driven to it.

The whole “it’s in a rural location” was in fact noteworthy enough that the episode “Explorers” focussed on it being comically hard to get to for parents unfamiliar with the location.

A school like this where everyone must be shuttled in from all across Brisbane must create a challenge for parents; it must impact the parents’ other travel during the day / be factored into their schedules.

It looks like there are a few occasional carpoolers (like Rusty and Jack, noted in “Cricket”) but it’s not a location that can easily implement a shuttle bus or logically be considered for service by public transit. Funding a dedicated service (even with a minibus) would add significantly to any costs associated with an education at this school.

Not that the rural location is totally a downside; there is plenty of undeveloped space for playing and exploring. Indeed, the lack of playground equipment is deliberate; we’ll get into that in a future post.

One last comment for this post, based on my own experience: a school with students spread throughout a city means that most of the time if Bluey wants to visit a friend, a transit or car trip is almost inevitable; she can’t just walk or ride a bike. This must be a considered a downside compared to if everyone was in close proximity to one another.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Have schools become COVID complacent? - Published Oct 4, 2024

Five years since the emergence of the COVID-19 virus, symbols of the pandemic peak – daily press conferences, mandatory quarantine, grounded flights and closed school gates – are distant memories.

Yet COVID remains the leading cause of acute respiratory infection deaths in Australia, contributing to 3,211 deaths so far in 2024 (as at 31 July).

A significant number of COVID cases go unreported due to reduced testing; however, the federal Department of Health has still been notified of over a quarter of a million cases this year.

Schools have been identified as a perfect transmission environment for airborne viruses. A U.S. study found more than 70 per cent of COVID transmissions in homes began with an infected school-age child.

Given the ease of transmission in schools, it invites the question of whether school leaders are doing enough to manage the risks associated with COVID.

Improving COVID safety in schools Brisbane-based science communication professional Colin Kinner said schools are certainly facing challenges in how to respond to COVID.

“I think there’s some complacency,” he said.

“By and large, schools haven’t been given a lot of really good guidance.”

With the aim of providing that guidance, Kinner developed a free online course – COVID Safety for Schools – to help schools reduce transmission of the virus.

“Humans run schools, and humans are influenced by what they read, hear, and see.

“The reality is that there’s a lot of misinformation around about COVID, and school leaders – like a lot of the community – have been exposed to misinformation, and I think it has influenced their thinking.”

“For example, many schools are still focusing on hand hygiene and surface cleaning, despite the fact that we now know COVID is airborne and is spread primarily via inhalation of virus particles.”

Kinner consulted with 20 internationally recognised experts to develop the 10-module COVID Safety for Schools course.

“A big part of [the course] is to make sure that people have access to accurate information so they can make good decisions,” he said.

Kinner said a key issue with schools’ approach to COVID was treating it like a mild respiratory illness.

“If you look at the facts, [COVID] hasn’t become a mild respiratory illness, not by any stretch,” he said . “While most kids do recover from the acute infection pretty well, not all of them do.

“There have been some deaths, there are some kids that are hospitalised, kids can get Long COVID, and a COVID infection in kids can almost double their risk of developing type 1 diabetes.

“So those are pretty serious, long-term health risks.”

A “mismatch” between the known impacts of the virus and behaviours in schools worries Kinner as a parent and in terms of the impacts on teachers and school staff.

“If you’re a child, you have to go to school,” Kinner said.

“Similarly for teachers, schools are a workplace, and workplaces should be doing everything possible to make it safe for staff.

“And I think, generally speaking, that’s not happening.”

COVID Safety for Schools outlines practical strategies to reduce transmission, including improving air quality, encouraging mask-wearing in high-risk settings, and implementing testing and isolation where appropriate.

Kinner hopes to see as many school staff as possible undertake the course or its accompanying webinars.

“Ultimately, it’s about the health of teachers and students and their families,” he said.

“The end game is to protect people’s health and prevent deaths and people suffering serious chronic illnesses.”

Find out more about the program at www.covidsafetyforschools.org

COVID and WH&S IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke said the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 could not be ignored.

“Some employers may prefer to consider COVID a problem of the past, but the virus hasn’t gone away and its impacts are still with us,” he said.

“Teachers and school support staff were a backbone of the community early in the pandemic, continuing to educate students during periods of high transmission and adapting to remote learning in a significant workload commitment.

“Many employees would be rightly disappointed with how COVID is currently being managed after all of that.”

Mr Burke said like any risk in the workplace, COVID was a workplace health and safety (WHS) issue.

“Employers have a duty of care under WHS laws to eliminate risks to health and safety or reduce them as far as practicable,” he said.

“With this understanding, questions like, ‘are there appropriate infection controls in place?’, ‘are relevant policies fit for purpose and being adhered to?’ and ‘is classroom ventilation adequate?’ are reasonable ones.” Mr Burke said strong employee representation on WHS issues was essential.

“When employers become complacent, employee representation on WHS issues is often the only way to resolve concerns.

“Employees have rights under WHS laws, especially when they are elected as employee health and safety representatives (HSRs).

“HSRs have the right to investigate complaints, inquire into risks, inspect the workplace and receive information from the employer regarding WHS matters.

“They are also entitled to training and support in paid time to carry out their role.

“I encourage members who would like to become more involved with WHS matters to reach out to their HSR or work to elect a HSR if there isn’t one for their work area.

“Knowledgeable and dedicated HSRs mean safer workplaces – and that’s in everyone’s best interest.”

[yinandyanglifestyle]

3-DAY Sydney Food Trip on a Budget

by: Icie

Yes, it was possible to go to Sydney without spending a lot on food and still have a good time. The trick is to avoid the fancy looking restaurants which, frankly isn't really worth it, and go to questionable places to find the "unplated" food but is super delicious! Ugly delicious is a thing and we humans need to appreciate food more based on the flavour, texture, and cuisine style rather than the prestige that was given to it by tire companies.

Here's the rules:

Maximum of $40 for 2 people. Drinks are not included in the tally because we had service water.

Amount shown is rounded off.

Everything is in Australian Dollars.

We can only call it affordable if it's $25 - $30 per person (i.e. if you're only one person eating. Anything above it is breaking the budget if you're eating with someone.)

It's a per meal challenge. $40 for a whole day is impossible unless you're just eating junk food and where's the fun in that?

Let's begin:

I combed the internet for recommendations on good Sydney food and tallied the ones that the internet has deemed worthy of visiting and gorging yourself on and I visited them with my partner. Honestly, exploring Sydney's food scene was what made our trip worthwhile and made us fall in love with Sydney.

Brisbane can't compare! Sydney is far superior foodwise. (Granted, I haven't been to Melbourne but that's a different story for a different day.)

~~~~~

DAY 1: Laneway Dumplings and Momo ($32), Tomyum Ramen from Hell (Dinner $30pp. As a group, we broke the budget and failed this challenge.)

Both situated on Temperance Lane in Sydney, you have to go through the back alleys to find these rare and absolutely delicious food. You'll know you're there when you pass by the Latin bar, see the fairy lights and plastic greenery near the Rick and Morty mural. The momos and dumplings were great! You were given a choice to create your own sauce or get the shop's recommendation. We did both. We had the recommended momo sauce for the Himalayan dumplings and created our own for the mixed dumplings. We were so disappointed with what we created and we loved the momo sauce so much, we ordered another batch of momos and sauce just so we could pig out. We should've been satisfied with a share plate of 16 pieces of a $17 meal, but nooooo... this food, I like it! Another!

Tom Yum from Hell was a beast! My spice tolerance is pretty high (I can eat Samyang Buldak without crying) so we tried it and ordered our tom yum. The kind lady at the counter asked us our spice level and I went in guns blazing and said "give me your spiciest tom yum!"

"Are you sure about that?"

"Hell yeah!"

"uh... if you say so."

Bitch, I cried.

When they said their tom yum from hell was from hell, you better believe it. She warned me and I didn't trust her. I was in spicy hell! The flavour was amazing, be it seafood or meatballs, and the lemon juice gave it just the right acidity to raise the intensity of the swirling party flavours in my mouth. And the creamy eggs made everything come together in something that is a good representation of Sydney's Asian Noodle scene. Ok, next time I stop by Sydney, I'll try their medium spice and have a glass of milk beside me to alleviate the haemorrhoid inducing Scoville defying spice effect of their amazing tom yum.

Day 2: Marrickville Pork Roll (breakfast $22), Mamak Malaysian Roti and Satay (lunch $25), Mother Chu's Taiwanese Gourmet (Dinner $20)

There was an internet consensus for Marrickville Pork Roll. Is it the best banh mi in Sydney? Absofuckinglutely. The meat of their crispy pork was so tender it melts in your mouth and whatever sauce they put in their banh mis were so complementary that my partner cannot help but close his eyes and moan about how delicious these pork rolls are. We found out later that this was a franchise of the original shop in Marrickville, but if the franchise was already this good, then the OG must be insane right?

Mamak's roti was nice, flaky and buttery and worth every penny. So much so that people from all over line up outside with or without reservations just so they could have a taste of what this Malaysian restaurant has to offer. Outside, we were treated to a show of how their rotis were made. The gluten stretch of that thin dough was enough to make any baker worth their salt jealous. After seeing that display of craftsmanship, we just had to order the roti canai. We also had nasi lemak but it just can't quite compare to the absolute beast that is their roti canai.

Lastly, we have Mother Chu's Taiwanese Gourmet which is Taiwanese comfort food at its finest in the heart of Sydney's Chinatown. Oh my god. So this is what actual Taiwanese comfort food tastes like. It is distinct from your everyday Chinese food and dare I say it, tastier. Each dish in this restaurant makes me feel like it was made by a caring mom who made something nice and warm for you because you have a cold and then give you a kiss on the forehead to tell you that "you'll get better soon, trust mommy." The Taiwanese Style Savoury Mince Pork Congee feels like the cosiest thing you'll have on a cold Sydney evening. And the Traditional Taiwanese Worker's Noodle soup was so fresh. The ingredients were so cheap that it only costs $8 but it all came together harmoniously that you'll feel like you were in a food anime where you're transported into a body of a Taiwanese worker who is saving money, exhausted from a day's work, and just wants to have a nice comforting meal at the end of the day.

Day 3: Din Tai Fung (Breakfast ($33), Emperor's Garden Cakes and Bakery (Breakfast $5), Kowloon Cafe (lunch $39)

Back to Chinatown we went because we discovered that's where all of the cheap but delicious food places were.

I don't get it. I wish I understood the reason why Din Tai Fung is so popular. I think the quality lies within the skin of their xiao long bao. They do not get soggy or the broth doesn't seep out no matter how long they stay in the steamer, but without the chili sauce, it's just not worth it. The beef noodle soup is also kinda meh. Is Din Tai Fung one of those restaurants that were hyped just cause somebody some time ago said it was good? You wait for so long and it just comes out disappointing especially if you're an Asian who is used to having tastier dumplings for 50c a piece if you just crossed the street from where you lived. There must be a reason why their HK branch got a Michelin Star right? Or is that overrated too? Please, somebody explain to me why people line up for Din Tai Fung.

Disappointed, we went to another spot in Chinatown. We lined up for another institution: Emperor's Garden Cakes and Bakery for the famous Emperor's cream puff. Wow! Finally some god food! For this one, we understand why people were willing to line up while it's 12°C outside just to have a bit of the hot, tasty and mouth watering cream puffs (which is actually manju) that is dirt cheap. it's $5 for 10 pieces and wow! It was love and decades of hard work in manju form.

Last on our food trip agenda was Kowloon Cafe. It was more expensive than the others but the servings were good for two people. Bruh it was great! The meals told us why Hong Kong cuisine is a force to be reckoned with. Who knew that baked rice with black bean sauce worked well with melted cheese? Hong Kong people, that's who. They also had a sense of humour when they called their French Toast "Thick Ass". The scrambled eggs with prawns was also so creamy and shaped like a tornado on top of creamy rice. I checked the reviews and it was rated 3.7/5. I understand why it was rated so low, it was an authentic experience of Asian street restaurant culture where the food is good but the staff is rude. They passed by and dumped the bowl in front of you unceremoniously and you were expected to eat fast and get out. Delicious! Reminded me of home!

All in all, the Sydney cheap food scene is worth trying out. We were surprised with how delicious everything was even if everything we tried was Asian cuisine. Mind you though, we went to the places that were recommended by a lot of people and they all just coincidentally happened to be Asian food. On our next trip there, we will be eating Western dishes and hope it's just as good as just as cheap.

There you go, here are some of Sydney's good food, how much they cost and a little preview on how they taste and what to expect. I bet there are better ways to go on a Sydney food trip on a budget, feel free to comment and let us know about your Sydney recommendations!

[fritzes]

some technical thoughts about the stacked doha qfs:

świątek v azarenka: iga may be breathing a sigh of relief at not having to play ostapenko, but vika is no joke. their h2h is 1-2, but they haven't played since rome 2022. iga has been in excellent form in doha, but I wouldn't be surprised if vika challenges her

osaka v pliskova: this is probably going to be a really close match. they just played in brisbane, and karolina just barely managed to get the win over naomi, and that was only naomi's second match back. she's had some time to get back to the hang of things, and I think if her returns are solid and she can expose karolina's movement (which isn't very hard), she can definitely win. that being said, karolina's serve is a massive weapon that will definitely get her out of tough spots

fernandez v rybakina: leylah has been on fire this tournament, taking out samsonova, badosa, and zheng. she's shown some remarkable resilience, getting bageled by paula in the first set but coming back to win the match. that's really the opposite of elena, who tends to have very weak seconds sets but strong first and third sets. I feel like this match mostly depends on elena's stamina, especially considering that she hasn't really had time to rest after winning abu dhabi. either outcome is totally plausible, but I do think this will probably go to three sets

pavlyuchenkova v collins: those poor, poor tennis balls. this match is going to be pure ball bashing, and the winner is simply going to be whoever makes the least errors. announcing her retirement has seemed to give danielle a big boost in form, but nastia has been on a really good comeback trajectory, so both of them have some great momentum going into this match

also, fun fact, every quarterfinalist is a grand slam finalist!

[apureniallsource]

Ahead of new album, The Show, Niall Horan on how he 'lives' for touring, his desire to connect with fans through his songs, and the challenge of going out for chips in his Irish hometown

It’s almost a cliché to call Niall Horan a “super-nice guy”, but really, there’s no getting away from it. He may have named his new album The Show, but Horan feels no need to put one on for a journalist. In fact, the Irish singer-songwriter is so laid-back and likeable when we meet at a smart London hotel – fresh flowers everywhere, bottled water waiting on the table – that I ask how he’s stayed so well-adjusted. “It’s probably a combination of the upbringing I had and the fact I already had enough character at 16 [to deal with it],” he says. “It might have been a different story if I’d started doing this when I was 10.”

Now 29, he has been scarily famous for almost half his life. After auditioning for The X Factor in 2010 as a solo artist, 16-year-old Horan was eliminated at the boot camp stage, then given a spectacular second chance as one fifth of a hastily assembled group called One Direction. He and his new bandmates – Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson – didn’t win that year’s show, but still used it as a springboard to become a chart-topping global phenomenon. By the time One Direction announced an indefinite hiatus in January 2016, they had sold 70 million records and debuted at number one in the US with their first four albums – something not even The Beatles achieved. When asked what he would say to his pre-1D, 16-year-old self, Horan replies: “Get ready. Your life’s about to change on a level that most of the world can’t even quantify.”

Horan says he still speaks to “the lads” on a regular basis, but like all of them, he has worked hard to carve out an identity as a solo artist. If Horan’s individual achievements still feel slightly underrated, that’s probably only because his flashier bandmate Styles is now a stadium-filling superstar. Released in 2017, Horan’s debut album Flicker was a deft blend of soft rock, folk and country that debuted at number one in the US and Ireland. His 2020 follow-up Heartbreak Weather added a dash of swagger to the mix – particularly on the Brit-poppy single ‘Nice to Meet Ya’ – and became his first UK chart-topper. Because it dropped in March 2020, just as Covid-19 was taking hold, Horan never got to take the album on the road. “I haven’t toured since 2018 – that’s wild,” he says. “I love live music and I love touring – I live for it. So, it’s sad that I haven’t done that.”

Happily, a few weeks after this interview, Horan announced The Show: Live on Tour, a 50-date trek across Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand that will keep him busy from February to July of next year. When Horan last toured five years ago, he mainly played large theatres, but now he is aiming to pack out arenas from Birmingham to Brisbane. During our conversation, he hinted that he was ready for the step up. “In my eyes, the bigger the venue, the better, because I fucking love looking out at an ocean of people,” he says. “For me, it feels like the bigger the venue, the better the show is gonna be.”

Horan also makes no bones about wanting The Show to become another UK number one after it drops on 9 June. “There’s nothing better than getting that little statue sent to your house,” he says with an impish grin. At the time of writing, he seems well on course for another express delivery from the Official Charts Company. The album’s breezy lead single ‘Heaven’ cracked the UK Top 20 in February, and its sprightly follow-up ‘Meltdown’ is now climbing the charts. A few hours before this interview, I watch him perform both songs in the Radio 1 Live Lounge. Horan is just as relaxed with his band during rehearsals, but when he spots that his vocals are getting buried in the mix, he quickly and calmly gets it corrected.

Horan began working on ‘The Show’ while holed up at home during the summer of 2020. The album title had come to him earlier in the year, but he “didn’t really know what it meant until the pandemic”. When he sat down at the piano that August, the lyrics that came out seemed to capture the confusion of the Covid era: “If everything was easy, nothing ever broke / If everything was simple, how would we know? / How to fix your tears? How to fake a show?” At this point, Horan says he realised ‘The Show’ was both “a metaphor for life” and an overarching concept he could run with. “When there’s no heartbreak [to write about], you have to come up with a different concept,” he says. “I realised quite quickly that what I wanted to talk about was the ups and downs and good and bad of life. That’s ‘The Show’.”

Having “no heartbreak” is about as much as Horan will say about his personal life. “Keeping that stuff quiet”, he believes, is one reason he remains so grounded. Since 2020, he has been dating Amelia Woolley, a designer shoe buyer who never appears on his work-focused Instagram. But when we discuss ‘You Could Start a Cult’, an idiosyncratic folk ballad from the album, Horan does offer a teasing glimpse into their home life. He says the song’s eye-catching title was inspired by the true-crime series they like watching. “I always try and write weird stuff like that, then see if I can flip it on its head and make the song [itself] not as dark as the title,” he says. In this case, Horan flipped it into a “love song, effectively”, albeit an intense one. “It’s about… not the desperation feeling, but the ‘I think you’re the best fucking thing in the world’ feeling,” he explains. “And if you started a cult, I’d follow you into the fire. You know, that kind of angst, though I don’t know if ‘angst’ is the word I’m looking for!”

Horan spends a lot of time in LA because his record label and producers are based there. His main collaborators on The Show were Joel Little, who he brought in because he liked his work with Taylor Swift, indie artist Noah Kahan, and long-time co-writer John Ryan, a veteran of four One Direction albums. “I think it’s really important first of all to be loyal,” he says of his enduring partnership with Ryan. “And you know, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” Still, working with Little felt just as comfortable, partly because they could pick things up at a moment’s notice. “If I get the green light at the top of my street [in LA], I can be at Joel’s house in less than a minute,” Horan says. “It’s a fucking dream!”

But during the pandemic, Horan was grounded at his main base in southwest London. “I’ve never been fitter in my life because I was cycling 80 or 90 miles around Richmond Park every week – it’s gorgeous out there,” he recalls. Like many of us, Horan has conflicting feelings about the way Covid placed our lives on hold. “I don’t want to say I enjoyed it because I didn’t – it was such a horrible time,” he says. “But I got to a point about two or three months in, where I was like: ‘This is the longest I’ve ever had off.’ He particularly appreciated having to stay in one place for a sustained period of time. “Normally, I’m packing a suitcase every three or four days,” he says. “At Heathrow Airport, the guards at the [security] desk just laugh when they see me coming. They’re like, ‘How do you do this?’”

Having lived in London since he was 16, Horan says “it’s definitely the best city on the planet”. But at the same time, he still regards Mullingar, the Irish market town where he was born and raised, as home. His debut solo single ‘This Town’, a UK top 10 hit in 2016, was incredibly charming because it harnessed his ineffable longing for the place. Horan reckons he returns to Mullingar “seven or eight times a year”, although walking down the high street is pretty tricky. “I can’t just pull up outside the chip shop, run in and get the chips, then run back to the car,” he says. “Everything has to be thought through. Like, where am I going to park? How many streets am I going to have to cross? What am I going to wear?” Horan says all this with no hint of frustration: by now, he knows what is expected of a homecoming hero.

Horan knew he wanted to be a musician from a young age and says he “tried to make this as clear as possible” to his parents. They were “supportive up to a point”, but because the family didn’t have much money and Mullingar wasn’t a creative hub like Dublin, his mother urged him to “get some sort of qualification”. “I still don’t have any,” Horan says with a laugh, “I didn’t do GCSEs or anything like that because I didn’t finish school.” At 16, Horan made the 50-mile journey to Dublin to audition for The X Factor and grabbed hold of the One Direction rocket with both hands.

Did his parents come up with any ideas for a Plan B? “We didn’t get that far. Honestly, I just packed my bag and never came back – that’s the way they look at it,” says Horan. “My father worked in Tesco for 35 years and my mother worked at a pewter genesis company making little bits and pieces – clocks and things like that. They both had very regular jobs.” Horan notes astutely that some kids from a working-class background “like to spread their wings and leave the nest” – as he did, quite spectacularly – whereas others “like to stay in their hometown, or maybe can’t get out”. Horan pauses for a second, perhaps to ponder what might have been. “I don’t know what they would have wanted me to do, but I’m sure it would have been a good life,” he continues. “Like, my parents are having a good time.”

Thirteen years after he left to become a pop star, Horan’s own ambition remains undimmed. “I’ve achieved a lot in my young life, but I’m still fired up to do as much as I can,” he says. “My career has felt so good because it reminds me of everything I thought the music industry would be when I was a kid. I got the good end of the stick [in terms of] travelling the world and playing to millions. And I still want more of that.”

For this reason, the audience is always at the forefront of his mind. “When I’m writing, I ask myself, ‘Have I gone too specific to the point where it only makes sense to me?’” he says. “And then I try and broaden the thought to make it as relatable as possible.” ‘Never Grow Up’ from Horan’s new album was partly inspired by his girlfriend’s parents, who are “still madly in love”, but its lyrics will chime with One Direction fans who, like him, are close to turning 30. “Hope we still drink like we’re back in the pub,” Horan sings. “Hope we grow old, but we never grow up.”

In Horan’s eyes, the songs that fully stand the test of time – from Simon and Garfunkel to Whitney Houston and Adele – are “the ones that really mean a lot to the people”. It’s this kind of universal connection that he is always striving for. “These are the things that go on in my head when I’m writing,” he says. “I don’t want to alienate anyone, and I don’t want to be introspective to the point where I ruin it for everyone. So, if they can connect to it too, then we all get what we want out of this.”

[jacaranda-bloom]

FIRST LINE CHALLENGE

Thank you to the always lovely @nouies @disgruntledkittenface @uhoh-but-yeah-alright @zanniscaramouche and @so-why-let-your-voice-be-tamed for tagging me to complete this challenge xx

(This challenge was from months ago, but it ended up lost in my drafts for some reason. I won’t tag anyone as I’m pretty sure most people did this when it was going around, just figured I may as well hit publish on it. If anyone sees this who hasn’t done it and wants to, please consider yourself tagged!)

Rules: Post the first lines from your last 10 fics published on AO3. (Sort by date posted.) If you have less than 10 fics posted, post what you have.

1. And What If I Were You “A hospital is no place to spend an anniversary.”

2. Under The Milky Way “The first time Louis sees him, it’s from the stage.”

3. Love On Air “It’s not that Louis is known for being impatient, but this guy is really testing his limits.”

4. Moonlight Minx “It’s the sun’s fault that Harry’s in this predicament.”

5. Truebonds “Louis watches from the porch as the FedEx truck drives away.”

6. From Dust To Lust “Attention passengers, the departure of QF75 to Brisbane has been delayed, again.”

7. Best Snog Ever “Harry rounds the final landing, the last flight of stairs rising up before him and he pauses, sucking in a lungful of air.”

8. Love On A G String ““Just a Stella, thanks,” Louis says as he leans into the bar, voice raised loud enough to carry over the thumping music.”

9. With A Little Kindness “Harry holds the carton of free range eggs in his hand as he glances down at the contents of his trolley, quickly doing the mental arithmetic to see if he can afford them.”

10. In A Twinkling “It had started the same way as most of Louis’ hair-brained schemes did; to make his Nan happy.”

[nrlonline]

Watch NRL Live Penrith Panthers vs Brisbane Broncos On 03 March 2023

Penrith Panthers, the champions of the 2022 National Rugby Championship, will begin their 2023 season against the Brisbane Broncos at BlueBet Stadium. In the World Club Challenge Cup, the Penrith Panthers were defeated by the St. Helens team, while the Brisbane Broncos triumphed over the NQ Cowboys team.Watch Live

Penrith Panthers - favorite to win The incredible work that the Penrith Panthers put in over the previous season resulted in them finishing first on the table in the regular season with 42 points from a possible 24. The home team in the 2022 season scored 636 points, the most points of any club in the league, and allowed 330 points, the fewest points allowed in that season. The Penrith Panthers, on the other hand, went further in the playoffs and won the final game. Before this, they had prevailed against the Parramatta Eels in the 1/8 round, the Canberra Raiders in the quarterfinal stages, and the North Queensland Cowboys in the semis. Prior to the start of this season, the Penrith Panthers had a winning record of four out of their previous five matches.

Brisbane Broncos - will hope for an good start The Brisbane Broncos beat the North Queensland Cowboys in their last preseason game, so they are coming into this game with a bit of momentum. On the other hand, this will be a different matchup for them, with more stringent requirements and demands. The Brisbane Broncos had 28 points at the end of the regular season last year, which put them ninth in the National Rugby League standings. However, they did not make the playoffs. The away team's record in their last five games was one win, one tie, and three losses. This means that they will start the new season with the same record.

Expert Betting Tips After a quick examination, it appears that the team playing at home has the advantage and is best positioned to come out on top. As a result, we are pulling for them to launch the defense of their championship with a performance that is completely dominant. As a result, I am hoping that they will prevail in both halves of the match. In addition, taking into account the players they have available and how well they played during the preseason, I feel that they will be able to cover the spread.

THE TEAM NEWS

PENRITH PANTHERS

Penrith Panthers made it back-to-back Premierships as they defended their crown with a comfortable win over Parramatta Eels in last season's Grand Final with Ivan Cleary’s men harbouring hopes of a three-peat. The Panthers fell short in the World Club Challenge against St. Helens but will be in much better shape for this, although they will have to deal with the loss of Taylan May for the entire campaign after he suffered an ACL injury against the English outfit. Starting 13: Edwards, Turuva, Tago, Crichton, To’o, Luai, Cleary, Leota, Kenny, Fisher-Harris, Garner, Martin, Yeo – Interchanges: Luke, Sorensen, Leniu, Salmon – Reserves: Hosking, Eisenhuth, Peachey, Cogger, Smith

Unavailable: Taylan May (Injured)

BRISBANE BRONCOS

Brisbane Broncos somehow missed out on a spot in the finals in 2022 as they lost five of their final six games to finish the regular season in what was a hugely disappointing end to what had been a promising campaign. The Broncos will view a top eight spot as the bare minimum this season but they have been forced into a re-jig for this opening contest with new signing Reece Walsh out with a facial fracture so Selwyn Cobbo will slot in at fullback. Starting 13: Cobbo, Oates, Staggs, Farnworth, Arthars, Mam, Reynolds, Jensen, Walters, Haas, Capewell, Riki, Carrigan – Interchanges: Paix, Palasia, Flagler, Taupau – Reserves: Mariner, Piakura, Willison, Madden, Hoeter

Unavailable: Kobe Hetherington (Injured), Reece Walsh (Injured)

[plumbinginspectorsau]

The Pros and Cons of DIY Drain Cleaning

Your home is one of your most valuable investments, and keeping it in top shape is key to ensuring both comfort and longevity. Among the various maintenance tasks, keeping your drains clean often gets overlooked until a problem arises—when water starts to back up, unpleasant odours develop, or worse, when a clogged drain leads to water damage. With today’s wealth of DIY resources and the increasing popularity of do-it-yourself home repair, many homeowners are turning to DIY drain cleaning as an accessible and budget-friendly solution. However, like any maintenance task, it comes with its own set of advantages and risks that deserve a closer look. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the pros and cons of DIY drain cleaning. We’ll explore how various techniques work, what tools and methods are most effective, and the precautions you need to take to avoid exacerbating the problem. Whether you’re dealing with a minor clog or contemplating a more ambitious cleaning project, our goal is to equip you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions. By understanding both the potential savings and the risks involved, you can decide when it’s appropriate to roll up your sleeves and when it might be time to call in a professional. Ultimately, maintaining your drains isn’t just about fixing a clog—it’s about ensuring the overall health of your home’s plumbing system. With the right information and a careful approach, you can prevent many common issues before they turn into costly repairs. So, whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or just beginning to take charge of your home maintenance, read on to discover all you need to know about the pros and cons of DIY drain cleaning. The Pros of DIY Drain Cleaning

DIY drain cleaning carries several benefits, making it an attractive option for many homeowners. Let’s break down some of the key advantages:

1. Cost Savings

Reduced Service Fees: Professional plumber Brisbane often charge high hourly rates and service fees. By handling minor clogs yourself, you can avoid these expenses.

Affordable Tools: Basic tools like plungers, drain snakes, or even common household ingredients (baking soda and vinegar) are inexpensive and reusable.

2. Convenience and Speed

Immediate Response: A clog doesn’t wait for business hours. DIY solutions allow you to address the issue immediately rather than waiting for an appointment.

Flexible Timing: You can work on the problem at your own pace and on your own schedule, which is especially beneficial for busy households.

3. Empowerment and Skill Development

Hands-On Learning: Tackling household issues builds confidence and equips you with skills that can be applied to other maintenance tasks.

Self-Sufficiency: Successfully resolving a minor drain problem on your own can be incredibly rewarding, giving you a sense of independence and control over your home maintenance.

4. Eco-Friendly Options

Natural Solutions: Methods like using a combination of baking soda and vinegar or boiling water are not only effective but also environmentally friendly. They avoid the harsh chemicals found in many commercial drain cleaners.

The Cons of DIY Drain Cleaning

Despite its many advantages, DIY drain cleaning is not without its drawbacks. Here are some of the potential risks and challenges:

1. Risk of Damaging Pipes

Chemical Corrosion: Over-the-counter chemical cleaners can corrode or weaken pipes, especially if used repeatedly or in older plumbing systems.

Physical Damage: Incorrect use of mechanical tools like drain snakes or plungers can cause scratches or punctures in pipes, leading to leaks or further blockages.

2. Temporary Fixes

Short-Term Relief: Many DIY solutions only provide temporary relief if the underlying cause of the clog isn’t addressed. For example, persistent issues like grease buildup or tree root intrusion may require more comprehensive intervention.

Recurring Problems: Without a proper diagnosis of the root cause, a DIY fix might see your clog reoccur, leading to ongoing frustration and potential damage.

3. Safety Concerns

Hazardous Chemicals: Many commercial drain cleaners contain corrosive substances that can cause chemical burns, respiratory problems, or other injuries if mishandled.

Improper Handling: Even non-chemical methods require careful handling. Using a drain snake or other mechanical tools without proper knowledge can result in injuries or unintended damage to your plumbing system.

4. Limitations for Complex Issues

Deep-Seated Blockages: If a clog is caused by complex issues deep within your plumbing system, DIY methods may not be sufficient. Persistent blockages could indicate a more serious underlying problem that needs professional assessment.

Delayed Diagnosis: Relying on DIY solutions might delay professional intervention, potentially allowing a minor issue to develop into a major plumbing disaster.

Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Drain Cleaning

If you’re ready to give DIY drain cleaning a try, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started safely and effectively:

Step 1: Assess the Situation

Identify the Clog: Determine whether the clog is isolated to one drain or if it’s affecting multiple fixtures.

Check for Signs of Serious Issues: If you notice water backing up in several areas or persistent odours, it may be time to consult a professional.

Step 2: Start With Simple Methods

Boiling Water: Slowly pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain to help dissolve grease and clear minor clogs.

Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour ½ cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of vinegar down the drain. Let it fizz for 15–20 minutes, then flush with hot water. This natural reaction can break up buildup without harming your pipes.

Step 3: Use a Plunger

Seal the Drain: Make sure there’s enough water in the sink or tub to cover the plunger cup.

Apply Force: Plunge vigorously several times to try and dislodge the clog.

Step 4: Employ a Drain Snake or Auger

Insert the Snake: Carefully feed the drain snake into the drain until you feel resistance.

Break Up the Clog: Rotate the snake to break up the clog and pull out any debris.

Clean Up: Once the blockage is cleared, run hot water to ensure the drain is flowing freely.

Step 5: Clean Up and Monitor

Disinfect: After clearing the drain, use a mild disinfectant to clean the area.

Observe: Keep an eye on the drain over the next few days to ensure the clog doesn’t return.

Preventative Maintenance: Keeping Your Drains Clear

Taking proactive steps to maintain your drains can reduce the frequency of clogs and minimise the need for drastic measures:

Regular Flushing: Periodically flush drains with boiling water or a natural cleaning solution to prevent buildup.

Drain Covers: Use strainers or drain covers to catch hair, food particles, and other debris before they enter your pipes.

Mind What You Pour: Avoid pouring grease, oil, or large amounts of food particles down the drain.

Scheduled Maintenance: Consider routine professional maintenance for older plumbing systems to catch small issues before they escalate.

DIY drain cleaning can be a practical and cost-effective solution for minor plumbing issues. It empowers homeowners to take control of their home maintenance and can be an eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemical products. However, it’s essential to recognise the limitations and risks involved. Not every clog is a simple fix, and sometimes, a DIY approach may only provide temporary relief or even lead to further damage. By weighing the pros and cons and following proper techniques, you can decide whether a DIY solution is right for you—or if it’s time to seek professional help to protect your home’s plumbing system in the long run.

[stateofsport211]

📸 🎥 ATP official website

Both players also shared some fair chances midway through the second set, but T. Schoolkate still nailed the most crucial points at the end. To start, right at the third game of this set, T. Schoolkate came up with a successful drop shot to force the first deuce before somehow having a break point, but the break of serve did not materialize as M. Gengel held his serves to 2-1. This was also the case in the fifth game, where one of the fifth seed's break points was created through a successful volley, but M. Gengel remained solid with his aggression and held to 3-2.

In return, M. Gengel also had some fair chances to break in the eighth game, but it ended with T. Schoolkate's gigantic hold to 4-4. Fast-forward to the twelfth game once again, after the unseeded Czech held his serves to 6-6, the buster once again became unavoidable, where M. Gengel's double fault only generated T. Schoolkate's mini-break lead to 1-0 before the Australian held the next few games. The former went back on serve somewhere only for his unforced error to put the fifth seed back in the lead, and a forehand winner from T. Schoolkate then converted his match point to take the second set 7-6(4), thus winning him his first Challenger title of the year.

[ameliasmith0501]

Selecting the Perfect Copywriter for Your Brisbane Business

In today’s competitive digital landscape, the right words can make all the difference. Whether you’re crafting website content, social media posts, or email campaigns, a skilled copywriter can elevate your brand’s message and drive engagement. But how do you find the perfect copywriter for your Brisbane business? Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the right choice.

1. Define Your Copywriting Needs

Before you start your search, identify what kind of content you need. Are you looking for website copy, blog posts, social media captions, email marketing, or product descriptions? Different copywriters specialize in different areas, so having clarity on your needs will help you find a professional with the right expertise.

2. Look for Industry Experience

A copywriter with experience in your industry will understand your target audience, competitors, and market trends. While a generalist can produce quality content, a writer familiar with your field will craft messages that resonate more effectively. For example, if you run a health and wellness business, a copywriter with a background in medical or wellness writing can add credibility to your content.

3. Review Their Portfolio and Writing Style

Every copywriter has a unique style, and it’s essential to find one that aligns with your brand’s tone and voice. Ask for samples or check their website and LinkedIn profile for previous work. If you’re looking for engaging and persuasive copy, make sure their writing reflects that.

4. Check Client Testimonials and Reviews

A great way to gauge a copywriter’s reliability is through client feedback. Look for testimonials on their website, LinkedIn recommendations, or Google reviews. Positive feedback from past clients indicates professionalism, reliability, and a strong track record.

5. Understand Their Research and SEO Skills

Effective copywriting isn’t just about crafting beautiful sentences — it’s also about strategy. A great copywriter should have solid research skills to back up their writing with credible information. Additionally, if your content is for online platforms, ensure they understand SEO principles. Optimizing your content for search engines can significantly improve your visibility, making SEO knowledge a crucial skill in Brisbane copywriting.

6. Consider Their Ability to Adapt

Your business may require different tones and formats depending on the platform. A versatile copywriter should be able to adjust their style, whether it’s writing professional website copy, casual social media posts, or persuasive sales emails. Ask for a sample piece in multiple tones to assess their adaptability.

7. Discuss Deadlines and Communication

Reliability is key when working with a copywriter. Discuss deadlines upfront and ensure they can deliver quality work within your required timeframe. Clear and prompt communication is also essential, so choose a writer who is responsive and open to feedback.

Finding the right copywriter for your Brisbane business requires research, but the investment is worth it. The right professional will create compelling, audience-focused content that enhances your brand’s reputation and drives results. Whether you’re a startup or an established company, a skilled copywriter is a valuable asset in building a strong brand presence.

Are you currently looking for a copywriter in Brisbane? What challenges have you faced in the process? Share your thoughts in the comments!

[meaganjimboomba]

Nth Maclean’s Best Houses for Sale – Don’t Miss Out!

Finding the perfect property can be challenging, but if a peaceful lifestyle combined with accessibility is what you're after, houses for sale Nth Maclean should be at the top of your list. This sought-after suburb in Queensland offers a mix of modern homes, spacious acreage properties, and a serene environment that appeals to families, investors, and retirees alike.

Why Buy a House in Nth Maclean?

Nth Maclean is a growing suburb located within the Logan City region, offering a unique blend of rural charm and suburban convenience. Here are some reasons why buyers are looking for houses for sale Nth Maclean:

1. Affordable Property Prices

Compared to nearby urban areas, Nth Maclean offers excellent value for money. Whether looking for a contemporary home or a large block of land, the suburb provides a range of affordable options that suit different budgets.

2. Spacious Acreage and Modern Homes

One of the key attractions of the area is the availability of acreage properties. Many houses for sale Nth Maclean come with generous land sizes, making them ideal for those who desire extra space for hobbies, farming, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature.

3. Strong Investment Potential

With ongoing infrastructure developments and increasing demand, property values in Nth Maclean are expected to rise. This makes investing in houses for sale Nth Maclean a smart choice for those seeking long-term growth.

4. Proximity to Key Amenities

Nth Maclean offers easy access to essential services and facilities, including:

Schools and childcare centers

Shopping precincts in nearby suburbs

Public transport options

Major highways connecting to Brisbane and the Gold Coast

Types of Houses for Sale in Nth Maclean

Acreage Properties

For buyers seeking extra space, acreage homes are among the most popular houses for sale Nth Maclean. These properties provide ample room for farming, equestrian pursuits, or building additional structures.

Modern Family Homes

New developments in the area feature stylish, modern homes equipped with contemporary designs and energy-efficient features. Many of these homes are ideal for growing families looking for comfort and convenience.

Investment Properties

With rental demand increasing, many investors are purchasing houses for sale Nth Maclean to capitalize on strong returns. The combination of affordability and potential growth makes it a lucrative opportunity.

Tips for Finding the Best Houses for Sale in Nth Maclean

Define Your Budget: Establish a clear budget before starting your search to narrow down your options.

Consider Long-Term Growth: Look for properties in areas with potential for future appreciation.

Work with a Local Expert: Engaging with an experienced real estate professional can help you find the best houses for sale Nth Maclean suited to your needs.

Inspect Before Buying: Always visit properties in person to assess their condition and suitability.

Conclusion

Nth Maclean is an excellent location for homebuyers and investors looking for affordability, space, and growth potential. Whether searching for a family-friendly home or an acreage retreat, there are plenty of houses for sale Nth Maclean that offer great value. With ongoing development and increasing demand, now is the perfect time to explore the opportunities in this thriving suburb.

Start your property search today and discover why Nth Maclean is becoming one of Queensland’s most desirable locations for homeownership.

[urbnroofingservices]

10 Factors That Impact Tiled Roof Restoration Costs

Restoring a tiled roof in Brisbane involves several factors that affect the overall cost. Knowing these variables can help you plan your budget and make informed decisions.

1. Roof Size and Complexity The size and design of your roof play a crucial role in determining restoration costs. Larger roofs require more materials and labor, increasing the expense. Additionally, complex designs with steep pitches or multiple angles demand extra time and expertise, further raising the price.

2. Roof Condition The current condition of your roof directly impacts restoration costs. Minor repairs are more affordable, while severe damage—such as cracked tiles or leaks—can significantly increase expenses. For instance, replacing broken tiles can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000 per tile, depending on the extent of the damage.

3. Material Type The type of roofing material is another cost factor. In Brisbane, terracotta and concrete tiles are common choices, each with distinct restoration requirements. The material you select affects both labor and material costs, influencing the total price of the project.

4. Access and Height Roof accessibility is a key consideration. Multi-story buildings or roofs that are challenging to reach require additional safety measures and specialized equipment. These factors add to the labor costs and increase the overall expense.

5. Cleaning and Preparation Thorough cleaning is essential before any restoration work begins. Roofs with heavy moss, lichen, or debris require more time and effort to prepare. On average, cleaning a tiled roof costs between $0.40 and $1 per square foot, depending on the level of buildup.

6. Repairs and Replacements Addressing structural issues adds to restoration costs. Fixing leaks, repairing flashing, or replacing underlayment can vary widely in price. Minor repairs may cost around $200, while more extensive repairs will increase the total expense.

7. Labor Costs Labor costs depend on the roofing company’s experience, reputation, and the complexity of the job. To get the best value, it's wise to request quotes from multiple service providers to compare pricing and services.

8. Permits and Regulations In Brisbane, roof restoration may require permits. The cost of obtaining permits and ensuring compliance with local building regulations adds to the final bill. It's essential to verify these requirements before starting your project.

9. Weather Conditions Weather plays a significant role in roof restoration. Adverse conditions can cause delays, increasing labor costs due to extended project timelines. Scheduling work during dry and stable weather can help avoid these extra expenses.

10. Average Cost Estimates The cost of tiled roof restoration in Brisbane typically ranges from $4,500 to $10,000, depending on the factors mentioned above. Smaller homes tend to be on the lower end of the scale, while larger or more complex roofs will incur higher costs.

Final Thoughts Understanding these cost factors allows you to plan effectively and avoid unexpected expenses. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can also help reduce the need for major restorations.

For professional tiled roof restoration in Brisbane, trust URB'n Roofing. Our expert team is dedicated to delivering high-quality, efficient services to restore and protect your roof. Contact us today for a consultation and a personalized quote!

[amazingcarpetcleaningservices]

How to Prepare Your Carpets for Brisbane’s Hot Summer: Essential Tips for a Fresh and Clean Home

Brisbane’s scorching summer heat means more time spent outdoors, but how do you ensure your carpets stay clean and fresh during the season? The combination of heat, increased humidity, and heavy foot traffic can quickly cause dirt, stains, and even mould to accumulate in your carpets. With the right approach and the help of professional carpet cleaning in Brisbane, you can protect your home from these seasonal challenges and maintain a clean, welcoming environment.

Here’s how to prepare your carpets for the summer heat:

1. Deep Clean Before the Heat Hits

Before the Brisbane heat sets in, give your carpets a thorough clean. The warmer weather often brings more dust and debris, and a deep clean removes this buildup, providing a fresh start for the season.

Professional Carpet Cleaning:

Hiring professional cleaners before summer kicks off can ensure that your carpets get the best care. Using high-quality equipment and techniques, professionals can eliminate dust, dirt, bacteria, and odours, leaving your carpets feeling brand new.

2. Keep up with Regular Vacuuming

Tip:

Focus on high-traffic areas such as entryways and living rooms. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter for better dust and allergen removal.

3. Address Spills Quickly

Summer means more spills, whether it’s from a cool drink or an outdoor snack. The key is to clean them up quickly to prevent stains from becoming permanent.

DIY Stain Removal:

Blot the stain with a clean cloth (never rub), then treat it with a diluted carpet cleaner and a bit of white vinegar. For persistent stains, reach out to professional carpet cleaning services in Brisbane.

4. Combat Humidity and Prevent Mould

Brisbane’s summer humidity can create the perfect breeding ground for mould in carpets. To avoid this, maintain indoor humidity levels and prevent carpets from getting too damp.

Humidity Control Tips:

Use a dehumidifier to regulate moisture.

Keep windows open or use fans to improve air circulation.

Avoid leaving wet towels or clothes on the carpet.

Professionals may also offer mould prevention treatments to keep your carpets protected.

5. Reduce Dirt with Mats and Shoe-Free Zones

Minimise the amount of dirt and debris brought into the house by placing mats at entry points and encouraging guests to remove their shoes. This simple step helps protect your carpets from outdoor contaminants.

Pro Tip:

Clean your floor mats regularly to avoid trapping dirt and transferring it inside.

6. Schedule Regular Professional Cleanings

While DIY cleaning and vacuuming are essential, nothing beats a professional deep clean. Carpet cleaning experts in Brisbane can ensure your carpets remain fresh, odour-free, and stain-free all summer long.

7. Use Carpet Deodorizers

Hot weather can sometimes lead to unwanted carpet odours. A quick sprinkle of baking soda or a commercial carpet deodorizer can help neutralize these smells. Simply let the deodorizer sit for 15–20 minutes before vacuuming it up.

8. Protect Carpets from UV Damage

Direct sunlight can cause carpets to fade and lose their colour. Protect your investment by using curtains, blinds, or UV-blocking films on windows to reduce sun exposure.

Brisbane’s summer can be tough on your carpets, but with regular care, early intervention for spills, and professional cleaning, you can keep them looking great all season long. To ensure your carpets stay clean, fresh, and healthy, trust the experts at Amazing Carpet Cleaning Company. Let us help you protect your carpets and keep your home comfortable during Brisbane’s hottest months.